Fun With Flowers

Happy Wednesday, bloggers and friends.  Today, I am entering this little card into two challenges.  One of the challenges happens to be asking for creations with flowers on them.  I love that idea simply because flowers are so beautiful, and I generally put flowers on most of my cards anyway.  I made this card last night, and I hope you enjoy it.  It is actually a wedding card.  It has a small silver rub-on that says, "Two Become One", but you can just barely see it in the photo.

My card has printed flowers, paper flowers and a resin flower.  The rest of the supplies I used include Melissa Frances and MME patterned papers, Crafty Secrets images, hand-dyed scrunched seam binding (I mixed up the Glimmer Mist and made this glimmery pastel pink last night just to match this project).  Net, I used an ivory felt diecut, a couple of gems/pearls, Jenni Bowlin gem buttons, Prima trim, lace, vintage sheet music, machine sewing, a paper flower, a resin flower made by the very talented Mariana Grigsby.  You can find her shop here:  http://www.etsy.com/people/marianagrigsby I also painted and glittered the edges of the card and images.  Oh yeah, and I used the pink Glimmer Mist I mixed up last night for the seam binding to spray a leave which is tucked under the ribbon.  As I mentioned, there is also a silver rub-on that is very difficult to see in this photo.

I am entering this card in two challenges this week.  The first is an "Anything Goes" challenge at http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/ and the other is Challenge #18 "Flowers, Flowers, Flowers" at http://www.bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/ and I guarantee that you will want to stop by and check out all the awesome creations on these cool blogs.

And now, I want to talk about ice cream.  I've admitted before that I am an icecream-aholic, so I thought it would be fun to name my Top 5 Ice Cream Favorites list.

1.  Bridgemans - This is a Minnesota company.  My favorites here would include Bubblegum and Licorice.  Obviously, I only get this ice cream when I am visiting Minnesota (so, not very often)
2.  Nelsons Ice Cream Shop - This is a family-owned store in Stillwater, Minnesota.  World's largest serving size and the best ice cream ever.  YUM - a favorite here?  ALL of them.
3.  Culver's Frozen Custard - I only get this when we travel cuz there are NONE in Las Vegas.  We do have Create here in Las Vegas that runs a pretty close second on the vanilla Frozen Custard.
4.  Haagen Dazs - This is delicious stuff because it's made of the finest basic ingredients.  Favorites here would include Vanilla Swiss Almond and Mango Sherbert.  It's just good stuff.
5.  Yet to Be Determined - I leave this spot open for all the delicious ice cream that I have yet to enjoy.  I will sample them all and let you know if I find another amazing list-topper.

Hope everyone is having a great week.  I am so grateful for everyone that stops by my blog and visits.  I would really appreciate it if you would choose to "follow" me and leave a comment.  It lets me know that people are looking and enjoying, which is my goal.

Blessings to you,

Karen

Life is Good, and I am Grateful

Well, what a long and difficult weekend.  We had a lot of fun, but leaving our precious Lily at Bible College was a big step of faith or us.  She is settled in to her dorm, and we are back home.  I am so grateful to God for allowing us to send her to a college where she can grow spiritually as well as in wisdom.  God is so good.

This week at http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ during week #72, the challenge is called "All Dressed Up" where participants are being asked to create something with a dress form, or dressed up girls on it - that sort of thing.  I used this darling wooden dress form from Kaiser Crafts.

I added some light blue hand-made scrunched seam binding to the dress form with a Maya Road decorative pin, a little pearl, and a mini tag tied on with jute.  The mini tag says, "you", and the sentiment at the top reads, "Sew Special".  I can think of many people in my life who fit that description, but this card is for my dear friend, Noni.  She is a master seamstress, and a precious friend in Christ.  She moved away several years ago, so this will be a sweet way to say hello and let her know that she truly is "sew special" to me.

All the patterned papers I used on this card are from My Mind's Eye.  They are beautiful and yummy, and have become fast favorites.  I used a small piece of vintage sheet music, a PTI postage stamp diecut, some DMC floss held by a miniature clothespin that is painted and glittered.  As is typical of my style, I used my hand-made scrunched seam binding and some machine stitching.  I grunged up and lightly painted a piece of corrugated cardboard, and then added a Crafty Secrets stamped image (spool) which I wrapped DMC floss around, inked, and secured with a mini tag and a Making Memories mini safety pin.  There's also a Webster's Pages resin flower and a snippet of measuring tape.  I try to be thorough when listing my supplies just in case someone wants to know.  I think that about covers it.

Again, please take time to stop by http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ and check out all the entries.  I have been so inspired by Kirsty and all the participants over at City Crafter.  You will most definitely want to check it out for yourself.

I just realized that the sketch for this card is based on an original creation by the talented Melissa Phillips.  You can see her amazing original creation here:  http://www.lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com/lilybeans_paperie/page/3/
I apologize for not noticing this earlier, or I probably would have posted a different card.

For those of you who have an active and healthy prayer life, please feel free to pray for Lily as she adjusts to college life.  Not only will I appreciate it, but Lily will be blessed by it.  Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a blessed week.

My Cup Runneth Over with Gratefulness,

Karen

Off to College & Simon Says Stamp Challenge

My middle daughter, Lily, leaves for college this weekend.  I'ts going to be so hard to drop her off and leave her in California.  Hard on her, and hard on Mom and Dad.  We're such a close family.  It will just be hard to live our day-to-day lives without her here.  Bitter sweet I must say, but we know she is following God's plan for her life, and that she will be blessed and enriched by this experience.

I am entering the weekly challenge at Simon Says Stamp Blog.  You can read all about the challenge and see the inspiration sketch here:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/08/simon-says-use-dawnys-sketch.html    I am crossing my fingers, as I do each week, cuz I would SO love to win the $50 gift certificate to the awesome store http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/ that they offer up as the weekly prize for winning.  Wish me luck (along with ALL the other awesome entrants).

Here is the card I created following the "Use Dawny's Sketch" we were given for inspiration.  I used MME patterned papers, a cute wooden bicycle from Kaiser Craft (available at Simon Says Stamp Store) which I've learned this week is called a "Penny Farthing", some more of my hand-made scrunched seam binding, a Melissa Frances rub-on, machine sewing, some vintage sheet music, ink, and two little gems/pearls.  I just love the pink and black combo.

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek.  I greatly appreciate any comments you leave.  And now, I'm off to California to drop off my sweet angel at college, and. . . . yes, I will cry a bit.  But, God is good - ALL THE TIME - and I know she will be safe in His care at Bible College.  Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Karen

Moxie Fab World and Three Different Challenges: See Them ALL Here

For any of you bloggers who have never had the Moxie Fabulous pleasure of  visiting with Cath Edvalson at http://www.moxiefabworld.blogspot.com/ to see the amazing inspirational photos, fun ideas, new products and lots of generous give-aways and excitement, you will definitely want to take the time to CHECK IT OUT.

I am entering three different sketch challenges this week at Moxie Fab World.  You can read all about the first one here - The Vertical Sketch Challenge at:  http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/vertical-sketch-challenge-in-card-ideas.html and please take a moment to use this link to view all the amazing entries.  This is my take on this challenge (very simple).  I used primarily Simple Stories papers and stickers, machine stitching, baker's twine, a button, and a Kaiser rub-on:

The second sketch challenge I'm entering this week at http://www.moxiefabworld.blogspot.com/ is the Horizontal Sketch Challenge, and you can read all about that challenge through this link:  http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/horizontal-sketch-challenge-in-card.html and this is my sketch for the Horizontal Sketch Challenge.  I used an American Crafts patterned paper on the background, and threw in some Emma's Shoppe, a quarter of a doily, Heidi Grace brad, a Pebbles rub-on, and a Prima flower.

The third, and final challenge I entered this week at http://www.moxiefabworld.blogspot.com/ is the Square Sketch Challenge, which is detailed here at:  http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/square-sketch-challenge-in-card-ideas.html and this my card for that challenge.  I used another American Crafts paper, a Recollections flower, and Basic Grey chip letters.

I hope it was alright to put all three entries on the same blog post.  Hopefully, it won't cause too much confusion for anyone.  I really appreciate any comments you leave.

Have a Moxie Fabulous Rest of the Week,

Karen

Just Because

Sometimes I like to create things for no particular reason. . . .just because.  That's kind of what I did with this card.  I just started creating, and decided to use the sentiment "Just Because".  This way, I can send it to a friend or relative for no particular reason, other than - just because I was thinking of them.

I entered this card in the challenge at http://www.craftsandmechallenges.blogspot.com/ which is a new blog to me.  I just came across it today, and since they were calling for a challenge using lace, well. . . .let me just say, I knew this was for me.  I put lace (or at least ribbon or seam binding) on almost everything.  This particular card has a wide strip of vintage lace that I got from a dear old friend.  I love the soft feel it gives the middle of the card.

I also used patterned paper from Girls' Paperie and Emma's Shoppe, half a doily, hand made scrunched seam binding, two Maya Road chipboard elements, vintage sheet music, glitter, Ranger ink, a mini tag, a mini safety pin, some jute, machine sewing, and of course, the gorgeous wide lace.  This card was made JUST BECAUSE I love to create.

I hope the gals at http://www.craftsandmechallenges.blogspot.com/ like my card, and I thank you all for stopping by, and hope you know that I greatly appreciate your comments.

I also wanted to let you know, there's an awesome blog-hop/give-away at http://papersmooches.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-paper-smooches-dt-blog-hop.html to show off their three darling new stamp sets.  Check out what their Design Team has done with these new cuties.

Blessings,

Karen

Best Friends

I have been blessed with the best friend in the world.  Besides my precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is ALWAYS number one; and also besides my dear husband of 26 years, I have a best friend named Patti Lyn.  We met when we were only four years old.  We went to Kindergarten together, and have been through more joy and more tears than we can count.  I'm giving away my age by saying that we have been friends for 42 wonderful years.  She is a precious gift from God.  When I made this card last night, I was fondly thinking of her.  Since I live in Nevada, and she lives in Minnesota, our time together is precious, but our next Scrapbooking/Laughing/Fun Fest will be in early November.  I thank God for my precious BEST FRIEND.

I'm so loving the weekly challenges over at http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ where week #71 just so happened to have the challenge - BEST FRIENDS.  I made the card last night, and found the challenge this morning, so obviously. . . . it was meant to be.  I hope you enjoy this card as much as I did.

I used MME patterned paper on the background and two strips, a Maya Road chipboard frame painted cream, a Webster's Pages "friends" sticker to which I added a rub-on with the word "Best", some scrunched seam binding, Flower Fusion Papertrey Ink dies to cut the flowers out of paper and canvas which are inked, a K & Co. brad, a little girl from the Odds & Ends line of Cosmo Cricket, some pearl stickers, and my traditional machine stitching (I don't know why I can't seem to avoid sewing on everything).

I am looking forward to sending this card to my precious Best Friend, Patti Lyn, although she will most likely see it first here on my blog.  I hope she knows how grateful I am for her.  She is a strong and Godly woman, and I love her to pieces.

Thanks for stopping by.  And don't forget to stop over at http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ to look at all the other submissions.

I also entered this card in the challenge at http://www.pixiedustpaperie.blogspot.com/ where we were asked to create something with the image of a girl/woman on it.  I think this little girl is just ADORABLE.

Blessings,

Karen

Gettin' Much "Scrappier"

Hi, friends.  I know I already entered the weekly challenge at http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ where we were asked to use our scraps to create an entry, and I had used two big scraps on my original entry.  It left me feeling a little guilty for not gettin' REALLY scrappy with this challenge.  So, I am entering again (since I'm allowed).  This card was made with all the little tid-bits of paper on my scrap table.  I stitched them all together with my machine.

I used one of my Papertrey Ink doily die cuts, two Pink Paislee Artisan Elements, some hand-made scrunched seam binding, a rub-on, a snipet of vintage sheet music, and more patterned papers than I can remember.  It is truly a patchwork of scraps.  Now, I feel better.

I'm also entering this little card in the challenge at www.paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com  where entrants were asked to include 3 Embellishments, 2 patterned papers, and some lace..in their creation.  This card has all that. . . . and more.

Thanks for stopping by for a peek,

Karen

I Am SO Blessed

As I often say, My Cup Runneth Over.  This isn't just a "cute saying" for me.  It's really how I feel.  God has blessed me in so many wonderful ways.  One of which is my wonderful, loving and supportive husband, Darren.  We just celebrated our 26th Anniversary this week.  He is truly a gift from God.  He supports our family so that I can stay home and be the best Mom I can be.  I get the privilege of homeschooling the kids, and cooking dinner every night without the stress of a job outside the home.  I did that gig for many years, and it is very difficult.  So, for those of you who still work outside the home, I know what it's like.  For me, I am just very grateful to be at home full-time.  I just feel blessed in so many ways, and I wanted to share that.

This little paper bag album is being entered in the Christmas in August challenge over at http://www.totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/ and there are some gorgeous creations that you will want to check out for inspiration. . . .and just for fun.  I make a lot of these paper bag albums for the annual Christmas Boutique at our church, and they sell like hotcakes.  Just a little more than a simple card, but not a real expensive gift.  I attach a candy cane for festivity, and of course there are pockets in the album for a gift card or note.

This one was made with primarily Pink Paislee Christmas papers, and a vintage image on front.  I didn't photograph the inside pages, but you can see the tag peeking out the side from one of the pockets.  I hope the gals at Totally Paper Crafts like it.
Here's to everyone having a blessed week.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Something Tasty

The one treat I simply CANNOT resist is ice cream.  For me, it has to be high-end ice cream (not the store brand, you know?) but, I could eat a gallon of ice cream - seriously.  I just LOVE it.

This card was one I made for three different challenges.  First, I am entering it in a fabulously fun challenge at
http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/next-challenge-in-moxie-fab-world.html where the theme was "Fabulous Felt".  The ice cream cone (triple scoop I might add - YUM), is made from wool felt cut with adorable diecuts from Papertrey Ink.  I glittered the felt to make it look super yummy.  There's also a small pink felt postage stamp (also from Papertrey Ink) in the upper right corner.

Second, it is entered in the next weekly challenge at Simon Says Stamp blog, which you can read all about here:
http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/08/simon-sayswho-wants-some-food-drinks.html where the theme is "Who Wants Some Food & Drink".  Well, like I was just saying. . . .when it comes to foods I can't resist, ice cream is right at the top of that list.

Third and last, this little card is entered in the weekly challenge - Week #70 at http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ where the challenge was "Scrap Happy" and challenged us to use scraps to make our project.  I made this card from nothing but scraps laying on my work table.  I never know what to do with miscellaneous pieces of paper once they've been cut, so this was a great challenge for me.

I also machine stitched the two paper scraps together, used some miscellaneous lace trim that was laying on my scrap table, a Melissa Frances journaling spot I've had forever, a little bit of scrunched seam binding, a mini tag hung from a mini safety pin, and a Melissa Frances sticker in the upper right corner.

Each of these three challenges are from AWESOME blogs that you will definitely want to visit.  There are so many awesome creations to see, and so many talented artists showing their work.  Take the time to check it out - and please leave me a comment.  It's always greatly appreciated.

Craving some ice cream now.

Blessings to you all,
Karen

Here We Go.......Again!

Well, like it or not. . . .it's "Back-to-School" time.  It's a busy and exciting time for kids, and a sweet and stressful experience for the parents.  I'm a home-schooling Mom, so our routine is a bit different, but I felt the "pinch" yesterday when I ordered new curriculum.  It's just part of our role as parents to help them have a good school experience.  So. . . . .Here we go. . . again!

I had the honor of being asked to participate as a Guest Sweetie/Guest Designer this week during a new challenge at http://www.cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/ where our inspiration was a "Back-to-School" theme.  This is the card I made for the challenge.  I'm NOT a coloring person.  I don't own one single Copic, or even a decent marker.  So, I apologize right up front, cuz......this is NOT my "thing".  I just thought I'd give it a try.

Below are the front and back images that I submitted for my Guest Sweetie invitation.  Again, you can view all the great entries on their blog at http://www.cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/ as well as the other Designers' creations.

Front:

Back View (for photo):

Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

Moxie Fab's Trigger Tuesday: Girly Gutsy

This is my very first time playing along in any of the challenges at http://www.moxiefabworld.com/ and I'm thrilled to participate.  This challenge is called Trigger Tuesday: Girly Gutsy.  You can read all about it here: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/tuesday-trigger-girly-gutsy.html and check out all the fabulous creations from amazing artists who have posted their interpretation of the inspiration photo. The first things I noticed were the beautiful vivid colors, and the soft, sophisticated feel of the photo.  Personally, I was looking at the amazing mix of pink, black, white and olive green.  I'm sure you will see many fabulous perceptions of this cool (and moxie fabulous) challenge.

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek.  Have a blessed week.

Karen

Weekend Wonderful

Happy Saturday, friends.  It's Saturday....the wonderful weekend, and we're headed off to one of our most favorite places to visit - St. George, Utah.  We're just doing a little "over-nighter", but it's always fun to visit St. George.  First, we will check in to our beautiful hotel suite, and then a visit to Robert's Crafts - a scrapper's dream.  Gotta print off my 40% coupon before I go.  Can't wait.

This sweet little card was one I created for a challenge at http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/ where the challenge was to "Put Your Best Foot Forward" and create a card with "feet or shoes".  Sounds like fun, and I hope you will all play along.  There are some gorgeous creations here that you will all want to see.

I used Melissa Frances and Basic Grey patterned papers, Prima trim, a digital image from A Passion for Stamps, a Melissa Frances sticker and journaling spot, silk wings from Frost it Pink, little pearls and mini roses from Michaels, a sentiment stamp (from a garage sale), and some machine sewing.  I can't wait to be able to give this card to someone having a baby girl.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Karen

My Great-Niece is a GREAT Blessing

This layout was created the Sketch Along Tuesdays challenge at http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ and I couldn't have had a more beautiful subject to use on my layout.  The photo does not do justice to this layout.  It turned out so nice, and this adorable photo is my precious Great-Niece, Leilah Rosalee.  She is absolutely beautiful, and growing much TOO quickly.  She is a precious gift from God.

I used:  Bazzill cardstock, Making Memories Pitter Patter patterned paper, Prima patterned paper, a doily from Little Yellow Bicycle, Prima flowers and leaves, a Prima pearl accent, Making Memories ribbon, a Melissa Frances resin keyhole, and Thickers letters.
Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great weekend!

Karen

Silver Wedding Anniversary & Seam-Binding Winner

Last summer, my hubby and I celebrated our "Silver" (25th) wedding anniversary.  This month, we will celebrate our 26th.  It really does get better with each passing year.  Just another reason why I always say, "my cup runneth over".  I have such a wonderful husband and family.  I made this little card for some dear friends who are also celebrating their "Silver" wedding anniversary this summer.

I'm playing along this week at http://www.simonsaysstampblog.blogspot.com/ where the challenge is to create a card that is ALL WHITE with the exception of the image.  So, my image is the glittery silver number 25.
All I used to make this card was Bazzill cardstock, a little rub-on from Paper House Productions, some white lace that I've had forever, and some chipboard numbers painted and COVERED in Art Institute Gala Glitz silver glitter (available at http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/).  Check out their awesome store.

I also wanted to thank all my followers for visiting my blog and joining me.  A big word of THANKS to the awesome Melissa Phillips at http://www.lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com/ for mentioning my blog and seam binding give-away.  The winner of the sampling of seam binding was.......Maria who said, "I found you from Melissa's blog. I so love seam binding. Thanks so much for the chance to win."  Please email me, Maria, and let me know your mailing address.  You have until Friday, August 19, to contact me.  My email is:  karen.mycuprunnethover@gmail.com and I thank everyone for their sweet comments.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week.

Karen

HAPPY-HAPPY-HAPPY

I would say that I'm a very "happy" person in general.  I am grateful for my life and the things God has given me.  I take nothing for granted.  It ALL comes from Him.  But, when I'm in my flesh, I think of little things that would really make me happy.  Like, oh....let's say.....maybe WINNING one of these challenges I enter.  LOL  I try and try, and I never get drawn/chosen.  So, I just keep entering.  Oh well, I'm having fun doing it.

This little card I made last night is for a card sketch challenge at www.mymindseye.typepad.com/blog and I must say that I truly LOVE My Mind's Eye products.  They offer such a wide variety of styles and products.  For this challenge, we were asked to make a card using MME products following this specific sketch.

I used 6 different MME patterned papers:  One on the background, one of each of the two tags, one on the butterfly, one on the scalloped border, and one on the number strip under the scalloped border for a total of six MME patterned papers.  Three different MME stickers from Stella & Rose:  One on the left tag, one is So Happy Together, and the third is underneath the So Happy Together.  Awesome MME products!
Miscellaneous products used were:  May Arts lace, Papertrey Ink die cut (happy), Websters Pages resin flower, Colorbok embellishment on right tag, Martha Stewart glitter, machine stitching and Ranger ink.

I like how it turned out. You will definitely want to check out this awesome challenge on the MME blog.  I would sure be "happy" if I won this one!

But regardless.....I am blessed, and my cup runneth over!

Karen

Home is Where.......

I'm playing along with a challenge at http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ where you need to create something with a house on it.  This is City Crafter Challenge Blog Week #68 - Home Sweet Home.  This week's challenge winner will receive a $10 gift certificate from http://www.pixiedustpaperie.blogspot.com/ - their stuff is gorgeous!  They are also having a terrific giveaway - you won't want to miss it!  Here's what they are giving away......

I'm also entering my card below in the challenge at http://www.delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/ and since my card has both machine stitching on the patterned paper, as well as hand stitching on the felt house, it qualifies for both.  The challege at Delightful Sketches Blog requries stitching.

The ironic part is that today our house is "complete" again for a short time.  Our daughters have been in Minnesota, visiting their Grandparents.  Our oldest daughter, Andrea, just got home last night.  Our middle daughter, Lily, will be leaving for Bible college in a few short weeks.  So, this time that our house is "full" is so very precious.  The Melissa Frances rub-on I used for this card says, "Where we love is Home.  Home is where our feet may leave....but not our hearts!"  This really touched my heart as I thought about the girls growing up.  We love the fact that they enjoy being home and spending time as a family.  Yet, we have to trust God and let them spread their wings (.....just a little).

I apologize because I simply could NOT get a good photo of this card today.  I gave up!

Here are the supplies I used:  Girls' Paperie patterned paper with machine stitching, new Maya Road trim, Cheery Lynn Designs' French Pastry doily (cut on yellow double dots Bo Bunny paper and split).  House is cut from cream wool felt and hand-stitched with yellow DMC floss.  Roof is cut from Pebbles patterned paper and inked with Ranger Ink's Worn Lipstick.  Little wings are from Frost it Pink, glitter heart is Melissa Frances, tiny roses from Recollections, and rub-on by Melissa Frances.  I think that covers it.  Again, I apologize for the lousy photo.  You can see it a bit clearer if you click on the image to enlarge it.

My house is full (for now), and my cup always runneth over.

Karen

Christmas in August

I'm playing along with Simon Says Stamps Blog for their challenge this week, and their theme is Christmas in August.  You can read all about it and play along, too.  They're giving away a $50 gift certificate.  You won't want to miss this one!  Here is the link so you can join in on all the fun:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/
I made this little card using a Making Memories Christmas line from last year.  I added a Pebbles rub-on to a little snip of vintage sheet music.  Pretty simple really.  Some of the other designers' creations are far more elaborate.  You will want to view them all.  Thanks for looking!

My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen

I'm Craving Cake!!!

There's a simple explanation why I'm craving cake.  First, because it was my birthday last Saturday and I didn't get any cake.  Second, because my oven's broken (need to go buy a new one) and I can't make myself any cake.  And lastly, because the inspiration this week for Challenge #121 at http://www.cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/ was a cake theme.  It's all making me crave a big corner piece with LOTS of frosting!  Yum!

I used October Afternoon's Five & Dime collection.  Added a Pebbles rub-on, some scrunched seam binding (of course), used Ranger inks, and finished it off with some machine stitching...cuz that's how I roll.  I thank you for stopping by, and hope you will look at all the fabulous creations that the other Sweeties made for this challenge.

Craving that cake,
Karen

Hand-Made Scrunched Seam Binding

I just love hand-made scrunched seam binding.  Enough is never enough, and you can never have too many colors of it, either.  I'm doing a special give-away of this sampling of seven different colors of scrunched seam binding.

The sweet and talented Melissa Phillips has been kind enough to mention my blog/and give-away on her awesome page http://www.lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com/ so that all you have to do in order to be entered to win is:
1.  Become a follower of my blog (if you aren't already)
2.  Leave a comment on this post  (please mention if you found my blog/the give-away from Melissa's referral).  All those who comment on the post will be entered to win; providing you are a follower.

I am so grateful for all my followers.  I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of you for following,  and for stopping by.  I will end this give-away on August 8, and post the winner in the following day or two.  I am happy to visit your blog as well.  Just leave a note where I can find you.

Thanks again, and good luck!
Karen