The Kraft Journal - Something New

I don't suppose that I will be able to make many more "holiday" cards this year.  So, for my project this week at The Kraft Journal, I decided to make one last holiday card.  I started with a  Lunch Bag Kraft Blank Note Card from The Kraft Outlet along with some Simple Stories patterned papers and stickers, vintage lace,  buttons with glitter, Red Baker's Twine, and I made a tiny little tag that I cut from Lunch Bag Kraft Cardstock.  Our challenge this week is "Something New", and so for my "Something New", I used a small piece of Music Washi Tape and let me tell you - the new washi tapes available now at The Kraft Outlet are super adorable.  I couldn't resist getting myself "Something New".  I hope that you will take time this week to stop by The Kraft Journal to play along in the "Something New" challenge.  It's lots of fun.

I'm entering this card in a few challenges as follows:

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says Anything Goes

 

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

I hope that you're all having a great week, and that you're keeping warm wherever you are.  Have a blessed day, and I look forward to visiting your blog today.

 

Karen

Always on My Mind

My Mom and Dad are visiting us this week from Minnesota.  This evening while we were making dinner, my Mom had a family friend on the phone who is struggling with breast cancer.  We all prayed with her, and she was so blessed and encouraged by it.  I guess the small things really mean a lot to those who are struggling with things that seem SO much bigger than our usual little daily problems.  It really makes you grateful.  So anyway, while we were praying again before dinner just a little while after all this, my mind was swarming with the names of all the people in my life who need God's healing from cancer and other serious medical issues.  Each one of those names ran through my mind - many of whom are on-line friends and acquaintences I've never met.  These people seem to always be on my mind, and when it comes time to count my blessings - I really need to remember how very blessed I am, and I need to continue to pray for those less fortunate.    Whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, etc., I need to count my blessings and lift up in prayer those who are hurting and carrying heavy burdens.  Lord, please don't ever let me lose sight of what is truly important!  I always want to remain commpassionate towards the needs of others.  So anyway, this card is for our family friend who is struggling.  I really hope it will be an encouragement to her.

 I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

 

http://cheerylynndesignschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/cheery-lynn-designs-challenge-60-lace.html - Cheery Lynn Designs Challenge Blog - Challenge #60 - Lace Real or Faux - I used a Cheery Lynn Doily Die-Cut that's pretty lacey, and I also used some vintage lace on the bottom of my card.

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says Anything Goes

 

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

 

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-97-participants.html%20 - Nichole Heady/Papertrey Ink Make it Monday Challenges - Make it Monday Challenge #97 - I based this card on Make it Monday Challenge #66 - Making Felt Flowers from Border Dies.  The Papertrey Ink products I used on this project include PTI jute, stamped sentiment, wool felt and heart border die.  I rolled the delicate little heart borders, cut from wool felt in three colors, into these little rosettes.  Such a sweet technique.  This border die is one my all-time PTI favorites.

 

http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-152-add-ribbon-andor-lace.html - Fab-n-Funky Challenge Blog - Challenge #152 - Add Ribbon And/Or Lace

 

I'd like to leave you with this thought.  If you can think of someone who is going through a difficult time right now; whether it's a physical challenge or a struggle of another kind, I strongly encourage you to send them a card this week.  Sometimes those little acts of unexpected kindness are just what someone needs.  Let that person know that you're thinking of them, and praying for them, and loving them - and most of all don't forget to pray for them!  God hears our prayers and He will give them exactly what they need.  Just take that extra time this week to bless someone!

 

Have a great week, and share God's love eveywhere.

Bless and be blessed,

Karen

Thinking of You

I have been a long-time fan of Melissa Phillips and Papertrey Ink and I try as often as possible to play along in their Make it Monday Challenges, but sometimes I miss out.  So, this week they have a challenge where you can make a project for any of the challenges you missed this year.  This is my third project for this week's challenge with them.  I've never actually won, but....who knows?  The same is true of Simon Says Stamp and their challenges.  Nope, I've never won (I mean, really.....random draw out of hundreds or thousands of names??  Good luck!)  But, somebody has to win.  So, why not me?  Or at least I can dream.

These are the challenges I'm entering with this card:

 

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-97-participants.html%20 - Nichole Heady/Papertrey Ink Make it Monday Challenge #97 - I chose to recreate Challenge #48 - Creating Backgrounds With Border Dies - The Papertrey Ink products I used on this card include:  Border Die-Cut, Jute, Ink and Stamped Sentiment.

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - This Week Simon Says "Anything Goes"

http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-152-add-ribbon-andor-lace.html - Fab-n-Funky Challenge Blog - Challenge #152 - Add Ribbon/Lace - which I almost always do!

http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/2012/12/rrr-challenge-62-anything-goes-ribbon.html - Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge Blog - Challenge #62 - Anything Goes, But Use Ribbon - I just LOVE ribbon, and Really Reasonable Ribbon has the best selection ever!

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments
 

Thanks for visiting me today.  If you have time this week to create new art and share with us, I invite you to play along at Word Art Wednesday - our challenges are always Anything Goes, and we would love to have you join us.

Have a blessed day,
Karen

You've Gotta Have Faith

I remember when I was a little girl, my Mom bought me a necklace that was a small glass heart with a mustard seed inside of it.  The heart rested on a delicate gold chain, and it was really pretty.  But I didn't understand why on earth she would buy me a mustard seed.  So I asked her, and she said that it's because of the Bible verse.  Of course, as a curious child, I asked her "what Bible verse"?  She explained to me that in Matthew 17: 20 Jesus tells us that if we have faith even as small as a grain of a mustard seed, we can tell a mountain to move from one place to another, and it WILL move, because nothing will be impossible for us.  I thought that was really strange.  Does it mean that our faith should be small, I wondered.  But as I studied about the mustard seed, I learned that although it was the smallest seed used in Bible times, it grew into the most powerful herb which eventually grew into a large tree.  So what it really meant was that if our faith was small, but we really trusted in that faith, God could grow it into something mighty.  What a wonderful lesson about faith.  It really made me take interest in this matter of faith, and helped me to learn how to grow my faith.  I still have my little mustard seed neckalce, and it has become a real treasure in my life.  Well that, and the fact that my Mom taught me the truths of God's Word so that they would bless my life.  I truly am a blessed person, and FAITH is a large part of why.  God blesses us when we are able to put our faith into practice and see the mighty blessings that come to us through that faith.

I made this card using My Mind's Eye and Cosmo Cricket patterned papers, PTI buttons, border die and jute, glitter, Prima letters, some Recollections flowers, machine stitching and the free digi word art available this week from Word Art Wednesday.  It's a quote from Helen Keller, and the "Light" she mentions in this quote is none other than the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. Come play along with us this week!

 

Here are the challenges I'm entering with this card:

 

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-97-participants.html%20 - Nichole Head's Papertrey Ink Challenge Blog - Make it Monday Challenge #97 - I based my card on Ashley Cannon Newell's tutorial #54 - Glitter Buttons.  The Papertrey Ink products I used include the banner border die-cut, the cream jute, and their beautiful vintage buttons.

 http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-146-favorite-tea-room-project.html - The Shabby Team Room - Week #146 Favorite Team Room Challenge - I based this card on Challenge #124 - Oh, So Pretty In Pink

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-anything-goes.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says Anything Goes!!

http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-93-anything-goes-and-blog-hop.html - The Paper Shelter - Challenge #93 - Anything Goes

I hope your week is going well, and I encourage you to have great faith, and to put your faith into practice.  You are sure to be blessed by it!

Blessings,
Karen

Lots and Lots of Glitter

One of my most favorite embellishments in crafting is glitter.  For some reason, everything looks a little bit better with lots and lots of glitter piled on top of it.  I made this little card using a Maya Road chipboard tree trunk that I painted brown, and next I took lots of adorable Papertrey Ink buttons and sprayed them with Krylon adhesive spray (a wonderful proudct for this technique), then I dowsed them with a heaping helpful of glitter.  Aren't they sparkly? 

Here are the challenges I'm entering with this little card:

 

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday-97-participants.html%20 - Papertrey Ink Make it Monday Challenge #97 - A La Carte - I chose to use Make it Monday #54 - Glitter Buttons by Ashley Cannon Newell.  I used Papertrey Ink buttons, jute and stamped sentiment.

 

http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-146-favorite-tea-room-project.html - The Shabby Tea Room Challenge #146 - Favorite Tea Room Project.  I based my card on Challenge #144 "Shabby Chic" using pink, aqua, silver and glitter.  My image is stamped with Sterling Silver ink, and my cream, pink and aqua buttons are covered in ultra-fine glitter.

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments. I piled on the buttons and the glitter!

http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/2012/12/rrr-challenge-62-anything-goes-ribbon.html - Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge Blog - Challenge #62 - Anything Goes Plus Ribbon/Trim - I used cream jute.

 

Well, I just finished cooking my wild rice for my Cream of Wild Rice Soup that I make every Christmas Eve.  It's SOOOOOO good!!  My family's mouths are already watering as they wait for this traditional yummy soup to be ready.  Tomorrow morning, I get up early and make my traditional cinnamon carmel rolls.  Oh my, the first of the year will certainly be the start of the diet!!!  I hope you all have a very special evening tonight, and day tomorrow, with your family and friends.  Thanks for stopping by!

 

Karen

 

A Christmas Ornament Card

I made this card using a chipboard ornament shape, and I'm really glad I did because it helped to make it sturdy.  I attached it to cream cardstock to make it into a card, and luckily it fits into a standard size envelope.  I used Simple Stories patterned papers and stickers to embellish it, some buttons, jute and gold Stickles.  I actually hung it on our Christmas tree this evening, but decided to take it down to give as a card.

Of course, I'm entering some challenges with this because.....it's just TOO much fun not to!  I am SO grateful when I actually win something.  Have any of you ever experienced winning a prize, and then having them never follow up?  Frustrating, huh?  It happened to me about a week ago - I've sent three email attempts, but.....they're just not responding.  Oh well, I just count my blessings and keep plugging along.  What else can you do?

http://www.craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/12/monday-challenge-80-christmas-shaped.html - My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Monday Challenge #80 - Christmas Shaped Cards - Entry #3

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-merry-christmas.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says Merry Christmas!

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On the Embellishments - FUN!

http://sparklesforumchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/ch-23-button-or-bow.html - Sparkles Forum Christmas Challenge - Challenge #23 - Button or Bow - I used buttons AND a jute bow.

http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/pennys-dt-call-plus-challenge-107-merry.html - Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges - Challenge #107 - Merry Christmas

I really hope you're all having a blessed week as we prepare to celebrate the coming of the promised One - Jesus Christ.  Let's all remember the true meaning of Christmas - the Savior who came to earth to make a way for us to spend eternity in Heaven.  What a blessing to celebrate!

Christmas blessing to all,
Karen

Mitten Shaped Card

I was so touched by a sweet card I found on Lydia Walker's Blog this week.  She made a card for the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog and she used the word "gloves" to describe what I always called "mittens" as a child.  I shared my crazy story with her on her blog, talked with my Mom that day, and then decided I just had to make a "Mitten Card" of my own.  Thanks for the inspiration, Lydia!  I free-handed this shape, then made a card base from Ivory Cardstock from The Kraft Outlet,  and here's what I came up with:

I made this cardd with the following challenges in mind:

http://www.craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/12/monday-challenge-80-christmas-shaped.html - My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Monday Challenge #80 - Christmas-Shaped Cards and Projects

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-merry-christmas.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says Merry Christmas!

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

http://theribbonreelchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/challenge-43-nordic-noel.html - The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog - Challenge #43 - Nordic Noel

http://www.twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com/2012/12/16-christmas.html - Twist of Faith Cards - Challenge #16 - Christmas

http://www.toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-92-anything-christmas-theme.html - Top Tip Tuesday Challenge Blog - Challenge #92 - Anything Christmas Theme.  And here's my "Top Tip"...when you don't have a die-cut for a particular image (as I didn't for this mitten card), simple free-hand the shape and then hand-cut your own card by leaving a common seam on one edge of the card (where it will fold) when you draw it.  This creates a shaped card without having to purchase an expensive die-cut.

http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/2012/12/rcc75-holiday-spirit.html - The Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog - Challenge #75 - Holiday Spirit

http://theprettylittleribbonshop.blogspot.com/2012/12/december-challenge-17-its-christmas.html - The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop - December Challenge #17 - It's Christmas

Thanks for your visit today.  It's always so nice to have you stop by to say hello, and I look forward to visiting your blogs as well!

Blessings,
Karen

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

I ran across some adorably decorated paper mache tree-shaped boxes this week on Melissa Phillips' Blog and it inspired me to give it a try; only I decided to use a paper mache star-shaped box.  This box cost me all of fifty cents - I WILL be going back for more.  I covered it in Papertrey Ink buttons that I glittered, and then I added a snowflake (difficult to see) using silver tinsel, and used a Melissa Frances rub-on for the sentiment which I colored in with my Copics.  I topped it off with some PTI cream jute and a little pink pearl.  It will hold a gift card or small gift, but I just want to use it as a decoration.  I love all that glitter!

I'm entering this glitter-covered star box in the following challenges:

 

http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-145-shabby-chic-holiday.html - The Shabby Tea Room Challenge Blog - Week #145 - Shabby Chic Holiday - Pink, Aqua, Cream and Glitter

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-merry-christmas.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Merry Christmas

http://www.craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/12/monday-challenge-80-christmas-shaped.html - My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Monday Challenge #80 - Christmas Shaped (Mine isn't a card, but it is a Christmas project)

http://itsallaboutthevintagechallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/34-pitsiunelma-lace-dream.html - It's All About the Vintage Challenge Blog - Lace Dream - I have two rows of vintage lace around the outside of the star box (this is shown in the photo below), and on top of the vintage lace is a row of aqua pearls.

http://inthepinkchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/challenge-10-pink-and-pearlie.html - In The Pink Challenge Blog - Challenge #10 - Pink and Pearlie

http://craftsandmechallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/winter-wonderland-bumper-christmas.html - Crafts and Me Challenges - Winter Wonderland Bumper Christmas

http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/wish-upon-star.html - Winter Wonderland Christmas Blog Challenge - Wish Upon a Star

http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/2012/12/rcc75-holiday-spirit.html - The Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog - Challenge #75 - Holiday Spirit

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

 

Thanks for visiting my blog today.  I'm always SO grateful for your visits and sweet comments, and hope you're all having a great week as we all prepare for Christmas.  Have a blessed day!

 

Karen

Glory to God

This week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday is Anything Goes, and is being sponsored by Daydream Designs.  One lucky person will win a $20 gift certificate to the adorable Daydream Designs store where they can pick from dozens of adorbale image packages.  What an awesome prize!   I used the ornaments from Daydream Designs Little Bits of Christmas set to make my card this week.

 

We also said goodbye this week to our fellow Word Art Wednesday Design Team Member, Paula Pike who lost her battle with cancer, and is now safely in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Our love and prayers go out to Paula's family - her husband Blair, and her four beautiful children, Mattea, Tamas, Talia and Caleb.  She will be sadly missed by so many, and was certainly a beautiful person.

Here are the challenges I'm entering with this card:

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-merry-christmas.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Merry Christmas!

 

http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-82-traditional-colours.html - Anything Goes Challenge Blog - Challenge #82 - Traditional Colours

 

http://twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/16-christmas.html - Twist of Faith Cards Challenge Blog - Challenge #16 - Christmas/Must Include Scripture

http://theprettylittleribbonshop.blogspot.com/2012/12/december-challenge-17-its-christmas.html - The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop - December Challenge #17 - It's Christmas - They're offering 50m gorgeous baker's twine as their prize - I would be so thrilled to win!

http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/2012/12/rcc75-holiday-spirit.html - The Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog - Week#75 - Holiday Spirit - I used seam binding and natural jute

 

Thanks for visiting me today.  I appreciate your kind comments and I look forward to stopping by your blogs to say hello.  If you would, please take a moment to pray for the family of Paula Pike - I know they will feel those prayers and appreciate it SO much.

 

Blessings,

Karen

Christmas in Pink

It's been a lot of fun to see the many challenges lately calling for Christmas cards with non-traditional colors (no red, green, etc.), and so it gave me a perfect opportunity to use this adorable pink snowflake paper from October Afternoon.  I added a Martha Stewart doily, two strips of stars and angel wings cut from Papertrey Ink die-cuts, some pink seam binding, a little faux stitching, black baker's twine from The Kraft Outlet, a Melissa Frances rub-on for the sentiment, some gold Stickles accents, and of course, the adorable little stamp from Paper Sweeties. 

Here are the challenges I'm entering with this "pink" Christmas card:
http://www.papersweeties.com/uncategorized/paper-sweeties-sketch-inspiration-2-challenge/ - Paper Sweeties Inspiration Sketch Challenge #2

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-whats-your-favourite.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says What's Your Favourite?  I've been using lots of glitter, and of course, my other favourite - seam binding

http://creativecraftchallenges2.blogspot.com/2012/12/non-traditional-christmas.html - Creative Craft Challenges 2 - Non-Traditional Christmas (no red, green, etc.)

http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/2012/12/week-31-merry-christmas.html - Loves Rubber Stamps Challenges - Week #31 - Merry Christmas - I used Paper Sweeties stamps

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/mid-challenge-reminder-pio-49-pile-on.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-145-shabby-chic-holiday.html - The Shabby Tea Room - Week #145 - Shabby Chic Holiday

http://theprettylittleribbonshop.blogspot.com/2012/12/december-challenge-17-its-christmas.html - The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop - December Challenge #17 - It's Christmas (I have three entries, and crossing my fingers to win this gorgeous 50m baker's twine)

http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/2012/12/rcc75-holiday-spirit.html - The Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog - Challenge #75 - Holiday Spirit - I used seam binding AND baker's twine

I hope that you're all having a blessed December, and that you're keeping warm wherever you are.  Keep crafting, and I look forward to visiting your blogs to see what you've been creating!

Blessings to all,
Karen

Snow Babies

Ever since I first laid eyes on the adorable Snowbabies Colored Digi Set and  Button Up Baby Bingo Set from Daydream Designs, I have wanted to play with them.  Well, last night I was finally able to sit down and get creative with these adorable sets.  I hope you will stop by Daydream Designs to take a peek at these, and ALL the adorable images available in Diane Noble's digital shop, Daydream Designs to pick up a little Christmas gift for yourself.  You will just fall in love with all her darling images.

For this card, I simply printed out four (of the six) Bingo cards found in the Button Up Baby Bingo Set and sewed them to a purple Bazzill background (which is also machine stitched).  I left room behind one of the Bingo cards so that you can tuck a gift card inside - I thought that would make a neat gift-giving idea.  Next, I cut out three of the adorable little girls, two of the buckets of snowballs, and a few of the individual snowballs from the Snowbabies Color Digi Set and I put a little glitter on them.  Finally, I attached some buttons with baker's twine, and for the sentiment I just used a Melissa Frances rub-on and tied some baker's twine around it, and of course......more glitter!

 

These are the challenges I'm entering with this sweet little Daydream Designs card:

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-whats-your-favourite.html - Simon Says Challenge Blog - Simon Says "What's Your Favourite......" - I'm sticking with glitter.  I absolutely love what glitter does to a project - especially at Christmas time.

 

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/pile-it-on-49-pile-on-embellishments.html - Pile It On Challenges - Challenge #49 - Pile On the Embellishments

 

http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/2012/12/rcc75-holiday-spirit.html - The Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog - Challenge #75 - Holiday Spirit

http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.no/2012/12/ptt98-kids-christmas.html - Party Time Tuesdays Challenge Blog - Challenge #98 - Kids Christmas

http://lollipopcrafts.blogspot.no/2012/12/happy-holidays-challenge-95.html - Lollipop Crafts Challenge Blog - Challenge #95 - Happy Holidays

http://flourishes.org/2012/12/timeless-tuesday-199/ - Flourishes Stamps Time Tuesday Challenge #199 - Holiday Cards With Non-Traditional Colors

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-140-stitching.html - Craft Your Passion Challenges - Challenge #140 - Stitching - Mine is (as almost always) real stitching - I can't resist!

http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-28-recipe.html - Chocolate Coffee Cards Challenge Blog - Challenge #28 - Recipe - I used 3 buttons, 2 digi sets, and 1 sentiment
 

Thanks for visiting me today.  And if you haven't already linked up, I'd like to personally invite you to stop by and play along with us this week at Word Art Wednesday.  We'd love to have you join us, and we have TWO awesome prizes again this week.

 

Have a blessed day,

Karen

.....In a Winter Wonderland

Two of my favorite Christmas decorations are gingerbread men and SNOWMEN.  This post is dedicated to all the darling snowmen out there.  And while I don't get to see actual snowmen while living in the middle of the desert, I still enjoy seeing them, decorating with them, and thinking about making one.  I can also craft some snowmen and enjoy them that way.  This particular snowman came from the creative mind of the very sweet and talented crafter, Shanna Vineyard, who I met (on-line back in the early 90's).  She has inspired me so many times; I can't even begin to tell you.  If you've never visited her blog, I would strongly encourage you to stop by, and......save some time to go back through ALL her blog posts.  She's got some amazing projects posted there.  What a talented lady!  I did ask her if it was OK with her to use her idea, and she was flattered.  This made me super happy because I just knew that her creativity would be a blessing to everyone.  I'm going to have my hubby cut out a dozen or so of them so I can decorate some for my friends.  When you stop by Shanna's Blog - Art Made With Heart, please tell her that I sent you.  You will really enjoy her sweet creations!

The snowman is made from a chunk of wood.  I got my husband to cut out a dozen or so of these darling shapes so that I could decorate some of them for friends who have long-admired mine that Shanna made.  It also has a fleece scarf, painted cheeks, painted eyes, a Making Memories silver metal snowflake on his hat, and LOTS of glitter - one of my all-time favorite craft touches.  Who doesn't love glitter, right?  The little trinket box is a mini paper mache box I got on EBay.  I painted it cream, distressed it a bit, covered the top with vintage sheet music and glitter, and then added a flower, some vintage lace around the mini box lid, a sentiment strip (Winter Wishes from Melissa Frances), a PTI star border strip cut from black wool felt, a snippet of natural jute, and some buttons covered in glitter.  That's about it.  Thank you, Shanna!  You are SO inspiring.

I am going to enter this snowman, as well as the little box I made, in the following challenges. I hope you enjoy taking a peek:

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-whats-your-favourite.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says What's Your Favorite.....I'm Going With Favorite Embellishment.  While I have SO many, I'm focussing on glitter today.  You've just GOT to love glitter!

 

http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/2012/12/city-crafter-challenge-blog-week139.html - City Crafter Challenge Blog - Week #139 - Snowman Fun

 

http://www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-144-shabby-chic-holiday.html - The Shabby Tea Room Challenge Blog - Week #144 - Shabby Chic Holiday - Use Pink, Aqua and Silver.....Plus Glitter - The pink and aqua are in the snowman's scarf, and the silver is in the silver snowflake on his hat.

http://www.twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com/2012/12/15-inspired-by-carols.html - Twist of Faith Cards - Challenge #15 - Inspired By a Carol - I chose (as my blog post title indicates) "Walking In a Winter Wonderland", and that's because of the part that says, "in the meadow - we can build a snowman" and I really miss making snowmen.

 

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/pile-it-on-49-pile-on-embellishments.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments - That's always fun!

 

http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-25-star.html - Creative Card Crew Challenge Blog - Challenge #25 - Star - I used a PTI star border die-cut to add a strip of black wool felt stars to my trinket box

 

http://www.theresmagicintheair.blogspot.com/2012/12/magical-monday-snowman-or-anything.html - There's Magic In The Air Challenge Blog - Magical Monday Challenge - Snowman or Anything Christmas

http://www.redcarpetstudiochallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/rcs-14-frosty-snowman.html - Red Carpet Studio Challenge - Challenge #14 - Frosty The Snowman

 

Again, a special word of thanks to my on-line friend, Shanna Vineyard for sharing her talents with me.  She has inspired me SO many times, and I am so grateful for crafters like Shanna who go the extra mile to help people out when they have questions about blogging, crafting, and such.  I just know that God smiles on people with hearts like hers!

 

I also want to mention the challenge at Word Art Wednesday where, once again, we have TWO awesome prizes this week.  Please stop by and link up your art in our challenge for a chance to win some great prizes.  We need and appreciate YOUR participation, and would really enjoy your sweet fellowship.  It would be such a blessing if you would join us.  Hope to see you there!

 

Have a blessed week, and don't forget to stop and remember the true meaning of Christmas - it's ALL ABOUT JESUS.

 

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Christmas is About Giving

I think we can all agree that the old saying "It's Much Better to GIVE Than To Receive" is SO true.  Christmas is really all about the greatest gift that was ever given.......JESUS!  God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, a perfect sacrifice - completely free from sin - to come to earth through His birth in a manger, live among us (John 1:14), set an example, die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sinfulness, to be burried, rise again from the dead three days later, be seen by hundreds of witnesses, and then ascend into heaven to prepare a place for us in eternity.  What a wonderful gift!  Our pastor always says, "you can't outgive God", and that's SO true.  It's a blessing to give generously to others to show our love for them, just as God gave to us when He sent that gift of His precious Son.

 

I have seen so many wonderful challenges in the last several days that are all about "gifts and giving" and so, with the gift Jesus gave in my mind, I wanted to take part in these challenges and share with you all one of the (many) gifts I've prepared this Christmas.  This particular gift is for some friends of ours.  What's inside this box, you ask?  Well, it's none other than a box of the delicious truffles I made; and you can see that blog post right here:  Homemade Chocolate Truffles With Sea Salt.  They are super delicious, and I know that our friends will love them.  I know this because they bought two dozen of them at the Craft Boutique and told me that they ate them ALL!

This treat box has been in my stash for several years, and I finally put it to use.  It always feels good to use up some of your stash, doesn't it?  I simply added some die-cut snowflakes, a Making Memories poinsettia with a button and baker's twine, and tied it shut with a raffia bow.  The tag is my Design Team project for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  I would really LOVE IT if you would come by Word Art Wednesday and enter the challenge this week.  Our sponsors this week are Detailed 4U Collections AND we have a Stampin' Up demonstrator, Cynthia Millan, who is offering TWO Stampin' Up Stamp Sets to one lucky winner.

 

For the tag, I simply printed out this week's scripture/word art from Word Art Wednesday on cream Bazzill, which I inked green with Tim Holtz ink.  I adhered it to a tag from Freckled Fawn, added a piece of Making Memories patterned paper, embellished the tag with some Making Memories ribbon and Prima lace, and then tied it onto the treat box using a ripped strip of coodinating fabric.  Those truffles are tucked safely inside (and hidden away from my husband...LOL).

 

Here are the challenges I'm entering with this gift project:

 

http://www.craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/12/monday-challenge-79-wrap-it-up.html - My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #79 - Wrap It Up/Share a Gift

 

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/simon-says-snowflakes.html - Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Simon Says Snowflakes - Mine are in the upper left-hand corner

http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/pile-it-on-49-pile-on-embellishments.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments - That's FUN!

 

http://www.twistoffaithcards.blogspot.com/2012/12/15-inspired-by-carols.html - Twist of Faith Cards - Challenge #15 - Inspired by a Christmas Carol - I chose Silent Night, Holy Night since my gift and my post are all about the great gift ever given - Jesus Christ!

http://www.audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/anything-goes-and-dt-call.html - Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

 

http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/2012/12/rcc75-holiday-spirit.html - Ribbon Carousel Challenges - Challenge #75 - Holiday Spirit - The ribbons I used include baker's twine, raffia, Making Memories ribbon, Prima lace, and a ripped fabric strip.

 

http://dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-47-christmas.html - Dream Valley Challenges - Challenge #47 - Christmas Projects

 

http://ribbongirls.blogspot.com/2012/12/december-challenge.html - Ribbon Girls Challenge Blog - December Challenge/Ho, Ho, Ho!  Christmas Theme

 

http://joannasheenchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/with-love-at-christmas.html - Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog - With Love At Christmas - I just LOVE Joanna Sheen's On-line Store!

 

http://theprettylittleribbonshop.blogspot.com/2012/12/december-challenge-17-its-christmas.html - The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop - Challenge #17 - December/It's Christmas - I love The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop and they have an amazing prize of baker's twine this week!!

 

Well, I can't thank you enough for stopping by today to say hello.  And since we're on the subject of giving gifts, I want you all to know how very thankful I am that God has given me so many wonderful friends in blogland.  I hope that I have GIVEN you as much love and support this year as you all have given to me.  I am grateful for your sweet comments, your frequent visits, and the best Christmas present you can give me is to stop by Word Art Wednesday and play along with us if you're not already doing so.  We have amazing prizes, and we would LOVE your sweet fellowship. Come and play with us!

 

Have a blessed day!

Karen

 

Anything Goes at The Kraft Journal

What an amazing weekend I had.  I am SO grateful to God for all the blessings in my life, and I realize that everything I have, and every blessing I receive, is a direct gift from Him.  Saturday marked 27 years since the birth of our identical twin boys, Benjamin and Nicholas, who went to be with Jesus that day.  It's a bitter-sweet day for us, but we're SO grateful that we have the memories of holding them and having them in our lives if even for a very short time.  So.....in an effort to "cheer me up", my husband had a little surprise planned.  We attended the Policemen's Ball at the Las Vegas Hilton Saturday night, and he booked us a suite to spend the night.  And, it gets even better!  Every year at the Ball, the LVPPA (Las Vegas Police Protective Association) which is the organization that throws the Ball, has a raffle with some really awesome prizes.  And, guess what!  YUP - we won a 43" flatscreen color plasma TV.  What a blessing from God!  So what could have been a really sad day turned out to be a whole lot of fun, and was turned into a happy memory.  God is just SO GOOD!   And my hubby's not too shabby either.  LOL

 

OK....I got off track there for a moment. I'm really here to post my Design Team card for this week's fun new challenge at The Kraft Journal which is an Anything Goes Challenge. We welcome everyone to come by this week to play along with us.

I have to give a big shout-out to my BFF, PattiLyn, for the design of this card.  I used some fun Kraft Outlet products on this card, including Lunch Bag Kraft Cardstock and some sweet Pink Baker's Twine that I tied around the top of the jar.  Please be sure to check out all the wonderful products at The Kraft Outlet and then come by The Kraft Journal and enter the Anything Goes Challenge.  We hope to see you there.

I'm going to enter some challenges with this card as follows:

 

http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-28-recipe.html - Chocolate Coffee Cards Challenge Blog - Challenge #28 - Recipe Challenge - Use 3 Flowers, 2 Design Papers, and one Ribbon.

http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/2012/11/challenge-41-use-flowers.html - Crafting For All Seasons - Challenge #41 - Use Flowers

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-140-stitching.html - Craft Your Passion Challenges - Challenge #140 - Stitching - I used machine stitching, as I do on almost all of my cards

http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/12/pile-it-on-49-pile-on-embellishments.html - Pile It On Challenge Blog - Challenge #49 - Pile On The Embellishments

 

Thanks for visiting me today, and please don't forget to stop by The Kraft Journal and Word Art Wednesday this week to play along in their Anything Goes Challenges.  Lots of fun!

 

Blessings to you,

Karen