Saturday, December 31, 2016

Paper Sweeties Inspiration Challenge - January, 2017

Welcome by today, everyone!  I'm so glad you're here because today is an exciting day for me as it's my first (official) day as a Design Team Member for Paper Sweeties, and it's also the first day of a sweet new challenge where YOU could win a $25 gift certificate to this perfectly sweet shoppe.  If you've never visited Paper Sweeties, you're in for a real treat!  Be sure to stop by to get some inspiration on their wonderful blog and in their gallery, do some shopping, and then come play along with us in this month's challenge.  Just look at this adorably fun inspiration photo.
Paper Sweeties' challenges are always Anything Goes; just let the photo speak to you however it may - whether it's the colors, the snow, the snowmen, the buttons, the trees, whatever.....we just want to see what you create.  Here's the card I created for the challenge:
I used several different patterned papers to help me incorporate all the different colors.  Next, I did some machine stitching, added some pom-pom trim at the bottom (to create a snow effect), placed a small vellum envelope on the left, and tucked a tag inside it.  The tag is stamped with snowflakes from the adorable Snow Friends Stamp Set and this sweet set is the perfect stamp set to help you "build a snowman".  I used the snowman (body), the top hat, the scarf, the holly and ivy (on his hat), and the snowflakes (on the tag) from the Snow Friends Stamp Set to create my card.  Just like with all of Paper Sweeties stamp sets, there's also a matching die-cut set for this set called Snow Friends Sweet Cuts.  The Sweet Cuts (dies) make crafting SO easy and fun.
To the tag, I also added a bow tied with Cotton Candy Seam Binding and topped it with a chipboard star and a Cotton Candy Sequin in the center.  Paper Sweeties' Sequins are not like any other sequins.  They are precious!  Each one is a tiny little "cup" like a flower almost.  I like placing a tiny accent sticker in their centers.  They're truly thee cutest sequins EVER!
Here's the list of Paper Sweeties Designers sharing inspiration for the new challenge, and you won't want to miss a thing.  Each designer on our team makes such adorable cards and projects so you're sure to be inspired along the way.  


I sure am glad you've stopped by today, and I look forward to seeing everyone's entries in the new Paper Sweeties Challenge.

Wishing you all a sweet day!
Karen
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Seasons Giving Blog Hop 2016

Welcome!  I'm so grateful that you've stopped by to celebrate this beautiful Season of Giving with us.  Our ever-growing crafting community is filled with talented artists who inspire us, and generous companies and individuals who give their lovely wares to help us grow in our ability to create art and make new connections in this community rich in talent, generosity and creativity.  We all become broader artists by gleaning tips and talents from one another; and we need to be really mindful and grateful for all the wonderful companies out there who keep making the most wonderful embellishments, papers and goodies for us to create with and enjoy.  We are SO blessed, and we each just wanted to give back in some small way.
There will be a prize or gift of some sort at each stop along this exciting hop, so be sure to read each blogger's details and rules for winning.  There are some really AMAZING prizes again this year with 16 companies, and 56 individuals.....HOW EXCITING!!!  For this year's Seasons' Givings Blog Hop, I am giving away some authentic antiques/vintage findings including an antique floral frog, some wooden spools with vintage lace, several wooden antique thread spools, antique clothespins, and some other little vintage pieces (buttons, trim and tin cups, etc.) for you to use in some lovely whimsical project.  To be eligible to win, simply leave me a comment telling me what you would like to do or create with these items.  I love hearing your creative ideas.  I'm so sorry, but because the floral frogs are SO heavy, my give-away is for the Continental United States only.  I will leave commenting open until January 5, 2017 and announce the winner within a day or two of that.  I wish you the best of luck in the random draw.  I don't like to make it a stipulation that you have to follow my blog in order to win my prize, but I will be honest enough to tell you that I really would appreciate it if you would follow me (if you're not already).  I'm happy to do the same for you if you leave me a comment telling me your blog address.
OK....here's the entire Seasons' Givings Blog Hop list.  We realize that it's long, but trust me....that's a good thing!  There is a lovely PRIZE AT EVERY STOP you make, so don't forget to comment on a single one, or you won't be eligible for the prize on that particular blog.  Again....good luck!!


For this year's hop, I wanted to create something that represented my gratefulness for all things....including the crafting community and all the blessings in my own life as well.  I chose to create this little card, and I hope you enjoy it.  I used paper scraps, a Papertrey Ink die-cut set, and a Paper Sweeties sentiment.
Thanks for visiting me, and for celebrating this beautiful Season of Giving with us!  I leave you all with this verse - Acts 20:35(b) ".......It is more blessed to give than to receive".

Finishing Up With One Crazy Stamper

Hello, and thanks for stopping by today.  As some of you may know, I've been doing a Guest Design spot with One Crazy Stamper featuring several High Hopes Stamps, and today I am sharing my last card for this Guest Design spot.  The stamp I used for this card is called Lil Snowbird, and I colored it in using my Copic Markers.
The patterned papers I used for this card are from October Afternoon, and the flower and sentiment sticker are super old (from my stash) and are from Making Memories.  I added a bow tied with Red Burlap String.  I also added a few sequins, and I inked the edges of my papers with coordinating colors of Tim Holtz Distress Inks.
There is always a fun challenge taking place on the One Crazy Stamper Blog, and lots of fabulous products at One Crazy Stamper.  I hope you will check it out.  I've sure enjoyed my time creating with them, and I'm grateful to them for having me as a Guest Designer.

I'm sharing my card here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #458 - Anything Goes - I hope someone thinks my card is "cute" since I'm playing along at Cute Card Thursday.

Outlawz Challenge - Wednesday Sketch - I thought this sketch was simple and cute, and it helped me lay out my card.  I hope you like it!

Have a great weekend!
Karen


Friday, December 30, 2016

Celebrate & Sweetheart Blossoms

Welcome by, everyone!  Today I'm sharing a sweet little wooden hoop that I decorated for Really Reasonable Ribbon by adding some 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Holiday Snowflake Ribbon, Cotton Blend Ribbon (out of stock), and Lipstick Red Seam Binding.  I topped that with a sweet little 12mm Crystal Flatback Round Acrylic Rhinestone.
The sentiment is just an old sticker from my stash that I back with a torn piece of the  2 1/2" Cotton Blend Holiday Snowflake Ribbon, and then I added some glittery foliage to the side of the hoop.  I used a small piece of Natural Solid Baker's Twine to make a loop on the back so that the hoop can be hung on a wall or hook.
Really Reasonable Ribbon carries 47 different colors of Seam Binding, and it's a beautiful trim that can be used in so many different ways.  You're sure to find some trims you will absolutely LOVE. 
Before I run off, I wanted to share another quick little card I created using one of the many fabulous styles of Mulberry Flowers carried at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  These sweet little flowers are called Sweetheart Blossoms, and they come in several gorgeous colors and sizes.
Aren't they sweet?  I added a bow tied with Ivory Seam Binding, and added some Two-Toned Peach Sweetheart BlossomsIvory Sweetheart Blossoms, and (a blueish tone) from the Mixed Colors Sweetheart Blossoms.
Be sure to check out the fun new challenge starting January 7 on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog, and be sure to stop by and do some shopping in the super sweet RRR Ribbon Shop.  We're so glad you stopped by!

Blessings,
Karen

P.S. I am linking up to the following:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #458 - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Party Time" - My first project "Celebrate" is to ring in the New Year, and you can bet we're having a PARTY at our house!

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Paper Sweeties 2016 Favorites

Merry Christmas, everyone!  Along with Debbie and the rest of the Design Team at Paper Sweeties, I want to wish you all a happy, blessed and memorable Christmas and a safe and fun New Year.  Today we're each sharing our favorite Paper Sweeties project from 2016.  It's hard for me to pick a favorite.....not because I think all my cards are cute, but because it's honestly impossible to make a card that's not cute when you're using Paper Sweeties' products.  Yeah, they're THAT adorable!
I chose two cards.  I chose this one because I just adore this stamp set and how the card turned out using it.  This stamp set is called Homemade With Love, and I also used the coordinating Homemade With Love Sweet Cuts which are just PERFECT for helping you cut precise images every time.  They're simply wonderful.
I also used Paper Sweeties super sweet Cotton Candy Seam Binding, a Red & White Chenille Candy Cane, and some Bubblegum Sequins to top these sweet cupcakes.  Paper Sweeties is chalk full of the most adorably sweet stamps, dies, seam binding, sequins, and SO much more to help YOU create something adorable.
To see the other Design Team Members' favorite projects of 2016, simply click on the links below, and you'll be taken directly to that blog.  I know you will be inspired by all the super sweet projects they're sharing today.  What a fun way to celebrate Christmas....with a little Paper Sweeties shopping!!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

I also wanted to share this card with you today.  I created this one back in October using Abigail, the Abigail Sweet Cuts, and a Marshmallow Sequin.  Like I said, it's simply impossible to go wrong using Paper Sweeties products.  Isn't she sweet?
Thanks so much for stopping by.  And before I run off, let me just remind you that there's always a fun challenge on the Paper Sweeties Blog, lots of great inspiration, and we will all be posting again on January 1 for the start of a fun new challenge.  You won't want to miss a thing!

Merry Christmas to all,
Karen

Challenges I'm entering:
4 Crafty Chicks - New Year's Resolutions #330 - Well, if you haven't guessed....I'm resolving to lay off the sweets (cupcakes included).

Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge Blog - Make It Sparkle - I used red glitter on the edges of my cupcakes to make them sparkle!

Outlawz Challenges - Festive Friday - I love playing along in these fun challenges.



Wednesday, December 21, 2016

RRR Paper Bag Mini Album

There's something wonderful about paper bag mini albums that I just LOVE!  All that cuteness, sweetness and potential for storing precious family memories all in one adorable little book.  And it's SUPER easy with Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I started with two small kraft paper bags that I covered with patterned papers, embellished, and then bound using my Zutter Bind-It-All.  That gave me a total of 8 pages (too many to show you all the pages), but I'm sharing some highlights from this sweet Paper Bag Mini Album.
The bound edge has 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Ribbon strips that are torn and tied to the binding along with lengths of 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Holiday Snowflakes Ribbon, Burlap Center Stitch Red, and Burlap Center Stitch Green.  The cover also has a sweet White Flat Back Pearl from our amazing new Embellishments category.  Another thing I suggest for EVERYONE is Scor-Tape.  This amazing adhesive comes in several widths, and is great for cards, mini albums, and SO much more.  I encourage you to treat yourself to some new ribbons and goodies today from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and Scor-Tape is just one of those must-have items for every crafter.
As I mentioned, it's just too much to share all eight pages.  You'll see lots of sweet little ribbony tabs tucked in here and there including snippets of 1 1/2" Red Gingham Ribbon, Striped Green, and Burlap Center Stitch Red.  There are also lots of great pockets for photo and journalling tags, and plenty of places for tucking in precious memories.  You'll also see that I used a Decorative Bitty Bag on one of my tags so that I could tuck in another journalling card.
Really Reasonable Ribbon carries so many great ribbons, laces, trims, embellishments, flowers, and so much more to help you adorn a Paper Bag Album.  They're fun, easy, and make great little gifts for Christmas.
All those great layers of ribbons, papers, and sweet little touches to help you document and cherish family memories.  Why not try making a Mini Paper Bag Album for yourself.  I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have, and Really Reasonable Ribbon can help you find all the supplies you need.
Just look at all the yummy ribbons!  Really Reasonable Ribbon carries the sweetest trims to adorn your next project.  And since Christmas is approaching, this is a great time to either treat yourself, or make a "Wish List" for your hubby so that you'll be sure to get what you truly LOVE this Christmas .....RIBBONS!  And don't forget about the FUN CHALLENGE taking place now on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.
Today is a great day to try something new.  Paper bag albums are easy and fun, and you'll love having a place to tuck in all those sweet Christmas memories, and save them for years to come.  And Really Reasonable Ribbon is the perfect place to treat yourself to some fabulous Christmas goodies.  Why not shop today?

Happy crafting,
Karen


Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Coffee Lovers & Paper Sweeties

Hello, everyone, and welcome by my blog today.  I am excited to share with you all that I am a brand new Design Team Member over at Paper Sweeties.  I have loved their sweet stamps, dies, seam binding, sequins and other little lovelies for quite some time now.  I was ticked pink when Debbie asked me to join the team.  I really am hoping to do a good job with these sweet products, and to use them in ways that will inspire YOU, my readers, to buy a few of the things I showcase for them.  Please always remember that if you have any questions about how I've done something, or what I used, etc., just ask me anything.  I'm here to help, and never mind answering questions.  That's how we all learn, right?
I wanted to play along in the Winter Coffee Lovers' Blog Hop and since Paper Sweeties is one of the sponsors this year, I wanted to share a coffee-loving project using a Paper Sweeties stamp set.  I chose to use the Coffee, Yes Please Stamp Set and the coordinating Coffee, Yes Please Sweet Cuts to die-cut my sweet stamped images.  And let me tell you, having the coordinating Sweet Cuts for the stamp set makes it SO easy to make perfectly stamped and cut images.  From the Coffee, Yes Please Stamp Set, I used the coffee mug, foam, heat swirls, coffee beans with leaves, the small heart, and two of the sentiments included in this set.  If you like playing along in the Coffee Lovers' Blog Hops each season, then you will definitely want to check out all the super sweet coffee themed stamp sets Paper Sweeties carries.  That way, you'll be ready for the next Coffee Lovers' Blog Hop, AND get to make some really adorable cards in the process.  There's just SO much to see.
All the patterned papers and stickers are from Simple Stories Homespun Holiday (super old line from my stash).  I added a sequin from the Winter Mix Sequin Pack and placed a tiny pearl accent sticker in its center, then I added a seam binding bow using Frosting Seam Binding that I topped with a couple of super cute Rusty Jingle Bells.  I tried to keep the card "sorta" simple (at least for me...LOL) so that you could really see that fabulous coffee cup.  Paper Sweeties has so many great products that you will love. Why not stop by today and check out the sweetest of stamps and so much more.
Before I run off, I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the wonderful sponsors of the Winter Coffee Lovers' Blog Hop (including Paper Sweeties).  There are so many generous companies in our crafting community, and we all need to be mindful of how very blessed we are to have their generous prizes in blog hops like this.  We are very lucky people for sure!

Thanks for visiting.

Here's where I'm linking up my Paper Sweeties Coffee Lovers' card:

2016 Winter Coffee Lovers' Blog Hop - I used a Paper Sweeties stamp set on my card.

Lori Hairston's Choux Choux Paper Arts Blog - Visions of Sugarplums Winter Challenge - I want to thank Lori for inviting me by, and for all the work that goes into hosting such a fabulous event.  Now, I'm just crossing my fingers to win something....LOL

Blessings to you all,
Karen