Delicate Snowflakes w/ Creative Worship Stamps

This month's fabulous NEW Release from Creative Worship Stamps includes some gorgeous peacock stamps, stencils and dies along with some new Sermon Notes Stamps and some lovely Delicate Snowflake Dies, Snowflake Stencils and a Snowflake Whimsy Background Stamp.  Today I'm sharing my first card of the month which features the NEW Delicate Snowflake Dies.  It's always fun to create Wintery cards in unexpected colors, and these new products are so much FUN to use.

I started with Dolphin Gray Cardstock layered with Pink Lemonade Cardstock that I stamped using the fun NEW Snowflake Whimsy Background Stamp.  I also used the Typewriter Text Background Stamp to add the words you see in the background.  I embossed the pink background with a glittery embossing powder to give it that wonderful shimmer.

Each of the snowflakes in the NEW Delicate Snowflake Dies comes with an outer cut and a smaller (thinner) snowflake cut.  They can be used either way, but today I layered them and stitched in some white iridescent string.  The sweet sentiment can be found in the NEW White as Snow Stamp Set.  I really love the movement in the Snowflake Whimsy Background Stamp.  It's much prettier in real life, and that's partially because I don't take the best photos.

I've also shared this card on my Instagram Page where I'd love to have you visit and Follow me.  I'm still struggling there and the struggle is real.  If I ever do get to 1,000 Followers, I'll be having a BIG give-away.  Thank you for being a part of my creative journey.  I always appreciate your visits here.  Have a wonderfully creative week, everyone.

I'm playing along in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Blessings,

Karen

 

Love, Joy & Peace w/Creative Worship Stamps

One of the many things I love about Creative Worship Stamps is that you can always find fresh new products that are exciting to use and that honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It's one of my greatest blessings being able to design for Christian companies that are led by Godly Owners like sweet Korin at Creative Worship.  She's always coming up with fabulous new products that allow Christian artists to design with praise and honor to God while using high-quality amazing products.  This month's NEW Release is no exception.  I seriously cannot put it away....it's all SO awesome.

This card has several cardstock layers including Natural White, Gum Drop Green and Smoke Gray.  The top layer was cut from the Natural White using the Stitched Rectangle Dies.  I stamped the background using the beautiful Holly Christmas Clear Stamp Set.  I added some pink glitter to the sweet berries from this set to give my background some shimmery goodness and make the card pop.  Next, I stamped my tag using the sweet NEW Winter Collage Tag Stamp Set.  I painted the images and cut the tag using the Tag & More Dies.  I also splattered everything with lots of pretty Tim Holtz Distress Spritz.

The tag is raised up with 3-D Foam Tabs.  I cut several wreaths using the Lovely Wreaths Die Set that I placed underneath and around the tag in cream, green and pink.  I attached some natural jute string to the top of the tag because I wanted to incorporate another, more rustic, texture to my project.  I can't think of anything else, but please let me know if you have any questions.  There's so much great inspiration on the Creative Worship IG Page.  Thanks so much for visiting me today.

I'm sharing here:

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

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2629 - Anything Goes

Double D Challenge Blog - Pretty in Pink

Blessings,

Karen

It's Tea Time w/Stamp Simply

If you're a fan of the annual Coffee Loving Cardmakers' Blog Hops, monthly Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenges and special events; I'm sure you're excited for the Fall/Winter Hop.  As always, Stamp Simply is a proud Sponsor for this special event, and they're offering up a $25 store credit.  Just stop by and hop with us leaving comments along the way to be eligible for this awesome prize.  In fact, there are several awesome companies sponsoring this event as always.  I'm sharing my inspiration card using a few of the many fabulous coffee/tea themed products available at Stamp Simply.

My card started with black cardstock that I layered with a piece of patterned paper from the awesome Stamp Simply Coffee or Tea 6x6 Paper Pad.  I used lots of Tim Holtz Oxide Inks to paint pieces of Tim Holtz Watercolor Distress Cardstock.  I also splattered them with cream acrylic paint and splashes of Tim Holtz Distress Spritz.  Then, I cut all my pieces using the Coffee or Tea Die Set for the teacup, its handle, and the tea bag and Sizzix Tim Holtz Thinlit Leaf Fragment Dies for all the foliage.  I tied a piece of String to the tea bag to resemble a real tea bag.

I also added the coffee themed words to my teacup using A Cup of Java Stamp Set.  I thought it helped to set apart the teacup from the print background, soften the color on the teacup and blend everything together.  There are so many fabulous Coffee and Tea themed products at Stamp Simply.  We hope that you'll stop by to see what's new and what you just might not be able to live without.  lol

Oh, and here's more good news.  In celebration of National Coffee Day, all our Coffee/Tea themed stamps, dies and patterned papers are ON SALE (20% off) this week.  This is a great time to stock up and save on some of these awesome products.  These basic coffee shaped dies are SO much fun to use and to incorporate with other products.  Stop by Stamp Simply to check out this awesome sale.

Thanks so much for visiting me.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on my Autumn coffee card.  You can find everything you need to recreate this card at Stamp Simply and SO much more.  There's also lots of great inspiration over on the Stamp Simply Blog.  I'm hoping to share this card in a few fun challenges as well.  Have a wonderfully creative week.

Blessings,

Karen

Inking Cardstock w/Poppystamps and CutCardStock

Hello, creative friends, and thanks for stopping by today as I share a card that I created for CutCardStock using a few of their MANY fabulous cardstocks.  Truth be told, I would LOVE to own every single color of cardstock carried at CutCardStock.  Not only because they have every sweet color you can imagine, but also because of the amazing quality I've found in the cardstocks from CutCardStock.  Never before had I actually realized the difference between cards made with basic cardstock and cards made with those of the weight and quality found at CutCardStock until I held them in my hands.  You can honestly FEEL the differences as you hold the papers in your hands.  They're thicker, heavier, sturdier, crisper, and I really can't adequately explain how amazing they truly are.

For this card, I chose DCS Dolphin Gray as my first layer, Pop Tone Pink Lemonade for my second base layer, and a the lovely Lessebo Colors Premium Sweet Mint Cardstock for my top (cut) layer.  I used the Heart Pinpoint Frame Die from Poppystamps to cut that sweet top layer.  To cut my watering can I used a die called Nordic Watering Can (also from Poppystamps).  The colors I used for the watering can include more of the DCS Dolphin Gray, Pop Tone Pink Lemonade and Lessebo Colors Premium Sweet Mint Cardstock as well as some DCS Sea Foam Green Cardstock.  Here's where I get to the part about "Inking Cardstock".  Because not everyone has access to every single color of this high-quality cardstock, I like to make the most of what I do have.  So, when I don't have quite the exact color of cardstock I'd ideally prefer, I can simply ink blend the next darkest shade of whichever color I'm trying to match onto my existing color(s).

For instance, even though you see other colors on my card, these (above) are the only colors of CutCardStock that I used on this card.  I ink blended the Lessebo Colors Premium Sweet Mint Cardstock (top base color) with a darker green for my stems.  The Pop Tone Pink Lemonade was inked with a darker pink for all of the flower parts as well as for the inside color on the sentiment which was cut using the Poppystamps die called Hugs Moonlight Script.  It's mounted on a piece of the DCS Dolphin Gray Cardstock.  Oh, and my small "yellow" center piece on the one flower isn't yellow cardstock at all.  But rather, it's a piece of Heavy Cougar White Cardstock that I ink blended with yellow ink. If you'd like to see more of my ink blending process, you can find it on the CutCardStock Blog.  This is a great place to find lots of great inspiration using the fabulous cardstocks found at CutCardStock.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  If you have any questions about CutCardStock, I'm happy to help.  They also have amazing Customer Service that will assist you with anything you might want to know about these fabulous cardstocks.  Have a wonderfully creative week, and happy ink blending.

Blessings,

Karen

A FUN New Challenge at Creative Worship

For those of you who LOVE Creative Worship Stamps as much as I do, you'll be happy to know that they host a monthly Team Takes Challenge every month on Facebook.  This month's challenge theme is Black & White w/One Other Color.  We would be delighted to have you stop by the Creative Worship Stamps Facebook Fan Page to play along in this FUN new challenge with us.  Here's the inspiration card I created for the challenge.

As you see, I used black and white cardstock along with my "other color" which is a jewel tone blue.  I layered these three colors for my card base.  The top layer is white cardstock that I cut using the lovely Stitched Rectangle Dies.  In the center of that piece, I stencilled in Black Soot Ink using the Jumbled Diamonds Stencil.  I stamped over that using the Typewriter Text Background Stamp.  And on top of all of that, I stamped in Hickory Smoke Ink with the NEW Basket Weave Background Stamp.  This created my messy background.

The fish were all stamped using the awesome NEW Loaves & Fishes Stamp Set and were cut with the coordinating Loaves & Fishes Dies.  Underneath the fish, as well as accents at the bottom, you'll see that I added some filmstrips that were cut using the Film Strip Dies.  The center piece was stamped using the Vintage Elements Stamp Set and was cut using another cut from the Stitched Rectangle Dies.  On top of that, I added my sentiment which can be found in the NEW Winter Collage Stamp Set and cut with the Tag & More Dies.  I also added some Iridescent White String that I wrapped around the card under the sentiment.

We would really LOVE to have you come by and play along in this FUN Challenge for your chance to WIN a $25 gift card to spend at Creative Worship Stamps.  In addition, there's another $25 store credit up for grabs on the Challenge Inspiration IG Hop starting today.  There are so many great products in this month's NEW Release and in general, and two ways to WIN.  Be sure to stop by the challenge on Facebook, the IG Inspiration Hop and at Creative Worship Stamps to take a peek at all the wonderful things that await you.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me today.

I'm playing along here with this card:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Make Your Own Background" so I did this by stencilling first, then stamping the typewriter text and finally the basket weave background.  

Blessings,

Karen

Grateful w/Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

My apologies for missing my Stamp Simply post last Monday, friends.  Time got away from me, and I simply forgot to post.  It's always a good idea to stop by the Stamp Simply Blog to stay up-to-date on all the specials, sales and promotions.  Each week, we've been featuring a "Product of the Week" and sharing cards using those products.  This week, the Seasonal Wreath Stamp Sets & Dies are on sale.  These are such pretty sets that will take you through the entire year with lovely images and sentiments.

This card base is Cougar White Cardstock layered with several patterned papers from an older Echo Park line called Fall Blessings that I machine stitched to the cardstock.  I roughed up the edges of my sewn papers to give my card some grungy texture.  Finally, I used a journalling card from this Fall Blessings line as the focal piece.  I added a sentiment (Grateful) from the Fall/Winter Seasonal Wreath Stamp Set and I cut it using the Fishtail Banner Dies.

Again, I used the Fall/Winter Seasonal Wreath Stamp Set to stamp the lovely wreath two times.  I cut the wreath with the coordinating Fall/Winter Seasonal Wreath Dies, and I layered them with 3-D Foam Tabs to give more dimension.  Next, using this one same set, I stamped the pretty pumpkin cluster.  I colored it using my Copics, and then I cut it out and placed it on my card below the wreath.  The only other touches I added were a Tim Holtz mini paper clip and one little green sequin.  If I've forgotten to mention any of my supplies, please just let me know.

Thank you so much for your visit here today.  It's always a treat to have you stop by and say hello.  I so love hearing your thoughts about my cards.  This is one that I hope to share in a few challenges.  Hopefully, you're playing along in some fun challenges this week as well.  Be sure to visit Stamp Simply to take advantage of this fabulous SALE.

I'm playing along here:

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #91 - I went with the Anything Goes theme.  This is my Entry #5/6

Craft Rocket Challenge Blog - Challenge #140 - Use Dies - I used lots of die-cuts on this card, and each one is named and linked above for your convenience.

TIME OUT Challenges - Challenge #322 - Seasonal Colors Where You Live - While I live in the desert of Las Vegas, we're just minutes away from Mt. Charleston.  We visited this week to view the changing leaves.  While they don't come close to the leaves in Minnesota (see above), I chose these colors for my card based on the rustic Autumn colors I saw there.

The Inspiration Station Challenges - September Inspiration Photo - I was drawn to all the beautiful leaves.  Look at all those gorgeous colors God has given us in nature and all around us.

Blessings,

Karen

One Card & Two Layouts w/Poppystamps

It's always so much FUN using the wonderful layered and detailed die-cuts from Poppystamps.  When I take them out and create with them, it's always a good time.  Today I'm sharing a sweet Autumn card that uses just two different sets from Poppystamps.  There are lots of paper layers on this warm and heartfelt card, and because the patterned papers are so busy; I decided to make two versions of this card.  This first one has more of the patterned papers, and the second version is a bit simpler with less of the patterned paper.

For both cards, I used lots of Echo Park's lovely Fall Blessings patterned papers.  I cut each background layer using the Eyelet Frame Dies.  This has become a favorite of mine, and as you can see; I love running some Baker's Twine through the eyelet hoops for added color and texture.  This lovely 6-piece Eyelet Frame Die Set is a great investment because you'll use it time and time again.  Once I had all my background layers in place, the real FUN began.

I used the ADORABLE NEW Nordic Acorn Squirrel Dies to cut that sweet squirrel.  I used more of my patterned papers to cut Mr. Squirrel's cute sweater as well as for all those darling little acorns.  I rubbed the edges of the patterned paper-cut acorns with some distress ink for shading and placed them all around the squirrel.  Like I said, using just two die sets was all it took to create this sweet card.  OK...now I'll share the second, less busy version of this card.

For this second version, I removed one of the patterned papers and replaced it with a larger piece of the ivory cardstock that I cut, once again, using the Eyelet Frame Dies.  I almost forgot to mention that on both cards, I splattered everything with a bit of Spiced Marmalade and Peeled Paint Distress Spritz.  This gives your cards another pop of color and pizzazz.  This version is basically the same card other than that I changed the background layers, and I changed the sweater on the squirrel.

Which version of this card is your favorite?  My husband thinks the first version is way too busy.  I think I kinda like all those pretty papers and colors.  Those who know me best are well aware of my need to layer it on...and then some.  As I've mentioned many times, layering paper is one of my favorite things to do when cardmaking.  It's always fun to make a second version of a card just to showcase the products differently.

Using the dies from Poppystamps really is SO FUN and SO EASY.  You simply cut the layers and place them where they go using your favorite glue or adhesive.  Some of our Poppystamps Designers make very simple cards, and some go crazy like me.😲  The point is that with Poppystamps products, it's always fun and easy.  I really do hope that you'll stop by to take a look around at all the wonderful dies at Poppystamps that will help you create something wonderful.  They also have a really FUN Monthly Challenge where you can WIN a $20 store credit.

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit me here today.  It's always a treat to have you stop by to take a quick peek at my art, and I appreciate it more than I can possibly express to you.  Let me know what you think about these cards I've shared today.  Your opinions are always appreciated and valued.  Have a wonderfully creative week, sweet friends.

I'm playing along here:

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #91 - I went with the Anything Goes theme.  This is my Entry #6/6

TIME OUT Challenges - Challenge #322 - Seasonal Colors Where You Live - I live in the desert known as Las Vegas, but we live just minutes away from Mt. Charleston.  We visited this week to view the changing leaves.  While they don't come close to the leaves in Minnesota (see above), I chose these colors for my card based on the rustic Autumn colors I saw there.  I also saw several squirrels on our trip to the mountain, and they are SO cute.

Craft Rocket Challenge Blog - Challenge #140 - Use Dies - I used lots of die-cuts on this card, and they're all mentioned and linked above.

Blessings,

Karen