God is My Safe Harbor w/Creative Worship

If you love lighthouses, crosses, fabulous sentiments, fun stamps, dies and stencils; then you will be most delighted with the NEW Release this month at Creative Worship Stamps.  You can see the entire NEW Release by clicking this link.  I haven't had a chance yet to use all of the new items, but I'm sure looking forward to creating with them and to seeing all the fabulous creations by my talented teammates.  They always knock my socks off with their amazing talent.

I started my square card with Natural White Cardstock.  I pressure embossed the second layer with an Altenew Organic Linen Embossing Folder.  Next, I grabbed three different (older October Afternoon) patterned papers.  I roughed up the edges and machine stitched them together to give the background some color.  I stamped the smaller of two lighthouses found in the NEW Safe Harbor Stamp Set.  The background of the lighthouse image also has some of the flying seagulls which are also found in the Safe Harbor Stamp Set.  I cut the image using the second largest oval found in the Stitched Oval Dies.  It did cut off a small portion at the bottom of this gorgeous lighthouse image.

The sentiment I used is also found in the NEW Safe Harbor Stamp Set as are the rocks.  I fussy cut the sentiment into two pieces and attached them to a smaller oval cut using the Stitched Oval Dies.  Under the images, I added a piece of vintage lace and a burgundy trim in an attempt to give my card some texture and to tie in the colors found in my stamped image.  I also cut two hearts (upper left) using the Heart Dies, and I added a few small sequins as the finishing touch.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  Today is also the first day of the June NEW Release Instagram Hop, so head on over to My Instagram Page to hop along for your chance to WIN a $25 gift card to Creative Worship Stamps.  Please know that I truly appreciate your visits here on my blog as well as on My Instagram Page.  It means a lot to me, and I'd be delighted to have you Follow me on both.  Have a wonderfully creative week.

I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Masculine" - For me, this is masculine.

The Paper Funday Challenges - June Challenge #88 - Anything Goes/Polka Dots

Blessings,

Karen

Welcome Baby Boy w/Stamp Simply

There's something in the water, perhaps.  So many new babies are arriving within the next few months, so I knew Stamp Simply would have just the right products to help me make some baby cards.  In fact, Stamp Simply has the perfect stamps, dies and papers for pretty much every occasion.  It's always a lot of fun to create with Stamp Simply.  The card I'm sharing today features some super sweet baby stamps and dies that made making this card so easy.

I used basic white cardstock for my card base and layered it with some patterned papers from an Echo Park Paper Pad.  I covered the entire front with the yellow paper, and then a diagonal piece of blue patterned paper that I used to create a front pocket.  I used some of the sentiments found in the Echo Park Paper Pad to create the tags to tuck in the pocket.  Each tag is topped with Seam Binding, May Arts 3/8" White Crochet Lace and Baker's Twine.  I also ran a length of the May Arts 3/8" White Crochet Lace up the diagonal edge to help separate the two patterned papers.

The sweet little Onesie (baby outfit) is found in the Welcome Baby Basics Dies.  The sentiments stamped onto the outfit can be found in the Welcome Baby Stamp Set.  This lovely stamp set has many great sentiments including some for the adoption of a new baby, twins, and more.  These two sets together give you endless possibilities for making sweet baby cards.

Oh wait!  Did I mention the SALE that's taking place now at Stamp Simply?  You won't want to miss out on this fabulous time of savings.  You can stock up on some of your favorites, or maybe a set you've been wanting for a while.  Just stop by Stamp Simply to look around.

When you stop by the Stamp Simply Blog, you'll find lots of beautiful inspirations every day that are sure to spark your creativity.  Stamp Simply has so many lovely products to help you create amazing cards for every occasion, and the sale is a great time to grab what you've been wanting.  Thanks so much for visiting me today, and happy crafting.

I'm sharing my baby card here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Blessings,

Karen

Hello w/Poppystamps

As my journey continues, I'm sharing my second card for Poppystamps since joining their Design Team.  I'm having so much fun using these fabulous intricate die-cuts carried at Poppystamps.  Each time I open a new set, I fall more and more in love with the small details in each one.  These background die, once again, called to me and asked me to do some hand-stitching on the card.  Of course, I had to oblige and answer this call by pulling out my DMC floss to add some extra colors and textures, of course.

I started with Natural White Cardstock and Pink Cardstock that I layered together.  The top layer was cut using the lovely Fine Eyelet Frame Dies.  This sweet set contains six different frame sizes.  The one I used on this card is the largest of the six sizes.  I stitched the edges with coordinating DMC flosses for added color and texture, splattered the background with acrylic paints, and added a few sequins.

I used the lovely Nordic Cozy Tea Cup Dies for that super sweet tea cup.  All those lovely intricate details in the tea cup give this card so much color, texture, and detail in each part.  Even the steam is cute, and I added some ultra-fine glitter to that.  The sweet little butterflies I used are found in the Nordic Cheery Butterflies.  They're the perfect size to rest sweetly on the tea cup.

I'm also sharing this card on the Poppystamps Blog, Poppystamps IG, my own IG Page, and the Poppystamps Facebook Inspiration Page.  Yes, there's always plenty of fabulous inspiration out there to help you find creative ways to use the amazing dies found at Poppystamps.  I know that I'm sure having a lot of FUN creating with them.  I hope that I inspire you to stop by and take a peek....maybe to even treat yourself.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  It means more than you can possibly know.  And, as I work towards growing my IG Page, those visits become even more meaningful.  It's not easy growing my Following, but I'm getting there slowly but surely; and I appreciate you so much for Following my journey.  Happy crafting.

Blessings,

Karen

Words of Encouragement w/CutCardStock

Welcome by my blog today friends, and thanks for visiting me here.  Today I'm sharing a sweet and simple little card and bookmark duo featuring more of the fabulous cardstocks from CutCardStock.  No matter what type of project, no matter what colors, styles or techniques, you're always sure to find the perfect cardstocks when you shop at CutCardStock.  These high-quality papers will really make you smile.

My card uses Cougar Natural White Cardstock for the base layered with Pop Tone Pink Lemonade Cardstock for the inner frame.  I used a Scalloped Frame Die Set from PoppyStamps to create the frame.  The inside parts that are pattern papers were cut using an older Crate Paper line called Emma's Shoppe (my all-time favorite).  The same is true for all the papers, ephemera, stickers, etc.  I did a bit of machine stitching on both my card and my bookmark to give it all a homespun feel.  Yes, you can machine stitch cardstocks and papers.  Lots of paper scraps and tidbits were tucked in, but that sturdy cardstock is such an awesome base every time.

I did some masking on my stamping.  This is where I used a bit of scrap paper to cover the silhouette image from Jenni Bowlin Studio (on card) and the sentiment from Creative Worship (on bookmark) so that I could stamp the Wonderful Words of Life Musical Background Stamp on my backgrounds without messing up the other stamping.  You can see the masking technique photos on the CutCardStock Blog.  I simply cut a piece of scrap paper to block the stamped image from being stamped in the area where I would next be adding the focal image on card and the sentiment on the bookmark.

The matching bookmark was also cut using the Cougar Natural White Cardstock and Pop Tone Pink Lemonade Cardstock with the Bookmarks & More Dies.  I also tied some natural jute into a paper button on my card and into the hole of my bookmark.  I love the warmth of adding ribbons, jutes and laces to my tags and bookmarks.  The CutCardStock papers make such a great sturdy base for all your cards, bookmarks, tags and more.  They're awesome.

If you have any question at all, please let me know.  I tend to have a lot going on with some of my cards and projects.  lol  Paper layering is a lot of fun and an easy way to create fun projects while using up old paper scraps.  By using CutCardStock papers, you're always sure to find the perfect colors and weights of sturdy bases for all your projects.  Thanks so much for visiting me here today and have a creative week.

I'm playing along at:

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2621 - Anything Goes Sponsored by Newton's Nook

Blesisings,

Karen

Celebrate America w/Stamp Simply

At Stamp Simply Clear Stamps, we all love to celebrate America.  And Stamp Simply carries so many fabulous Patriotic Stamps, Dies & Pattern Papers to help you get started in making some truly fabulous cards and projects.  You can find lovely stamps and dies in most every category imaginable.  I can't ever remember a time when Stamp Simply didn't provide me with the proper sentiments, images and all I need to make a perfect card for the occasion.  They really cover a bit (or more than a bit) of everything, and I believe you'll really LOVE their wonderful stamps.

This little patriotic folio started with a music patterned paper.  I used a piece of 6x8 (not from Stamp Simply) because of the size.  You simply score the paper down the center and fold it in half.  Next, you turn it print side/front side down and fold about 2.5" upward to create the pockets.  You snip a piece of the corner folds diagonally which creates your pockets.  I added some Natural Crochet Lace (similar to this) on the edges of each pocket.  I also stamped on the pockets.  The sentiment is stamped using the Blessings & Beatitudes 1 Stamp Set onto a small piece cut using a Fishtail Banner Die.

All the patterned papers I used on this little folio are found in the Echo Park Stars & Stripes 6x6 Paper Pad.  On the cover, you'll see stars cut from this pretty patterned paper.  You'll also notice the gorgeous eagle which is found in the awesome American Eagle Stamp Set.  I used the coordinating American Eagle Dies to cut both eagles (yes, there's one on the inside as well).  The sentiment on front is also found in the American Eagle Stamp Set.  On the inside, I also added the US image using the Old Glory Stamp Set and Old Glory Dies.

There's a gift card in the pocket as well as a quick little bookmark.  I used the Patriotic Background Stamp on the background of the bookmark, and then I stamped my sentiment onto it.  You'll also see the border I added which was cut using the Tim Holtz Crochet Border Dies.  Be sure to visit the Stamp Simply Blog for lots of great inspiration.  It's always a treat to have you visit me and say hello.

I'm playing along at:

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2621 - Anything Goes Sponsored by Newton's Nook

Blessings,

Karen

Thinking of You Folio w/Stamp Simply

Those of you who know me best are well aware that I like to create within my own little creative box or in my creative comfort zone so to speak.  Rarely do I ever venture out and try a fancy fold or a new technique.  I've said for many years that I need to break out of this bad habit and try new things.  While I am getting a little bit better about it, I still have a very long way to go.  It's a creative journey, right?  Today I'm sharing something a bit different.  I saw this done on an Instagram Reel and decided to give it a try.  As always, the wonderful products from Stamp Simply made it easy.

I used patterned papers from the lovely Bright Blooms 6x6 Craft Consortium Paper Pad to create this sweet little folio.  Along with the papers, I also attached a piece of White May Arts 3/8" Crochet Lace to the front and on the inside pockets.    The poppies and sentiments on the front were all stamped using the lovely Pretty Poppies Stamp Set.  I cut the flowers with the Pretty Poppies Die.  A few sequins completed the front of my project.

Here's the inside view.  My plan is to tuck a hand-written letter in the left side pocket.  The right side pocket contains a pretty bookmark that I created by stamping the sentiment and music swirls onto white cardstock using the sweet Worship & Praise Stamp Set.  I layered it with more of the papers from the Bright Blooms 6x6 Craft Consortium Paper Pad, did some inking, and then added a piece of golden yellow Seam Binding at the top.

There are so many fabulous products waiting for you at Stamp Simply and lots of great inspiration each day on the Stamp Simply Blog.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  It's always a treat and it's very much appreciated.  Have a wonderfully creative and happy weeks, my sweet creative friends.

Blessings,

Karen

Feeling Incredibly Blessed w/Poppystamps

Are you familiar with Poppystamps and all their gorgeous die-cuts?  I've been a fan for many years; and now I get the honor of being on their Design Team.  This is my first official card for Poppystamps, and I had so much fun creating it.  Those who know me best are aware that I enjoy hand-stitching on my cards.  These sweet dies allow me to do just that.  Here's what I came up with to share with you today.

I started by cutting my cardstocks for the base of the card.  The top layer is a nice thick creamy cardstock that I cut using the beautiful Diamond Oval Pinpoint Craft Die.  This gorgeous die gave my background so much texture and design.  I splattered the background with coordinating colors of paint to give it a splash of color.

Next, I used the lovely Nordic Luminelle Flower Dies to cut the stem, leaves and flower pieces.  All the floral images you see on my card are found in this one Nordic Luminelle Flower Die Set.  Gorgeous!  I did a bit of hand-stitching on the flowers with coordinating colors of DMC floss.  The dies have small pinholes that make it easy (and cute).  I placed a French knot in the center of the flowers.  The others have small floral prills on them.

The sentiment was also cut from the same cardstocks using the Happy Birthday Tender Script Die.  I did the words in deep purple, and I did the background (two separate pieces) in pink.  It's a little bit messy, but I didn't redo it.  I'll try harder next time.  I was just so excited to have my first card completed.  (lol)  I wanted to also share this last photo (below) to show you a more close-up view of all the lovely textures, the stitching, and the intricacies of these amazing Poppystamps dies. 

A few sequins were the finishing touch.  I do hope you'll visit Poppystamps to take a look around at all their gorgeous die-cuts.  They really are quite spectacular, and so different from those sold at other companies.  It's a really nice change of pace with a completely different look.  Please let me know what you think, and thanks so much for visiting.

I'm sharing my card here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges - Simon Says "Use Craft Dies" so I used lots of pretty dies from Poppystamps.

Tic Tac Toe Challenge Blog - Challenge #292 - My Tic Tac Toe is across the middle row with Floral, Free, and White/Cream.  I splattered that creamy white paper with lots of paint, but it's still a pretty creamy white that I die-cut to create my background.

Keep on creating, sweet friends.

Blessings,
Karen