Autumn Paper Bag Pocket w/CutCardStock

It's October already and time to enjoy the beautiful signs of Autumn that surround us.  One thing I truly miss about living in Northern Minnesota is seeing the beautiful leaves change color.  Every Autumn, we'd take a drive up the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior (sometimes all the way into Canada) to enjoy the gorgeous foliage.  Some years we'd do it more than once because it's so beautiful as the leaves change their colors.  There are also lots of adorable little shops and restaurants on the drive from Duluth, Minnesota up the scenic North Shore Drive following the shore of Lake Superior.  As you drive the approximate three hours, you (hopefully) begin to grasp the enormity of this Great Lake.  It's SO beautiful and so incredibly impressive.  God is truly an amazing Creator, and I feel so blessed to have grown up surrounded by His creations in the great Northland.

This project that I created for CutCardStock using several of their (many) fabulous cardstocks is a bit of a celebration piece for Autumn and those awesome memories.  I used a very basic brown paper bag to create a paper pocket card.  You don't need anything fancy for this....just any little old paper sack will do the trick.  There's a bit more of a Tutorial on the CutCardStock Blog if you'd like more detailed instructions.  I machine stitched pieces of DCS Twine Cardstock that I placed as my base pieces over the brown paper sack.  Once you've attached those base pieces, the rest is all about making it pretty.  CutCardStock made that process SO easy with all the pretty colors of high-quality cardstock they carry.

The following colors of cardstock from CutCardStock were used to cut the tags, sentiment, acorns, stems, leaves, berries and foliage you see on this Paper Bag Pocket.  The Tags/Tag Toppers are from Creative Worship Stamps and the (thanks) sentiment is from Poppystamps.  I also used some 3-D Foam Circle Tabs to raise up some of the pieces.  The following images were cut using Into the Bloom: Acorn Die Set from Papertrey Ink with these gorgeous cardstocks:

DCS Twine Cardstock - Base Pieces and Acorns

DCS Vanilla Bean Brown - Acorn Tops

Pop Tone Gum Drop Green - Stems

DCS Habanero Red - Leaves

DCS Yellow Jacket - Leaves and Tag

Astrobright Orbit Orange - Leaves

DCS Plum Purple Cardstock - Berries

There are SO many fabulous colors of high-quality cardstocks of various weights at CutCardStock.  I wish I could own every single fabulous color and variety they carry.  Until then, I'll enjoy working with the colors I do own, and I'll tell everyone I can how FAB they truly are.  You can find lots of great inspiration on the CutCardStock Blog and SO much great cardstock at CutCardStock.  Don't throw away those paper lunch bags.  You can turn them into art.  Thanks again for visiting me here today, friends.

I'm sharing my paper bag pocket card here:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Tag It - I tucked in a few tags at the top.

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #92 - Anything Goes/Pumpkin Spice - I went with Anything Goes

Blessings,

Karen

Merry Christmas w/Poppystamps

Chances are pretty good that none of us are ready Christmas.  Well, believe it or not, Christmas is only 77 days away which means there are lots of Christmas cards needing to be made.  When you shop at Poppystamps, you're always sure to find the most beautifully detailed and intricately layered die cuts to help you easily create beautiful cards.  The Merry Christmas card I'm sharing today was easily created using just a few of the many wonderful dies from Poppystamps.

I used basic black, a heavy glittery gold (Michael's) and a basic cream cardstock for the base of my card.  The top layer is a piece of pretty gold-embossed vellum (from Michael's).  I used the second largest oval found in the lovely Pinpoint Oval Frame Dies to cut the oval frame from the focal point.  I used the lovely Nordic Drop Ornament Die Set to cut the lovely ornament that I hung with solid cream baker's twine.

The ornament and pretty bow at the top were cut from Fresh Aqua and Blueberry Mist Cardstock as well as small scraps of the glittery gold cardstock.  The bow was cut using the Satin Ribbon Craft Die Set, and it makes a lovely accent for any card.  I really just wanted that gorgeous Nordic Drop Ornament Die Set to be the star of this card, and it certainly is.  The Merry Christmas Foil Tab tab is from our sister company, Memory Box.

Take some time to visit Poppystamps to see all the wonderful die-cuts they carry.  You can also play along in our monthly Poppystamps Challenge for your chance to WIN, and the Poppystamps Blog always has lots of great inspiration.  Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello here today.  I always appreciate your visits.

Peace on Earth Challenge Blog - Challenge #121 October:  I was inspired by the ornament in the photo with all the gold accents.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use Pattern Paper - I used a patterned/text vellum paper.

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #92 - I'm going with the Anything Goes option this time because this card has nothing to do with pumpkins, spice or anything of the sort.  Just a Christmas ornament with glitter.  lol

Blessings,

Karen

Christmas Coffee w/Stamp Simply

Welcome by today, sweet friends.  As the October New Release continues at Creative Worship Stamps, I've been having so much fun creating with these awesome new products.  There are so many great things found in this month's NEW Release including some gorgeous peacock stamps, dies and stencils.  There are also several sweet Snowflake products including a gorgeous background stamp and some sweet layering dies.  And let's not forget about the awesome NEW Sermon Notes Stamp Set for those of us who enjoy Bible journalling.  It's all so incredibly wonderful, and you won't want to miss any of it.

This card started with basic black cardstock layered with basic white cardstock and then a jewel toned blue cardstock that I stamped using Unchartered Mariner Blue Oxide Ink and the awesome NEW Snowflake Whimsy Background Stamp.  I inked the edges with more of the blue as well as some white ink for a snow-kissed look.  Next, I stamped the Snowflake Whimsy Background Stamp onto a piece of the white cardstock, and I cut it using one of the ovals in the Stitched Oval Dies.  I surrounded the oval with a green wreath that was cut using the Lovely Wreaths Dies.  A bit of white paint splattering and a sequin gave my background some "snow" which also helped break up the dark background.

I used the fabulous Holiday Cheer Stamps & Dies for the coffee cups, sentiment and candy canes.  I positioned these images around the oval to give it depth.  It's always fun to incorporate coffee into my Christmas cards because everyone who knows me is well aware of my love for coffee.  And truth be told, most of my friends and family love it as much as I do.  Creative Worship Stamps has so many great coffee related products to help you give your cards some caffeinated love.

Thank you once again for your visit here today.  It means the world to me that I have crafty friends who stop by to say hello and take a quick peek at my cards.  You all inspire me SO much and I appreciate you beyond words.  Happy crafting, everyone.

I'm playing along in the following challenges that I 💕love so much:

Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge Blog - October Challenge:  Anything Goes Christmas and Caffeine - This card uses products from Super Sponsor and friend of all things caffeinated, Creative Worship Stamps.  I absolutely LOVE💖 playing along in this fun challenge any time I possibly can.

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - October Challenge - Anything Goes w/Optional Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice- Entry #1/6 - My "everything nice" always includes coffee.

Happy crafting, everyone.

Blessings,

Karen

Be Still w/Creative Worship Stamps

It's been such a tremendous blessing and honor to be a part of the Design Team at Creative Worship Stamps.  There are many times that I still can't believe that they would truly want ME on this team.  I'm surrounded by such incredible talent, and I don't feel at all adequately matched to their level.  But I will say this, I'm blessed and grateful to have this privilege and I enjoy Creative Worship Stamps products SO much.  I pray all the time that God will help me to create art that's worthy of this position, and that will bring honor and glory to Him.  For me, that's what my art is all about.....honoring God and praising Him for any talent I may (or may not) have.  God has blessed me tremendously, and I'm #blessed to design for this amazing company.  This month's NEW Release is absolutely wonderful.

Among the many awesome NEW products this month, I've fallen in LOVE💖with the NEW Snowflake Whimsy Background Stamp.  When you receive a padded envelope from Creative Worship Stamps, your products come protected with a piece of thick cardboard (so they won't bend).  Each month, I use this piece of cardboard for a project, and this month, this is that project.  The base is cardboard and the top piece is also cardboard which was cut using the Stitched Rectangle Dies.  I stamped that piece using the awesome NEW Snowflake Whumsy Background Stamp in dark brown.  And YES, the die-cuts from Creative Worship Stamps will cut straight through that thick cardboard with great ease.

I used another scrap of the cardboard to make my grungy piece that I cut using one of the smaller pieces in the Stitched Rectangle Dies.  I rubbed some paint on it and attached it.  It's topped with images found in the Holly Christmas Stamp Set (holly and berries) as well as the Coffee Talk Stamp Set (coffee mugs).  The sentiment (Be Still) can be found in the gorgeous NEW White as Snow Stamp Set.  And finally, let's talk about those STUNNING snowflakes.  They are SO pretty, and the NEW Delicate Snowflake Die Set includes SIX (6) different styles/sizes of snowflakes.

You'll LOVE💖this NEW Release as much as I do.  The beautiful snowflakes and snowflake background are definitely good choices, and products that I already know will get used a lot.  Creative Worship Stamps always has such amazing products, and I really do hope you'll stop by to check out all their fabulous things.  Thanks so much for visiting me here today, friends.  I'm always grateful for you, for your comments, and for your supportive friendships.  Leave me some love and I'll pop by to say hello to you as well.  Happy crafting.

I'm sharing my caffeinated Christmas card in the following challenges:

Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge - Challenge #58 October: Anything Goes Caffeinated Christmas. I used products from Creative Worship.  Thanks for another FUN challenge and all the great inspiration.

Keep creating beautiful things.

Blessings,

Karen

Christmas is Coming at Stamp Simply

It's hard to believe it, but Christmas is just around the corner.  When I start thinking about all the sweet Christmas cards I'd like to make, I know that Stamp Simply will make the job much easier.  Stamp Simply carries so many great stamps, dies, papers and more to help us create lovely cards.  And this week, there are THREE (3) great Christmas sets on SALE.  I incorporated two of this week's sale items into the card I'm sharing with you today.

I used basic black cardstock layered with red cardstock and then a piece of yellow patterned paper found in the Craft Consortium Ink Drops Sunset 6x6 Paper Pad.  The black cardstock was stamped in white ink using the Vintage Christmas Background Stamp Set.  I fussy cut this and layered it onto the other papers.  I cut the oval in the center using the Ovals & Twigs Dies.  This is where I stamped my sweet sentiment using the Jesus Stamp Set.  The foliage and berries are also found in the Ovals & Twigs Die Set.  So cute.

The lovely star was stamped onto a scrap of the yellow paper in the Craft Consortium Ink Drops Sunset 6x6 Paper Pad using the Merry Christmas Stamp Set.  I embossed the star with gold embossing powder and cut it with the coordinating Merry Christmas Die.  So many of the stamp sets from Stamp Simply work great on their own as well as when they're combined with other sets.  They're just so sweet and so super versatile.  This card came together quickly and easily featuring these SALE items.

When you're ready to start on your Christmas cards, head on over to Stamp Simply to SAVE on some great products.  You can also find lots of fabulous inspiration on the Stamp Simply Blog.  We're always so grateful and blessed to have you stop by to visit.  Happy crafting, everyone.

I'm linking up this card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Blessings,

Karen

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