Guest Designing at Pretty Little Studio

One thing I absolutely LOVE 💖about the crafting world would be all the wonderful people God has allowed me to meet.  There's a wonderful little shoppe called Pretty Little Studio that's been a friend to me/all of us at to Word Art Wednesday for a very long time now.  Not only has their Owner, Melissa Ross, been a blessing in sponsoring challenges for us at Word Art Wednesday; but she also creates and sells the most ADORABLE pattern papers, labels, tabs, tags and all sorts of ephemera cuteness.  Today I'm sharing two projects that feature some of her sweet goodies from Pretty Little Studio.  Grab yourself a beverage and get ready because this will be a very long post.  SO much sweetness to share.

Both projects were created using the same white glassine bags.  They're the basic ones from Hobby Lobby, I believe.  Anyway, for the Pocket (above), I folded up part of the bag and machine stitched the pieces together using the darling Sunshine 6x6 Paper Pack.  The small tag on the front is found in the Jolly Cheers Cut-Aparts Tags.  The sweet piece of flair is found in the You & Me Flair (retired).

That darling girl is found in the Grab Bag E Ephemera Packet.  Oh my heart!  There's SO much cute ephemra.  You can make a cute Pocket Card like this one and tuck in sweet little piece for the recipient.  You can write (or stamp, stencil, etc.) on the back of the Ephemera pieces with words of love and encouragement.  I stamped some very small sentiments on the tags throughout.  All the sweet prints on the Sunshine 6x6 Paper Pack papers make it even sweeter.

How fun, right?  Pretty Little Studio makes it easy and FUN to create sweet projects.  The next project I made is the Book/Album (photos Below) which was created by adhering two glassine bags together.  The pages were, again, covered in the sweet papers found in the Sunshine 6x6 Paper Pack.  They were machine stitched and roughed up on the edges for a vintage look.  The front of the book also shows the pockets.  Each pocket has a pull-out with either a journalling spot, photo spot, or a place for a gift card, etc.  I used the Jolly Cheers Cut-Aparts Tags throughout this mini album.

The album is tied shut with ribbon.  When you pull the ribbon, the bow unties, and you can open the book.  This one 6x6 paper pad completed both of these projects and still has plenty of paper left over to create even more sweetness.  I love all the details on the papers, and it was sad to cover up any of the darling images.  There are still three+ particular papers left that I haven't used that are my favorites of this collection.  Stay tuned....more cuteness to come.

Inside, you will see this next view below (the open view) and then below that, each of the two pages individually and in a more close-up view.  There are so many sweet little tabs and tags.  The Flair used on the front of my album is found in the You & Me Flair Buttons which I believe are sold out.  They do still have lots of cuties, though.  SO many cute elements to add to your projects are waiting for you at Pretty Little Studio.  I also used a Holiday Style Cut-Apart Flag on the front of my book.

The inside pages are, again, filled with the same patterned papers, tags, etc.  The page on the right-hand side shows the pocket page sticking out of the pockets left naturally by the paper bags.  This is one reason why I love to use bags (paper bags, glassine bags, etc,) to make albums.  Those natural pockets are SO fun to fill with notes and surprises.

This sweet puppy is found in the Grab Bag E Ephemera Packet.  The same is true of the next page, the right-hand side of this page.  There are so many cute Ephemera Pieces at Pretty Little Studio.  There's never any shortage of cuteness.  That's for certain.

How cute, right?  I love the machine stitching and how that adds so much texture to the pages.  You can combine a lot of what you already have on hand with the sweet products from Pretty Little Studio to create darling projects.  You really can't quite go wrong when you shop at Pretty Little Studio.  I know that I adore their sweet products and really have so much fun using them.

Here's the inside left of the next page.  More of the same sweet Grab Bag E Ephemera Packet and Ephemera pieces were used here on this page and throughout.  I also used another piece of Flair called Nutcracker Flair.  Another pocket peeking out with another place for hidden journalling.

And finally, here's a peek at the inside right-hand side of the last page.  I didn't decorate the back of the book.  It's just a plain white glassine bag.  I do, however, LOVE how you can see all the wonderful paper layers when you close this sweet little album.  All those lovely little bits and bobbits from Pretty Little Studio make it SO sweet and special.  Why not check out Pretty Little Studio for yourself?  You're going to LOVE it as much as I do....maybe more.

Happy crafting,

Karen

In Honor of Our Veterans w/Stamp Simply

It's really ALL because of our amazing Veterans and the sacrifices they've made for our country that we can, and should, celebrate the 4th of July as Independence Day.  I try my best to say, "thank you" when I see a Veteran (someone I'm certain has served).  This is something I do simply as a matter or respect.  Even if you're a person of few words, you can say, "thanks for your service".  As we celebrate our great country; we should never forget our Veterans.  Like I always say, at Stamp Simply Clear Stamps, there's a perfect stamp (die, etc.) for EVERY occasion, and Independence Day is no exception.

Yes, Stamp Simply has several different (all fabulous) Patriot Stamp Sets.  I think I've used most of them on this card. LOL  I'll try to list all the different stamp sets I used and where I used them, but the list may get long.  I used some Patterned Papers and a journalling card.  I do apologize that we're sold of this particular paper pad right now; but you can use any red and blue papers or any brand patriotic papers.  I did some machine stitching on each card.  I stamped the white background (behind the journalling card) using the Liberty Bell Stamp Set (gold bells), Red White & Blue Stamp Set (flag), The American Eagle Stamp Set (stars), Old Glory Stamp Set (words) and the Patriotic Sentiments Stamp Set is where you'll find the sentiment I used.  The sentiment strip was cut using the Fishtail Banner Dies.

I used the Patriotic Sentiments Stamp Set to stamp all the pretty stars that surround my sentiment and the journalling card.  I'm sorry to say that our star die-cuts (among others) were SO popular that they're all sold out already.  But don't worry!  They're not difficult to fussy cut with a good pair of scissors.  Stars are a great accent for many occasions.  This is a simple card that anyone can create.  Check out all the pretty Patterned Papers with journalling cards available at Stamp Simply Clear Stamps. Next, pick a coordinating stamp set (Baby, Christmas, Patriotic, etc,) and perhaps a coordinating die-cut or two.  Just grab these few simple things from Stamp Simply, and you're on your way to making wonderful cards.  Stamp Simply really does put the "SIMPLE" in card-making. There's always lots of great inspiration on the Stamp Simply Blog to give you creative ideas and show you cool ways to use Stamp Simply products.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  It makes my day every single time I get a comment because I sometimes wonder if anybody comes by blogs any longer.  I'd like to keep blogging forever because (as you can tell), I love to talk.  I also type SUPER fast (about 110 wpm) so I'm literally typing what I'm thinking.  lol  I'm hoping you all have a super blessed and wonderfully creative week ahead, and don't forget to visit Stamp Simply.  Thanks so much, sweet friends.

Blessings,

Karen

Card & Matching Envelope w/CutCardStock

If you've been visiting me regularly, you probably already know that I joined the Design Team with CutCardStock.  I've really been enjoying all their high-quality cardstocks.  The quality and weight of the cardstocks you use really does make a big difference in the overall beauty of your cards.  These cardstocks make my cards firmer, studier and ready to stand the test of time (and mailing).  They are also so lovely and they come in every color you can imagine.

In addition to all the fabulous cardstocks carried at CutCardStock, they also have several different types of card and envelope sets.  The ones I used for this project I'm sharing with you today are the (Light Turquoise) Ms. Sparkle & Co. A2 Folded Cards & Envelopes.  They come in several pretty colors.  By selecting from any of the fabulous Cards & Envelopes available at CutCardStock, you're able to create cards with matching envelopes in the sweetest colors imaginable.  The particular ones I used come in a 5-pack for just $2.49/pack.  I used some older Crate Paper patterned papers to cut all the pieces you see.  I also stitched some Solid Baker's Twine through the holes in the Love to Layer Scalloped Oval Dies to give my card some added texture and fun.

The stamped sentiment is from Stamp Simply and can be found in their Farmhouse Scriptural Quotes Stamp Set.  The sentiment was stamped and cut on the awesome Cougar White Smooth Cardstock.  I also added a double bow using some Mint Seam Binding.  I've always been a fan of ribbons, bows and laces.  Finally, I added a few sequins as the finishing touch.  It's really a very simple card.  What makes it extra sweet is the matching envelope.  By using the Card & Envelope Sets from CutCardStock, you have the matching-colored envelope all ready to be decorated (or not).  They're so pretty either way.

There's lots of fabulous inspiration every day on the CutCardStock Blog and lots of great shopping over at CutCardStock.   Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Please know how very much I appreciate your visits here and on my Instagram Page.  It's always a treat to hear your thoughts and know that you were here.  Happy crafting.

I'm playing along in these fun challenges that I love and enjoy:

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

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Anything Goes Sponsored by Lawn Fawn (woo hoo!)

TIME OUT Challenge Blog - Challenge #316 - Photo Inspiration - The photo below inspired the colors I chose and the shapes I used.  Mint green, pink, and the shadowy muted colors represent the water.  I hope you see my inspiration.

Blessings,

Karen

Be Blessed w/Poppystamps

If you haven't yet check out all the FABULOUS dies from Poppystamps, you're really missing some truly wonderful dies.  Poppystamps has so many awesome images that are brought to life with their intricate layered dies.  Just pick out your papers, cut them with Poppystamps dies, piece/layer them together and VOILA!  You have a beautiful card.   Here's what I created to share with you today.

I used black and white cardstocks that I layered for my base.  I used some older Crate Paper pattern papers and I cut the green layer using the lovely Heart Pinpoint Frame Die.  All those cute little hearts can be placed inside as confetti for a FUN effect.  That was the entirety of the card base.  And yes, it's very busy with all those pretty pattern papers.

I cut four of the smallest sized tags found in the Scalloped Pinpoint Tags Dies.  The set has four (4) sized tags and two different tag tabs.  I used one of the tag tabs and tucked in a piece of Solid Ivory Baker's Twine in each tag top.  Each pretty flower was cut from the pattern papers using the gorgeous Nordic Scatter Flowers.  As you can see, I truly scattered them everywhere.  Just look at all those amazing paper layers.  Poppystamps makes it easy.

I searched through my stamps for the smallest stamped images I could find.  They happen to be from Creative Worship Stamps.  I really wanted to keep the primary focus on all the gorgeous dies I used from Poppystamps.  It's a great time to head over to Poppystamps to treat yourself to some new dies.  There's also a FUN Challenge every month on the Poppystamps Blog.  Come, join the FUN.

I'm playing along here:

The Paper Funday Challenges - June Challenge #88 - Anything Goes/Optional Polka Dots and/or Stripes - This is my Entry #6/6

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2625 - Anything Goes

Blessings,

Karen

Get Well Soon Tulip w/Stamp Simply

So many times now, I've mentioned to you all that Stamp Simply carries the perfect sentiment, scripture or thought for any and every occasion.  This really is true.  I haven't yet encountered an occasion for which they didn't truly have the perfect words I'm trying to convey.  The stamp set I'm showcasing today is on SALE this week, so it's a great time to grab this lovely set for yourself.  This gorgeous Get Well Tulip Stamp Set will allow you to say Get Well, to Cheer You...., Tulip, Praying for your rapid recovery and more.  Just look at how easy it was to use this one stamp set to decorate this inside and outside of my card.

I used white cardstock along with some pretty patterned papers from the Bloom & Wild 6x6 Paper Pad and the Bright Blooms 6x6 Paper Pad from Craft Consortium.  The wood grain paper is found in the Craft Consortium's cool Scorched Wood 6x6 Paper Pad.  I machine stitched some of the papers on the card front.  I stamped the pretty tulip found in the Get Well Tulip Stamp Set and cut it using the coordinating Get Well Tulip Dies.  I did place a small doily under the tulip that isn't from Stamp Simply.  You can use any small doily or any Shaped Die.

The musical swirls are found in God Will Take Care of You Stamp Set, and the other swirls are found in the Vintage Peony Stamp Set.  The horizontal sentiment stamped on the inside of this card is also found in the Get Well Tulip Stamp Set.  This wonderful set has so many different sentiments and phrases to make it go further in its usefulness.  I ran a length of Pink Seam Binding underneath the front and back panels of my card creating a bow closure.  Below is the inside view.  I tied it shut so that it would lay flat for my photo.

With all the fabulous patterned papers, stamps, dies and amazing products you'll find over at Stamp Simply, it becomes so easy to quickly stamp the inside and outside of your cards, make a quick bookmark or tag, and to find just the right scripture or sentiment for every occasion.  I encourage you to visit Stamp Simply to take a look around for yourself.  You will LOVE what you find, and you deserve a treat or two, so go ahead.

There's so much fabulous inspiration over on the Stamp Simply Blog and also on the Stamp Simply IG.  I'm definitely thrilled if you'll visit my Instagram Page and Follow me there as well as here.  I'm more than happy to Follow Back; just let me know.  Thanks so much for visiting today and happy crafting.

I'm sharing my card here:

The Paper Funday Challenges - June: Challenge #88 - Anything Goes/Optional Dots or Stripes

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment (I added a few)

Blessings,

Karen

Fun Challenges at The Card Concept

If you're ever looking for another FUN challenge blog, please stop by The Card Concept.  We'd love to have you join us this month.  There are two different inspiration photos.  The one I used is the Summer by the Sea option.  The other option is a Christmas inspiration.  Whatever speaks to your creativity....colors, textures, images or anything else; just come and join the fun.  We'd love to see what you're creating.

I used a NEW Release stamp set and stencil from Creative Worship on this Sketchbook Journal Page.  The lovely NEW lighthouse stamp set is called Safe Harbor and it is awesome.  I also used the NEW Under the Sea Stencil.  The rocks, flying birds and the cool cursive hand-written Bible verse you see (Psalm 43:3) are also found in the NEW Safe Harbor Stamp Set.

The images in this stamp set and all the wonderful stamp sets from Creative Worship Stamps are easy to color OR pretty enough to not need to color.  I've seen projects with the lighthouses (two in the set) colored in and I've seen several with no color.  They look amazing any way you stamp them.  Gorgeous.

If you're looking for awesome stamps, dies, stencils, inks, sprays and more; check out Creative Worship Stamps and the 25% off sale taking place this weekend only.  Thanks for stopping by today.  Oh, and don't forget to come by The Card Concept to play along with us.  Have a blessed and creative week.

Blessings,

Karen

Layers & Textures w/CutCardStock

If you're anything like me, you enjoy adding layers of paper and lots of great texture to your cards.  While there are many ways to achieve layers and textures, the card I'm sharing today does it by layering some truly fabulous cardstock from CutCardStock for the base.  This gave my card the sturdy foundation it needs, and I knew I was ready to add all the pretty parts.

The first layer is Natural White Cardstock which is FABULOUS.  I love its thickness and weight, and I tend to use this particular cardstock a lot.  The second pretty layer is Pop Tone Pink Lemonade Cardstock.  It's such a soft sweet pink tone.  The top layer (isn't it stunning?) is Textured Plum Cardstock, and I pressure embossed it with the Simon Says Stamp Dibble Tile Embossing Folder for added texture.

All those pretty flowers were cut using the Nordic Scattered Flowers Dies from Poppystamps.  The sentiment was stamped in Villainous Potion Purple Ink using a stamp and die set (retired) also from Poppystamps.  The stems of each flower were cut from Jellybean Green Cardstock.  Between all the wonderful cardstocks, the flowers, and the pressure embossing, I was able to achieve all the layers and textures I desired.  CutCardStock really is the place to get all your cardstock because it's of a quality that I've never before experienced, and it's truly making a BIG difference in the quality of my cards.

We hope that you'll visit the CutCardStock Blog for daily inspiration, and we also hope you'll look to CutCardStock for all your cardstock needs.  You really will LOVE💞these quality cardstocks, and you're sure to find the perfect colors, weights and sizes for every project you make.  Stop by and check it out.  Thanks SO much for visiting me here today.  I'm so grateful.

I'm playing along here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Add a Sentiment" (BTW...I'm also playing along in the Simon Says Stamp IG Challenge).  I used the Dibble Tile Embossing Folder from Simon Says Stamp on this card.

The Paper Funday Challenges - June: Anything Goes/Optional: Polkadots/Stripes - As always, I used lots of fabulous paper layers.  I also have polka dots so to speak.  I embossed the purple background with a Simon Says Stamp Embossing Folder with oodles of tiny dots.  I also splattered dots of paint on my card.

Craft Rocket Challenges - June: Birthdays - I always enjoy playing along here whenever I can.

Seize the Birthday Challenge Blog - June Challenge #328 - Anything Goes - Optional Vellum/Acetate - I went with the Anything Goes option.

Happy crafting, everyone.

Blessings,

Karen