Just For You My Friend

Hi friends!  When I saw the new challenge over at Time Out Challenges, I knew right away that I wanted to play along.  The inspiration photo is SO lovely AND it's hosted and sponsored by the wonderfully talented Gina from Gina K. Designs.  Just look at this awesome photo that inspired my card.  How could I possibly say no to this FUN challenge?

I used a piece of basic black cardstock.  The second layer is a piece of green corrugated cardstock, and the third layer is a piece of white watercolor paper that I inked with several beautiful colors of oxide ink to create my rainbow inspired background.  All those lovely colors in the inspiration photo were rubbed onto the watercolor paper.  Next, I used the Autumn Silhouettes Stamp Set from Stamp Simply for the image.  I used the Jesus Stamp Set for both of the sweet sentiments.

I added a Tim Holtz miniature rusty paperclip as the finishing touch.  I really kept things very simple.  When I saw Amy Tsuruta's FUN challenge at Woodblock Wednesday asking us to pull out our woodblock stamps, I knew I wanted to join in on that as well. I used an old Stampin' Up woodblock stamp (Limited Edition) on my matching envelope.  I forgot to write 1 of 1 but I'll do that before I mail the card.  I like having a matching envelope for my cards, so this was really fun.  My poor old woodblock stamps seem to get ignored so I really enjoyed this challenge. 

I don't normally have the time to create many cards just for fun that aren't for a DT assignment, but I've sure had fun doing so this week.  Being inspired to create fun cards is always a joy.  I'll be heading off to Minnesota next week (where it's currently 20 degrees BELOW ZERO - YIKES).  I've got all my DT cards scheduled for while I'm away.  I'll be visiting my dear friend, Mary, who is in Stage 4 cancer.  Our time together is going to be very special and I'm looking forward to it very much.  I hope that you're finding time to create some pretty cards and play along in some fun challenges.  Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful week.  I always appreciate your visits, comments and encouragement.  I'm grateful for you all.

I'm playing along here in these challenges that inspired my card:

Time Out Challenge Blog - Challenge #231 - Photo Inspiration - I was totally inspired by the gorgeous colors in this inspiration photo.  It was a blessing to create my card for this FUN challenge.

Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #50 - Anything Goes/Option: Lots of Layers - This is my entry 6/6 and I've had SO much fun playing along in this challenge this month.  I don't often find the time to play along in many challenges, but it worked out well for me this month and I'm so grateful.  I've really enjoyed it.  Most of my cards include many layers.  This one has three layers - basic black cardstock, green corrugated cardboard, and white watercolor paper.

Woodblock Wednesday by Amy Tsuruta - I used an OLD Stampin' Up (Limited Edition) woodblock stamp on my envelope.  I need to write 1 of 1 on it before I mail it.  I'm SO excited about this fun challenge that encourages me/us to pull out those neglected woodblock stamps.

Happy crafting, everyone.

Blessings,

Karen

Celebrate LOVE w/Really Reasonable Ribbon

There are so many exciting things happening this year at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  There's a brand new "Sister Company" called Bonnie Garby Designs and she has created the most amazing digital images and sentiments to help you create gorgeous cards.  Of course, all the same wonderful trims, twines, laces and ribbons are available at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  You won't want to miss out on all the exciting new things that are happening there.  Be sure to stop by the RRR Blog for loads of fabulous inspiration.

This card started with basic black cardstock.  Next, I used a piece of plain white cardstock to print this lovely sentiment from Bonnie Garby Designs from the Valentine Love Sentiments Bundle.  Isn't it sweet?  This entire bundle has so many great sentiments - like ALL of the sets from Bonnie Garby Designs.  I used Tim Holtz Spun Sugar Oxide Ink and Tim Holtz Raspberry Oxide Ink that I rubbed right over the sentiment to create the pink background.  I used a heart stencil to rub Kitsch Oxide Ink onto the top half of the card (also rubbed directly over the sentiment).  As you can see the lovely sentiment still looks amazing.

I ran a width of Black Seam Binding across my card and also used it to tie a pretty bow.  I tied another bow with Solid Light Pink Baker's Twine and Solid Deep Pink Baker's Twine.  I tucked in several Double Head Floral Stamens, a 30mm Green Mulberry Leaf, two Miniature Ivory Sweetheart Blossoms, and a Moss Green Mulberry Flower.  As always, Really Reasonable Ribbon carries the most perfect trims and treatments to make our cards look amazing.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Be sure to join us on the 13th for our monthly Blog Hop and stop by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog for loads of great inspiration.  You'll also want to be sure to check out Bonnie Garby Designs to see the lovely designs Bonnie has come up with to help you make some lovely cards.  I hope you have a blessed and creative week, my friend.

I'm playing along in the following challenges:

Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #50 - Anything Goes/Lots of Layers - This card has less layers than I normally use, but it still layers two papers, ribbons, twines and flowers.

Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge - Challenge #195 - My Tic-Tac-Toe is diagonal including Stencil (Heart Stencil), Circle (small dots, circles on the floral berries, and floral prills), and Ink Blending (as described above).

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Love Is In the Air - This is my entry 5/5

Colorful Options Challenge Blog - February: PINK - Pink is my most favorite color and I was inspired to blend the  lighter and darker pinks on this card.  This inspiration photo is SO sweet and inspiring.

Keep on crafting and LOVE one another.

Blessings,

Karen

Christmas, Coffee and Hearts

What an AWESOME combination for a card.....Christmas, Coffee and Hearts (Love).  Some of my (and our) favorite things, right?  This is a card that I was able to create just for fun.  No DT assignments, no real reason why, but just because it celebrates several of the sweetest things in life.  I was also inspired by some of my favorite challenges when I created this sweet card.

I started with basic black cardstock and I rubbed the edges with white chalk ink.  Next, I added a layer of natural corrugated cardboard.  The next layer is a piece of white/cream watercolor paper that I stamped using the Typewriter Text Stamp from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and also rubbed on a stencilled background in Brick Oxide Ink using their Delightfully Delicate Stencil.  The cute coffee mug and flower-shaped sequin are from Paper Sweeties.  The holly and ivy were cut from wool felt using a die-cut set from Papertrey Ink.

I also added some Black & White Bold Check Gingham Ribbon and lovely piece of Natural Crochet Lace from Really Reasonable Ribbon.    The big layered hearts were cut from red cardstock and black corrugated cardboard using a lovely heart die-cut set also from Papertrey Ink.  I used Making Memories white rub-ons for the sentient.  I've still got oodles of rub-ons that rarely get used any more so I'm trying to work them into some of my projects and use up those old goodies from my stash.  I'm excited to play along in these FUN challenges that I enjoy.

Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge Blog - Challenge #14 - Hearts - As I mentioned, I incorporated Christmas, Coffee and Hearts.  How FUN.

Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #50 - Anything Goes/Lots of Layers - I used loads of paper layers on this sweet card, as I usually tend to do.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Love Is In the Air

Stencil Fun Challenge Blog - January Theme: Winter - The stencil I used is the Delightfully Delicate Stencil from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps VIP Challenge - February - Pink, Green and Cream Color Challenge - I didn't really use pink, but I used lots of green and cream.  I used SNSS Delightfully Delicate Stencil and their Typewriter Text Stamp Set.

I hope you're playing along in some fun challenges this week.

Blessings to you,

Karen

A New Challenge at The Card Concept

It's time for a brand new challenge at The Card Concept and we sure hope that you will play along with us.  This is the inspiration photo for the new challenge to give you a starting point.  You don't have to follow it literally.  Just let something in the photo speak to your creative side.  Perhaps a color, a texture, an image or anything that makes you feel creative.  The most important thing is to have FUN.

I was inspired by the colors black, red and pink.  I was also drawn to the idea of using the hearts when I created my card.  I used basic black cardstock and some patterned paper from the Carta Bella My Valentine 6x6 Paper Pad.  The lovely sentiment I used is from the Love Is In the Air Valentine's Bundle at Bonnie Garby Designs.  I used a heart stencil and rubbed on some Spun Sugar and Kitsch Oxide Inks to the sentiment square.  You'll absolutely LOVE all the great sentiments and goodies over at Bonnie Garby Designs.

Next, I used a Papertrey Ink Heart Die to cut the hearts from corrugated cardboard and more of the patterned paper.  I added a small coffee cup (from Paper Sweeties) and a small Crate Paper circle sticker.  I also added a few sequins, some wrapped/knotted Solid Black Baker's Twine and a Miniature Ivory Sweetheart Blossom.

I like how my stencilled hearts match the hearts on the patterned paper (well, sorta anyway...lol).  How will this inspiration photo speak to your creative side?  We look forward to seeing what you come up with to share in this FUN challenge.  The card styles are defined for you here on The Card Concept Blog.  Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek at my card, and I'll see you out there in blogland.

I'm sharing my card in the following:

Stencil Fun Challenge Blog - Challenge Theme: Winter - I'm sharing a Valentine's Day card which, of course, is a Winter holiday.  I used a heart stencil that I picked up at Walmart in a multipack.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Food and/or Drink" - My card has a cute little coffee cup, which is my favorite drink of all.

Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #50 - Anything Goes/Lots of Layers - This is yet another card I created with LOTS of fabulous paper layers.  I love using various textures and layering them so this challenge was right "up my alley" so to speak.  This is my Entry 6/6

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Love is in the Air" - What the world needs now is LOVE, sweet LOVE.

Colorful Options Challenge Blog - February: PINK - This is my favorite color and the inspiration photo inspired by sweet pink hearts and accents.

Dar & Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - Theme: Love (Inspiration Photo) -  I was inspired by the all the adorable hearts as well as the color scheme.  I absolutely love to play along in this FUN challenge whenever I'm able.

Thanks again for stopping by my blog today, friends.

Blessings,

Karen

It's Winter at The Four Seasons Challenge

Hello everyone, and welcome back by today.  It's the start of our final Winter themed challenge for this year at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog and we sure hope that you'll be joining us again this month.  We enjoy seeing all your wonderful creativity, and we look forward to seeing how this beautiful inspiration photo will inspire you.  This is the card I was inspired to create.

I used black and red cardstocks to create my card base.  I cut pink cardstock and a piece of vintage sheet music using the Crimped Frames Dies from The Greetery.  I ran the pink piece through my Cuttlebug using a Darice Wire Fence Embossing Plate.  I used a stamp set from Paper Sweeties for the stamped sentiment.  I used a stitched heart die-cut from Papertrey Ink for the heart which I cut from corrugated cardboard, and I hand stitched it with Solid Red Baker's Twine.

I used another (old favorite) Papertrey Ink die to cut the cute little houses.  I cut one from red cardstock, one from corrugated cardboard, and a third from the vintage sheet music.  I added some Tim Holtz miniature rusty paperclips and a flower-shaped sequin from Paper Sweeties.

I was inspired by the image in the bottom left of the inspiration photo....the house, the hearts, the love theme and the colors.  I just love celebrating home, family, love and all those sweet things God blesses us with each and every day.  I'm curious to see what elements in the inspiration photo will speak to you and your creativity.  It's always fun to see each person's unique take on the challenge.

I hope that February brings you all much happiness, joy, blessings and a newfound sense of peace as you celebrate love and ALL the great things God has given to each of us.  We look forward to seeing your art over at The Four Seasons.  Happy crafting, and I'll see you in blogland.

I'm playing along in these fun challenges:

Can You Handle the Pressure - Challenge Theme: Anything Goes w/Twist of Borders - I used a Darice Wire Fence Embossing Folder on the pink piece of cardstock.

Dar & Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - Theme: Love (Inspiration Photo) -  I was inspired by the hearts, the colors and the textures.  I love to play along here whenever I'm able.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Love is in the Air" - This sweet card is all about LOVE.

Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #50 - February/Lots of Layers - This is another card that uses LOTS of paper layers.  Layering lots of papers is something I tend to do on my cards pretty much all the time.

Colorful Options Challenge Blog - February: PINK - I love everything pink and I always have.  This card was inspired by the shades of pink and the wonderful textures in the photo (shoes, fabric, etc.).  What a lovely inspiration board.  PINK is beautiful.

Blessings,

Karen

So Happy Together

Well, Valentine's Day is fast approaching.  I'm SO grateful knowing that I have that "very special someone" in my life.  My hubby, Darren, and I got married when we were just 19 years old.  That was almost 38 years ago, which means that we've spent the greater part of our lives TOGETHER.  During those 38 years, we've been through A LOT including the death of three babies, the death of both of our Dads, and lots of life's struggles and stresses.  Through it all, we've learned that we truly are "So Happy Together" and, actually, better together.  Knowing that I have someone who is completely committed to me and the life we've built is a BIG blessing.  I truly praise God for the life He has given me.

This is the card I'm giving my hubby on Valentine's Day.  Yes, it's girly.  But hey...it's just my style and he knows that.  It's the thought that counts, right?  I just want him to know that I feel SO blessed that we are SO "happy together".  I used black cardstock layered with white cardstock.  The patterned papers I used are from the Carta Bella My Valentine 6x6 Paper Pad.  I used a border die and a length of Black Seam Binding at the bottom of my card.  My bow includes the Black Seam Binding, Valentine's Baker's Twine, a White Mulberry Leaf, an Ivory Open Rose, and several Double Head Stamens.

The sentiment card is also found in the Carta Bella My Valentine 6x6 Paper Pad.  I also cut a small rectangle using the Crimped Frame Dies from The Greetery which I stencilled with hearts.  I used Brick and Spun Sugar Tim Holtz Oxide Inks.  I added a miniature paperclip, and on the left side of my card I attached a small tab that has some Melissa Frances rub-ons (Together.....).  I know rub-ons are trending anymore, but I adore Melissa Frances rub-ons and I still own many of them.  I enjoy piling on lots of cute embellishments.....you know me.  LOL

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today to take a peek at my Valentine's Day card.  I'm grateful for your visit and appreciate your comments, thoughts and friendships.  I hope you're having a blessed and creative week as well.  God bless you all, dear friends.

I'm playing along in these FUN challenges:

Paper Funday Challenge Blog - February Challenge #50/Lots of Layers - I always enjoy using LOTS of layers on my cards.  This card has several layers of patterned papers, borders cut with papers and journalling tags of paper.

Stencil Fun - January Challenge - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist of Winter - As we all know, Valentine's Day is a Winter holiday, and what's better than celebrating LOVE?

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - LOVE Is In the Air - Let's celebrate LOVE all the time.

Dar & Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - Challenge Theme:  HEARTS - I guess you can say that I used "some" hearts on this card...LOL  This photo inspired me.  Isn't it beautiful?

Colorful Options Challenge Blog - February: PINK - This is my favorite color and it has been since I was a very little girl.  My bedroom growing up was pink & white canopy bed with pink walls and pink things everywhere.  I absolutely LOVE all things pink.  I was inspired on this card by the hearts and colors.  And, I've LOVE one of the cupcakes please.

Keep on crafting, and remember to "love one another".

Blessings,

Karen

To Say I Love You w/Stamp Simply

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?  I've been having FUN making some pretty Valentine's Day cards using the lovely products from Stamp Simply.  At Stamp Simply Clear Stamps, you'll be sure to find the perfect stamps with every sentiment and image to help you make beautiful cards for every occasion.  They have such a wide variety of high-quality stamps and dies.  I always enjoy using these wonderful products.  AND.....there's a SALE right now where you can SAVE 20% on all in-stock stamps and dies.  You won't want to miss that.

For this card, I used a black cardstock base and some patterned papers from the Carta Bella My Valentine 6x6 Paper Pad to create the base.  I ran a length of the lovely .5" Venice Katrina Ivory Lace down the side of my card to separate the two patterned papers.  I also tied on a length of Pink Baker's Twine, tied it in a knotted bow, tucked in some Floral Stamens, and topped it with a sweet Green Mulberry Flower, Red Mulberry Flower and Pink Mulberry Flower.

I used the Floral Cluster Spring Pansies Stamp Set to stamp the beautiful floral cluster and I colored it with my Copics.  I added some tiny floral prills to the centers of the flowers for added texture and color.  I also used the Floral Cluster Spring Pansies Stamp Set for the stamped sentiment (To Say I Love You).  I stamped it onto a strip that I cut using the wonderful Fishtail Banner Dies and I inked it just a bit.  I added more of the tiny floral prills to the sentiment strip.  I cut the Floral Cluster using the coordinating Floral Cluster & Sprigs Dies; which match will all four seasons/designs of the Floral Clusters.

You're always certain to find many wonderful stamps, sentiments, images, die-cuts, trims, flowers, embellishments and SO much more at Stamp Simply.  There's also loads of wonderful inspiration each day on the Stamp Simply Blog.  Be sure to stop by and check out all the wonderful things happening at Stamp Simply and let your creativity run wild.  You'll never be disappointed.  Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends.

I'm sharing my card here:

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

Inkspirational Challenge Blog - Mood Board/Love, Valentines, Etc. - I was inspired by the hearts, love theme and florals

Die-Cut-Divas Challenge Blog - Romantic/Love/Valentines - This is my second entry into this LOVEly challenge and I'm excited to play along.  I used die cuts from Stamp Simply as outlined above.

Inspiration Station Challenge Blog - Challenge #45 - "Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow". - Albert Einstein - I was inspired by the quote and by the soft lace curtains in the inspiration photo.  I love to play along here whenever I can.

Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge Blog - Challenge #194 - I got my tic-tac-toe three different ways by using several of the suggested elements.  I got one down the left-hand side w/Die-Cut, Heart and Patterned Paper.  I got another one diagonally w/Ribbon/Bow, Flowers and Patterned Paper; and I got a third one across the middle w/Heart, Flowers, Pink.  Lots of pretty things in this lovely inspiration.

I sure hope that you're having a blessed and creative week.  Where are you playing along?  If you need a really FUN challenge, please come join us at Word Art Wednesday.  Our sponsor this week is the wonderful Avery Elle Stamps.

Blessings,

Karen