Feel Better Soon w/Creative Worship

September brings us another AWESOME NEW Release at Creative Worship Stamps.  This month's release includes two gorgeous new Stencils, encouraging sentiment stamps with coordinating dies, a very cool Vintage Postcard Stamp Set, a Clipboard Stamps Set, florals and fun.  And as of today, it's time for the September Instagram Hop where one lucky person will WIN a $25 credit at Creative Worship Stamps.

You can start the Insta Hop by visiting Creative Worship on Instagram.  There's SO much amazing inspiration on this hop, and you'll see new and creative ways to use the NEW Release items and other products from Creative Worship.  For this card, I used black cardstock layered with white cardstock.  I painted the white cardstock with Picked Raspberry, Twisted Citron, and Seedless Preserves Oxide Inks.  I splattered it with water to leave some water stains.

I stamped the background piece using the fabulous NEW Vintage Postcards Stamp Set, Going Postal and Texture Tiles 1 Stamp Set.  There's also a really COOL NEW Vintage Labels Stamp Set that I love.  On this card, I only used it once (for the # hashtags), but it has so many cool images/words in it; and it coordinates (SO COOL) with the Tabs Tickets & More Dies, making it even COOLER yet.  The sentiments were stamped in the various colors of Oxide Ink using the NEW Typed Thoughts Stamp Set and were cut using the coordinating NEW Typed Thoughts Dies.

The NEW Clipboard Stamp Set was used to stamp the cute clipboard.  I stamped the clip part twice.  I hand cut the second clip, placed it on 3-D White Foam Tabs, and raised it up to look like an actual clip.  Pretty cool new stamp!  A few sequins were the finishing touch.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  Don't forget to stop by Creative Worship on Instagram to hop along for your chance to WIN a $25 credit at Creative Worship Stamps.  I always appreciate your comments, thoughts and encouragement.  I hope I'll see you over on Instagram, friends.

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

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says STAMP IT - I did lots of stamping on this fun card.

The Paper Funday Challenges - Challenge #80 - Anything Goes w/Paper - Optional: Changing Seasons

Blessings,

Karen

The Night Before Christmas w/RRR

Ribbons are always a fabulous touch.  Ribbons, Twines and Trims can be used for SO many different crafting purposes.  And in my humble opinion, Really Reasonable Ribbon is truly the BEST place to find the variety of colors, widths, designs, styles and types of trims for all your crafting needs.  It's not often that I don't include some type of trim on my cards.  However......did you know that Really Reasonable Ribbon also carries essential items like Adhesives and 3-D Foam Tabs?  They really have a vast variety of crafting products.

I used basic cream cardstock for the base of my card.  I layered that with patterned papers from my stash including some old October Afternoon papers, stickers and an ephemera card.  I tied some rather long lengths of Baker's Twine around my card and tied a bow with it.  Really Reasonable Ribbon carries both Solid and Striped Baker's Twines.  On this card, I used Cherry Baker's Twine and Solid Mint Baker's Twine to match my papers.

I used lots of fabulous Scor-Tape Adhesive to attach everything and hold it securely in place.  I used a cute die-cut from Paper Sweeties to cut my "Christmas cookie for Santa".  I cut it out of cardboard, and it's layered with 3-D Foam Tabs, and then the center is filled with red glitter to represent jelly or frosting in the center of the cookie.  The tiny iced coffee image is also very old, and it's from V's Sweet Ideas.

You can find lots of great inspiration on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog, and that's where you'll also stay up-to-date about special sales and promotions taking place in the RRR Store.  You'll always find the best selection of Ribbons, Trims, Twines, Adhesives, Embellishments, Mulberry Flowers and much more at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  There's also still time to SAVE during the Labor Day SALE.  Details are on the Blog.  Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek and say hello.  I'm always grateful.

I'm playing along in these fun challenges:

Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge - Challenge #45 - Anything Goes Christmas Coffee/Cocoa

Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers' Sketch Challenge #61 - Follow the Sketch (I did my best)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "STAMP IT" in STAMPtember - I stamped the coffee image.

The Paper Funday Challenge - Challenge #80 - Anything Goes w/Paper & Optional: Changing Seasons

Blessings,

Karen

Thanks - The Four Seasons Challenge

It's the first of a new month and time for a FUN new challenge at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog.  This month we turn our attention to Autumn and the colors, images and feelings associated with the Fall season.  I was running late with my cad this month, but I knew that Creative Worship Stamps had all the right stamps and products to help me create a fabulous Autumn card.  I just loved all the wonderful colors and images found in this month's beautiful inspiration photo.

I used a deep red cardstock for my base and layered it with a piece of light cream cardstock that I cut using the Stitched Rectangle Dies.  I used a smaller rectangle in the Stitched Rectangle Dies to stamp my sentiment and the Typewriter Text underneath it.  One of my favorite background stamps is the Typewriter Text Background Stamp.  I stamped my entire cream card base using this fabulous stamp.  I also used the Going Postal Stamp Set on the background.  You may even see some of the words from the Typewriter Text Background Stamp stamped on the pretty leaves.  I LOVE this stamp!!

The beautiful leaves, foliage and darling sentiment are all found in the awesome Give Thanks Stamp Set.  I can't wait to use ALL the sentiments in the amazing set.  For this card, I used just the word THANKS; but there's so much more to this set.  Each of the leaves were stamped, hand cut, and hand painted using Tim Holtz Inks.  I splattered all the images with white paint.  By the way.....the font in this Give Thanks Stamp Set is SO cool.

Thanks once again for your visit here today.  Please, if you will, Follow me here on my blog and on my Instagram Page.  I'm more than happy to do the same for you if you'll just let me know.  Have a great week and please stop by again soon.  In the meantime, we all hope you'll come play along at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog.

I'm playing along in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Stamp It in STAMPtember" - This card was created almost completely by stamping.

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

Inspiration Station - September Inspiration Photo Challenge - The gorgeous leaves in the inspiration photo spoke to me and totally inspired my card.

Blessings,

Karen

The Edmund Fitzgerald Collection w/Stamp Simply

It seems like just yesterday, but it was actually 1975, and I was just ten years old.  Our family lived (and they still live) in Duluth, Minnesota; which is located along the shores of Lake Superior.  That was a nasty storm during a harsh season on the Great Lakes.  It was all over the news.  The Edmund Fitzgerald hand sunk, and 29 men perished that fateful stormy night.  Oh, how they longed to see a lighthouse or make it safely to land; but that wasn't God's plan for them that night.  They did as brave heroes in my book.  They were hard-working family men just trying to make an honest living.  My Uncle William Rude was one of the sailors on the great freighters of the Great Lakes; but he was not aboard the Fitzgerald that night.  We were all so grateful for that.  Nonetheless, it sure hit us hard....as a family and as a community at large.  I love that Sharon has designed these beautiful stamps to commemorate these majestic images.  Stamp Simply has an entire Michigan Life Collection.

My first card was completely "cased" or what I've always called "scraplifted" from my talented teammate, the lovely @estherasbury Esther Asbury.  She created a very similar card HERE that used the Mackinac Bridge Stamp as the focal point.  I changed the colors just a bit and used different stamps, but my design is very much inspired by her original design.  I used black and kraft cardstocks which I layered.  I stamped the background kraft paper using the Mackinac Bridge image along with a sentiment from the Mackinac Bridge Stamp Set.

I splattered my card with some Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Spray.  The tiny little tabs are pieces of washi tape on kraft paper that I cut using the fabulously helpful Fishtail Banner Dies.  They are awesome!  I also added a miniature Tim Holtz rusty paperclip.  Some 3-D Foam Tabs raised up the boat image in the center of my card.

The Edmund Fitzgerald Stamp Set was used to stamp the majestic vessel.  I normally like to do the ship in the tradition rust color like the actual great freighters truly look.  However, I followed Esther's lead on this card and used only black ink on my card.  The images are so strong and beautiful that they can stand alone to make a statement.  That's why I kept the sentiment very simple and fitting.  Enjoy the Journey is found in the Mackinac Bridge Stamp Set.

My second card today was stamped onto Tim Holtz Watercolor Cardstock using Tim Holtz inks.  I used watercolors to paint the images.  I combined images from the Mackinac Bridge Stamp Set with images found in the The Edmund Fitzgerald Stamp Set.  On this second card, I used a sentiment (So Proud of You) from the The Edmund Fitzgerald Stamp Set.  I also used the Edmund Fitzgerald Die to cut the ship on my second card.

There are so many cool details on the bridge, the ship and all the lighthouses.  You can check out all the beautiful design in the Michigan Life Collection by visiting Stamp Simply.  There are such fun accent images in these sets, too, such as the ducks and the seagulls.  You can't have a Great Lakes experience without seeing seagulls.  That's a guarantee.  This card was sent to my younger brother.  It's his Birthday today, and the inside is stamped with the Happy Birthday sentiment found in the Mackinac Bridge Stamp Set.

These beautiful stamps remind me of "home" in Minnesota.  My heart will always be connected to the Great Lakes and all the experiences of my childhood that centered around growing up next to Lake Superior.  So many wonderful memories and experiences are there to recall, and Stamp Simply can help you experience these beautiful sights.  You'll love all the products you find at Stamp Simply.  Thanks for your visit here today, friends.  I always appreciate it when you stop by to take a peek at my art and say hello.  It's appreciated.  Happy crafting, everyone.

I'm sharing my cards in the following:

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

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Stamp It in STAMPtember" - Both of these cards were created by primarily stamping.

Festive Friday - A Card Making Challenge - Challenge FF#0192 - From this fun list, I used Black, Red, White, Waves and Ship.  (I chose to enter my second card)

Blessings,

Karen

Black/White at Seize the Birthday

The FUN continues this month over at Seize the Birthday Challenge Blog where I've had the honor of being the Surprise Party Guest for July and August.  I've been having a great time creating cards for these fun challenges.  As I've mentioned before, when I'm doing a Guest Design spot somewhere; most times I create cards that allow me to use up old product.  I happen to own A LOT of product (papers, etc); so when I'm not creating for one of my Design Team projects where I'm "required" to use certain stamps and dies, I'm able to just use up older patterned papers, stickers, ephemera, etc.  I hope that makes sense.  What I'm basically saying is that I'm blessed to have a whole lot (perhaps too much).  So, when I'm creating for a DT project, I showcase that company's awesome products.  But when I'm just creating for fun or for a Guest Design spot where I can use anything I want; then I tend to create a very different type of card.  Lots of layers, papers, stickers and more.

While you're more than welcome to share any Birthday card of any kind at Seize the Birthday Challenges, there is an "Optional Topping" which, for this challenge, is Black & White.  When I first saw this theme, I'll admit that I did panic a bit.  What will I use?  What will I create?  I thought about doing something super basic; but that's not me.  I headed to my paper bins and started digging.  I could almost picture those black and white papers.  Where were they?

As I continued to search through my bins for black and white papers/products, I came across this lovely line from Carta Bella called Spring Market.  It's an older line, but it's lovely; and it was super popular back when it was first released.  Of course, I bought lots of it; and I still have quite a bit.  I used the patterned papers, a tag and some stickers from the Spring Market line.  Some of the papers (particularly the words) are flower related, but I made it work because I loved the black and white.  Also, there was a flowery sentiment on the tag, but I covered it with my Birthday sentiments from Stamp Simply.

I used some pretty trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  The Adhesives I used include Scor-Tape and 3-D Foam Tabs.  The sweet stamped sentiments (Birthday and Celebrate!) are from Stamp Simply and can be found in their All Occasion Sentiments Set 2.  I stamped the sentiments onto a wood patterned paper and then cut the sentiments using the Fishtail Banner Dies, and I tied my tag with 1/4" Black Silk May Arts Ribbon.  I'm in LOVE with that super narrow silk ribbon.

We really do hope that you'll come join the FUN over at Seize the Birthday Challenge Blog.  Having Birthday cards on hand is always helpful, so make a black/white card or any Birthday card to come link up with us over at Seize the Birthday.  Thanks so much for visiting me here on my blog today.  I am always tickled pink to have you stop by and visit me.

I'm playing along here:

The Paper Funday Challenges - Challenge #79 - Anything Goes with lots of paper

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Festive Fridays Card Making Challenge - From this list, my card includes Black, White, Twine (black ribbon), and Jewels (sequins).

God bless you,

Karen

Grown With Love 💖Stamp Simply

If you love stamping and creating beautiful cards, you'll absolutely LOVE the products you find at Stamp Simply Clear Stamps.  No matter what possible message you wish to express, what season, occasion, or style you're looking for; chances are very good that Stamp Simply will have what you need.  Letting others know how much you care is so important.  We can do that through our card-making, and Stamp Simply wants to help.  This fun Autumn card blends together a few of my favorite Fall products from Stamp Simply.

I used black cardstock for the base, and I layered that with patterned papers from the Craft Consortium's Bright Blooms 6x6 Paper Pad (green gingham) and Carta Bella's Welcome Autumn 6x6 Paper Pad (pink polka dot).  I machine stitched a straight stitched around the edges of my card for added texture (until my bobbin ran out...lol).  Next, I stamped the background using white ink and the very cool Vintage Seed Packet Background Stamp.  The sentiment at the bottom of my card is also found in the Vintage Seed Packet Background Stamp Set.  That alone is pretty.......but there's more.

I used the Vintage Ovals & Twigs Dies to cut out the center of the Seed Packet image, and that's where you get another peek at the pink patterned paper.  Next, I stamped the gorgeous pumpkins using the fabulous Boho Pumpkins Stamp Set.  I watercolored the pumpkins using some oxide inks, water and a small paint brush.  I cut out the focal image and sprigs using the coordinating Boho Pumpkins Dies.  I absolutely LOVE how these products complement one another, and just how easy they make it to create a really cool design.

Thanks so much for visiting me here today.  You can also see my card over on my Instagram Page where I really hope that you'll Follow me.  You can find lots of great inspiration on the new Stamp Simply Blog and LOTS of great shopping at Stamp Simply.  I appreciate your visits...always.

I'm sharing this fun Autumn card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - STITCH IT Up - I used my sewing machine to add some stitches around the edges of this fun card.  As I mentioned above, my bobbin ran out before I could finish; and I was too lazy to reload it.  lol (honesty💗)

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge - Challenge #2534 - Anything Goes sponsored by Lawn Fawn

The Paper Funday Challenges - Anything Goes Challenge #79 - w/Optional Four-Legged Friends

A Cut Above Challenge - August: Anything Goes with Dies - I used several dies on this card as outlined above.

Blessings,

Karen

More of Taylee's Summer Art

Well, praise God!  We made it through Taylee's surgery yesterday.  She did end up missing her first day of 1st Grade today, but she is starting to feel more like herself; and she'll be back at school on Day 2 for her first day of 1st Grade.  She's so glad to have this procedure behind her, and she's ready for her next adventure.  Because she had to stay home today, that gave her one more day to create some fabulous art to share in the SSS Kids Summer Vacation Challenge before it ends.

This first picture (above) is one Taylee said is of her and her BFF.  She and JuJu have been friends since Kindergarten, and they seem to be attached at the hip - at school and after hours.  They enjoy each other's company.  You can clearly see their beautiful faces in the above portrait....complete with toothless smiles.  Yes, Taylee lost another tooth on Saturday morning, and JuJu lost her first tooth last weekend.  How exciting!

This next project is two parts.  It's what Taylee calls "A Book" and you can see the cover of the book in the photo above.  I guess it's a Math book??  Anyway.....in the photo below, you can see what's drawn on the inside of the book.  Again, this is the mind of a 6-year-old artist.  LOVE the creativity and story.

The inside of the book (above) shows lots of bugs.  I'm not sure why there are bugs in this book.  That's what she drew.  I don't ask questions.  Woops!!  I think I photographed this one upside down.  My apologies for that one.  I'm a little bit too lazy to rotate it again.

The above coloring page was given to Taylee yesterday at the Surgery Center while she was waiting to be taken back.  She was SO brave, and she only whimpered once, just a tiny bit, when she was wheeled away from Mom and I to go back to surgery.  Other than that, no crying or fussing at all.  She was SO brave.

The next project involved some orange and white acrylic paints.  Taylee dipped her hands in the orange paint and placed them onto the paper.  This created her two fish.  Then, she swiped each fish with white paint using her index finger.  This gave her fish stripes.  She glued on the googly eyes as the finishing touch.  This one is now on our refrigerator.

Our final piece of artwork being shared here today is this lovely mermaid that Taylee drew.  As you can see, she got tangled in the seaweed near her friend's coral patch.  It turned half of her hair green, as you may have noticed.  That darn seaweed can really do its damage on a mermaid's hair.  Just saying.

Here's the link to play along in case you'd like to have your kids/grandkids join in on all the FUN:

Simon Says Stamp Kids Summer Vacation Challenge - Anything Goes - Taylee is sharing a few last projects that she finished up during her recovery from surgery.  She's so excited to start 1st Grade and to see what kind of art she gets to create at school this year.

Blessings,

Karen & Taylee