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

Coffee Loving Cardmakers' Caffeinated Christmas Challenge

It's always a great day when I can create a couple of cards just for fun.  I have so much old Crate Paper product sitting in bins in my craft room.  So, when I do get the opportunity to pull it out and create with it; I like to do so.  The fun coffee and cocoa images are perfect to use with these sweet products.  For this card, I used some Crate Paper Peppermint patterned papers and chipboard pieces.  These wonderfully warm papers and products are so easy to use, and I always enjoy creating with them.

I machine stitched my top patterned paper to the card base.  Next, I used the Stitched Scalloped Notebook Dies from The Greetery to cut the woodgrain piece of patterned paper.  I placed the Crate Paper chipboard cocoa piece on top of that and adored it with some trims from this old Peppermint Crate Paper line for added texture and color.  The sentiment (ticket), lollipop and peppermint candy chipboard pieces are also from the Peppermint line.  There's no actual stamping on this card, but it was still a lot of fun to make.

Playing along in these challenges is something I wish I could do far more often.  Hopefully, you've been finding some great challenges where you can share your art as well.  I'd love to suggest the Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenges as well as the FUN challenges at Word Art Wednesday.  It's awesome seeing all your wonderful art out there in blogland and on social media.

Thanks so much for stopping by today for a peek at my caffeinated Christmas card.  Below you'll find all the links to these FUN challenges where I'm sharing my art and playing along.  I can't wait to see YOU out there sharing your art, too.  Happy crafting, everyone.

Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge #57 - September - I'm always thrilled to play along in this FUN challenge whenever I possibly can. 

Paper Funday Challenges - Challenge #91 - Anything Goes w/Optional Sketch

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Add Some Texture - My textures come in the way of several paper layers as well as chipboard pieces and multiple trims.

Blessings,

Karen

Recycling/Repurposing w/CutCardStock

When it comes to any crafting project, I think it's fair to say that it really all starts with cardstock.  Right?  Our card bases are almost always cardstock, and we also incorporate cardstock into many (most) of our projects.  The quality of that cardstock really does matter.  When I first began crafting and cardmaking, I would just purchase whatever cardstock I could find.  I'd get it from WalMart, Hobby Lobby or one of those stores.  Then, we all fell in love with our local scrapbook store(s) where I'd purchase countless pieces of Bazzill.  I don't know about you all, but my local scrapbook stores are all gone now.  So, when I was introduced to CutCardStock, it was an immediate love affair.  Quality, color choices, various weights, textures and every single cardstock I've purchased so far is of the highest quality.  It truly makes a difference when you hold a CutCardStock card in your hand as compared to a flimsy store-bought cardstock.

Today I'm sharing a Recycling/Repurposing project with you.  But again, I knew that by using cardstocks from CutCardStock, I would have a quality project that will last over the test of time.  And in this case, being pulled in and out over and over again.  This cardstock can handle it......because it's awesome.  I started with some old Maya Road packaging items. You simply pull out the back piece of printed packaging cardboard, trace it onto a piece of CutCardStock, cut it, and slide it right back in the place of that old packaging.  I also put a package of Tic-Tacs into the open space where my product once was.  It's a great way to Recycle/Repurpose.  Complete details can be found on the CutCardStock Blog.

For the backs of these projects, I used DCS Cougar White Cardstock that I inked to match the colors of the flowers on both projects. If you'd like, you can see photos of my process on the CutCardStock Blog.  Once I had my back pieces cut, I was able to get to the really FUN part which is decorating the repurposed project.  For the first one, I used Red Habanero, Lessebo Brick Orange, DCS Yellow Jacket, and for the leaves, I used Pop Tone Jelly Bean Green and Pop Tone Gum Drop Green Cardstock.  I simply attached a length of bundled twine at the top, and then placed the flowers and leaves where I thought they looked nice.

For my second one, I followed the exact same process.  Instead of the bright colors, I used softer tones including some Pop Tone Pink Lemonade Cardstock, Pop Tone Grapesicle, more of the DCS Cougar White Cardstock and DCS Plum Cardstock.  No matter which colors of CutCardStock I use, I can always count on the high quality I've come to love and expect from CutCardStock.  It truly is FABULOUS.  There are so many lovely colors, weights, textures and choices of cardstock at CutCardStock along with envelopes, adhesives and much more.  Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek at my little recycling/repurposing projects today.  It's always a treat to have you visit and leave me some feedback.  Happy crafting, everyone.

Blessings,

Karen

A FUN New Challenge at The Card Concept

As Summer begins to come to an end, we're all excited to start up the challenges again over at The Card Concept.  This means you can come by and share all your wonderful art with us this month.  There's a lovely inspiration photo to give you a creative boost, but you're really able to share whatever inspires you.  Sometimes it's just one color, an image (a flower, a book, a rope or boot, etc.) or perhaps it's a texture that you're inspired to use when looking at this inspiration photo.  It doesn't have to be taken literally.  In other words, you aren't required to use a sunflower.  Just have FUN and be creative.  We want to see what you're inspired to create.

I want to apologize for my incredibly blurry photos.  While there's really no appropriate "excuse" for it, I know why my photos have been so poor lately.  It's because my eyes are failing; especially my left eye.  My glasses are outdated, and I've got to get that taken care of this week.  In fact, I really think I need to look into surgery to correct my vision so that this doesn't continue.  Definitely something I need to pray about for sure.  Secondly, I desperately need a new phone/camera which will also improve the situation greatly.  Anyway, I was draw to the Sunflower Image, Woodgrain Elements, and touches of green.

Which elements, images, textures or colors are speaking to you?  You can literally share ANY art that you're inspired to create.  We just want to see your art.  I used several products from Creative Worship Stamps including their NEW He Provides Clear Stamp Set, and I cut it with the coordinating He Provides Dies.  I also used the Vintage Elements Stamp Set, Sunflower Background Stamp, Stitched Rectangle Dies, and lots of FUN Tim Holtz Distress Spritz.

When you use products from Creative Worship Stamps, you can always count on several things.  First and foremost, you're buying from a Christian-Owned company.  You're also always going to get high-quality stamps and dies, you'll find so many amazing (and super cool) products, and you can also count on fair prices, and a vast assortment of accessories.  On top of hundreds and great stamps and dies, this also includes the cool Mini Spiral-Bound Sketchbooks and load of great Tim Holtz products.  Creative Worship really is an awesome company with awesome craft products.

We really would LOVE to have you come by and join us this month at The Card Concept.  Just let your creativity speak to you, see what you come up with, have FUN creating, and come link up your art in our challenge #229.  Something in that inspiration photo must be saying something to you, right?  Let us see where your creativity leads you.  Thanks so much for visiting me here today, and I hope to see you out there in social media land.  Happy crafting.

I'm sharing my sunflower card in the following challenges:

The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog - Challenge #89/September - Anything Goes with Inspiration Photo.  The photo gives all the colors of Autumn, and I pulled on the yellows and greens.

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #91 - Anything Goes w/Optional Sketch - I did follow the sketch somewhat but thank goodness that we have the option of Anything Goes.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Add Some Texture" so I used several paper layers, a button with jute, and lots of Distress Spritz to add extra textures to my card.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "STAMP IT" for STAMPtember - I used various stamps from Creative Worship on this card.

Blessings,

Karen