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

Creative Worship September New Release IG Hop

If you're looking for some absolutely FABULOUS NEW and creatively inspiring stamps and dies, you won't want to miss any of this month's delightful New Release at Creative Worship Stamps.   Oh, my heart!  Can I tell you?  My order arrived a bit late this month, and I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on these awesome new products.  Two cool new stencils, so many cute new stamps and dies, and that's just the beginning.  Are you able to tell that I'm super excited about this month's release?  lol  Well, you can WIN a $25 store credit to Creative Worship Stamps by joining our September IG Hop.

The card I'm sharing with you all today features the wonderful NEW Loaves & Fishes Clear Stamp Set and coordinating Loaves & Fishes Dies.  I'm having SO much FUN with this set that I haven't been able to truly put it away yet.  It's staying on my craft table all month (and maybe longer) because, yes, I'm a bit obsessed with it.  Just like the fullness and abundance of God's goodness towards us, this card has a lot going on, as usual.  I started with Cougar White Cardstock for the base.  For the top layer, I used the darling Postage Stamp Cover Plate Die to cut a piece of kraft cardstock for my background.  To make it a bit more interesting, I painted some of the squares with cream acrylic paint.  Then, to bring in my colors, I stencilled over the cream paint using the fabulous NEW Denim Texture Stencil.

Clearly, I used the NEW Loaves & Fishes Stamp Set quite a bit on this card.  And truth be told, I used only a few of the many (13) AWESOME stamps found in this precious new set.  I stamped the fish, bread and flowers onto a piece of painted cardboard packaging and the bread bag was stamped onto kraft cardstock.  The wheat was also stamped onto a piece of the Cougar White Cardstock.  Finally, I cut each piece using the NEW Loaves & Fishes Dies and then placed each piece where I thought it would best fit.  While I know there's A LOT going on here, I wanted to give the overall feeling of ABUNDANCE and the goodness of God.  He's really all we need.  And yet, He blessed us with SO much more.  Praise God!

It's also pretty obvious that I used lots of fabulous Tim Holtz Oxide Inks on this card.  You can find them all at Creative Worship Stamps.  The ones I can remember using on this card include Saltwater Taffy, Spiced Marmalade, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen, Speckled Egg, and Stormy Sky.  At Creative Worship Stamps, not only will you find this FABULOUS NEW Release, oodles of fabulous stamps, dies and more...but you can also find all the Tim Holtz products you love.  YES, please.

I'll be sharing LOTS of fun cards this month on my Instagram Page using products from this month's FAB New Release from Creative Worship Stamps.  It's such a creatively inspiring release, and each NEW stamp set is just as sweet as the next.  You can stay up-to-date by stopping by here or over on my Instagram Page where the NEW Release IG Hop is taking place now.  Someone will WIN a $25 store credit to Creative Worship Stamps.  Will it be you?  Good luck, my friends, and thank you so much for visiting me today.

Blessings,

Karen

Give Thanks Floral Cluster w/Stamp Simply

Today it's my day to share on the Stamp Simply Blog as well as here and on my Instagram Page.  Every time I get out my Stamp Simply products, I always know that I'll have lots of fun creating, that I'll find gorgeous stamps to create my card or project, and that the perfect scripture or sentiment will be easy to find.  They carry SO many great images, scriptures and sentiments at Stamp Simply along with all the lovely matching die-cuts.  This week, we're all featuring the Product(s) of the Week which are our four (4) gorgeous Floral Cluster Stamps.  And YES, they're all on SALE this week at 20% off.  Here's a BONUS:  The ONE coordinating Floral Cluster Die Cut perfectly cuts ALL FOUR of the lovely seasonal Floral Cluster Stamps.

My card started with a piece of kraft cardstock that I layered with a piece of Autmun Blessings (retired) patterned paper some cardstock.  I did machine stitch the piece of patterned paper to the other layers, and I tore the edges a bit.  Using the beautiful Fall Floral Cluster Stamp Set, I stamped the big floral cluster you see at the top left.  I used the coordinating Floral Cluster & Sprigs Dies to cut the cluster as well as for the added foliage.  I messed up (smudged) my sentiment stamping directly onto the paper, so I had to stamp it again and place it on a flag cut with a Fishtail Banner Die to cover my mistake.  I really wish that hadn't happened.  But, you've gotta roll with it at this point in the process.  Anyway, this sentiment can be found in the Welcome Fall Pumpkin Stamp Set.

I used the lovely My Church Stamp Set to stamp the church.  The church and floral cluster were embossed with dark brown embossing powder and then painted (floral cluster) or colored (church).  The church was cut using the Country Church Dies.  This die set also includes the trees that are tucked in behind the church.  That just about covers everything I used on this card.  Oh, a bit of Tim Holtz Distress Spritz gave everything a dusting of color and shimmer.  Don't miss out on this fabulous SALE at Stamp Simply.  It's a great time to stock up on some of your favorites.

Thanks so much for your visit here today.  Please stop by the Stamp Simply Blog for loads of great inspiration, as well as on my Instagram Page.  It's always a treat to hear your thoughts, and I look forward to seeing what you're creating this week.

This is a great sale.  You won't want to miss it.  And remember, the ONE Floral Cluster die-cut will cut ALL FOUR of the different Floral Cluster Stamps.

I'm playing along here:

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - September: Anything Goes/Optional Sketch Twist

Blessings,

Karen

Autumn Thanks w/Poppystamps

So many super cute die-cuts with so many lovely details.  These lovely layered dies from Poppystamps are SO much fun to use.  The card I'm sharing today features some of the older Poppystamps favorites with some of the NEW Holiday Cheer 2026 Release dies.  All of the dies you'll find at Poppystamps are so sweet and simple to use.  These layered dies will provide you with hours of happy creative crafting.

I used black and cream cardstocks for the base.  I cut all the inner layers using the (2764) Eyelet Frame Dies and I layered some cardstock and patterned paper layers to my base.  This gives my card so much texture.  On the outmost layer, I thread Ivory Baker's Twine through the loops and tied a sweet little bow in the corner.  Using lots of paper layers is something I enjoy.  There's something about layers, depth and texture that really makes me happy.  It's also a great way to use up scraps of patterned paper.

The first thing I cut was that DARLING NEW (2788) Country Pickup Truck Die Set.  I used vellum for the back window, Blueberry Mist for the truck, and grey cardstock for the bumper, lights, etc.  How cute is that truck?  I absolutely love it, and it's SO easy to put together.  Next, I cut several pumpkins using the (2787) Pumpkin Patch Dies.  I inked them and placed them in and around the truck.  Some are raised up with 3-D Foam Tabs.

Can we talk about that darling little fox?  She was put together using the sweet (2786) Nordic Waving Fox Dies.  I used some patterned papers for her dress as well as for the backgrounds and some of the pumpkins so that everything would easily coordinate.  It's easy and fun to combine cardstocks with patterned papers when using Poppystamps Dies.  It's also a great way to use up paper scraps.  Well, I sure do appreciate you stopping by to take a peek at my card today.  Thanks so much and have a great week.

I'm sharing my card in the following FUN challenges where I love to play along:

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - September: Anything Goes/Optional Sketch Twist

Blessings,

Karen

So Grateful for You w/Stamp Simply

There are so many things for which we can be grateful.  When I really stop and start counting all those blessings, it really is a never-ending list.  God is SO very good to us, and there's always a reason to give Him thanks.  One of the many blessings God gives us are all the wonderful people He sends into our lives.  Telling others how much you appreciate them is an encouragement to them, and it will bless the giver in the process.  Stamp Simply's amazing products always make it easy and fun to send just the right message.

Today's card starts with a basic black cardstock base.  I used Tim Holtz Watercolor Cardstock to paint my fun backgrounds.  Some watercolors, ink splatters, and my messy background was all set.  This is a very simple design.  I wanted to keep the sentiments the focal point of my card.  I used Spellbinders Rectangle Dies to cut the watercolored pieces.  Stamp Simply carries so many wonderful scripture stamps and words of encouragement.....for those in ministry and for everyday folks.  You can always find the perfect sentiment at Stamp Simply.

All the sentiments that I stamped on my card can be found in the Pastor & Ministry Appreciate Greetings Stamp Set.  Again, this set can be used for a pastor card, pastor's wife, or for anyone who has been a blessing to you.  Both this set and the Pastor & Ministry Scripture Stamp Set are ON SALE this week for 20% off.  It's a great time to grab these wonderfully encouraging stamp sets while they're on sale.  Every pastor and servant of God deserves a thank you, and I'm guessing you already have someone in mind who would love to receive a card like this to say thank you for your service.

Whatever you're looking for, I do hope you'll stop by Stamp Simply to look around.  You'll be pleasantly surprised at all the wonderful products that await you there.  You'll also find loads of awesome creativity and ideas on the Stamp Simply Blog.  Thanks so much for your visit here today, and please know that I'm very grateful for YOU.

I'm sharing this card in the following FUN challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - ANYTHING GOES

TIME OUT Challenges - Challenge #320 - I was inspired by the stained-glass windows, and this is my take on incorporating that feel and all those beautiful colors.

Blessings,

Karen