Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Watch Us Wednesday at TKJ

Welcome to my blog, everyone!  Today I'm sharing the Watch Us Wednesday segment at The Kraft Journal to share a great gift-giving idea.  The Kraft Outlet is chock-full of AMAZING products to make crafting, gift-giving, and preparing for weddings, showers, and memory-making a breeze!  One of my many favorites from the Kraft Outlet are their wonderful JOURNALS.
They come in various sizes, and are very reasonably priced.  I recently saw one in a fancy boutique that sold for $45, and I was able to make this lovely gift for well under $5.  I used the Natural Soft Smooth Kraft Journal, which sells for just $1.99.  To that, I added some strips of Decorative Washi Tapes including the sweet Tape Measure Washi Tape and Pink & White Stripe Washi Tape that I adhered to strips of Buff Ivory Cover Weight Card Stock (these packages of card stock are another great buy and they contain WONDERFUL quality paper).  I cut a piece of Brown Kraft Cover Weight Card Stock into a circle and stamped on it.  This element, along with the flags/strips were placed on a doily that wraps around the sweet Kraft Journal, and is tied with lengths of Natural Hemp Cord.  I placed a vintage looking Jenni Bowlin Flatback Icon Pin (10 cents) on top.
I haven't even told you yet the very best thing about these amazing JOURNALS.  The thing that I absolutely LOVE about them is that they are lined!!!  This means that every page in the journal is lined, which makes writing in them super easy.  They make excellent schedules/appointment books,  prayer journals, travel journals, or even a diary, etc.  What a great cost-effective way to hand-craft a gift for someone.  I know that I love journals, and I think they make a great gift for friends, sisters, mothers, aunts and grandmothers....you name it!  Check out these wonderful journals, and ALL the great products at The Kraft Outlet.
 
I'm sharing my kraft journal in the following:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes"
 
Have a blessed week,
Karen

New Word Art Wednesday Challenge

Well, here we are again smack dab in the middle of a great new week.  And as always, that means it's time for another awesome challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  Each week, we have a fun Anything Goes challenge, and everyone is welcome to play along.  You can share any family-friendly project (up to five entries per week), and let me tell you.....it's well worth playing along because we have some of the best challenge sponsors ever!  This week, you will have the chance to win one of two awesome prizes including a $25 Gift Certificate to the amazing Flying Unicorn Store (this store is filled with all the really big names in crafting) and a brand new 8-piece Baby on Board wafer-thin die-cut set (a $24 value) from Top Dog Dies.  Awesome prizes, right?  I really hope that you will stop by to share your art with us for the chance to win.
My card for this challenge was made with some older Chatterbox patterned papers from my super stash, as well as some older Making Memories flowers, some May Arts jute, Prima leaves, and machine stitching.  The scripture is a free digital file available at Word Art Wednesday.

I'm sharing my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes"
 
Thanks so much for visiting me today, and please stop by again soon.  I greatly appreciate your comments and I look forward to visiting your blogs as well.
 
Karen

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Oh Darling - A Favorite For Sure

If you haven't noticed by now, I am absolutely IN LOVE with Crate Paper's sweet Oh Darling collection, and I've made several cards and projects using them.  They have wooden pieces, chipboard, stickers, patterned papers and SO much more.  I found the stand-outs for this collection at my Tuesday Morning for just $1.99 which is a great deal because they're about $8 in scrapbook stores and on-line.  I occasionally find Crate Paper products at Tuesday Morning, and they're always $1.99 or less (including 6x6 paper pads).  So if you have a Tuesday Morning in your area, I highly recommend scoping out the deals.
Those who know me at all are aware that when I am inspired by someone else's original idea, I always give credit to the original artist.  Such is the case with this sweet little card.  While I wish I could say it was my own fabulous creation, I cannot.  I found it on Pinterest, and to the best of my "detective work", it seems to have been originally created by a talented crafter named Nat so I wanted to give her a big shout-out for inspiring me on this one.  I didn't have everything exactly as she did, but that's what makes it uniquely your own, right?
 
I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:
 
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges - Treats - When I "treat" myself, it's always to scrapbook supplies.  Well, once again, I bought myself some new "TREATS" this week so that I could create this card.  There is no better TREAT than that (in my opinion).
 
The Paper Girls Challenge Blog - Challenge #66 - Anything Goes
 
Be blessed,
Karen

Friday, October 24, 2014

YOU Make Me Happy

What made my dear departed Sister-in-Law, Audra, happy (more than anything else) were here husband and four beautiful children.  I spent a couple hours on the phone with her hubby, Rob, this morning.  He SO misses her touch, the smell of her hair, and the feel of her hand in his while they'd fall asleep.  I wish so desperately that I could take away their pain, but I cannot.  Only time and the all-sufficient grace of God can heal their broken and hurting hearts.  But because Audra's family made her so very happy, I will keep them close always.  I've decided that I will be sending each of the kids a card once a month with a little something tucked inside.  This card will go to Audranna.  She just learned to roller skate this summer, so I thought this card would put a smile on her sweet little face.  I want so desperately to be a good Auntie; and to be the kind of support to these precious children that would make Audra happy.  I want to honor her life, and keep her memory alive ALWAYS!
Audranna also asked me if I would buy her a pair of pink sparkly tennis shoes.  Oh boy!  I'm on the look-out for a pair of Size 5 pink sparkly tennis shoes.  And by golly, I will find them for her.  We had so much fun playing Red Light/Green Light and Hide & Go Seek outside while I visited for the funeral.  They help keep me young, and I'm so blessed to be a part of their lives.
 
I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges - Simon Says "Get Crafty and Use Kraft" -  so I used a kraft tag and a kraft base card.
 
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes
 
Thanks so much for visiting, and have a blessed week!
Karen

P.S.  Before I run off, let me show you this HUGE bolt of cream colored stretchy lace I got at a rummage sale for just $5.  There must be 100 yards or more on this bolt.  I'm willing to give some away.  If you live in the United States and would like a few yards, please email or message me your address and I will send you some.  I couldn't use this much lace in a lifetime.  If you live outside the continental US and would like some, I would just need to charge you a small amount to cover the shipping.  Just let me know.  I'm happy to share!
 
 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Pretty Kraft and Special Memories

It's never easy saying goodbye to someone who you love SO much.  My recent trip to Minnesota for my Sister-in-Law, Audra's, funeral was very difficult.  I simply don't want to deal with the thought of never seeing her again, never laughing with her again, and not having her on the other end of the phone when I need her so desperately.  But I was always taught to "look for the silver lining" in the clouds and that's just what I did on this trip.  I got to spend some much needed time with my BFF and do some crafting.  This is one of the cards we made together.
I used a Large Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card for the base of my card, and added lots of great Crate Paper Oh Darling products (the patterned papers, frame, butterfly, green plastic bow (by flower) and 100% Pure Sweetness tag).  I used a die-cut and wool felt for the flower, some tulle, sequins, vintage tape, and machine stitching.
 
I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges - Simon Says "Get Crafty and Use Kraft"" - If you read above, that's just what I did.  I used a kraft card base and got crafty with my BFF of 42+ years while on a "not-so-fun" trip and that made it a special and memorable time.

Sister Act Card Challenges - Challenge #79 - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges - Simon Says "Anything Goes"
 
When times get rough, and they often do, I'm so grateful for the "silver lining in the clouds", and it makes me happy when I can create something with my hands and especially with my BFF, Patti Lyn.
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen

My Big News Involving.......RIBBON!!

My name is Karen, and I'm a RIBBON ADDICT.  It's true!  I've had a ribbon "addiction" for many years.  Some of you have seen my "wall of ribbon" that I've shared before.  Here it is again (and this isn't even all of it my friends - this is just a shot of PART of the wall).  Pitiful, huh?

So, what Design Team could be more perfect for me than the REALLY REASONABLE RIBBON Design Team?  Well, it's true.  I applied to be part of this amazing Design Team, and they extended an offer which I quickly accepted.  After all, a girl can NEVER have too much ribbon, right?.  How exciting!  I'm really delighted about this new adventure in my life, and I'm SO looking forward to designing with their amazing ribbons.  You can see them all here in the shop at Really Reasonable Ribbon.
This card was made using some My Mind's Eye patterned paper, and a sticker from a My Mind's Eye package of embellishments that Teresa Kline sent me.  She's a sweetheart, and a very talented crafter.  If you've never seen her lovely blog, you can click on her name (above) and it will take you right there for a peek.  The scripture I used is a free file available at Word Art Wednesday.  We would LOVE to have you stop by and play along in our challenge this week.  We have TWO great prizes this week, and you could be one of the lucky winners.  Here is a link to the Word Art Wednesday challenge.
 
I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:
 
Party Time Tuesday Challenges - Challenge #186 - Anything Goes
 
Crafty Cardmakers Challenge - Challenge #125 - It's Only Words - My focal point is the scripture which contains my favorite kind of words - those from the WORD OF GOD.  "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105
 
Catered Crop Challenge Blog - End Zone Recipe Swap - I was inspired by the black and white stripes (which matches my background paper) and the reds in the photo
 
Thanks for stopping by to share my exciting news and to take a peek at my card.  Have a great week, and happy crafting.
 
Karen
 
 
 
 

Monday, October 20, 2014

A Color Challenge at The Kraft Journal

I'm really not a big fan of "all things spooky", but I do enjoy being inspired by inspiration photos.  So, for this week's Color Challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog, I took inspiration from the warm Autumn color palette in the inspiration photo.  I created my card using a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Notecard.
To that, I attached some fun October Afternoon patterned papers, an October Afternoon journaling card (jack-o-lantern), some vintage rick rack, October Afternoon mini word stickers, a few lengths and bows of Natural Hemp Cord and some machine stitching.
I held my bow together with a sweet Tiny Wooden Clothespin that I covered with a bit of Black With White Polka Dot Washi Tape.  I also stuck in a rusty Tim Holtz Memo Pin.  Some machine stitching and inking finish off my card.  I really hope that you will be inspired by this color palette, and that you'll stop by to play along with us for your chance to win the $15 monthly prize of a gift certificate to the Kraft Outlet.


I'm linking my card to the following:

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog - Challenge #105 - Anything Goes With Ribbon/Trim - I used jute and rick rack

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Color Coordinates"
 
Thanks for stopping by today to say hello!
Blessings to you,
Karen
 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Our Daily Bread Visits Word Art Wednesday

This week at Word Art Wednesday, we are DELIGHTED to have Our Daily Bread Designs as our sole sponsor.  They are offering one lucky winner a $15 Gift Certificate to their lovely store filled with stamps, coordinating dies, and so much more.  You can share ANY project (up to 5) that meets the "Anything Goes" guidelines (encouraging/uplifting/family-friendly) to be eligible for this fabulous prize.  We hope that you will come and play along with us!
My card uses the beautiful Watering Can Stamp and coordinating Watering Can Die as well as the sentiment from the lovely Happy Birthday Set.  You will find all sorts of great stamp sets at Our Daily Bread Designs.  Check it out, and come play along with us for your chance to win this week at Word Art Wednesday.
 
Bless And Be Blessed,
Karen

Monday, October 13, 2014

All That Glitters at The Kraft Journal

"All That Glitters" perfectly describes this sweet little White Library Card and Library Pocket that I decorated using some of my favorite Kraft Outlet goodies, and that's the theme of this week's challenge at The Kraft Journal.  I placed a strip of Pink and White Stripe Washi Tape on the White Library Card and tucked it in the Library Card Pocket.  Next, I hand-cut three small circles from Buff Ivory Cover Weight Cardstock, then die-cut a PTI heart into the center of each, and placed a glittered heart peeking through the heart hole in each.  I covered three Tiny Wooden Clothespins with the coordinating glitter colors, and then using my Bone Folder Tool I added a Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment.
Karen Letchworth
All my glitter is from a Sugar Glitter Collection that I purchased from Doodlebug long ago.  I plan to tuck a gift card inside, and use this as a gift holder for a friend.  I encourage you to get out your glitter, and come play along with us this week at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog.  Happy crafting!

Thanks for stopping by,
Karen

Monday, October 6, 2014

No Patterned Paper at TKJ

This week at The Kraft Journal, we have a really fun challenge called "No Patterned Paper".  There are a lot a great options to patterned paper.  So, I decided to decorate a fabulous Mini Kraft Gable Box.  Since I couldn't use any patterned papers, I got creative with other choices from the Kraft Outlet.  I covered the four sides of the box with ink stained Vintage Sheet Music, and then painted the flaps with cream acrylic paint and again, inked stained them.  I created a decorative little flower by cutting Vintage Sheet Music, Kraft Recycled Tissue Paper and Light Kraft Cover Weight Card Stock with a PTI die-cut.  I also ink stained the edges of my flower, tied several bows made from lengths of Natural Hemp Cord, and placed them under my flower.  On top of the flower, I placed a Jenni Bowlin Icon Flatback and a rusty Tim Holtz Memo Pin.  These sweet Gable Boxes are quite inexpensive ($0.70), and are perfect for tucking in a small gift (lotions, personal items or a gift card) or a small food item (cupcakes, cookies, etc.).  They're easy to decorate, very useful, and the price is right!  Today is a great day to treat yourself to some fabulous new goodies from The Kraft Outlet.  I sure hope you will play along in this week's No Patterned Paper Challenge.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.  I apologize for being a bit "MIA", but I'm currently travelling to visit my dear Sister-in-Law, Audra.  She's sure having a rough time, and I'm BLESSED to be able to spend some time with her.  She is a gift from God, and I praise Him for allowing me to have her in my life all these years.  Her days are now numbered, and I can't imagine life without her.  Thanks for your prayers; they mean so much.
 
My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Coffee Bags for Gift Giving

This week at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog, it was my turn to prepare some fun projects to share with everyone for our "Watch Us Wednesday" segment.  The featured products I was to showcase are the lovely Small Kraft Coffee Bag with Window and Small Kraft Coffee Bag.  They're such fun products to work with, and can be decorated in so many fun and creative ways.  What I did with mine was truly simple to create, and you really can recreate these projects with the supplies found at the Kraft Outlet.
 
These adorable little bags are just perfect for giving a small food gift.  The insides of these adorable coffee bags have a food-safe lining.  In the Small Kraft Coffee Bag I placed some handmade chocolate truffles wrapped in Kraft Recycled Tissue Paper.  To decorate this first bag, I cut a base piece of Lunch Bag Kraft Coverweight Card Stock.  I added some different decorative washi tapes including the Red With White Polka Dot Washi Tape.  I hand-cut two different scalloped borders from Kraft Recycled Tissue Paper and machine stitched them onto the base piece.  I also added a half of a vintage cream doily at the top, ran a few lengths of Red Baker's Twine around the bag, and then added a Small Scalloped Grungy Prim Tag held with a sweet Tiny Wooden Clothespin.
Inside the Small Kraft Coffee Bag With Window  (see photo below) I placed several single-serve Starbucks coffee packets.  I decorated this bag in a very similar fashion as described above, and using all the same products.  There are just few exceptions, as follows:
I made some flags/banners and placed them at the top of this coffee bag.  Two of these banner/flags are made using Lunch Bag Kraft Coverweight Card Stock, one covered in washi tape, and the third was cut from Kraft Recycled Tissue Paper.  There is a Round Metal Edged Grungy Prim Tag held by a Tiny Wooden Clothespin.  And of course, my "signature touch" is the machine stitching.  So many great shabby country accents to add to these lovely bags; and everything can be found at The Kraft Outlet.
There are SO many fun ways you can decorate these bags to suit any occasion, holiday or event.  They can be easily personalized for weddings or parties.  Just let your creativity flow with all the fantastically fun products you will find at the Kraft Outlet.

I'm sharing my projects here:

My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #153 - "Sweet Treats" - As stated above, the one coffee bag is filled with coffee singles, and the other bag is filled with hand-made chocolate truffles.

Creative Card Crew - Challenge #71 - Twine

Sister Act Card Challenges - Challenge #76 - Anything Goes

Have a blessed week!
Karen