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

Birthday Greetings with Seize the Birthday

Every day is a great day to create and share a birthday card.  Heaven knows, we all need to have them readily on hand and available.  So, having a FUN challenge blog like Seize the Birthday is a great way to inspire us all to stay caught up on making those birthday cards.  I'm blessed and honored to be continuing on as the July/August Surprise Party Guest at Seize the Birthday Challenge Blog, and it's been great fun creating birthday cards.  The optional "topping" for this new challenge is "No Flowers", so I refrained from any flowers to my card.

This FUN card started with cream cardstock that I layered with some pretty patterned papers from the Emma's Shoppe line by Crate Paper.  I cut the bigger background pieces using the Dot Dash Nested Rectangle Dies from Brass & Bliss Craft Co.  I cut three layers with those fun dies.  That created my fun colorful layered card base.  My stamped sentiment is found in the Year Round Typewritten Sentiments Stamp Set from Stamp Simply.  

Next, I used scraps of the Emma's Shoppe patterned papers along with the FUN Candles with Layers Dies (also from Brass & Bliss Craft Co.).  I cut each candle from a different patterned paper, and I placed them across the bottom of my card.  This is very simple, but I just LOVE all those layers of delicious paper.  Come on, you know you need to make a few birthday cards.  Why not come play along?

I'm so grateful to have you visit me here today.  I hope you'll Follow me here and then stop by my Instagram Page to say hello and Follow me there as well.  I always enjoy your visits, and I also enjoy being inspired by your art.  Please leave me a note so I know who was here and where I can find you to say hello.  Have a blessed and creative week, and don't forget to join us at Seize the Birthday Challenge Blog.  It's always more fun when YOU can join the FUN.

I'll be sharing this fun birthday card in the following challenges:

Just Us Girls Challenge Blog - Challenge #788 - Word Week - Birthday

Inspiration Station Challenge Blog - August Challenge #76: Inspiration Photo - The elements in this photo that inspired me include the Birthday theme, the bright fun colors and the cake/cupcakes which, of course, need candles!

Which fun challenges are you playing along in this week?

Happy crafting,

Karen

The Challenge FUN Continues at Seize The Birthday

If you're anything like me, you're always looking for a FUN challenge where you can be inspired to create cards that you actually need and will use.  One of those FUN challenges is Seize the Birthday.  We all need to have Birthday cards readily on hand; and at Seize the Birthday Challenge, you will always be inspired to create wonderful Birthday cards for everyone on your list.....and then some.

The "Extra Topping" (which is an Option to the Anything Goes theme) for this challenge is "Favorite Color(s)".  When I saw this theme, I immediately knew which patterned papers I wanted to use.  This line is an OLD favorite of mine.  It's called Oh Darling by Crate Paper and it's adorable.  My "favorite" color (or color combo actually) is found in this line.  I don't even have the proper names for these colors, but I'm calling them soft seafoam green and a blush pink sorbet.  From the time I first laid eyes on this color combo (in this particular line), I was immediately smitten and have been hooked ever since.  LOVE.

I used a light kraft card base and attached the Oh Darling patterned papers.  I used lots of stickers, journalling cards, ephemera and goodies from the Oh Darling line on my card as accent pieces.  Yes, there's a lot going on there, so feel free to ask questions.  I added some tulle, some Mint Baker's Twine and Melissa Frances blush tulle ribbon.  Once I had all the goodies in place, I used the space on the journalling card to cut the awesome medallion using the Honeycomb Basics Dies and Hey Honeycomb Sentiments Stamp Set from The Greetery.  What a FUN surprise on a card!

You attach the (color of your choice) Honeycomb Ball to the bottom circle and top it/cover it with the stamped and cut half piece.  This will eventually be folded open to reveal the honeycomb ball.  It sticks to the little die-cut heart which has been cut using 3-D Foam Tape to hold the honeycomb open once the recipient reveals it.  How FUN!  I do apologize for so many (four) photos, but I wanted you to be able to see the honeycomb open as well.

Thanks so much for visiting me today.  I do hope that you'll stop by Seize the Birthday and other fun challenges to share your art and play along.  Be inspired, try something new, and have FUN doing it.  We look forward to seeing you out there in social media and blogland, creative friends.

I'm sharing this card here:

AAA Birthday Challenges - Challenge #75 - Summer Birthday

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Focus on the Sentiment"

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges - Challenge #2529 - Anything Goes - Sponsored by Gina K Designs - my Entry #1

Blessings,

Karen

Surprise Guest at Seize The Birthday

It's time for a FUN new challenge over at Seize The Birthday, and I've been invited to be the Surprise Guest for July and August.  The optional "Topping" for this challenge is Food/Drink, but you can share any Birthday card in the challenges at Seize The Birthday.  The Design Team and I are excited to see what you'll create to share in this FUN new challenge.

I used a light tan cardstock for my card base.  I topped that with three different patterned papers from the Emma's Shoppe line by Crate Paper.  I cut the layers with a Tim Holtz Postage Die Set.  I machine stitched my first layer.  All the ephemera and stickers are also from this Crate Paper line.  The darling ice cream cones and sentiments are from an older Stampin' Up stamp set called Sweet Ice Cream.

I stamped the scoops of ice cream and raised them with White 3-D Foam Tabs for dimension.  I tucked in a ticket (a super old stash item) that I stamped with another sentiment from the Sweet Ice Cream Stamp Set.  A Tim Holtz miniature paper clip was the finishing touch.  I just LOVE all the sweet layers of paper and yummy colors.  Almost cute enough to eat.  lol

Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek at my card today.  I really do hope that you'll stop by Seize The Birthday to play along.  It's always more FUN when everyone can join in on the challenge, and we really do enjoy seeing your creativity.  We all need to make more Birthday cards, so why not whip up something to share in this challenge.  Happy crafting.

I'll be playing along in these FUN challenges:

Retro Rubber Challenge Blog - July: Happy Birthday - This card uses a super old (retired) Stampin' Up set called Sweet Ice Cream.  I'm not precisely sure how old it is, but it's definitely a minimum of five years old.

AAA Birthday Challenge Blog - Challenge Game #75 - Summer Birthdays - We love eating Ice Cream all year long, but most especially at Summer Birthdays.

Heart's Quest Celebrations of Love Challenge Blog - July: Special Occasions - I'm sharing a Birthday card.

Festive Friday Challenge - Challenge #188 - My card includes the elements Ice Cream, Cones, Food Related Sentiments (With Sprinkles on Top and Hopes It's Sweet), Pink and Sprinkles.

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Challenge #2527 - Anything Goes sponsored by the fabulous Lawn Fawn

Blessings,

Karen, Your Surprise Party Guest

Seize The Birthday Challenge Blog

July - August, 2025

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Celebrate Your Special Day

Like most of you, I just LOVE making cards.  It's especially exciting when I'm able to make cards that are purely just for fun.  This is one of those cards.  I also enjoy playing along in challenges when I'm able, and that's what I'm hoping to do with this card.  If you know of a good challenge, please let me know.  I'm always on the look-out for fun challenges - especially when there are prizes involved.  Although I don't win anywhere very often, it's always fun when I'm able to try.

I pulled out some of my favorite patterned papers from my stash.  They're from an old Crate Paper line called Emma's Shoppe.  They include the papers, stickers and chipboard piece I used.  That super FUN party hat die-cut I used is from The Greetery.  I posted a different version of this card today on Instagram that included a 2" honeycomb ball.  I created this version so that the card can be placed in an envelope and mailed.

When I changed out the honeycomb ball, I used the Honeycomb Party Hat Die Set to cut the fringed circles instead.  In the center, I placed a cute little plaid Cabachon Flatback Embellishment from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  This gives it dimension but still leaves it flat enough for the envelope.  This is such a cute color combination, and although not everything is perfectly matchy-matchy, I'm fine with that.

The little journalling card behind the Party Hat is from We R Memory Keepers, and it is a SUPER old item from my stash.  I've been trying to incorporate some of my stash items.  AND....if anybody (in the United States) is in need of stamps or ephemera, please let me know.  I'm happy to share my ridiculous over-load of product.  God has blessed me exceedingly abundantly - just as His Holy Word says He will.

I also used a cute (older) stamp set called Wishing You from Paper Sweeties to stamp my sentiment and the cute party hats on the matching envelope.  Please let me know if you have any questions about the products I used or whatever.  I would be most appreciative if you'd stop by my Instagram Page to FOLLOW me there as well as here on my blog.  I thank you for stopping by today.

Here's where I'm linking up my card - simply because I LOVE to play along:

Seize The Birthday Challenge - Challenge #290 - Theme/Topping:  Retro - I think my card is a bit "RETRO", but I'll let the experts decide.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes - Entry #3/5 - I entered another card like this earlier today that had a different topper on the Party Hat; but because I wanted another version that would fit in an envelope, I made this one along with a matching envelope.

Cupcake Inspirations Challenge - Challenge #600 - What a CELEBRATION!  I love to play along here whenever I can.  WOW!  Talk about some amazing sponsors.  Happy Birthday, Cupcake Inspirations and your wonderfully creative Design Team.

Double D Challenge - SHAPES - This card is a rectangle base with a triangle party hat, circles on the hat topper and a square sticker.

Blessings,

Karen

Let's CELEBRATE

Hello, dear blog friends!  Welcome by again today.  I sure hope you're all staying safe and healthy and getting in lots of great crafty time.  I've been doing some reorganizing in my craft room; and in the process, I ended up making some cards so that I can play along in some of the FUN challenges out there in blog land.  I don't get to enter a whole lot of challenges so it's always fun when I do.  This card was a lot of fun to create.

I started by messy inking some white water color paper.  I'm on the hunt for the "perfect water color paper" and I know it's out there.  I just can't find what I'm looking for, and I'll keep my eyes peeled until I do.  I reached out to another crafter to ask about what she used, and I'm going to give that a try.  I want that really porous paper that soaks up the water color.  Anyway....I used the messy inking technique on my background, and then again to stamp and cut my balloons.  In the process, I also realized that I need a new balloon stamp and die set - so I'm on the hunt for that as well.

I attached my messy inked background to a piece of blue cardstock and then attached a pink print patterned paper (from Crate Paper).  Once I had all my background pieces in place, I stamped and cut the balloons and added those to  my card using a Paper Sweeties stamp set.  I stamped my sentiment in black ink using another Paper Sweeties stamp set.  The colors I used are all found in the pretty logo from Seize The Birthday where they're celebrating their 200th challenge.  Their Design Team posted some amazing inspiration cards, and I recommend you stop by to check them out and maybe even play along.

The finishing touches include a few sequins and some glitter on the balloons.  I just LOVE these sweet colors.  AND....it's always a treat to make cards that are just for fun.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on my card.  I also invite you to play along in these fun challenges as well as at Word Art Wednesday.  The more, the merrier, right?

Have a blessed week and I hope you'll visit again soon.

Karen

Here's where I'm playing along:

Seize The Birthday: 200th  Challenge - You can read all the details above; but let me say....I was SO inspired by the logo and their talented Design Team.  You really should check out their awesome creations, and come play along.  This is my 3rd and final entry in this challenge.  SO much fun!

As You Like It Challenge Blog - Brights or Pastels - It's so hard to say which I prefer because even this card is "pastel", and yet it's kinda bright.  I'm not a big fan of the primary colors when I'm creating; but I do use both.  If I absolutely had to choose.....I'd say pastels.  Aren't ALL colors beautiful?  I sure think so.

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2039 - Always Anything Goes