CropStop & Petaloo Flowers

Hello again, friends of Crop Stop.  Today I'd like to share a couple of cards I made using more of the GORGEOUS Petaloo flowers (and other lovely supplies) carried at CropStop.  You can find all sorts of WONDERFUL products in the CropStop store; but the Petaloo flowers are always a great choice because they make it so easy to create a lovely card.  This first card is one I made for Mother's Day; but you could easily change out the sentiment and use this idea for ANY occasion for which you need a quick, easy and lovely card.  Petaloo and Crop Stop make card-making a breeze, and my Mom LOVED this card.

I used a tan cardstock and the lovely Chairo Embossing Folder for my background, which is one of the many beautiful Embossing Folders available at CropStop.  These beautiful embossing folders give such rich texture to your cards, and yet are so easy to use.  Next, I took my Tim Holtz Ink Pad in Barn Door Red to ink the edges, and make the texture stand out.  I added two Botanical Petaloo Flowers in Burgundy to give the card that soft, elegant touch.  I stamped my sentiment with a Verve scripture stamp onto a coordinating piece of tan cardstock using the Tim Holtz Ink Pad in Black Soot, and then touched the edges with more of the Barn Door Red.  I added a sweet Tom Holtz Ideaology Mini Paper Clip in the upper right hand corner of the sentiment.  They are SO cute, and just add a little "something special".  I tend to use them a lot, and really like them.

I made a second card as well, but you'll need to stop by CropStop to see that one.  They would LOVE to have you visit and say hello.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I'm always SO grateful to have you visit my blog to say hello.  I also hope that you will play along in our current challenge for your chance to win some CropStop goodies.  We enjoy having you share your talents with us, and we hope that our projects inspire you to play along.

I'm sharing my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
 

Happy crafting,

Karen

Emboss It at The Kraft Journal

For this week's "Emboss It" Challenge, I used my favorite Cuttlebug embossing folder.  It's called Swiss Dots, and I inked it a bit to make the embossed dots a bit more visible.  My card started with a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card to which I added a piece of Melissa Frances floral patterned paper, and my embossed paper (in pink).

Next, I added a Tim Holtz Journaling Ticket, and on top of that is my sentiment which was also applied to a scrap of my embossed paper, and is wrapped with a length of Light Green Baker's Twine.  The sentiment is a rub-on that I attached using my Bone Folder Tool which really helps apply rub-ons with ease.  I also made a sweet flower using a My Favorite Things die-cut and some inked Vintage Dictionary Pages.  I tucked a Maya Road stick pin into the flower; and in the center of my flower, you'll see a sweet mint green PTI button that's tied with Oatmeal Cream Seam Binding.  The chipboard heart is from Maya Road, and was painted ivory and sprinkled with ultra-fine glitter.  I also added a couple snippets of vintage lace in a couple of spots, and also a Tim Holtz Rusty Mini Paperclip at the top right.

Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello and take a peek at my card.  I really hope that you will join us for this week's Emboss It Challenge.  We always enjoy seeing your wonderful cards and projects, and appreciate you playing along with us.  Who knows.....YOU may be the lucky winner of the $15 gift certificate to The Kraft Outlet.  Good luck!

I'm linking my card here:
Stamp & Create Challenge - May Challenge/May Flowers
 

Have a blessed week,

Karen

Pretty Little Studio

One of the sweetest little shops I've come across in the creative and crafting realm is Pretty Little Studio.  If you've never seen their wonderfully vintage die-cuts, flair and SO much more; then I strongly encourage you to visit their sweet store here - Pretty Little Studio.  They're having a Sketch Challenge again this month, and I wanted to play along.

I used a piece of flair (the adorable little birdie pin) from their My Deer Buttons.  They have lots of adorable flair in their store.  I also used a tag and some embellishments from their store to decorate my card.  Most of the patterned papers are October Afternoon, and the rub-on sentiments are all from Melissa Frances.  I really wanted to create a FUN birthday card, and Pretty Little Studio was the perfect fit.

 

I'm sharing my card in their challenge, as well as these:

 

Pretty Little Studio - May Sketch Challenge

 

Paper Issues - Let's Get This Party Started.  This card is ready for the party!  The rub-ons say "Happy Birthday", "Yummy Cake and Ice Cream", and "Birthday Cards"......almost everything you need for a party!

 

Thanks so much for visiting today.  I hoe you're having a blessed and relaxing day, and that you will stop by again soon.  I'm always SO blessed by your visits.

 

Karen

Crate Paper CUTENESS!

Sitting in my craft room on this beautiful afternoon, and enjoying the cool breeze blowing gently through my house.  I realize that the summer sun will be sneaking in soon here in the Las Vegas desert; but for today...I'm LOVING this wonderful Spring weather.  Now, I know I sound a bit like a broken record when I say this, but.....I absolutely ADORE Crate Paper products.  They're among my most favorite supplies to create with, and I created this Mini Album and Mason Jar Tag using LOTS of great Crate Paper products.  I think you'll agree that they're ADORABLE!

First, I'm sharing this sweet Mason Jar Tag and Mason Jar I created.  I saw that Michael's had mason jars on sale this week for just 89 cents, so I picked up a few.  I don't like using my antique ones for crafting, so these were perfect.  I spray painted the jar and added lots of sweet laces, ribbons and beautiful seam binding.  Then, I created a coordinating Mason Jar Tag using Crate Paper's new Poolside Collection.  The sweet Mason Jar Tag, 3-D embellishments (flowers, sequins and twine), and I tied the tag to my mason jar using more of the Crate Paper gold-lined baker's twine.

Next, I created a sweet Mini Album for my niece using Crate Paper's precious Oh Darling Collection.  This first photo shows the cover of the Mini Album.  There are so many great embellishments available when Crate Paper puts out a new line.  I tried leaving some spaces for adding photos.

You can see all the wonderful 3-D pieces, chipboard pieces, vellum pieces, tags, and so much more.  I also added lots of great natural burlap twine, and sweet little touches to keep this little album soft and feminine.  I don't think there's any possible way you can go wrong with this lovely line.

The photo above is a close-up of one of the first inside pages.  I've chosen not to post every page because of the length of this post.  While I'm smitten with ALL these sweet embellishments, this is my favorite page.  I just LOVE this particular color combination.

I left some hidden pockets behind the pages for tucking in photos and journaling.  In the photo above (on the right), these is a glassine bag tucked behind the "Happy" Bingo card for holding additional photos since this mini album doesn't have a lot of photo spots.

I had thought about also posting all the photos of the individual pages and some close-up shots, but decided that this poor blog post is getting rather lengthy as it is.  I'm more than happy to share those photos with you if you'd like to see them.  Just let me know.  You can click on the photos to enlarge them and see them up close if that helps.  Other than a little sequin, piece of washi tape, or length of baker's twine, etc. here and there, pretty much everything I used is from Crate Paper.  It really is the sweetest stuff ever!

 

Thanks so much for visiting me today.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on my mini album and Mason Jar Tag/project.  I appreciate your input, and I hope that I've made you fall in love with Crate Paper as much as I am.  It really is some special stuff, isn't it?

 

I'm sharing my projects in the following challenges:
Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

Paper Issues - Let's Get This Party Started - I chose to use HEARTS, and other sweet things on my project.

Stamp & Create Challenge Blog - May Challenge - May Flowers

Party Time Tuesdays - Challenge #198
 

Have a wonderful week!

Karen

Grow........With Love

It's truly a blessing for my husband and I to see and enjoy our children growing up.  They have brought so much joy into our lives; and we're grateful for every day God has given us with each of them.  We've been blessed to have the opportunities to do things for our children, and to give them the "things" they desire.  But we know that there is nothing we can ever give them that is nearly as important as our love.  Children grow best, and become happy people, when they know without question that they are loved.  We decided when they were born that we would tell them every single day (often times more than once) that we love them.  Many parents don't say the words "I love you" to their children, and just assume that they know it.  But for us, we decided that it was something we wanted them to hear every day of their lives.

This card was created using LOTS of great ribbons and products from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I used some patterned papers that I inked and machine stitched, and then I got busy adding my trims.  I ran a strip of the gorgeous 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Plain Ribbon across my card, and also tied a small bow with the same.  The reason why I absolutely LOVE this particular trim is because it's so shabby chic, and can be used in so many different ways.  You can easily rip it into various widths, and use it on so many different projects.  Next, I tied some Blueberry Baker's Twine around that small bow to secure it.  In the upper right-hand corner of my card, I added two 35 mm Wild Orchid Crafts Leaves in Brown, and Mulberry Flowers/Open Roses in Deep Ivory and Royal Blue.  To that, I also added a small ripped piece of the same sweet 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Plain Ribbon so that you can see how, by ripping it, you can easily give your projects a shabby chic touch.

 

My sentiment, Grow (With Love), was added by using some Pebbles stickers that just happened to match my patterned papers.  The chipboard girl is from Crate Paper's Story Teller line, and also worked well with my choices.  I absolutely LOVE how Really Reasonable Ribbon makes it so easy, and fun, to adorn my cards and projects.  I hope that you will stop by to check out all the great new items that have been recently added to the store.  You will absolutely FLIP for all the great products available at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  There's also a fun Patriotic Challenge where you can enter your projects.  We love seeing your handiwork.

 

Have a blessed day, and don't forget to tell your children that you love them.  We all grow best.......with love.

Stamp & Create Challenge Blog - May Flowers

 

Karen

Stunning Teal and Sugared Berries

Today I'm sharing a lovely CropStop project I created with some of the WONDERFUL supplies they carry.  I can't even begin to tell you how IN LOVE I am with their Petaloo Botanica Sugared Berries and coordinating Petaloo Botanica Sugared Flowers.  They are STUNNING!  I can't wait to try them in another color scheme, and to make more coordinating hand-stained seam binding with their lovely Prima Color Bloom Sprays to match them.  I am SO loving all the wonderful products carried at CropStop, and I highly recommend doing some browsing (and shopping).  Just look at this lovely card and envelope set I created using their lovely supplies.

This card was created with some October Afternoon patterned papers, and a piece of vellum onto which I stamped my sentiment using Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Stamp Pad and inked the edges with Denim Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad; then I machine stitched it together.  To embellish my card, I added a bunch of Petaloo Sugared Berries in Teal, as well as a bow of Natural Burlap String.  You may also notice that I used some of the hand-stained seam binding that I created for a previous Crop Stop tutorial (you can see that tutorial here:  Hand-Stained Seam Binding), and to some of the ribbon, I added a bit of Tim Holtz Walnut Ink Spray to give it a rustic or shabby look.  In the upper right corner of my card, you will see a sweet rusty little Tim Holtz Ideology Mini Safety Pin.  They're small, but they add such a lovely touch to your cards.  Then, in the bottom right corner of my card, you will notice three little dots, and they were made with Cosmic Shimmer in Holly, another sweet little touch (and they come in seven different colors).  I'm telling you, CropStop is jump PLUMP FULL of wonderful supplies waiting to adorn your next card or project.

Well, I couldn't stop there!  I also decided to decorate the envelope for this card, and Crop Stop made that a breeze as well.  I took a Doodlebug Envelope in Swimming Pool Blue (which matched my teal/turquoise hues so nicely), and to that I added a Petaloo Botanica Sugared Flower in Teal, a scrap of burlap, and a bow made from Natural Burlap String.  These sweet Doodlebug Envelopes comes in different colors and shapes/sizes; but this particular Swimming Pool color fits a basic 4 x 5 1/2" small card just perfectly.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello and take a peek.  I really do hope that you will check out CropStop; and don't forget that they have a challenge on their blog where you can enter to win some of their goodies for yourself!

I'm sharing this card/envelope set in the following challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations Challenge Blog - GORGEOUS Color Inspiration

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

Verve Stamps Inspiration Challenge - I used a Verve scripture stamp for my sentiment

Have a very blessed day,

Karen

Vintage/Anything Goes at TKJ

As you know, I LOVE The Kraft Journal, and I was really excited when I learned about this week's Anything Goes/Vintage Challenge because I know the Kraft Outlet carries EVERYTHING needed to make a quick and easy card for any challenge, and any occasion. 

I started this card with a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card, and attached some inked October Afternoon patterned papers which I machine stitched together to create my base.  Next, I added a sweet Mini Kraft Merchandise Bag and wrapped several lengths of Baby Blue Baker's Twine around it, as well as some little accents including a piece of Black With White Polka Dot Washi Tape.  I tucked a gift card inside the Mini Kraft Merchandise Bag and also added an ink-stained Tiny Wooden Clothespin to it for an extra touch.  The sentiment was made using a rub-on that I applied  to a small scrap of Lunch Bag Kraft Cardstock using my Bone Folder Tool.  I really hope you'll stop by the Kraft Outlet to do some shopping, and then come play along with us in this week's challenge.

 

Have a great week,

Karen

Getting Patriotic at Really Reasonable Ribbon

What a SUPER FUN challenge we have for you at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  It's a Patriotic Challenge, and we're so excited to see all the fabulous projects you will share with us.  So, get out that ribbon and all your sweet red, white and blue products; and come play along.  If you don't have the perfect ribbons, this month's Ribbon of The Month Club is GORGEOUS, and filled with the sweetest patriotic ribbon collection you could imagine.  You can see it here, and sign up for our money-saving Ribbon of The Month Club.

I created my card with some older October Afternoon patterned papers that I machine stitched.  I also added half a doily, a rub-on sentiment, a Maya Road canvas tag and a Maya Road wire house with heart.  On top of that, I added some sweet Mulberry Flowers from Really Reasonable Ribbon including their Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses in Red, Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses in Royal Blue and Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses in Deep Ivory.  I also added some Freckled Fawn wooden hearts.  I ran a length of the LOVELY Patriotic Plaid Ribbon across my card, and made a bow with it.  This ribbon has a silky sheen to it, and is high-quality which makes gorgeous bows.

I added a few more wooden stars here and there for accent (to represent exploding fireworks, which we ALL enjoy on the Fourth of July.  It doesn't take much to create a cute card when you have the super sweet Really Reasonable Ribbons and a few embellishments.  Really Reasonable Ribbon carries all the ribbons, trims, and sweet mulberry flowers to make your cards beautiful.  We really hope that you will stop by to play along with us.  Just use a patriotic theme with some ribbon, and you're ready to go.

Before I run off, I want to mention that I'm sharing my card in the current challenge at Paper Issues.  You can lean all about this fantastic challenge (and store) here:

Paper Issues - Let's Get This Party STARted - I was SO delighted to find Paper Issues this week, and I ordered an item from them.  Their shipping prices are more than reasonable.  I'm sharing my card which was obviously created for a 4th of July CELEBRATION, and features lots of great wooden STARS.
 

Thanks for stopping by today, and have a blessed week.

Karen

Blog Hop Time at Really Reasonable Ribbon

It's time for another SUPER FUN Blog Hop at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and this month we're going a bit PATRIOTIC!  You should have arrived here from the talented Bonnie Garby's Blog; but if you didn't, you can always hop back to the RRR Blog to get started.  Our FABULOUS Ribbon of The Month Club assortment for May has lots of red, white and blue in it to help you create your 4th of July and Summer cards and projects.  I created a card with some red patterned paper, washi tape, and a stamped sentiment.  I adorned my card with a few of the ribbons from this month's Ribbon of The Month assortment, including the Molly White Crochet Lace, the 3/8" Poppy Red Satin With Metallic Edge, the Tiny Electric Blue Stars on White Grosgrain, and the sweet Poppy Red Stars on White Grosgrain.  The center of the Poppy Red bow is tied with Blueberry Baker's Twine.

It's SO easy to create beautiful cards and projects with all the great ribbons, trims, laces, flowers and more from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and I really hope that you will take the time to stop by and check out ALL the incredible new Wild Orchid Crafts flowers that have been recently added to the shop, as well as DOZENS of sweet new ribbons and trims.  I added an Ivory Open Rose, as well as a Red Open Rose and a Royal Blue Open Rose at the top of my card.  This is a GREAT time to treat yourself to something new.  We have something perfect for everyone!

As you can see in the photo above, I also created a bookmark to match my card.  Bookmarks are an easy addition to any card, and they allow you give an inexpensive gift to someone for those occasions when a card isn't quite enough.  I used the same patterned paper, and more of the gorgeous ribbons from the May Ribbon of The Month Assortment  on my tag including the sweet Electric Blue Satin With Metallic Edge, the fabulous Plaid Patriotic Ribbon, the Molly White Crochet Lace, and also some coordinating Red Burlap String, as well as all the same flowers as mentioned above (as used on my card).  Really Reasonable Ribbon carries these sweet flowers in every color, just PERFECT for your next project. 

Your next stop on this fun Blog Hop is at the lovely Teresa Horner's Blog, and I'm sure she has created something that will make you smile (her creations are always GORGEOUS).  I'm so glad you've stopped by today to see my card, and I just know that you will be inspired by all the fabulous products each member of our Design Team has created for you.  Good luck with the Blog Hop prize, and don't forget to answer the question at the end of the hop.

 

Have a blessed day,

Karen

Pick Three Challenge at TKJ

I always LOVE the Pick 3 Challenges at The Kraft Journal, and this week's challenge is no exception.  With all the gorgeous choices, you simply can't go wrong.  I once again incorporated far more than just three of the items from the "Pick 3" list.  I chose to use Buttons, a Tag, Seam Binding, Feminine, Mint Green and Pink on my project.  Like I said, you can't go wrong!

I started my card with a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card, and to that I attached a scrap of October Afternoon floral patterned paper, half a vintage cream doily, and a Grungy Prim Shipping Tag.  On my tag, I added several Melissa Frances rub-on sentiments (Feminine, SHOES, curls, make-up) and buttons; and to the top of my tag I added a bow made from Brown Baker's Twine and Oatmeal Cream Seam Binding. 

As a tiny little extra touch, I clipped an ink-stained Tiny Wooden Clothespin to the upper right corner.  You're welcomed and encouraged to stop by The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog to play along in this fun challenge.  Who knows?  YOU could be the lucky winner of the monthly $15 Gift Certificate that's up for grabs.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Let's Get Sentimental - My sentiment is the focal point, and was made using rub-ons placed on the grungy prim tag.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Camera Ready at RRR

One of the many things that I LOVE about Really Reasonable Ribbon is how their WONDERFUL ribbons, trims, laces, flowers and sweet products make all my cards camera ready.  I made a few cards for today's post using several of the fabulous products from the Really Reasonable Ribbon store to show you how quickly and easily they make my cards "Camera Ready".  Once you pop on a bow, there you are!  It's camera ready.

All three of my cards use Crate Paper's Maggie Holmes patterned papers and die-cut images.  I inked and machine stitched them, and added a sticker sentiment to each one.....along with a cute little Prima wire camera.  This is to again remind you all of how quickly and easily Really Reasonable Ribbons' products make all cards "camera ready" every time.

The first and second cards both use Really Reasonable Ribbon's sweet Bay Leaf Seam Binding which I ran along the side or up the length of each card, and also used it to create a big "Camera Ready" bow on each.  I also incorporated the lovely Oyster Baker's Twine into the first two cards; in the bow, tied into the buttons, and up the side of the cards.

The third card is quite similar, but this one uses the Charcoal Gray Seam Binding and Blueberry Baker's Twine (both in my bow, on my little tag, up the length of the card, and also tied into the button).  All three cards use pretty much all the same products; and yet Really Reasonable Ribbon helps to make each one look unique.  They were each very easy to make, and you can see how these sweet ribbons make each one look "Camera Ready".

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I'm so grateful for your visit, and appreciate your comments.  I hope that you will stop by Really Reasonable Ribbon to check out ALL the fabulous products that will help to make your next card or project "Camera Ready".  ENJOY!

 

Karen

P.S.  I'm linking my cards here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Let's Get Sentimental - I used stickers for my sentiments on these three cards.

Crop Stop Embossing Folders

Hello, sweet crafters!  I'm delighted and honored to have you stop by my blog today as I share a project I made for Crop Stop.  One of the MANY terrific products sold at Crop Stop are their Embossing Folders.  They carry (are you SERIOUSLY ready for this???) 346 different Embossing Folders at Crop Stop!  If you're not familiar with them, you will definitely want to take a closer look.  They're inexpensive, easy to use, and they add SO MUCH texture and personality to your cards and projects.  For this particular card, I used the Tall Trees  All Dressed Up Collection" Embossing Folder.  But you can achieve this effect with ANY of the embossing folders they carry.  Once I embossed my cardstock, I distressed the raised up part a bit by using a piece of sand paper to give it a worn look.  You can actually see this even better in my close-up that I've shared on the Crop Stop Blog.

Once I embossed the cardstocks, I machine stitched them together.  This alone gave my base a lot of texture.  Next, I added some Trendy Tape/Washi Tape to the top just for a little POP of color.  My sentiment was made by applying a rub-on sentiment to a piece of black cardstock, and tying it with Ivory Burlap String.  And...let's not forget my favorite part - the FLOWERS!  In the bottom left-hand corner, I added some Petaloo Leaves, a Petaloo Textured Elements Flower, and two Petaloo Botanica Collection small Sugared Flowers.  There's also more of the Ivory Burlap String tied into that bundle.  How sweet!

 

I really do hope that you will take some time to browse through Crop Stop's MANY wonderful products, and especially focus on their 300+ Embossing Folders and all the great flowers, trims and embellishments to go along with them.  Today is a perfect day to treat yourself to something new!

I'm sharing my card here:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Don't Abandon The Coral

DRS Designs Challenge #173 - Hot Trends/Beautiful Backgrounds - I used an embossing folder to create my backgrounds, and inked them.
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Let's Get Sentimental - I used a rub-on for my sentiment on this card.

 

Happy shopping and crafting!

Karen

Celebrating Mom at The Kraft Journal

This week at The Kraft Journal we are celebrating MOMS, and I'm always happy to make a card for my dear Mom and/or Mother-in-Law because, as we all know, our Moms have done so much for us.  I created this card using a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card.  I attached a "wooden" background patterned paper with some coordinating accessories and stickers.  To that, I added a Lunch Bag Kraft Card Sleeve Envelope which is the perfect size for a gift card, and matches the Lunch Bag Kraft Note Cards perfectly. 

Karen Letchworth

I tied some old-fashioned Black Baker's Twine around the Lunch Bag Kraft Card Sleeve Envelope and tucked a Small Grungy Prim Shipping Tag inside it for journaling purposes.  I also attached a small piece of Black With White Polka Dot Washi Tape to the side of the card for fun.  The Kraft Outlet carries several sweet varieties of Decorative Washi Tapes.  It would be awesome to have you play along in this week's "MOTHER'S DAY" challenge for your chance to win a $15 gift certificate to The Kraft Outlet. 

Happy crafting, and have a blessed week!
Karen

Crate Paper Party Day Card

One of my daughters told me this morning, "WOOPS MOM, I forgot to tell you that I need a Birthday card TODAY"!  Well, I grabbed a sweet line I have which is Party Day by Crate Paper, and I got some inspiration from Pinterest and made this card.  It turned out pretty cute, and she was relieved to have the card she needed.  It's almost completely made from Crate Paper Party Day, with the exception of some baker's twine from Really Reasonable Ribbon and some sequins from V's Sweet Ideas.  This fun Birthday actually falls on May 5, which is "Cinco De Mayo".  A real celebration!

I did a little bit of inking, some machine stitching, and layered all the cute patterned papers and matching embellishments from the set.  I like how it turned out, and will definitely be using this line for a few more cards.  It's just a fun, bright card, and I hope the birthday girl really enjoys it.

These are the challenges I've found where I can enter this card:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Little Scrap Pieces Show it Off Linky Party - Anything Goes

Live & Love Crafts - Ice Cream - While there's no actual ice cream on my card, I think we ALL know why we show up for Birthday parties (let's be honest here)......it's for the cake and ICE CREAM.  Am I right?

 

Inspired By Stamping - Challenge #93 - I chose to follow the sketch for this challenge.  It's a little bit of a busy sketch, and I have a lot going on here; but I really thought it was a cute layout/sketch, and it allowed me to incorporate several sweet embellishments.

 

Amusing Challenges - A Muse Studio - Cinco De Mayo - Cinco De Mayo is all about celebrating.  This card was made to CELEBRATE a birthday that just so happens to fall EXACTLY on Cinco De Mayo, and my daughter will give this card to her friend on that special day of celebration.

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by to say hello, and have a blessed week.
Karen

New Challenge at V's Sweet Ideas

This month at V's Sweet Ideas, our challenge theme is "Emboss It", and that can mean either pressure embossing (like I used), or it can be embossed stamped images.  Any way you interpret it, you will have great fun with this month's challenge.  For my card, I used a piece of cream colored cardstock, and pressure embossed it with a musical embossing folder.  That made a cute background.  Next, I added several gorgeous flowers, ribbons and trims vertically along the right hand side of my card.  I also added a canvas heart, a Maya Road canvas tag attached with a lovely Maya Road stick pin, and I applied a Melissa Frances rub-on to the canvas tag.  It turned out really cute, and was a very easy card to make.  I also rubbed some ink on my musical embossed image to show the dimension it has.  By simply adding ribbon, baker's twine, seam binding and some embellishments, it really adds something special to the card.

 

I also used some of V's Sweet Ideas sequins on my card to make it "POP" a bit.  I added little color-coordinated pearl accent stickers to the sequins to make them more noticeable.  It's a sweet accent, and sequins are VERY popular right now.  Sequins are VERY popular right now, and V's Sweet Ideas has LOTS of great colors of sequins at great prices to accent all your cards and projects that you will just LOVE!

We really hope that you will stop by to play along in this month's Anything Goes Challenge at V's Sweet Ideas for your chance to win a gift certificate to their ADORABLE Sweet Shoppe!  If you've never checked out V's Sweet Shoppe, you will definitely want to do so because their products are DARLING!  We also really enjoy having you play with us, and appreciate your participation so very much.

I am SO incredibly grateful that you've taken the time to stop by today and say hello to me.  Your visits to my blog are SUCH an encouragement to me, and I hope I can adequately express how much it means to me that you take time out of your busy schedules to visit my blog, take a peek at my projects, and leave a little bit of love (in the form of a comment).  I can't wait to visit your blog and see your "Emboss It" project.  THANK YOU for being such a blessing to me.

I'm sharing my card in these AWESOME SSS challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
 

Have an awesome week,

Karen