Let's Art Journal

When I saw the new challenge theme over at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog, I knew right away that I wanted to play along.  I've never won this challenge, but I still love to play along.  And since I haven't done an Art Journal page in quite some time, I thought it was a great idea.  This is what I created to share with you today.

I inked and painted my journal page using Fossilized Amber and Lemonade Tim Holtz Oxide Inks.  My attachment started with black cardstock.  Next. I used watercolor paper to rub with oxide inks, stamp with a Tim Holtz background image stamp, and then stencil with Lavendar ink-tinted Heavy Gesso.  I layered together the extra banner strip using 3-D foam tape.

There are a few Lemon floral prills on my card, some scraps of canvas material that I machine stitched, some little black sentiment stickers from my stash, a Prima metal butterfly clip, and I used some Making Memories white rub-ons and another sticker that are old stash items.

I don't always get to play along in this fun challenge, so I'm really excited to share this in the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.  I hope to share it in a few challenges where it will qualify.  I had a lot of fun making this Art Journal page.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.  Have a wonderfully creative week, everyone.  Thanks again for your visit.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Let's Art Journal", and so I did.

Stencil FUN Challenge - May: Anything Goes/Optional: Girly - I used a Tim Holtz stencil and heavy gesso on my background.

Creative Ariste Mixed Media Challenge - Challenge #104 - Anything Goes Mixed Media - I'm sharing my Art Journal page

The Inspiration Station Challenge - Challenge #61 - Photo Inspiration Prompt - I was immediately drawn to the colors - yellows, blues, and purples.

Dar and Diane's Double D Challenge Blog - Polka Dots - I used a stencil and heavy gesso to create my polka dots on this art journal page.

Blessings,

Karen

Life Is Delicious w/Brutus Monroe

Well, believe it or not, this is my last post for Brutus Monroe.  I've been on their Inspiration Box Design Team for the past six months; and this is the end.  I trust that God has great new things ahead for me, so I'm not sad about stepping down from this team.  But in the meantime.....just look at this CUTE card that I made using the new Sugar & Spice Inspiration Box.  I also used a brand new Brutus Monroe Embossing Powder on the background.

Each Inspiration Box contains several sheets of various colored cardstocks, so I used the black cardstock for my base.  My second layer was a piece of white cardstock that I stamped and embossed with a brand new golden Embossing Powder from Brutus Monroe.  It has a cool shimmer to it, so I'm trying to get you a photo at an angle where you see the glimmer it gives your card.  Kinda like a like glitter dusting, only it's inside the embossing powder.  Really cool!

So after I embossed the background, I rubbed various yellow/gold Tim Holtz Oxide Inks onto the background to create an ombre effect.  Since I had this cool golden background, I stamped the cake three times, colored it in yellow/gold Copic colors, added some glitter to the frosting, and used the coordinating die-cuts to cut the cakes.  I placed some on 3-D Foam Tape to raise them, and adhered them to the card.  I used a sentiment strip to create the cute sentiment "Life Is Delicious" at the top.

The little hearts and dots are also found in the Sugar & Spice Stamp and Die Set included in this Inspiration Box.  The cute small accent stamps are super fun to fill in bare spaces as I did here.  I also added a red bow using the silky ribbon found in the Inspiration Box, as well as a few sequins.  I don't think there's any possible way you could go wrong with this DARLING Inspiration Box.  Everything I've created is super cute just because these stamps, dies and goodies are SO super cute.

Thanks again for stopping by to take a peek at my final card for Brutus Monroe.  If you ever lose your mojo, just remember the Inspiration Box from Brutus Monroe.  It's a sure way to spark your creativity.  Happy crafting, everyone!

Blessings,

karen

I'm playing along in this FUN PARTY challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog - Simon Says It's A PARTY

Four Seasons September Challenge

Welcome by today, everyone!  You're here just in time for some exciting news, and a chance to play along in a brand new challenge.  The Four Seasons Challenge Blog is hosting its very first challenge this month, and we hope that YOU will join the fun.  If you're anything like me, you love a good challenge.  Well, this challenge has everything you could possibly want - a gorgeous inspiration photo, lots of great ideas from the new Design Team, fun and fellowship, and an awesome prize.  Let's get started.

My inspiration card for this challenge started with some black and golden cardstocks for the base.  I added a piece of pretty orange patterned paper (from Crate Paper Farmhouse line) that I machine stitched with black thread to the base.  I added a cream fabric doily (from the dollar bins at Michaels).  I always like to check the dollar bins there as well as at Target and the Dollar Tree.  I mean, who doesn't love a good bargain, right?

I stamped my pumpkins using an old favorite stamp set from Papertrey Ink.  I used several different colored inks for my pumpkins.  I just sorta moved them around a few times until I found their resting places on the card.  No real rhyme or reason...just FUN - like a real pumpkin patch.  I also added a sentiment strip using the Sweet Borders Banner from Paper Sweeties.  The circle dies at top left are from Simon Says Stamp.  The finishing touches included some sequins, bundled Burlap Strings, Stamens and another pumpkin on top.  One thing you'll quickly learn about me is that I tend to put A LOT of "stuff" on my cards.  I just can't resist.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I really do hope you'll join us at Four Seasons Challenge Blog for our first challenge ever.  That way, you can start with us this Autumn and play along in ALL our fun challenges throughout all the beautiful changing seasons with which God has blessed us.  We're also looking for some Guest Designers for the upcoming challenges at Four Seasons Challenge Blog, so be sure to stop by and check out ALL the fun-filled details.  Have a great day, friends.

Blessings,

Karen

I'm playing along here in these FUN challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "STAMP IT in STAMPtember" - I used stamps and dies from Papertrey Ink, and dies from Paper Sweeties and Simon Says Stamp.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Glimmer and Sparkle" so I added some sweet little colorful sequins to my card so that it will sparkle when the lights hit it.

Time Out Challenge Blog - Challenge #195 - The Inspiration Photo says Colored Cardstock Background/Base - I used a BLACK cardstock base layered with a yellow cardstock, layered with an orange patterned paper to create my base.

Can I Quote You On That?

I'm not quite sure what constitutes a quote; but I guess I'd say that it's anything somebody has said at any point.  If somebody said it, somebody possibly heard it, perhaps it got written down, and eventually, it may have become a quote that others have repeated.  We don't always know the author (or source) of every quote; but they are quotes, nonetheless. 

I started with a cardstock base and added some fun Crate Paper patterned papers from my stash.  I used small snippets of the inked patterned papers to create flags/banners, and I did a bit of zig zag machine stitching here and there.  These colors are unusual together, but they're a lot of fun at the same time.  I enjoy using snippets of patterned paper to create a fun colorful background.

I added some metal pieces including Tim Holtz miniature rusty paper clip and some thin metal primitive hearts.  Some of the small stickers, including the sentiment sticker strip, are from my October Afternoon stash.  I clipped this sticker quote into three pieces and placed them on my card.  I really love all those great layers, yet a fairly flat card that will slip right into an envelope.

Below are the challenges that inspired my card.  They include both the Monday and Wednesday Challenge Blogs at Simon Says Stamp.  I love to play along there whenever I possibly can.  And heaven knows that I have enough patterned paper and adhesive to craft until Jesus returns.  I hope you're busy crafting, too.

Hugs,

Karen

Simon Says Stamp  Monday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Add A Quote" - I don't know the source of this quote, but it's sure a good one.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes" - I always enjoy an Anything Goes challenge so that I'm able to play along in both challenges.  It would be such a blessing to finally win at SSS.

Pixie's Crafty Workshop: Pixie's Playground - Snippets Challenge #402 - I used lots of great snippets on this fun card.  Never throw away those small pieces, crafty friends!  They come in handy to a nice flat base like this one.

A Quote by C.H. Spurgeon

Thanks for stopping by today as I share a card I created with a fun stencilled, inked, painted background along with some touches of burlap and thin metal primitive hearts.  It's a perfect card for mailing as I was able to keep it flat for the most part.  I used lots of great Tim Holtz products on my card.

I used a colored cardstock base in green, and layered some Crate Paper patterned papers.  I attached my background created on white watercolor paper and stenciled with various patterns and inks, paints, etc.  It's a bit of a messy pattern, but I was trying to bring in several colors while giving the background some added texture and personality.  That's what prompted me to add just a bit of machine stitching in black.

You might also see a couple pieces of my (now much treasured) vintage Scotch tape.  It gives such a cool nostalgic warmth to papers.  I left the black thread edges of my zig zag stitching just sorta hanging there.  I debated on adding straight stitch all the way around the white piece.  I still wonder....

I'll be sharing this card in both the Monday and Wednesday Simon Says Stamp Challenges this week since my card fits both their themes.  It's always a blessing to me when I have time to play along in a challenge here and there; and especially ones I love so much.  Thanks again for stopping by to take a peek, and please visit again soon.

God's blessings to you,

Karen

Here are the challenges that inspired my card:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Add A Quote" - I used the stamped quote from C.H. Spurgeon.  I used Tim Holtz Hickory Smoke Ink to stamp my quote.

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

Dream On

Thanks for stopping by, and welcome.  It's always exciting (for me) when I'm able to create a card just for fun.  You know....no design team assignments, no real rules to follow, and just one of those cards you put together without any real rhyme or reason.  This card is just that.....FUN.  It uses cheerful colors and some of my most favorite products from a Crate Paper line named Emma's Shoppe.  I adore this stuff.

I started with a cardstock base and attached some of the Emma's Shoppe patterned papers that I machine stitched in light pink (you can barely see it).  Once I had all that in place, I attached a length of Dusty Rose Wrinkled Ribbon and tied a bow with that and a length of Yellow Wrinkled Ribbon and a piece of Aqua Baker's Twine topped with some Miniature Sweetheart Blossoms and a few Double Head Stamens. I added the chipboard menagerie horse (from Emma's Shoppe by Crate Paper) and a small sentiment strip (dream on) and a heart from Pinkfresh Studios.

I love these cheerful colors and that sweet chipboard piece.  It's all just so fun and I thought this card with the "dream on" sentiment would be a fun one to send my niece.  I sure do miss my time with her.  I haven't spent any quality time with her (other than on Facetime) since the pandemic started, and I miss her SO much.  I hope you've been sending cards and keeping in touch with your loved ones during this difficult time we're facing.  Never underestimate how much your cards and words might cheer someone.  Happy crafting, and thanks again for visiting.

Blessings,

Karen

I'm playing along here:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Bright Cheerful

Dare 2B Artzy - April: Bright Colors

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge Blog - Challenge #2116 - Anything Goes Sponsored by Newton's Nook

Hoppy Easter Tag Two

You know how sometimes when you get inspired by something, it just kinda takes over your mind for a bit and almost obsesses your creative thoughts?  Well, that's pretty much what happened to me when I saw a darling tag made by Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge DT Member, Zoey, this week.  Her adorable bunny tag inspired me to create not one; but TWO tags that are similar in style to hers.  Mine are not as detailed and amazing as her, but I've sure had fun creating  mine.  I love playing with Tim Holtz Oxide Inks, paints, etc.

I used some scraps of pale pink and ivory cardstock that were on my craft table.  I machine stitched them in black thread to give some texture and dimension.  I used some brown tissue paper, stencils on the paper strips, and lots of inking in Spun Sugar, Green Grass, Hickory Smoke and Burlap.

I did paint the insides of the bunny's ears and added a bit of ultra-fine glitter.  I used a Sharpie to add some of the lines on my images.  I free-handed the green circle, bunny ears, etc.  It's just a fun project, and I was so delighted with the first one I made; that I had to make this one to place on the outside package of a box I'm sending out later today.

As you can see, it's basically acrylic paints, Tim Holtz distress inks, machine stitching in both straight and zig-zag (which I love), and that little circle I added is a super old Making Memories journalling tag from my stash.  I just liked the colors and how it added to this little project.  How fun are those hanging threads?  Just a beautiful little mess.

I really love the layers of this sweet tag.  Those bunny ears are SO easy to make (as I said, I just free-handed them) by inking, painting, etc. you can cover any little mistakes.  You really only have to draw one ear.  Once you've drawn the first bunny ear and cut it out, you simply trace that one and cut it so that you'll have a matching pair.  From there, it's an inky fun time of decorating.  Thanks for stopping by to take a peek at this one.  I'm grateful for your visits.

Blessings to you,

Karen

I'm playing along here in these challenge I love:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Easter/Spring" - This is my second tag and second entry and my tags were totally inspired by Zoey's project for this week.  I just loved her sweet tag.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Spring/Easter" Mood Board - I was inspired by the cute bunny and bunny ears in the inspiration photo.

As You Like It Challenge Blog - Favorite Critter and Why - I guess I'm going with the Easter Bunny on this one.  My reason why is because you can see his famous big floppy ears - and that's what I featured on this tag....a bunny with big floppy ears.

Hoppy Easter - Happy Spring

Hello, everyone.  Welcome by today and thanks for visiting me.  I realize that I've been a little bit scarce lately.  I haven't posted much of anything here on my blog, and I've been neglecting my friends in blog land.  A dear blog friend of mine actually reached out to say that she noticed I was "missing in action" so to speak.  I was SO grateful for her check-in and concern because it showed me that there are people who truly care about my happiness and well-being (other than immediate family); and that's a true blessing.  Anyway, I have been back in my craft room getting my April DT assignments taken care of and finally having some time to just be creative again.

I was very inspired by the Easter/Spring themed challenges taking place this week over at Simon Says Stamp.  I love playing along in both the Wednesday and Monday Challenges whenever possible.  This tag was completely inspired by Zoey of the SSS Monday Challenge Design Team.  She made such a darling tag with these floppy bunny ears.  Zoey really inspired me, so I gathered together some similar products and I created my version of Zoey's adorable tag.  I will be putting this tag on my granddaughter's Easter gift.

I used brown tissue paper and white cardstock.  I machine stitched the papers together and I used various Tim Holtz Oxide Inks to ink the edges and stencil some designs on the white cardstock to create a cool background with various textures.  I left the machine stitched edges hanging and even added extra thread to create whiskers for my bunny.  I also attached a pair of tiny googly plastic eyes to my bunny.  I hope he doesn't look creepy.  LOL  I also distressed the bunny's ears with oxide inks and I swiped some pink paint on them, and dusted them with ultra-fine glitter.  The stamped sentiment (Hoppy Easter) is from Paper Sweeties.  The finishing touch was a length of Cotton Candy Baker's Twine that I attached to the top of the tag.

Thanks again for stopping by to visit me today.  I'm always so very grateful for your visits and comments.  I do hope you're having a great week and that you're finding time to stay creative.  And if not, perhaps you're getting some other things accomplished.  Either way, enjoy your days.  I always appreciate your visits.

Blessings,

Karen

Here's where I'm playing along:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Spring/Easter Mood Board

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says Spring/Easter - I was totally inspired by Zoey's cute bunny tag.

We Love 2 Create - Mixed Media - Anything Goes/Mixed Media - I chose to make a tag using brown tissue paper and white cardstock, etc.  I used my own design and free-handed everything. (other than the sentiment stamp).

Pixie's Crafty Workshop: Pixie's Playground Snippets Challenge #399 - In memory of Ruby - I used lots of snippets on this little mixed media tag.  Each piece, in fact, was made from white cardstock pieces that were literally laying on my scrap table.

As You Like It Challenge Blog - Favorite Critter and Why - I guess I'm going with the Easter Bunny on this one.  My reason why is because you can see his famous big floppy ears - and that's what I featured on this tag....a bunny with big floppy ears.

Creative Crafting Uncles - Challenge #15 - Easter

Having FUN In My Craft Room

Hello, crafty friends; and thanks for stopping by today.  If you stopped by looking for my Paper Sweeties post for today, you can find it here.  You won't want to miss out on hearing about the 1st Quarter Sweet Kit and seeing all my sweet inspiration cards using it.  I also had some extra time yesterday afternoon to make a couple more cards just for fun.  I love playing along in challenges when I'm able, and these cards were completely inspired by some of my favorite challenges where I wanted to play along.  Here's what I created to share with you today.

One of my all-time favorite places to play along is at Simon Says Stamp.  I love playing along - although over the 10+ years I've been doing so, I've won only once.  But who knows....maybe it's my lucky week at either the Monday or Wednesday Blog as I'm playing along in both this week.  First, I'll share my card for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog which called for Slimline Cards this week.  I used my one and only slimline die set for this layout.  Some Echo Park Flower Market patterned papers and stickers helped me out.

I also did a bit of machine stitching on my card to outline the green part.  The stamps I used for this card (faith, hope, love) are from a Paper Sweeties set called With Heartfelt Thoughts.  Because there's already a lot going on with the layers of paper, patterned papers, stickers and sentiments; I decided not to add anything else to this card.  I also like keeping some cards completely flat for easy mailing.  This is my slimline card for that challenge.

My second card was created for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog where this week's theme is Resist It.  I'm still fairly new to this technique, but I'm learning as I go.  First, I used watercolors to create my background.  I used Tim Holtz Hickory Smoke Oxide Ink to stain the edges and stamp my background stamping.  I used a stencil and some Stickles mixed with chunky green glitter and I spread this over the stencil to create a raised stencil background for my "Resist It" technique.  It has lots of great sparkle.

The other touches I added to this card include some machine stitching, fabric swatches (denim, cotton, canvas), a Tim Holtz metal charm, some ephemera pieces, burlap string, and lots of shabby inking.  I love all the wonderful layers to this card, and the Resist It technique adds even more texture and sparkle as well as design.  I layered the card with pale peach and forest green cardstocks and I clipped in a few miniature colored staples.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'm always so grateful for your visits and I appreciate your comments.  Have a blessed and creative week, and please stop by again soon.  Blessings to you!

Karen

Here's where I'm playing along:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Make A Slimline Card - all details above for my slimline.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Resist It - All details are listed above for my Resist It technique.

Pixie's Crafty Workshop: Pixie's Playground - Snippets Challenge #396 - My card at the top was created using several snippets of patterned papers.  I used both sides of my snippets' double-sided patterned scraps to make the most of it all.

As You Like It Challenge Blog - When it comes to stamping....Clear Acrylic, Rubber, or Digi?  And Why?  For me, it's always my first choice to use clear acrylic stamps.  The reason WHY is because I LOVE using my Misti to line up my stamps and to be able to re-stamp as many times as needed to get a crisp clear image every time.  I struggled with this prior to the Misti, so this is why I love clear acrylic the most.  But, all stamps are great, right?  For the top card, I used a Paper Sweeties stamp set, and for the second card I shared above, I used a few different stamp sets.

Cityscape Christmas Greeting

Hello, sweet blog friends!  Welcome by my blog today as I share a quick card that was created 100% JUST FOR FUN.  No Design Team assignments, no deadlines to meet...just some fun in my craft room while everyone else was busy doing other things today.  There are some challenges where I was itching to play along, and I'm happy that I had time to create a card to enter and join in (some of) the creative fun happening in our fabulous crafting community.

For my Cityscape Card (above), I used some Echo Park patterned papers, and My Mind's Eye (Cozy Christmas) chipboard, sentiment, ephemera and stickers to create my card on a light greenish Bazzill card stock base.  I attached my chipboard cityscape and berry sprig, and adorned the card with some red, natural and olive bundled burlap strings, red, white, blue and green double head stamens, and a few festive berries from my stash.

Thank you once again for stopping by my blog today.  Our house is a bit chaotic, but a whole lot of fun at the same time.  I made a big breakfast for everyone, and the kids are watching a movie now while I'm finding some blogging time.  I'm always SO grateful for your visits to  my blog.

Here are the challenges where I've been wanting to play along, and am excited to link up:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Cityscape Theme

Mod Squad Challenge Blog - Christmas/Winter Theme