Sunday, August 31, 2014

Back To School...Again!

Well, Summer is officially over.  Homeschooling starts this coming week at our house after Labor Day; and ready or not....Andrew and I are about to embark on another year of learning.  I am so grateful that God has blessed me with such well-behaved children who have a heart for the Lord and have chosen to be obedient.  You do the best you can, you pray for them, and you trust God with it all.  But there comes a point when your children have to decide for themselves whether or not they want to be obedient and choose to live their lives in the will of God.  I praise God for children who have a heart for the things of the Lord.  I'm a very blessed mom.  I wish you all a great school year, whether you homeschool or not.  Our children are precious gifts from God, and they need our love, prayers and support.
My card was made from a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card, and to that I added a piece of wood looking patterned paper that I machine stitched.  I added half of a vintage cream doily, some October Afternoon elements (school room and scissors), some buttons, jute and Baker's Twine.  I also added a Making Memories chalkboard tag that I inked with white chalky ink.
 
Papertake Weekly Sketch Challenges - Sketchie Free For All - This card was based on Sketch #26, but Papertake Weekly has LOTS of great sketches to follow

My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #150 - Back To School

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges - Simon Says Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew Challenge Blog - Challenge #69 - Chalkboard - Even though I am the Guest Designer for this challenge, I couldn't resist playing along.  I used a tiny chalkboard tag that says "home work" and it's inked in white chalky ink and is hanging from a button with a miniature safety pin.  There's also a chalkboard in the image I used!

Thanks for visiting my blog, and I look forward to visiting yours soon.  Leave me a comment, and I will swing by to leave you some love as well.
Blessings,
Karen

Friday, August 29, 2014

Been There, Dug That!

Today's post is a little bitter-sweet.  This will be my last post for Top Dog Dies.  I knew that stepping down from this Design Team was the right thing to do because school is starting, and my life will be busy with homeschooling this year (as Andrew gets older, and classes get more difficult).  I will miss this talented group of crafters, and playing with these fun die-cuts.  I hope that you will stop by from time to time to see their new releases.  I'm sure they will have some great new products that you won't want to miss, as well as fun blog hops and give-aways.  You can always check out the fun and see what' new on the Top Dog Dies Blog.
My card was created with some Echo Park patterned papers and stickers, a Freckled Fawn wood piece (noted), a PTI fence die, a MFP stamp, a butterfly punch, and a few dies from the adorable new Top Dog Dies Dog Days #2 Set.  I gave the Scottie Dog a googly eye for fun.  The Top Dog Dies Dog Days #2 Die Set has an adorable Poodle as well as this cute Scottie.

Simon Says Stamp Challenges - Wednesday Challenges - Anything Goes

Crafts 4 Eternity Challenge Blog - Challenge #191 - Tic Tac Toe - I followed the middle row - Use a Punch/Use The Color Blue/Use Some Die-Cuts (complete supply list above)

Mark's Finest Papers Simple Salutations Challenge - #112 - Your Favorite Subject in School - I could go a couple different ways with this one.  First, my very favorite class was always ART, and I certainly used my "art skills" on this one.  But also, I actually took a class in Dog Grooming which I LOVED, and it saves me money with our family dog, a Miniature Schnauzer.  I used a Mark's Finest Papers stamp on this project (the sentiment - "Been There, Dug That" from the MFP "Old Dogs" set.
 
I'm so grateful for your visit today.
Karen

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Christmas is Coming!

This is officially my first Christmas card of the year.  I know that by the time Christmas actually rolls around, I will be completely tired of creating Christmas cards and projects.  But this being my first, was really fun.  I always enjoy working with October Afternoon products.  In fact, I actually get to attend their HUGE annual warehouse sale this year and I'm SO excited about it.  Lucky me!
As You Like It Challenge Blog - Your Favorite Season and Why - My favorite season is Winter/Christmas time.  The reason for this is because I grew up in northern Minnesota where there is always LOTS of snow in the Winter.  Being that I now live in the deserts of Nevada, this time of year makes me reminisce about home.  I also love Christmas for so many reasons; including traditions, family, cookies and Winter break when my kids are all at home!

Paper Take Weekly #93 - Sketchie Free-For-All - I absolutely love the sweet sketches at Paper Take Weekly, and this week you are allowed to choose your own sketch.  I chose to follow Sketch # and I had a lot of fun with it.
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes" - I absolutely LOVE Simon Says Stamp.  They have ALL the best scrapping supplies in their store, and they offer fabulously fun challenges each week.

Paper Crafts Connections - Make & Share Holiday Cards - Inspired by an older issue I have using these lovely October Afternoon products (always a favorite source of inspiration for me!)
 
Have a great week, and thanks SO MUCH for stopping by!
Karen

Monday, August 25, 2014

Calkboard Cards at Creative Card Crew

Let me tell you, I was absolutely DELIGHTED when I was asked by Mari to Guest Design at Creative Card Crew with her and her talented Design Team.  I've been playing along in their challenges for years, and was incredibly blessed when I finally won one a few weeks back.  I've always enjoyed their challenges and challenge blog, and when I heard that this week's challenge was a Chalkboard Challenge, I was ALL in!
This first card was created using lots of great October Afternoon products from their 5 and Dime collection.  I chose the two specific Chalkboard Cards I did for a very specific reason.  I wanted to give everyone some "cheating options" for this technique.  I've heard some crafters say that they just can't get this chalkboard technique to work for them, and I must admit that I've struggled with it a bit myself.   This first card uses a chalkboard patterned paper that I simply inked and added to my card.  Easy, right?
My second card is one that you might recognize as I've posted it before.  Again, I'm "cheating" a bit here.  This card uses a digital chalkboard image from Daydream Designs.  All you have to do is print it off, and you're ready to go.  It doesn't get ANY easier than that.  So......with that said, NO MORE EXCUSES!  You need to stop by Creative Card Crew this week and share your Chalkboard Cards in this super fun challenge.  Their sponsor is Dies R Us, and one lucky person will win a gift certificate to pick out some fabulous new die-cuts.  I can hardly wait to see all your fabulous creations.
 
Thanks for stopping by to say hello, and I hope to see you playing along in the challenge.
 
Blessings to you,
Karen

Using Punches at The Kraft Journal

It's Monday again, and I hope you're all ready for another GREAT week of crafting fun.  We have a fun new challenge for you all this week at The Kraft Journal.  It's a "Punch Challenge", and I hope you'll get out your punches and come play along with us for your chance to win a $15 gift certificate to the amazing Kraft Outlet.
I was excited to use my punches for this week's challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog.  I started this card with a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card and attached a piece of floral patterned paper that I machine stitched onto the base.  I used a small scrap of coordinating Lunch Bag Brown Coverweight Card Stock for my sentiment journaling area onto which I stamped a scripture sentiment using one of my favorite Bible verses.  This lovely scripture stamp is from Verve Stamps new release.  Next, I took a small hole punch and punched holes to thread through some Natural Hemp Cord to create a bow.  I then used my small hole punch, and repeated this technique to create an X at the top.  Next, I used another scrap of Lunch Bag Brown Coverweight Card Stock and a piece of Canvas to punch out hearts which I layered together.  I added a sweet Prima wooden button to the heart layers, and again tied a bow using the Natural Hemp Cord.

It's always so lovely to have you stop by to see my cards and say hello.  I appreciate your visits, your kind words, and your friendships.  I wish you all a very blessed week, and I look forward to visiting your blogs to see what YOU'VE been creating.  I hope to see you all play along in our "Punch Challenge" this week at The Kraft Journal.

God bless you,
Karen
 
 

Friday, August 22, 2014

More Fun With Top Dog Dies

Hello, everyone!  Welcome back to my little piece of blog land, and thanks for stopping by.  Today I'm sharing a card I made using one of the lovely dies-cuts from Top Dog Dies brand new August Release.  I also used an older Top Dog Dies die, and I'll share all the details below.  They're a lot of fun.
I started with some lovely Crate Paper, Oh Darling patterned papers, and added pink card stock that I machine stitched onto the base.  I touched the edges with green paint, and sprinkled on some ultra-fine glitter.  I cut my journaling spot using the new Top Dog Dies Vintage A2 Mat Die and added a Happy Birthday sentiment using a lovely Verve Stamps favorite of mine.  I added accents to the corners using the lovely Top Dog Dies Decorative Corners Die Set.  I also added a few sequins, and a Crate Paper, Oh Darling flower banner.
 
As I've said before, our family loves to celebrate birthdays so I do make and use a lot of them.  This particular one is going to my Mom's friend (and also a friend of mine) who is almost like an Aunt to me.  I'm going to link up my card in the following challenges:
 
Verve Stamps Challenge Blog - August Diva Dare - Celebrations - I made a birthday card using my favorite Happy Birthday sentiment from Verve Stamps
 
Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party - This is a fun weekly challenge and I hope you will all stop by to play along
 
Thanks again for visiting.  I hope you'll stop by Top Dog Dies to check out all their great new die-cuts in the August Release, as well as lots of "oldies but goodies" that you will love.
 
Blessings to you,
Karen

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Come Play Along With Us

It's that time of the week again when we begin our new challenge at Word Art Wednesday, and we would sure love to have you all stop by to share your art with us.  We have such amazing prizes up for grabs every single week, and this week is no exception.  We have a $15 gift certificate from Prairie Point Junction/Wool Felt Central, as well as a $20 gift certificate to Nice Crane Designs.  Now those are some great prizes, my friends!
My card for this week's Word Art Wednesday post was made with some older papers from my "stash", and they're from Paper Salon.  I also used some wool felt from our sponsor, Wool Felt Central, to create the flowers and leaves.  It's the most luscious wool felt, and it really works GREAT with die-cuts.
 
I really hope to see you all share your lovely creations in our challenge this week at Word Art Wednesday for the chance to win one of those amazing prizes.  Thanks for visiting me!
 
Happiness and Hugs,
Karen

Monday, August 18, 2014

A Color Challenge at TKJ

Deep purple, bright pink, green, butter yellow, and a lovely inspiration photo are all elements to inspire you to participate in this week's challenge at The Kraft Journal.  Once you see the inspiration photo, you will definitely want to play along for your chance at winning a $15 gift certificate to the amazing Kraft Outlet.
This week, we have a GORGEOUS color inspiration challenge for you, and I was excited to work with these deep, rich colors.  I started my card with a Small Buff/Ivory Note Card and covered it with patterned papers that had the same colors found in the inspiration photo.  I added a Jenni Bowlin Vintage Mini Deck Journaling Card and a Tim Holtz Journaling Ticket as my focal point, and embellished them with die-cut wool felt flowers cut from those same bright colors.  A small "Many Thanks" sentiment was stamped onto a scrap of Buff/Ivory Coverweight Card Stock that's held by a Tim Holtz Memo Pin.  There's a small snippet of Tape Measure Washi Tape and a lovely bow made from "Butter Yellow" Hand-Stained Bias Tape. There are so many great products found at the Kraft Outlet that will help you to create something wonderful.  I warmly invite you to play along in this week's Color Challenge.

There's always something to inspire you on the Kraft Journal Blog, and we enjoy having you check out our Watch Us Wednesday tutorials, our Feature Me Friday segments, our Monday Challenge Inspirations, and of course our AMAZING store at the Kraft Outlet.

Thanks for visiting, and have a crafty week!
Karen

Friday, August 15, 2014

Happy Birthday Celebration

Summer is a busy time for our family with LOTS of Birthdays.  So that means I need to make a whole lot of Birthday cards because we really celebrate Birthdays in our family.  I try not to forget anyone's special day, so I already know who this card will be for.  I had fun making it.
I used two different October Afternoon patterned papers that I machine stitched together, three paper flowers, a white Prima leaf, green baker's twine, red and pink seam binding for my bow, a Jenni Bowlin ticket, some sequins and mini pearl stickers, and a Martha Stewart mini doily that I used to stamp my sentiment.  The sentiment is a Happy Birthday stamp from Verve.
 
This is the challengw where I'm linking up my card:
 
Paula Holifield Crafts Challenge Blog - ALBC "Sew What"?  Although this particular card isn't "sewing themed", it does have machine sewing/stitching on it.  Straight stitch around the edges, and zig zag stitch through the center polka dot piece.  I LOVE sewing on my cards - Great Challenge!
 
Thank you so much for stopping by to take a peel and say hello.  I hope you're having a great week!
 
Karen

Top Dog Dies August Release & Give-Away

It's Friday, and time again for my weekly Top Dog Dies blog post.  Today, I'm sharing a card that I created using one of the brand new die cuts from Top Dog Dies August Release.  This Top Dog Dies Modern Mosaic A2 Die (red background die) perfectly fits all A2 sized  cards.  Behind the Modern Mosaic die, I have a vintage dress pattern.  I also cut and used half of the Top Dog Dies Madison Doily Die from a dress pattern.  The sentiment is stamped onto one of the banners from the new Top Dog Dies Banner #1 Die Set, and I used a couple of the other banners from this same set of my flags (attached to the straws).
Here's some EXCITING NEWS!  You could be the lucky winner of Top Dog Dies' entire new August Release.  That's right, the ENTIRE RELEASE!  To enter this awesome give-away, simply follow this link:  TOP DOG DIES AUGUST RELEASE GIVE-AWAY and use the Rafflecopter Widget to enter.  Best of luck to all who enter.

I'm sharing my card here:
Die Cuttin' Divas - Challenge #178 - Favorite Color Combos - I love using primary colors - red, navy, etc. and I used lots of great die cuts on this card (five, in fact).
 
Thanks so much for visiting, and have a great week.
 
Karen

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Nothing More Precious

There's nothing more precious to me than my relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.  It makes me sad to know that not everyone knows Him the way I do, and I continue to pray that everyone will be saved and find the truth before they die.  Please remember to pray for Christians around the world who are being persecuted, and even killed, for their beliefs.  I've suffered persecution as a Christian, but it's NOTHING in comparison to the persecution other Christians have suffered.  Many have given their lives for Christ's sake.  I beg you to remember to pray for missionaries around the world who devote their lives to spreading the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ).  We owe them a debt of gratitude and respect.  Praise God for His precious Word, and for those who devote their lives to sharing it with the world.
God's Word  is another precious gift to us, and the beautiful and encouraging support He has given us through His holy scriptures are such a beautiful comfort.  Today, I'm sharing two scripture cards.  The first is my DT card for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  The second is a matching card using a lovely scripture stamp from Verve Stamps.
These patterned papers are very old Chatterbox.  I've been trying to use up some of my stash lately, and I've been giving away a lot of it as well.  I always enjoy being able to bless someone with a BIG box of scrapbooking supplies.  I machine stitched both cards, added seam binding, jute, a stick pin, a Prima leaf, and a 3-D flower to each.  Here are the challenges where I will be sharing my card(s):
 
I really appreciate your visit, and hope you're having a blessed week.

Karen

Monday, August 11, 2014

What's On Your Work Desk?

Hello, my crafty friends!  I hope you're all ready for a great week of creativity.  This week at The Kraft Journal, we have a really fun challenge for you all.  It's called "What's On Your Work Desk", and it challenges you to take whatever you find on your craft table, and make it work.  I really committed myself to using only things that I found on my craft table.  Lucky for me, my craft area is always a mess, with everything thrown about.....so I had A LOT of goodies to use.
Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Outlet
For this week's "What's On Your Work Desk" Challenge, I took a look around my craft table and saw lots of great Kraft Outlet goodies I could use.  I started my project with a piece of Half-Size Blackboard Stock Paper which I simply folded in half using my Bone Folder Tool to create a card.  I then used patterned paper scraps and a Vintage Dictionary Page Scrap found on my craft table to create the background and accents to decorate the Small Glassine Bag.  I tied a few lengths of Black Baker's Twine around the Small Glassine Bag and tucked a Jenni Bowlin Vintage Mini Deck Journaling Card inside.  The finishing touch was a Vintage Memories Wooden Clothespin which I embellished with a bow-tie that was die-cut from a scrap piece of Half-Size Blackboard Stock Paper.  I was determined to use only things found on my messy work desk to create this card, and I look forward to seeing what YOU will create using what's on YOUR work desk.  I really hope you will play along in this week's challenge.

I'm going to share this Birthday card in the following challenge:
Great Impressions Stamps Challenge Blog - August Challenge - Birthday Bash - I don't own any Great Impressions Stamps, but I still wanted to play along for the chance to win some because they are really DARLING!

Happy Crafting,
Karen

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Everything Is Going To Be Okay

Much like most of you, I have more crafting supplies than I will probably ever use.  But it sure is fun trying!  I have so many fabulous Verve Stamps, and I've never once had any trouble getting a crisp, clean perfectly stamped image on my first attempt when using them.  That says a lot, because there are some stamps out there that aren't as easy to use and that don't give you that perfectly clear image every time.  With all honesty, I can say that "I've never met a Verve Stamp I didn't absolutely LOVE".
For this card, I used more of my Crate Paper Oh Darling patterned papers.  I'm SO in love with them.  The pink polka dot patterned paper is Carta Bella's Baby Mine.  I machine stitched the papers, added some seam binding, a Prima leave and flower, a couple of lovely stick pins, half a doily, and then I stamped the Verve image onto a Martha Stewart smaller doily.  I added several sequins in Marshmallow, Mambo Melon, and Leafy Green (all from V's Sweet Ideas).  I really liked how soft and sweet this card turned out.
 
I'm sharing it in the following challenges, and I invite you to play along as well:
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says...."Make It Sparkle" - I used soft sweet sequins to make my card sparkle!
 
Verve Challenge Blog - Sequined Stunner Challenge - I used lots of soft sweet sequins on my card and I really like the effect they give - SO pretty!

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

A Blog Named Hero - Challenge #49:  Die A Little (Or a Lot) - I LOVE using die-cuts, so this challenge really excited me.   I used a doily die-cut as well as a border punch, and I want to say THANKS for a super fun challenge.  I hope everyone will play along!
 
I'd  like to thank you for stopping by to say hello, and I want you to know that I'm truly grateful for your visit.  I hope you're having a fun and creative week, and I'd LOVE to stop by and see what you've made this week.  So be sure to leave me a comment so that I can visit your blog to check out your art.
 
May God bless your week!
Karen
 
 

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Summertime Sequin Celebrations

I love all things sparkly and summery, don't you?  I saw a few challenges this week that I knew I wanted to enter, so I got busy creating, and came up with this card.  I used my Crate Paper Oh Darling patterned papers, a Pebbles journaling card and floral accent, a snippet of Making Memories ribbon, pink baker's twine, a couple of pink sequins, and some gems.
I already know who will be receiving this card, and I hope it helps bring a smile to her face.  I know that I always enjoy receiving a hand-made card.  It tells people that you are thinking about them, and that you took the time to make something especially for them.  I can't wait to pop it in the mail.
 
I'm sharing my card in these challenges:
 
Verve Stamps Blog - Sequined Stunner August Diva Challenge - I used a Verve stamp for my sentiment (Feel Better Soon), and I also added two pink sequins (on the pink flowers) along with tiny pearl/gem accent stickers.
 
My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #147 - Bright Summer Colors
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says...."Make It Sparkle".  I really made my card sparkle with lots of gems and sequins!

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Family Challenge - This card is for my Sister-in-Law, Audra, who is undergoing chemo therapy and radiation for brain cancer.  I know it will cheer her up, and that is just part of what FAMILY means to me!
 
Thanks for popping by to take a quick peek at my Sparkly Summer card.  I appreciate your visit, and hope that you will visit again soon.
 
God bless you this week,
Karen

Friday, August 8, 2014

Making Gift Tags With Top Dog Dies

It's always fun to get creative using my Top Dog Dies, and for this week's project....that's just what I did.  I used the lovely new Top Dog Dies Vintage Frame Die to create gift tags for a couple of little gift boxes I had.
So, the method I used for creating these tags was three-step.  First, I went to my computer and printed the to/from messages onto vellum.  Second, I used my Top Dog Dies Vintage Frame Die and centered the printing in the center of the die to cut it.  Third, I cut another tag using my Top Dog Dies Vintage Frame Die from a pink polka dot cardstock.
I glued the two matching shapes together and ran some jute through them (using the little holes in this soft sweet die cut) and attached it to each box.  This photo (above) shows you both boxes.
When I finished my Top Dog Dies Vintage Frame Die Gift Tags, I decided that they still needed a bit more embellishing.  So,  decided to add an accent flower to each one.  I used the lovely Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Die Set and cut two different sizes from wool felt to create these sweet accent flowers.  I placed a small coordinating button in the center of each flower, and then attached them to my gift tags.
 
They turned out really nicely, and it really added something special to these simple little gift boxes.  It just goes to show you how incredibly versatile Top Dog Dies really are.  I hope you will stop by Top Dog Dies to see what's new.  We'd love to have you visit.
 
Blessings,
Karen

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Ivory Note Cards at TKJ

Hello friends, and welcome to my blog today.  This post is for a fun edition of the Watch Us Wednesday segment for The Kraft Journal.  This week I'm sharing a fun idea for using the Kraft Outlet's AWESOME Ivory Note Cards.  I have a long list of "favorites" from the Kraft Outlet, and that list definitely includes the Ivory Note Cards.  They come in two sizes, and everything I show you today can be done with either size.  Traditionally, you've seen me create many greeting cards with them such as those shown in the photo below:
But for today, I'm going to share a completely different idea for using these amazing Ivory Note Cards.  I created a fun mini album with them.  They really have a nice "girthy" quality, but to make them even sturdier, I painted on a thin coating of Mod Podge, and then laid strips of either Vintage Dictionary Pages or Vintage Sheet Music on them, and here's everything you need to try this technique:
Once I had painted the Ivory Note Cards with Mod Podge, you can see that the strips hung over the edges a bit.  
I trimmed off the excess, and as you can see in the photo below, my cards were covered and ready to use.  It's really very simple, and just gives your paper a heavier and sturdier feel so that you can use them for various projects.
These are prepared, and from here you can create all sorts of things.  They could be made into greeting cards, mini albums, and so much more.  This process can also be used with our Kraft Note Cards and Chipboard Sheets.
I chose to create a mini photo album.  As you can see in the picture above, I attached a length of Black Baker's Twine to the inside of the back page and front page to create a closure that can be tied shut.  This is a cute touch for mini albums.  This photo (above) also shows you the pages.....they now have great texture and firmness.
The Kraft Outlet makes creating SO easy.  All I did was to add a few embellishments including a Shipping Tag, a Hodge Podge Magpie Sticker (photos), a Jenni Bowlin General Store Postage Stamp Sticker, and a Jenni Bowlin Airmail Stamp Sticker.  I tied the tag with some of the scrumptious Oatmeal Cream Hand-Stained Bias Tape, and on the inside of my mini album I simply laid photo mats cut from the matching Buff Ivory Cover-Weight Cardstock.
This sweet little mini album was quick and easy using the Ivory Note Cards and I hope that you will be inspired to grab a few packs of these amazing cards for yourself.  We'd LOVE to have you stop by and play along in this week's "Dictionary Pages" challenge with us.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week!
Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal

Coming Home

When my hubby and I moved to Las Vegas in 1989 with our then 2-year-old daughter, we would always refer to Minnesota as "home".  But now that we've lived here for over 25 years, and raised our children here, this is our home.  While we enjoy visiting our families and spending time with them, there's nothing quite like being in our own home with just the five of us.  With my Dad's death, the funeral, Audra's cancer, and all that those situations have involved, it's been a crazy summer.  But as of this morning, everyone is headed HOME!  My boys should be home by Friday, and our sweet Lily is coming home later this month.  I can hardly wait until we're all together.  There's no feeling quite like having all your babies tucked snuggly in their own beds.  I'm excited to say the least.
My first card (above) is my card for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday, and it uses the free word art/scripture file available.  I printed the scripture onto a piece of graph paper (by accident) and ended up using it.  I added some scraps of patterned paper to the left, half a doily, and a strip of cream card stock with a Martha Stewart border punch.  I also added two October Afternoon accent pieces (music circle and music butterfly), some sea foam seam binding, and a paper flower.  I also added some tiny pearl accents on, and below, the butterfly and strip of washi tape.  I really hope you will stop by to play along in our challenge this week at Word Art Wednesday.
My second card was made with some older My Mind's Eye patterned paper and journaling spot.  I machine stitched it, added two rows of vintage cream lace to the side, a few lengths of jute, and a seam binding bow made from the Stormy Skies Ribbon Collection by Verve.  The sentiment stamp is also from Verve Stamps.
 
I'm sharing my card(s) here:
Verve Stamps Blog Challenge - July Release Retrospective Blog Hop & Challenge - I used the 2 Corinthians 12:9 Plain Jane Stamp from Verve's new release.

Craft-Dee Bowz Challenge Blog - August Challenge/Anything Goes
 
Thanks for visiting, and have a super week!
Karen
 
P.S.  I warmly invite you all to stop by this page to read my sister-in-law, Audra's story.  She has brain cancer and is undergoing chemo therapy and radiation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  ANY help is greatly appreciated.  Here's the link:  Audra's Story
 

Monday, August 4, 2014

It's Been TOO Long

As some of you already know, I've had a VERY busy summer.  But then again, life in general is busy.  Isn't it, my friends?  I'm really trying to get caught up on everything so that I can REALLY enjoy the last few weeks of my Summer (our Summer) before school starts again for Andrew (our youngest) and I.  Math.....here we come again, and it's only going to get worse this year.  So for now, I will enjoy my creative time.  I was up late last night, and finally had some time to create with Daydream Designs super sweet images.  They are the cutest!
This first card uses several digital stamps from Daydream Designs Country Chicks Color Set. My adorable chick is named "Queen Clucktifa"........cute, I know!  I also used the Bunch of Eggs from this same adorable set.  The entire Country Chicks Color Set sells for just $5, and includes 15 images.  I also used a coordinating sentiment from the Home To Roost Composite SetDaydream Designs always offers adorable images, as well as coordinating patterned papers, accessories and sentiments so that you never have to go looking around for ALL the elements to complete your project.  You really get A LOT for your money, and they're the sweetest images with HIGH-QUALITY you're looking for.  Check it out!
 
I ran my patterned background paper through the printer to add the chicken wire, and my sentiment is backed with red chevron washi tape.  I added a couple strips of ripped material for texture and attached them with a black half pearl.  It's really pretty simple.  That's another thing I LOVE about Daydream Designs - they make crafting and card-making SO easy!
My second card (above) uses several darling sewing-themed images.  I used the patterned paper (one of several available in the set) from the Life Is So Sweet Set, the Turquoise Button Card and the Turquoise Spool With Thread from the Life Is Sew Sweet - Sewing Notions Set, and the vintage sewing machine is from the coordinating Life Is Sew Sweet - Sewing Machines Set.  Again, everything coordinates together perfectly, and there's always the perfect sentiment to match the images, papers, and embellishments.  For this card, I placed the button card on the patterned paper and arranged everything together.  The only things on this card that aren't from Daydream Designs are the buttons I attached with thread tied through them.  I also have a piece of thread on the spool.  The rest is ALL Daydream Designs!

I am sharing/linking my cards here:
Stamp and Create Challenge Blog - August Challenge/Anything Goes
 
I'm grateful for your visit to my blog, and I look forward to visiting yours.  I appreciate any comments you leave, too.  We all need a little love, right?  It's been way too long since I created with my Daydream Designs images, and I suggest that YOU check it out for yourself.  You won't be sorry, I promise.
 
Have a blessed week,
Karen