So Grateful for You

This card is coming a bit late, but as they say....."better late than never", right?  If you haven't seen it yet, there's a FUN new challenge waiting for you over at The Card Concept Challenge Blog and we're looking forward to seeing what you'll create to share with us this month.  We're still celebrating Autumn with a lovely inspiration photo to help you get started.  When I saw the photo, I was drawn to the colors and textures.

I used kraft cardstock layered with cream cardstock.  I cut the cream cardstock using the Stitched Rectangle Dies from Creative Worship.  I stamped the background in Marigold Oxide Ink using the FUN Typewriter Text Background Stamp also from Creative Worship Stamps.  Next, I used the Stitched Rectangle Dies once again to cut three smaller rectangles that I layered onto my card.  The top cream layer is, once again, stamped using the Typewriter Text Background Stamp.

The stamp set I used for the pumpkins is a very old (retired I believe) set from Papertrey Ink called Pumpkin Patch.  It's one that I've used every year since I purchased it.  The cute little sprigs and sentiment are also part of this sweet stamp set.  I tied some Natural Burlap String around my card for some added texture, and I attached a cute wooden button from my stash that had some of the same colors.  I also used a lot of Scor-Tape to secure everything in place.

It would be fabulous to have you stop by and play along with us this month at The Card Concept Challenge.  You don't have to follow the photo literally; it's simply a starting point for your creativity.  Thanks for visiting me here today and please know that I appreciate you very much.  Here's that inspiration photo to help get you started.  Happy crafting!

I'm playing along here:

The Paper Funday Challenge Blog - Challenge #82 - Anything Goes w/paper layers and Optional: Merry & Bright

Ellibelle's Garden Party #9 - Anything In or From a Garden

The Four Seasons - November Inspiration Photo - Autumn

Dar & Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - November/.Fall Colors - I used a bit more non-traditional colors for my pumpkins, but they are, nonetheless, still done up in Autumn colors.

What's inspiring you?

Blessings,

Karen

New Challenge at The Card Concept

There's a fun new challenge starting today over at The Card Concept, and we hope that you'll come play along with us.  The beautiful inspiration photo is a great starting place for your creativity.  You can use any part of the photo that speaks to you.  Maybe it's the beautiful colors, the heart image, the textures, white space or florals.  Just let your creativity run wild and see what you come up with for this FUN challenge.

I was inspired by the beautiful heart, the lovely florals, and the wonderful colors in the inspiration photo (see below) when creating this Clean & Layered card.  I used white cardstock that I layered with an A2 Lattice Die from Whimsy Stamps.  I used a layered heart die set (retired) from Papertrey Ink.  The flowers are from the new Cheery Birds & Buds Stamp Set from Creative Worship, and the Greenery Dies and Sentiment Stamp are from Stamp Simply Clear Stamps.

I enjoy using layers and textures on my cards.  What inspires you when you see this lovely photo?  Is it the colors?  Is it the heart or the textures, or something else?  Whatever speaks to your creative side, we'd sure love to see it shared this month at The Card Concept.  You can check out the various Card Styles and find one that appeals to you.

I even added a few sticker gems to my card.  They've been in my stash forever, and I usually forget about them.  However, it's fun to pull out some of those old, neglected products in our stashes.  There's even a couple of fun challenges out there that encourage us to use up older items.  We all have them, right?  This is a great time to pull them out and great creative.  We really would love to have you play along with us this month.  We enjoy seeing your art.

Thanks again for visiting me here today, friends.  It's always a treat to have you stop by and take a peek at what I'm creating.  I appreciate it more than I can even express.  Have a happy and creative day, and I really do hope to stop by your blog or social media this month to see what you've created to share with us at The Card Concept Challenge.

Blessings,

Karen

Be Merciful

Hi there, sweet blog friends.  Thanks for popping by again today for my second post of the day.  I actually finished this card yesterday evening, but it was too late in the day to take good photos.  Soooo....I took the photos this morning and finished up this blog post.  It's a "just for fun" card and I had a lot of fun making it.

I started with a dark pinky plum cardstock and then a layer of white watercolor paper that I rubbed with matching ink and a fun (super old) stencil to create my background.  Next, I ran the white piece through my Cuttlebug with an embossing folder called Snowflake Sparkles from Sizzix.

Again, I used the same (old/stash) stencil for the butterflies and the sentiment banner.  The butterflies are from a Papertrey Ink die cut set (super old also) and the sentiment banner is the Fishtail Banner Dies from Stamp Simply.  I just followed that same pattern throughout.

I used a sentiment from Stamp Simply.  It talks about being merciful which is something that we all need to be reminded of now and then.  Since God has forgiven us (me for sure and I hope you as well) of SO much, we should always remember to do our best to show mercy (forgiveness) to others.  It's so easy to get upset and to possibly even hold a grudge when someone hurts/offends us; but I've learned that when I get bitter towards someone, it really only ends up hurting me.  Showing mercy and forgiving others somehow frees us of all that weight and bitterness.  It's just really a beautiful sentiment from a gorgeous stamp set about showing Mercy.

All of these gorgeous leaves and sprigs were cut from white cardstock scraps that I inked with a variety of green inks.  I cut them using the Floral Cluster with Leaves & Sprigs Dies, and I dabbed them with some paints for a pop of color.  I also inked and tucked in a small piece of cheesecloth.  I attached a few sequins for another layer of texture and some sparkle.  Yes, there's a lot going on here, and that's often the case with my cards.  I just can't resist adding more and more each time.  I really do appreciate your visit today and I hope you'll stop by again soon.  I appreciate you.  Have a creative week; and don't forget to show mercy - as God has shown us mercy.

I'm sharing my card in these fun challenges:

Can You Handle the Pressure Challenge - Use an Embossing Folder w/Optional Butterflies - I did both this time.  I used the Sizzix Snowflake Speckles Embossing Folder.  The butterflies I added are cut using an older die-cut from Papertrey Ink.  I had FUN with this challenge.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes" - This is Entry 3/5

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Summer Mood Board" - This is Entry 1/5 - While I didn't see any butterflies or flowers in the inspiration board photo, I notice that Anna-Karin used them on her card and they really do scream Summer to me.

Triple B Challenge - Birds, Blooms and Butterflies - This card has blooms and butterflies to celebrate the beauty of July Summer days.  I really created this card with the Triple B Challenge in mind; knowing that I wanted to play along with an actual butterfly or two.  Then, I made it work for other challenges where I could share it as well.

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2326 - Anything Goes (sponsored by the wonderful Lawn Fawn).  I always love to play along in this fun challenge when I'm able.

I'd really love to hear your thoughts about my card.

Be blessed,

Karen

Happy Thanksgiving w/The Card Concept

Welcome by today, everyone!  Are you ready for another FUN challenge at The Card Concept?  Well, we've got a FABULOUS new challenge ready for you with another gorgeous inspiration photo that will prompt your creativity (we sure hope).  Actually, you get your choice of two different inspiration photos.  For this challenge, you get your choice of either an Autumn or a Winter inspiration.  Obviously, I chose the Autumn inspiration.

I used dark brown Bazzill cardstock and a scrap of patterned paper to start my card base.  I used a piece of watercolor paper and I pressure embossed it with a Shiplap/Deck Plates Embossing Folder by Altenew.  Next, I used Tim Holtz Oxide Inks in Marmalade, Fossilized Amber, Peeled Paint and Pumpkin to watercolor the faux wood planks.

I took a piece of vellum and I stencilled it using the Delightfully Delicate Stencil from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  I ran a piece of brown seam binding up my card and tied a bow with it.  I also tucked in some bundled Olive Burlap String and Ivory Burlap String.  I poked two stick pins into the bow for added color.  I also did a touch of the stencil work on the sentiment strip.

The pumpkins (stamps and dies) are from Papertrey Ink.  I used the same colors oxide inks for those as well.  Just ask me if you have any questions at all.  Thanks for stopping by today, and please be sure to join us for more FUN and inspiration at The Card Concept.  I'd really love to see YOU there.

Stencil FUN Challenge Blog - October: Stencil Fun - I used a doily stencil from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps on this card.

Colorful Options Challenge Blog - October: Outrageous Orange

Can You Handle the Pressure Challenge Blog - October: Anything Goes w/Twist Orange/Black - I used the Tim Holtz Lumber Embossing Folder on this card.

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Challenge #2242 - Anything Goes - Sponsored by the wonderful Lawn Fawn

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog - Halloween/Spooky

Dar & Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - Orange & Black

Thanks again for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Karen

May Challenge at The Four Seasons

It's a new month, and time for a beautiful new challenge over at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog.  This month's inspiration photo gives you lots of options and you can let ANY part of the photo spark your creativity.  As long as it fits the "season", which is obviously Spring; you can share ANY art you create during the month of May.  We look forward to seeing what this pretty photo will inspire YOU to create.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the pretty purple lilacs and pink roses.  Flowers always make me think of my Mom, so this card was created with her in mind.  I didn't have a nice Mother's Day sentiment (out of ALL my stamps...can you believe that?) so instead I used her favorite Bible verse.  The sentiment stamp is found in the Words of Encouragement Stamp Set from Stamp Simply Clear Stamps.

I did some simple water coloring using Lilac and Concord Oxide Inks and then stamped the flowers using a (retire) PTI stamp set called Petite Pots.  The basket is a die-cut from The Greetery.  The background patterned paper is from Whimsy Stamps' Fabulous Florals 6x6 Paper Pad.  I think that covers everything; but feel free to ask any questions.

On behalf of all of us at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog, thank you for sharing your wonderful art with us. We're ALL super excited to see the cards and projects you'll create to share with us this month.  Thanks for stopping by today, and have a great week.

I'm sharing my card in these FUN challenges where I love to play along whenever I possibly can:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Wild and Wonderful - So I entered my wild flowers

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2217 - Anything Goes - Sponsored by CAS-ual Fridays Stamps.

Blessings,

Karen

Using Baker's Twine w/Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hi there, friends.  Those of you who know me best are aware that I absolutely LOVE Baker's Twine and you also know that I tend to tie it around many of my cards.  Baker's Twine is an incredibly affordable trim at just ten cents per yard and it comes in so many beautiful colors included stripes and solids.  I tend to use it a lot because I know I can always find the perfect color to accent every project.

The black base was cut using a Triangle Cover Plate and I stamped my card using a (retired) Papertrey Ink Stamp Set called Petite Pots.  I used several colors of Tim Holtz Oxide Ink to stamp all the pretty flowerpots, stems with leaves, and flowers.  It took me a long time after it was retired for me to find this sweet PTI stamp set.  It's such a pretty set, and I knew that Baker's Twine would be the perfect touch.

The card is very simple, but it still need just a bit of trim and I thought the Solid Plum Baker's Twine and the Solid Black Baker's Twine were the perfect touches for this sweet card.  I can still easily slide this card into a mailing envelope.  That's yet another reason why I love Baker's Twine so much - you can still mail cards that use Baker's Twine.

I made a quick and easy matching tag for this card so that the recipient could use it as a bookmark.  I stamped the same floral images as on the card using the same PTI Petite Pots Stamp Set.  As I did with the card, I wrapped the tag with some beautiful Baker's Twine.  This includes some of the Solid Plum Baker's Twine as well as some Solid Black Baker's Twine.  Thanks again for visiting, and don't forget to stop by the RRR Blog often for lots of great inspiration, news about sales and special promotions, and for all things RIBBON minded.  Have a creative week.

I'm playing along here in these FUN challenges:

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2208 - Anything Goes

Blessings,

Karen

Love You More

Well, last night I was browsing blogs and I saw SO many gorgeous cards and projects from everyone.  You're all SO talented, and you inspire me so much.  In fact, today I couldn't wait to get in my craft room to make another fun card using hearts.  It seems to be the theme going around right now.....LOVE is in the air.

This card started with some back cardstocks, and then a piece of white cardstock onto which I stamped my SNSS Grunge Stripe Background in Spun Sugar and Citron Oxide Inks.  I used the same oxides to paint the hearts which were cut using Papertrey Ink dies.  The stamped sentiment and hearts are from Stampin' Up.  The little plastic arrow is from Crate Paper (Journey), and my finishing touch was a piece of Solid Pink Baker's Twine that I wrapped around my card.

Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek at my card.  I'm playing along in some FUN challenges that I love.  I hope you're having fun this week playing along in challenges and being creative.  I can't wait to see what you make.

Blessings,

karen

Here are those FUN challenges I mentioned:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "WITH LOVE" - "Love You More" is something I've always said to my kids.

Dar and Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - HEARTS Challenge

Many Thanks

As someone who's been running/managing a challenge blog for over ten year now, I am SO super grateful for all the wonderful and generous companies in our crafting community who give their support to us.  I've been on both ends of it.....on one hand, as someone in need of sponsors for our challenges at Word Art Wednesday and on the other hand; as a grateful winner at another challenge blog.  All of us who craft and blog are BLESSED in so many ways by the generous sponsors of challenges, blog hops and give-aways.  Well, this month at Mod Squad Challenge Blog, their challenges are taking the time to (literally) say THANK YOU to a few of these kind-hearted companies.

The challenge taking place right now at Mod Squad Challenge Blog is sponsored by Gina K Designs.  While I don't own any of Gina's sweet stamp sets yet, I do have some of her amazing die-cuts.  This card does not use any of her products...sorry.  But I will say this, Gina K. is a very generous woman who runs a very respectable business.  She sells high-quality products, offers excellent customer service, and she is also a sponsor at Word Art Wednesday.  She is quite a blessing to much of the crafting community.  Her mailing address is on the Mod Squad Blog so that you can send her a thank you to tell her how grateful we all are for her generous support in the blogging world.  I'll be sending her this card which I created today.

I used a three-piece die set from The Greetery for the base of my card.  I added a piece of Black & White Bold Gingham Ribbon to my card as well as one piece of black/white gingham patterned paper.  I used an older stamp set from Papertrey Ink (an oldie, but a goodie that I love to use again and again).  I stamped my pumpkins in Smoked Hickory Oxide Ink, Black Soot and Green Grass Oxide Ink.

I kept this card very simple (and flat) so that I'd be able to mail it to Gina easily.  I know she would LOVE to receive a thank you card from you; and you can play along in the fun challenge at Mod Squad where you could win a prize to Gina K Designs.  Come, play along in some FUN challenges this week.  Be sure to thank the generous sponsors, and of course give thanks to God for it ALL.

Blessings,

Karen

I'm playing along here:

Mod Squad Challenge Blog - Month of Thanks/Gina K Designs - As detailed above.

Pixie's Playground - Snippets Challenge #409 - I used a ribbon snippet AND a patterned paper snippet on this card.  I also used white scraps to stamp and die-cut my pumpkins.  Gotta use it all!!

Gelatos and Stamping

This card was a LONG time in the making.  It was originally inspired by this gorgeous card created by the super talented Melissa Phillips back in 2015.  I immediately fell in love with her technique using gelatos, and in particular with this stamp set.  It's an old (very old retired) Papertrey Ink stamp set called Petite Pots.  And trust me, you can't find it anywhere.  Because I failed to buy it at PTI before it sold out, I've just always wanted it and always wanted to create the lovely cards and tags Melissa created using it.  Well, the only time I ever found this set for sale since its release; I lost an eBay auction for this set (My max bid was $40 and someone paid $41).  I about cried!  And then.....I was lucky enough to find someone on Facebook who was selling this set.  Finally!  I got the Papertrey Ink Petite Pots Stamp Set and Die-Cuts (all for $20).  I was ready to recreate Melissa's gorgeous projects, and today I'm sharing the card that originally inspired me.

I stamped the stems and flowers onto a white watercolor paper in lighter and darker tones, and also used the accent stamps to give each flower more personality.  That's one of the many things I love about this stamp set.  There are lots of little stamps that layer over the flower base, and these stamps give the middles some texture and detail, like real flowers would have.  I added a sweet bow to my card (like Melissa did on hers) by running some vintage lace across it and tying a bow with that, some torn fabric, and another lace topped with a button.

I also love that there are lots of different stems and grasses, and I tried my best to use lots of different shades of greens to create the background.  When I stamp a project like this, I quickly learn that I need (or want) more/different colors of inks as well as wanting additional colors of gelatos.  You've gotta work with what you've got.  Right?

Now let me say, the gelatos are a lot of fun.  There's a bit of a learning curve with them, and I really want to purchase some more muted colors of gelatos as opposed to all the bright colors I have.  Anyway, I rubbed the gelatos in the appropriate colors around the flowers to give that soft, muted look to this sweet floral garden.  The best way I've found to apply the gelatos is by using your fingertip and a bundled paper towel, and just rubbing in quick small circles to "smudge" the gelato ink around the image.

The sentiment (just a note) is also from this sweet stamp set.  I recreated one of Melissa's tags as well (this is just one of the many sweet tags she created using this stamp set and technique).  It's also cut from white watercolor paper which worked really well.  I used a stencil and bright pink acrylic paint at the top of the tag, and I used a Papertrey Ink script (words) stamp at the bottom of the tag.  The flower stems and flowers, etc. are all from the Petite Pots Stamp Set.  I am SO happy I finally found this lovely stamp set, and I'm hoping you can understand now why I waited and watched for so long to get my hands on it.  It's really the reason why I originally even bought gelatos, and why/how I learned how to use them.  I have been inspired by Melissa for many years, and I don't have a clue what's happened to her personally; but I sure do miss her talent and how it always inspired me.  What a talented gal.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

I'm linking up in this fun challenge:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Add A Sentiment" - my sentiment is stamped.  This is my second entry into this fun challenge.

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2007 - Anything Goes Sponsored by Newton's Nook - Entry #1 of 3 at Pam's fun challenge.