Stitching and Applique Tags

Welcome by again, everyone!  It's a delight to have you stop by, as always.  Today I'm sharing something other than a card......something very different.  As I've mentioned before, one of my most favorite techniques is stitching.  For me, this includes both hand stitching and machine stitching (sewing).  And because I love to play along in a few challenges when I'm able, I decided to create "Anything But A Card" for the current challenge over at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog this week.

I made some fabric tags with hand-stitching and applique.  I used various fabrics including cottons, felts, linen, wool, threat and vintage buttons.  The tags are soft fabrics, so this is more of a decorative piece than it is for function.  I thought they would look cute hanging from my antique sewing machine, or wherever.

If you've never tried applique or hand-stitched projects, I highly suggest giving it a try.  It's a really cute way to create vintage looking, whimsical designs using fabrics and scraps you may already have at your disposal.  If not, keep old clothing scraps, rags, socks, etc. in mind; and rather than throwing them away, keep them for small projects like this.

Below are the challenges where I'm playing along.  It's fun to create and share something other than a card now and again.  Thanks for stopping by to take a look at my tags.  I'm always so grateful for your visits and comments.  Happy crafting, everyone.

Blessings,

Karen

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog - Anything But A Card - As explained in detail above, these tags are hand-made using fabric scraps, hand-stitching and applique techniques.  It's so much fun making something other than a card.S

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Favorite Technique" - I've explained that I absolutely LOVE to stitch.  For me, that's always either hand-stitching, machine stitching, or both.  I used hand-stitching and applique techniques on these sweet shabby fabric tags.

There's No Place Like Home

Hi there, blog friends!  It's not really like me to post multiple times on the same day; but somehow I'm doing that today.  It's always SO much fun when I'm able to create just for fun.  For me, that tends to happen more so towards the end of each month.  I'm delighted to have the time and opportunity to play along in some of my favorite challenges; and to be able to create projects specifically for those challenges.

This card started with two cardstocks for the base (red and black) and a piece of white water color paper that I painted in shades of blue to create a backdrop.  I stamped, cut and colored the house, sentiment and sun using a Paper Sweeties set called Somewhere Over The Rainbow.   I stamped, cut and colored the tree and grass using the Treat Box Add-Ons: Home and Garden Set also from Paper Sweeties.

The challenges listed below are those that inspired me to create this card and where I'm excited to be linking up/playing along.  I hope you're staying creative this week as well.  I look forward to seeing what you're creating.  Please leave me a comment and mention what you've been working on this week, and I'll stop by to take a peek at it.  I look forward to it, in fact.  Have a blessed day!

Karen

The Mod Squad Challenge Blog - Fairytale Castle🏰 - Architecture/Building - I chose to use a HOUSE for my "castle".  They do have that saying that a woman is the "queen of her own castle" or something like that.  So, this house represents the queen who lives inside.

Pixie's Crafty Workshop:  Pixie's Playground Challenge #397 - Use those snippets.  For all the small pieces (house, tree, branches, sun) I used snippets of white paper that were literally just laying on my craft table right when I needed them.  I love using my scraps and not having to cut into a new piece of paper for these small images.

Dar & Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - Anything With A Heart 💖 - Can you see my (two) cute little hearts?  This one did say ANYTHING with a heart.  And, of course there's also a HOUSE there, and there's always the "heart" of the home; which is those who dwell inside.

Encouragement Card w/Reverse Confetti

Welcome back by my little slice of blogland, friends.  I'm always delighted when you stop by to say hello and see what I'm creating.  Today it's a quick card I made using some of my favorite products from Reverse Confetti.  I don't own nearly as much of their product as I would like; but I'm working on it gradually.  In the meantime, I have to use what I've got on hand.  That's how I came up with this card.

I started with a pale dusty pink cardstock and then used a piece of white watercolor cardstock to paint a background.  I stamped the sentiment using Sentimental Sayings Stamp Set and the birdhouse, bubbles and music notes using the Birdie Buddies Stamp Set.  I did some machine stitching and I added some micro-glitter touches to the birdhouse.  It's otherwise a very simple card that I created specifically for a dear friend of mine who could really use some encouragement right now.

I'm very excited to be able to play along at Reverse Confetti Scrap Your Stash Challenge this month along with some of my other favorite challenges.  I hope you've been able to be creative and play along in a few challenges this week as well.  Thanks again for stopping by my blog.

Blessings,

Karen

Here's where I'm linking up and playing along:

Reverse Confetti - Scrap Your Stash Monthly Challenge - Encouragement/Congratulations - I made this sweet ENCOURAGEMENT card for a friend using Reverse Confetti Products: Sentimental Sayings Stamp Set for the sentiment (It's a Good Day for a Good Day); and for the birdhouse, bubbles and music notes I used the adorable Birdie Buddies Stamp Set.  Thanks for the fun challenges and products, Reverse Confetti.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Favorite Technique" - As I've mentioned before, my favorite technique is machine stitching.  I do it when I can (if it's not too much) and I also love the ink all my edges.  That's something I've just always done; so I guess those are my favorite techniques.

Mod Squad Challenge Blog - Fairytale Castle - This challenge calls for a building or architecture of some kind.  Well, to a bird, there is no better "Fairytale Castle" than the birds' very own piece of architecture.....his house - the Birdhouse.  It's definitely a piece of architecture and it's definitely a building/structure.  Those who dwell inside are the kings and queens of the castle, I guess.

Dar and Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - Anything With A Heart 💕 - I have several little hearts on the birdhouse.  I was really drawn to the wood in this inspiration photo and I fell in LOVE with Kathy's wood card.  I incorporated just a touch of "wood" on the birdhouse.

Thinking Of You

Hello again, sweet blog friends.   Welcome by and thanks for visiting me.  Today I'm sharing another card I created using the Echo Park line called Flower Market.  It's been sitting on my craft table for well over a week now, and rather than put it away where it belongs; I just creating more cards with it.  Even I am getting a bit tired of it, and I know it's time to pack it away in an Echo Park bin.  But for now.....another card.

I used a pink cardstock base and the patterned papers.  I did my "favorite technique".....machine stitching.  I added a piece of vintage scotch tape, stamped a Stamp Simply sentiment (thinking of you), a green leaf, bundled ivory burlap string, and a miniature sweetheart blossom.  Lots of inking on the edges of all the papers is also going on here.....because I can't resist doing it.  Thanks for stopping by.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Blessings,

Karen

Here's where I'm sharing my card:

Double D Challenge Blog - Dar & Diane's Challenge - Anything With a Heart - I love using hearts all year round, so this was a great base for my card.

Enjoy Your Life w/Really Reasonable Ribbon

Welcome by, everyone!  Today I'm sharing a pretty card I created for Really Reasonable Ribbon using several of their wonderful products.  Not only can you always find the perfect ribbons and trims for every project at Really Reasonable Ribbon; but you can also find fun things like  Mulberry Flowers, Adhesives, Embellishments and SO much more.

This card started with some cardstocks that I attached using strips of Scor-Tape to securely attach them.  Next, I used more of the Scor-Tape to add the patterned paper layer.  I also cut a scalloped frame using a die and another patterned paper, and that's also attached using Scor-Tape.  I did a bit of machine stitching around my card in a deep green thread.  I added several accent stickers, washi tape, hanging tags, a stamped sentiment (miss you), miniature pink staples.  On the left-hand card border, you'll see two small snippets of pink and green stitched (retired) Maya Road canvas stipe ribbons, a Cotton Blend Maya Road green striped ribbon, and a Yellow Gingham Ribbon peeking out from behind the card.

The pretty ribbon accent includes a length of Yellow Gingham Ribbon, Light Pink Gingham Ribbon, Solid Lemon Yellow Baker's Twine, Double Head Stamens, Red Rosebuds, bundled Green Burlap String, and a  Pearl Heart Ribbon Slider.  I have a few of the Double Head Stamens positioned a bit lower than the others so that they cascade down my card a bit.  There are always so many lovely things at Really Reasonable Ribbon to help you create something lovely.  I encourage you to take some time to stop by Really Reasonable Ribbon to look around and pick up a few new things.  You really will enjoy their wonderful selection and fabulous products.

Thanks so much for visiting me today.  I'm always so grateful for your visits and I appreciate your comments and input.  I look forward to visiting your blog this week in return.  Stay creative and have fun in your craft room, friends.

Karen

Here's where I'm playing along:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Favorite Technique - For me, that always seems to be machine stitching.  I just love what hand and/or machine stitching adds.  I also love texture.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog - Add Some Texture - I added lots of texture with my layers of cardstocks, patterned papers, ribbons, tags, etc.  LOTS of layers in there.

Creative Fingers Challenge Blog - Challenge #202 - Anything Goes

Paper Sweeties New Release Rewind Day

Hello again today, dear blog friends.  Thanks for stopping by again today as we do our February New Release Rewind Day at Paper Sweeties.  If you haven't seen the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit yet, you will definitely want to check out this lovely assortment of products in a convenient set.  I am enjoying each and every item in this collection, and I'm having SO much fun creating with it all.  Take a peek at all the product you'll receive in the Paper Sweeties 1st Quarter Sweet Kit 2021.

This super sweet card started with a green cardstock base and a piece of the patterned paper from the Doodlebug 6x6 patterned paper pad found in the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit.  I also attached a piece of white cardstock that I painted with ink and touched with various dots of acrylic paint to match the colors in the patterned paper creating a sweet and colorful background.  I used the Best Day Ever Stamp Set to stamp the sentiment (Wishing You The Best Birthday Ever) in Coal Black Ink.  As I mentioned before, there's a sequin mix in the Sweet Kit as well as another mix of flatter pieces; and you'll see these flat iridescent pieces on this card.  SO sweet!💗

Again utilizing more of the awesome goodies from the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit, I ran a piece of the happy birthday washi tape across my card, added some turquoise machine stitching, a few of the small disc shaped sequins, and the ADORABLE birthday cake and candles which is also a Doodlebug Embellishment found in the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit.  How CUTE are all these goodies?  I would definitely suggest grabbing yourself one of these awesome Sweet Kits before they're gone.  I'm having SO much fun creating with mine.

There are several adorable Doodlebug 6x6 Patterned Paper Pads available at Paper Sweeties, along with loads of their darling Doodle Pops Embellishments.  That's what I used for this SWEET Birthday cake and candles.  A quick and easy background, and then I stamp the sentiments using the Best Day Ever Stamp Set.  Like the new Celebrate Stamp Set and most all of the stamp sets at Paper Sweeties, there are multiple inter-changeable sentiments in these stamp sets; and this helps you make the most of your purchases.  Sets like the Best Day Ever, Celebrate Stamp Set, Blessed, and many others include multiple sentiments.  Paper Sweeties is not only ADORABLE but also super FUNCTIONAL and helpful when we're making cards for loved ones year-round.  Especially these days, right?  We could ALL use a little encouragement.

I'm so tickled to be part of the Paper Sweeties Sweet Kit Design Team, and I'm having SO much fun creating projects with this DARLING 1st Quarter Sweet Kit.  I'm guessing this set will sell out quickly, as it's stuffed FULL of darling products that will help you create something extra SWEET.  I can't wait to see what my new Sweet Kit Design Team teammate, Maria Patrick, has created for today.  My guess is that she's enjoying this Sweet Kit as much as I am......and just as much as YOU will.

The finishing touch was the orange baker's twine that I wrapped around my card.  This is also found in the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit.  There's always something DARLING waiting for you at Paper Sweeties, and these lovely high-quality products will help you create the sweetest cards and projects.  Here are the links to the blogs of my talented teammates who have each prepared something special for you today.

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties
Karen Letchworth

Larissa Heskett
Lisa Golzbein

Maria Patrick

Teresa Plunkett

Thanks again for joining us at Paper Sweeties for our February New Release.  I really do hope that you will check out the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit (and all the sweet products) from Paper Sweeties.  You really will LOVE all these sweet products.  Go ahead, treat yourself.

God bless y'all,

Karen

P.S.  I just learned that the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit has already SOLD OUT.  However, there are still a few of the darling new CELEBRATE Stamp Sets & Die Cuts.  You can still get this sweet new set before they're all gone as well.  There are always lots of great options at Paper Sweeties.

Flower Market Slimline & RC Tag

Welcome back by today, dear blog friends, and thanks for visiting.  I've been blessed with some extra time to create, and I've been using that "one and only" slimline die-cut set I've been talking about so  much lately.  I may as well put it to good use, right?  Or, I'd better buy another slimline die set to give me more versatility.  One or the other, right?  Well, for right now it's going to be my fourth card using the same die-cut set and the same Echo Park Flower Market patterned papers and stickers.  I hope I'm not driving anyone crazy by using the same things over and again this week; but that's exactly what I'm doing.  sorry?

The patterned papers in this Echo Park Flower Market line are absolutely gorgeous, as you can see.  That's why I can't seem to leave them alone - at least not for right now.  I did lots of paper layering by die-cutting the hearts and other goodies.  There's a canvas swatch, a paper flag, stickers, solid red baker's twine, a vintage tea-stained doily, and two layered miniature tags.  Yes, lots of layers.

I also enjoy playing along at Reverse Confetti's Stock Your Stash Challenge each month.  This month's themes are Encouragement & Congratulations.  I chose to create an ENCOURAGEMENT tag using several products from Reverse Confetti include the Scalloped Window Tag Confetti Cuts, Birdie Buddies Stamp Set and Hanging Blooms Stamp Set.

I'm so happy to be able to play along in some of my favorite challenges this week.  Sometimes I don't have the time to create cards specifically for challenges; so it feels good when I can create things that are intended specifically for fun.  I hope you're all having fun creating this week as well.  Below you'll see the fun challenges where I'm playing along. 

Blessings,

Karen

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Make A Slimline Card - This is my 4th Entry into this challenge.  I'm happy to have  made four fun new slimline cards.

Reverse Confetti - Stock Your Stash - February Challenge: Encouragement & Congratulations.  I chose to make an encouragement tag using Scalloped Window Tag Confetti Cuts, Birdie Buddies Stamp Set and Hanging Blooms Stamp Set.  I'm happy to play along and will also share this on  my Instagram #reverseconfetti