Land That I Love w/Stamp Simply

I am a proud American who is grateful to God for every blessing in my life....big and small.  This card, using several FUN products from Stamp Simply, speaks to that fact.  It shows my patriotic side and gratefulness for our country, AND it shows my love and appreciation for the "small" things like coffee or tea.  Stamp Simply has SO many great stamps, dies, paper and more that will help you create cards of every kind, and all their products work well on their own or when combined with others as this card does.

I started with kraft cardstock and layered it with patterned papers and a journalling card from the Echo Park Let Freedom Ring 6x6 Paper Pad with some machine stitching.  Next, I used the American Eagle Stamp Set for the stars which I colored with Copics and cut with the coordinating American Eagle Dies.  I used the Coffee or Tea Stamp Set for the words "Tea Time" on the little tag.  The little tag and the teacup/handle are found in the Coffee or Tea Dies.

I used the Old Glory Stamp Set for the little USA stamp on the tea cup.  I also used the American Eagle Stamp Set again to stamp over the base of the tea cup, the handle, etc. to add pieces of the star, as well as for the sentiment at the top of my card.  I ran some 1/4" Red Chevron Twill across the teacup, and I used a length of Red Baker's Twine on the tiny tag.

You'll always find lots of great inspiration on the Stamp Simply Blog, and lots of great shopping in the Stamp Simply Store.  There are also lots of great sales and promotions that you'll learn about on the Stamp Simply Blog.  Thanks so much for your visit today.  I'm always super grateful for your visits, comments and friendships.

I'm sharing my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge #117 - Anything Goes

Color Throwdown Challenge - Challenge #795 - I just love this beautiful patriotic inspiration photo, so this is what I designed to share in this fun challenge.

TIME OUT Challenge Blog - Challenge #264 - Magical - I've thought of fireworks as being MAGICAL.  Ever since I was a small child going to the 4th of July Fireworks Show in my hometown, I've always been mesmerized by the beautiful explosions of color, and I've thought of it as being very magical.

Get your magical craft on this week, friends.

Blessings,

Karen

Really Reasonable Ribbon August Blog Hop

Are you ready for some FUN, lots of inspiration, great ideas for using ribbon, and a chance to WIN some awesome prizes?  Well if so, then you're in the right place because it's time for the August Blog Hop at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  This is a short hop and one lucky person will WIN a $10 gift certificate to spend at Really Reasonable Ribbon as well as two digital stamp sheets from the fabulous Bonnie Garby Designs.  You should arrived at my blog by way of my fabulous friend, Bonnie; but if not, you can catch up quickly by visiting the Blog for the line-up.

My first card is layered with patterned papers.  I attached a length of May Arts stitched canvas ribbon and a length of Brown Gingham Ribbon.  I tied in some Brown Burlap String and Natural Burlap String along with several Double Head Stamens, Mulberry Leaves, and Open Roses.  I'm telling you, friends, there's a perfect trim for every project at Really Reasonable Ribbon.

My second card uses the same patterned papers, but on this one I stitched the patterned paper to the corrugated cardboard on the right-hand side using a length of Solid Baker's Twine that I knotted on the ends.  I added some scalloped borders along with a length of Tan Canvas Ribbon.  I tied a knot in a length of a left-over May Arts ribbon scrap.  Underneath that, I tucked in some Solid Baker's Twine and Brown Burlap String.

That awesome image (Gather & Give Thanks) is from Bonnie Garby Designs.  It's found in the Thanksgiving Stamp Bundle.  I inked it just a bit and added a Tim Holtz miniature paperclip.  Let me know if you have any questions about the items I used.  You can find these products at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and you can always find them in the colors, widths and designs you need.  Your final stop on this Blog Hop is at the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog where you'll need to answer the final question in order to be eligible for the prizes.

Happy hopping,

Karen

Christmas JOY w/Really Reasonable Ribbon

Are you ready for Christmas?  I'm most definitely not.  Luckily, our family isn't actually visiting until the day after Christmas, so I do get a little extra time to prepare.  I have been having a lot of fun creating Christmas cards and projects and picking up gifts and stocking stuffers.  Today I'm sharing a cute Christmas mitten filled with lots of sweet treats.  Really Reasonable Ribbon made it easy.

Oh my!  Where do I start?  I used a die-cut from PTI to cut that treat bag.  The base (back) is cut from cardboard and the front is cut from kraft tissue paper.  I machine stitched the edges to create the pocket where I could slip in goodies.  I added some peppermint sticks, candies, etc.  I ran some pretty Crochet Lace and some Red & White Gingham Ribbon across the lower part of the treat bag.

Each trim from Really Reasonable Ribbon that I added just made it cuter and cuter.  At the top of the mitten, I added some Black & White Bold Check Ribbon, some more of the pretty Crochet Lace and a piece of White Pom Pom Ribbon.  I also tucked in a few Milk White Double Head Stamens underneath the holly berries and ivy that were cut from wool felt.  I hung the mini kraft tag (JOY) from a Rusty Pear- Shaped Clip from the Embellishments section.  These adorable Pins are sold out.  But, for anyone (US only) who places an order at RRR this week and lets me know, I'll send you one dozen of these cuties.

I added a Flatback White Pearl to the tiny snowflake.  I also made another cute Santa cinnamon stick and it's hung with a length of Red Satin Ribbon.  I realize there's a lot going on with this project.  If you have any questions, just let me know.  There's always lots of great inspiration on the RRR Blog and lots of great shopping at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Thanks so much for visiting today, and please stop by again soon.

I'm entering my project in the following challenges:

ABC Christmas Challenge Blog - W (White) or X (X-tra Special) and I'd like to think this pocket full of goodies is extra special because it was made for an X-TRA SPECIAL girl, my granddaughter.

Peace on Earth Challenge Blog - Challenge #28 - Christmas Treats - I was inspired by all the yummy treats in the inspiration photo below.

Colorful Options Challenge Blog - November: Beautiful Burgundy

Dare 2 Be Artzy - November Challenge: Non-Birthday

Blessings,

Karen

Thankful & Blessed w/Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, dear creative blog friends and crafters (and anyone else who might wander by to take a peek) and thanks for stopping by to say hello.  The temperatures, even here in the deserts of Las Vegas, are finally getting a bit cooler as signs of Autumn approach.  One thing I definitely miss about Minnesota in the Fall would be the changing colors and falling leaves.  We just don't really have big trees with colorful leaves here in the valley.  You'd have to take the 35-minute drive up to Mt. Charleston (or further) to see that.  Perhaps that's why I chose to make an Autumn card with some colorful leaves and to also incorporate some pretty Autumn trims and goodies from Really Reasonable Ribbon to adorn it.

I started this card with a piece of basic black cardstock which I layered with some Carta Bella patterned papers including a leaf print and a woodgrain pattern.  They were all attached using Scor-Tape for a long-lasting secure hold.  The sentiment square is also from the same Carta Bella paper pad.  The acorns and leaf were stamped and die-cut using products from Stamp Simply.  The prettiest part of this simple little card is the piece of 3/8" Brown & Cream Gingham Ribbon I ran across my card (underneath the sentiment) and tied into a bow.  I thought about adding some Mulberry Flowers, but I really wanted to keep this very simple.

I just LOVE the dimension and texture that ribbon gives to a card.  At Really Reasonable Ribbon, you will always be sure to find the perfectly matched trims for ALL your projects.  Be sure to stop by the RRR Blog for inspiration and information about sales and promotions as well as our monthly Blog Hop which always starts on the 13th.

We always enjoy your visits and hope to see YOU soon at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  You're always going to find lots of beautiful ribbons, trims, twines, and SO much more at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Treat yourself today.  Why not?

Blessings,

Karen

Blog Hop Time at Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hey, friends! It's Blog Hop time at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and I'm SO glad you've decided to join us.  This month's Ribbon Club Assortment is absolutely GORGEOUS with rich jewel tones for Christmas and all the way into the new year.  You will absolutely love these rich colors with the gold detailing on the edges.  They can really make your cards and projects POP with texture and beauty.

By signing up for the monthly Ribbon Club Assortment you can rest assured that you will always have the perfect ribbons for every occasion.  If you are the kind of person who wants to take the guess work out of ordering ribbon, this is the perfect answer for you.  Just look how well all of Really Reasonable Ribbon's trims work together to compliment one another.

This sweet hair bow was created using all the lovely ribbons in this month's Ribbon Club Assortment and is held together with a French Clip.  I hope you can see all the GORGEOUS details in these ribbons.  They are so pretty!  There's a length of 5/8" Satin Cream With Tuftan Brown Ribbon, 3/8" Vanilla Satin With Gold Metallic Edges, 5/8" Delicate Stitched Mineral Ice Satin, 3/8" Nile Blue Crosshatch Satin Ribbon, 5/8" Tulip Taffeta Ribbon, 3/8" Raspberry Swirl Plaid Ribbon, 5/8" Amethyst Diamond Satin Ribbon, 3/8" Soft Pine Satin With Gold Metallic Edges, and 5/8" Moss Bold Diamond Satin Ribbon.

I also made a sweet little Christmas Gift Tag by using a piece of green corrugated cardboard and adding a gold glittery snowflake and topping it with a 14mm White Flower Shaped Flatback Pearl.  At the top of my tag, I added a big beautiful bow tied with 3/8" Vanilla Satin With Gold Metallic Edge and topped with a 14mm Mixed Color Flower Shaped Flatback Rhinestone Embellishment.  I also attached a loop cut from Gold Metallic String so that the tag can be attached to a gift.

I absolutely ADORE the trims in this month's Ribbon Club Assortment, and it's a fabulous way to have on-trend ribbons delivered to your door every month so that you'll always have what you need.  These natural jewel tones will spice up any project with style.  There so many fabulous ribbons, laces, twines, trims, flowers and Embellishments at Really Reasonable Ribbon to help you create something wonderful.

Your next stop on today's hop is at the blog of my very talented friend Kathy.  She has prepared something extra special for you, as always.  I hope that you will stop by Really Reasonable Ribbon next time you need any ribbons, laces, flowers, and trims.  You will LOVE what you see!  There's always lots of fabulous inspiration on the RRR Blog and I hope you will stop by often.

Happy crafting,

Karen

25 Days of Christmas Tags - When I saw this tag from Jeanne Jachna, I fell in LOVE with the idea of cutting a snowflake in gold.  I've always seen snowflakes in silver, but I had never thought of cutting one from gold paper.  I'm so glad I was inspired because I really do LOVE the gold snowflake.  What do you think?