Love Notes w/Stamp Simply

Hello, sweet friends, and welcome by my little old blog today.  Here we are in 2026, and this is my first post of the year for Stamp Simply.  If you've never been over to Stamp Simply, please treat yourself to this wonderful store.  They carry the loveliest scripture stamps, sentiment stamps, floral images, patriotic images, and...well, I could go on and on because they carry a little bit of just about everything.  Their variety of products is vast and amazing.

The card I'm sharing today starts with basic kraft cardstock.  I several die-cuts to layer my background.  First, I used an older (retired) Spellbinders Die.  This isn't the exact set I used, but it's similar.  Please note that many of the Spellbinders Dies are currently 50% OFF in the Stamp Simply Store.  They'll do the same trick for you to create an outer edge or backdrop for your card.  You have to get creative with what you've got on hand.  For that reason, I used the pretty Ovals & Twigs Die Set to cut and layer my ovals.  On each corner of my card, I stamped a foliage sprig; and these are found in the darling Farmhouse Signage Stamp Set.

All the sweet patterned papers I used on this card are from the Echo Park Love Notes 6x6 Paper Pad.  I simply adore these sweet papers....all year long, but most especially around Valentine's Day.  The heart in the center of my card is one of three sizes of hearts found in the sweet Farmhouse Pierced Nested Heart Dies.  I raised the heart up a bit using some 3-D Adhesive Foam Tabs to give it dimension.  The sentiment I used is found in the Farmhouse Scriptural Thoughts Stamp Set, and I fussy cut around the stamped sentiment on a piece of light kraft cardstock.  I splattered pretty much everything with either oxide ink and/or acrylic paints.  I also added a pretty bow that includes 1/8" Blue Silk Ribbon and 1/4" Pink Silk Ribbon.  I topped that with a Coconut (White) Paper Bloom and tucked in a lovely Pink Darice Stick Pin.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  We hope you'll visit the Stamp Simply Blog for lots of great inspiration, and the Stamp Simply Store for lots of great shopping and bargains.  You can also find Stamp Simply on Instagram, and you can find me here on My Instagram Page where I continue to struggle for Followers.  If I ever get to 1,000 Followers, I will fall right off my chair.  It is no joke.  I'm finding this so difficult.  I guess you have to saturate it with posts every day of your life, and that's just not me.  I don't have the energy...lol.  My grandbabies take up most of my time, and I'm happy to be able to squeeze in my Design Team commitments and a few extra cards here and there.  It's just not a full-time thing for me.  But I'll continue to try and do my best.  It's all about the journey, right?

Blessings,

Karen

Welcome Baby Boy

There's nothing as sweet as a newborn baby.  Whether it's a friend, a family member, a church member, neighbor or stranger; it's always FUN to make a sweet baby card to help someone welcome their new little one.  At Stamp Simply, you will find several amazing Baby Themed Stamps & Dies along with stamps, sentiments and dies for every occasion throughout the year that you can think of needing.  I love being able to pull out a baby card like this one when I need it.  And the expectant Mothers always love receiving a hand-made card.

I used a "wheaty" white paper (it has little grains and flecks in the paper - one of these little flecks showed up in the "crotch" area of the Onesie where the buttons are...lol) as my card base.  I layered that with a patterned paper from the Echo Park School Rules 6x6 Paper Pad.  I don't own the cute Echo Park It's a Boy 6x6 Paper Pad or I would have likely used that on my card.  Sometimes, we just have to make it work with what we have on hand; so instead, I used the Echo Park School Rules 6x6 Paper Pad and Echo Park Farmer's Market 6x6 Paper Pad for the background, the Onesie, Bib, Safety Pins, and all the little banners.

Using those papers listed above, I cut the small banners using the Fishtail Banner Dies.  The sentiment was stamped onto another banner cut with the Fishtail Banner Dies, and I used some Graphite Black Ink and the sweet Welcome Baby Stamp Set to stamp the sentiment.  The Onesie, Bib, Safety Pins, and Star were all cut using the darling Baby Basics Die Set.  There are so many paper pads, dies, stamps, stencils and wonderful products waiting for you at Stamp Simply.  We'd all love to have you stop by the Stamp Simply Blog for some inspiration, and the Stamp Simply Store for some fun shopping.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.  There aren't adequate words to express how grateful I am for all of you who visit me and leave me comments.  It's been a long journey here on my blog, and now trends have turned more toward Instagram where I really struggle to grow.  If you'd be so kind as to FOLLOW my Instagram Page, I'd sure be grateful.  It's SO hard.  I'm always happy to do the same for you, my friends.  I get so much awesome inspiration from you all.  Thanks again for visiting, and happy crafting.

Here's where I'm sharing my card:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Cut it Up Challenge Blog - Challenge #346 - Anything Goes Using Dies

Blessings,

Karen

Christmas Blessings

Hello, sweet friends.  Thank you for visiting me again here today.  I'm sharing another pretty little Christmas card that I created using some of the fabulous products from Creative Worship Stamps.  I must say that being a part of this Design Team has been a real blessing in my life.  I love the stamps, dies, stencils, inks and products carried at Creative Worship; and I also love the Christian-based atmosphere that it provides.  God is SO good.  In fact, I'm blessed to be on two Christian-owned stamping companies.  That's a double blessing.  I do hope that some of my art inspires you to check out these amazing stores.

This card has a kraft cardstock base layered with a small piece of deep red cardstock, an old patterned paper scrap (ledger paper), and another Melissa Frances patterned paper that I used to cut the border using the Scalloped Border Dies.  I added a piece of Ivory Crochet Lace and did some machine stitching around the edges.  By the way, you'll find lots of great bargains at Really Reasonable Ribbon during their Retirement Sale now.

I used the pretty Holly Christmas Stamp Set for all the gorgeous foliage and berries you see.  I painted everything with Tim Holtz Oxide Inks.  The sentiment is also found in the Holly Christmas Stamp Set.  I splattered the images with some watered -down cream acrylic paint.  That's about it, I think.  Pretty simple card really.  Creative Worship Stamps makes it easy and fun with such a great selection.

Thanks again for your visit here today.  It really is something I appreciate.  It's always so nice to hear your thoughts, to hear what you've been creating or doing, or anything else you want to comment about.  It's just good having you stop by to say hello.  Have a blessed week, everyone.

I'm sharing my card here:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Christmas/Holidays

Blessings,
Karen

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Today I had the fun opportunity to do some crafting just for fun.  I've been looking forward to having the time to use this sweet new die-cut set that a "Secret Santa" sent to me in the mail.  I don't know who it was from (other than that it was postmarked from Phoenix, Arizona) but, nonetheless, THANK YOU to whomever it was that sent me these lovely new dies from Honey Bee Stamps.  They are adorable, I love them, and I appreciate the gift.  Thanks for thinking of me.

I used a cream card for the base, and I layered that with several patterned papers from a line called Bundled Up by Crate Paper.  I machine stitched my papers together.  I used the darling In Stitches Candy Cane Dies from Honey Bee Stamps to create my ink-splattered candy canes.  I stitched them with DMC floss and attached them with Scor-Tape and 3-D White Foam Tabs.

Next, I used the Holiday Cheer Stamp Set from Creative Worship Stamps to stamp my sweet sentiment.  I also used the Lovely Layers Dies from Honey Bee Stamps for the foliage, holly, berries and bow.  The darling little coffee mug (because I can't do without coffee) is from the Coffee Talk Stamp Set from Creative Worship Stamps.  Lots of cuteness.

I'll be sharing my coffee candy cane card in a few fun challenges where I enjoy playing along whenever I'm able to do so.  Like I said, it's always fun and exciting when I can create just for fun.  I really do hope that you're all ready for Christmas and that you have a blessed time with family and friends.

Here's where I'm sharing my card:

Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge #48 - December Challenge/Anything Goes - My coffee image is from Creative Worship Stamps.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes Christmas

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges - Challenge #2550 - Sponsored by Lawn Fawn

Blessings to you,
Karen

NEW Release at Creative Worship Stamps

It happens to me month after month, and it happened again this month.  When I see the NEW Release from Creative Worship Stamps each month, I decide which new items I simply "must have".  If the truth be told, I want it ALL every single month.  My budget doesn't agree with me, so I make choices.  But month after month, I end up having FOMO and it's happening again right now.  The card I'm sharing with you today uses several fabulous products from Creative Worship Stamps, but sadly.....NOT the new release.  If you visit the Creative Worship Instagram, you can join our current IG Hop for a chance to win a $25 gift card.

I used a light kraft cardstock for my base, and I layered that with a piece of deep forest green cardstock that I cut using the fabulous Stitched Rectangle Dies.  The third layer is a piece of vintage sheet music that I cut using the awesome Postage Stamp Cover Plate Die.  What a fun and easy background.  The next piece is a scrap of ivory cardstock that I stamped with the rulers found in the Vintage Snippets Stamp Set.  I cut that with another cut from the Stitched Rectangle Dies.  In the center of my frame, I stamped the background using the sweet Vintage Elements Stamp Set.

Again, NO, I didn't use the NEW Polaroid Dies to create my frame.  Mine is, rather, a small chipboard frame from an old Crate Paper line that I painted with acrylic cream paint.  I stamped the edges using the super cool Going Postal Stamp Set.  I stamped the smaller (of two sizes) dragonfly and dragonfly wings using the Dragonfly Dreams Stamp Set, and I cut them with the coordinating Dragonfly Dreams Dies.  I placed them on 3-D White Foam Tabs for dimension.  I added a touch of gold Stickles to the dragonfly wings and attached a few sequins.

The fabulously FUN and versatile NEW Polaroid Frame Dies are positively going in my basket on the next order I place at Creative Worship Stamps.  It's not the first time I've hesitated and regretted it, and I'm sure it won't be the last.  How FUN will it be to create these sweet little Polaroid frames all the time?  What was I thinking?  I NEED this set.  YOU NEED it, too.  This could be your (or our) little gift to ourselves this Christmas.  I hope you'll stop by Creative Worship Stamps to treat yourself.  Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  I appreciate you so much.

I'm sharing my dragonfly card here:

Ellibelle's Corner: Ellibelle's Garden Party - I would think you'll see lots of dragonflies in the garden.

Blessings,

Karen

Easy Christmas Ornaments/Gift Toppers with RRR

Have you been seeing all the fabulous little ideas on Pinterest and Instagram lately for making cute little gift tags/ornaments using Baker's Twine, Burlap String and various jutes and ribbons?  Well, I've seen them popping up in my feed everywhere.  I thought I'd give this quick and easy idea a try for myself.  It works well, it's super easy, and these little gift tag/gift toppers look so cute on packages under the tree.  And they can be used as an ornament if the recipient wants to keep them.  Isn't this a sweet idea?  And YOU CAN DO IT.  The trims I used are all ON SALE NOW at Really Reasonable Ribbon.

And if I can attempt these projects, believe me friends, you can do it.  They were easy and fun.  I used a piece of scrap cardboard to draw two different sized trees that I cut with my scissors.  I placed a small piece of Scor-Tape on the back of the cardboard tree to get started.  I attached a small loop (ornament hanger) to the top of each tree using Natural Burlap String.  The Santa ornament uses the same wrapping method of the Baker's Twine, and then the topper and beard are simple pom-poms which can also be done using Baker's Twine.

Next, I wrapped the base of each tree with more of the Natural Burlap String (TEN CENTS/yard) and I wrapped the top part of each tree with Solid Baker's Twine (SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS/yard).  I strung letters beads onto another small length of Natural Burlap String and placed it on the tree (to resemble hanging tinsel or garland on the tree).  This is a great way to add the name to your packages, and like I mentioned, it makes a darling ornament to save.  You can see if this photo (below) how I used a small piece of Scor-Tape to secure the beads on the front of the ornament.

There are so many great trims at Really Reasonable Ribbon and the DISCOUNTS are amazing.  This is the perfect time to stock up on discounted trims, Adhesives, Mulberry Flowers, ribbons and more.  There's lots of fun ideas and inspiration on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog and that's where you'll stay up-to-date on special discounts as the Retirement SALE continues.  Be sure to stop by often.  We're here to help you find the perfect ribbons and trims for your next project.  Here's a photo of one of the trees placed on top of a small package.  This will be tucked under the tree.

This really is the perfect time to grab some of these amazing ribbons and trims before the selection gets more limited.  As time progresses, the bargains will be greater, but the inventory will slowly dwindle. I'd highly suggest grabbing some Baker's Twine or some pretty Gingham Ribbons before they're gone.  There are SO many great choices at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  We hope you'll treat yourself.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  If you have the time, I'd LOVE to have you stop by my Instagram Page to FOLLOW me there as well.  It would really be a blessing to me.  It's HARD trying to grow your following on IG and I need all the help I can get.  So, thank you.  I truly appreciate all of you for your love and support.  You're the BEST and you all inspire me so much.

I'm sharing my Santa project here:

Double D Challenge Blog - Santa Challenge

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Wrap It Up - These tags/ornaments are all about wrapping up those pretty gifts.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Christmas

Blessings,

Karen

Annual Christmas Blog Hop w/Word Art Wednesday

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Christmas is fast approaching, and once again; it's time for the Word Art Wednesday Annual Christmas Blog Hop.  You should have arrived here by way of our fabulous Guest Designer's Blog, Kathy Schweinfurth.  Wasn't her card amazing?  Be sure to enter the challenge for your chance to WIN one of the THREE (3) fabulous sponsor prizes.  There are TWO (2) $25 Unity Stamps gift vouchers and one digital stamp set of choice from Bonnie Garby Designs up for grabs.  Then also remember to visit each blog in the hop and leave a comment on each one.  By doing this, you'll be entered to win the fabulous prizes shown on each blog.

The card I'm sharing started with you here today isn't the card I have posted on the Word Art Wednesday Blog.  I used a card on the WAW Blog that went along with the theme of the word art (lantern light), but it's a card that I've posted previously for Creative Worship Stamps.  So, for that reason, I also created a card just for this blog post.  I used a sentiment from the Christmas Song Lyrics Stamp Bundle from Bonnie Garby Designs.

I used a cream cardstock base layered with the vintage sheet music for Silent Night Holy Night, and I cut it using the Stitched Rectangle Dies from Creative Worship.  I used the Vintage Christmas Images Stamp Set from Stamp Simply for those pretty bells.  I cut them with the coordinating Vintage Christmas Images Dies.  I also added some Iridescent White String to my card for added shimmer and texture.

There are SO many great prizes to be won on our Annual Christmas Blog Hop.  By leaving a comment here on my blog, you'll be entered to WIN a Starbucks Gift Card and a 12-color Altenew Watercolor Set.   All the winners will be announced on the Word Art Wednesday January 7 Blog Post.

There are also prizes for entering the challenge, so don't miss out on your opportunity to WIN some of these prizes.  Be sure to stop by the blog of each Design Team Member to leave a comment.  Your next stop on this Blog Hop is at Barb Finnical's Blog, and I know she has a beautiful inspiration card and some AWESOME prizes for you.

Best of luck to everyone in the random draw for these fabulous prizes.  We look forward to seeing what you'll share in the Word Art Wednesday Challenge, too.  Have a great week, everyone.  We're always so grateful for your visits and fellowship.

Blessings,

Karen