Fun Challenges at The Card Concept

If you're ever looking for another FUN challenge blog, please stop by The Card Concept.  We'd love to have you join us this month.  There are two different inspiration photos.  The one I used is the Summer by the Sea option.  The other option is a Christmas inspiration.  Whatever speaks to your creativity....colors, textures, images or anything else; just come and join the fun.  We'd love to see what you're creating.

I used a NEW Release stamp set and stencil from Creative Worship on this Sketchbook Journal Page.  The lovely NEW lighthouse stamp set is called Safe Harbor and it is awesome.  I also used the NEW Under the Sea Stencil.  The rocks, flying birds and the cool cursive hand-written Bible verse you see (Psalm 43:3) are also found in the NEW Safe Harbor Stamp Set.

The images in this stamp set and all the wonderful stamp sets from Creative Worship Stamps are easy to color OR pretty enough to not need to color.  I've seen projects with the lighthouses (two in the set) colored in and I've seen several with no color.  They look amazing any way you stamp them.  Gorgeous.

If you're looking for awesome stamps, dies, stencils, inks, sprays and more; check out Creative Worship Stamps and the 25% off sale taking place this weekend only.  Thanks for stopping by today.  Oh, and don't forget to come by The Card Concept to play along with us.  Have a blessed and creative week.

Blessings,

Karen

Land That I Love

It's time for a fun new challenge over at The Card Concept Challenge and we really hope that you will join us.  The inspiration photo for this challenge includes some awesome rustic patriotic elements that completely inspired me when making this card.  I also love to cross-stitch when I can find the extra time, so I incorporated that into my card as well.

I used two different shades of kraft cardstock on this card.  The base of the card is a darker shade, and the piece I used for the cross-stitching is a bit lighter.  I used a cool die-cut from Waffle Flower to cut the stitching rectangle.  I found the cross-stitch pattern on Pinterest, but I had to completely reconfigure it.  Once I started stitching, I quickly realized that this die wouldn't accommodate the entire pattern.  This is where you have to just "make it work".

Other than the cross-stitch element, I added a sentiment from Stamp Simply and stamped it onto the Fishtail Banner also from Stamp Simply.  The red polka dot patterned paper is from JilliBean Soup. I also added some Royal Blue Gingham Ribbon, a length of Red Cherry Baker's Twine and I topped it with an Ivory Sweetheart Blossom from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Here's a look at the inspiration photo.  You don't have to follow it with anything specific from the photo.  For instance, there's no barn in the photo; but I chose to add a barn to my card.  I was inspired by the overall patriotic theme and the barn wood.  What elements speak to your creativity?

We look forward to seeing what you'll create to share with us in this Patriotic Decor Challenge at The Card Concept.  Let your creativity run wild, and most of all....have FUN!  Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today, friends.

Here's where I'm sharing my cross-stitched card:

Creative Artiste Mixed Media Challenges - Challenge #115 - Anything Goes Mixed Media - It's nice to create different types of cards now and then.  When I do, I enjoy sharing them at Creative Artiste.

Blessings,

Karen

April Challenge at The Card Concept

It's time for the April challenge at The Card Concept.  The inspiration photo is super sweet with soft pastels and sweet images.  We're all looking forward to seeing what you come up with when you look at this photo for your inspiration.  There were several elements that immediately caught my eye including the colors (pink, yellow, blue and green pastels), the cake/cupcakes, a party theme, etc.  What things pop into your creative mind when you look at the inspiration photo?

I used a sweet Crate Paper patterned paper for my base that I layered with white cardstock cut using the sweet Eyelet Rectangle Die Set from Pretty Pink Posh.  I stitched the eyelet holes with Solid Lemonwood Baker's Twine.  I rubbed the background of the white cardstock using a blending brush and Spun Sugar Oxide Ink.

All the other things on my card are stickers from Crate Paper.  I've got a HUGE stash of Crate Paper products that I tend to hoard a bit.  I was rather "lazy" in making this card by using only stickers and no real stamping, but it's still a fun card.  That's kinda the point with the challenges at The Card Concept.  You don't have to create anything super fancy, just whatever you're inspired to create when you look at the sweet photo (below).

I'm already excited to see what you'll create to share with us this month at The Card Concept.  It's one of my favorite things to see when I visit the blogs of those who play along in the challenges.  I so enjoy seeing how the photo inspired you and what products you used to make your card.  I also love how everyone sees something different and is inspired in a completely unique way according to the various artistic gifts given to us by our Creator, Jesus Christ.

Come play along with us this month at The Card Concept.  It's always more fun when everybody plays along.  Just look at the photo, think of a design, grab a few supplies, and come up with something to share with us.  I can't wait to see what you make.  Have a great week, everyone.  Thanks again for visiting me here today, and please pop back by again soon.  I look forward to your next visit.

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

Winter Solace Challenge at The Card Concept

Are you ready for another FUN challenge with a beautiful inspiration photo?  Well, if so, you're in luck.  We have a fabulous Winter Solace Challenge starting today over at The Card Concept and we really hope that you will join us.  There's so much fabulous inspiration on The Card Concept Blog to get you started.  You don't have to take anything in the photo literally.  It's just a starting point for your own creativity.

I used basic black cardstock for the base layered with basic white cardstock for the background.  I rubbed the background using a cool moon stencil, and I used some Luxe Glaze for the stars.  I cut the trees using the same colors of oxide ink (Fossilized Amber and Hickory Smoke) by using Tim Holtz Tree Dies.

The deer and the stamped sentiment I used are both found in the Farmhouse Christmas Stamp Set.  The deer was hand cut, and I raised it up with White 3-D Foam Tabs.  I sprinkled the trees with ultra-fine white glitter.  That's about it.  Pretty simple.  What elements of this inspiration photo speak to you?

I really loved the sparkly trees, the deer and these wonderful colors.  You can use any of these elements that you like; or you can come up with your own design.  It's all open to your interpretation and we're looking forward to seeing where your creativity takes you.

Thanks for visiting me today.  Be sure to stop by The Card Concept Blog to join the fun.  We look forward to having you play along in this fun challenge.  Have a wonderful week, my creative blog friends.

Cards 4 Guys Challenge - Challenge #363 - Tic-Tac-Toe - My tic-tac-toe is across the top (Animal, Snow, Silver) but I also have other elements including Tree, Texture and Snow.

The Die Cut Divas - January: Something New - Here's what's NEW: I recently purchased the cool moon stencil, and this is the first time I've used it.  I also used some new Luxe Glaze for the stars.  The die-cuts I used are Tim Holtz tree dies.

Crafty Calendar Challenge - January: Use Die Cuts - I used an awesome Tim Holtz Tree Die-Cut set on this card.

Critter Crazy Challenge Blog - January Challenge #94 - Anything Goes with a Featured Critter (Deer)

Blessings,

Karen

Summer Challenge at The Card Concept

I hope you're ready for another FUN challenge because we've sure got one for you over at The Card Concept, and we sure hope that you'll head on over to share your cards with us.  There's a gorgeous inspiration photo to help get your creativity flowing (see below).  I was drawn to, and inspired by, the teal-colored pillow with white mosaic pattern, the black & white stripes, the starfish, and all the wonderful textures when I created my Clean & Layered card.

I layered black cardstock, teal cardstock, black & white striped patterned paper from Whimsy Stamps, and finally a layer of white watercolor paper.    I rubbed the white paper with Tumbled Glass Oxide Ink and then stencilled it using Heavy Gesso.  This gave my background a wonderful texture.

I bundled some Metallic White Iridescent String and tucked it underneath a small white doily that I die-cut with an old Papertrey Ink die.  Two of my starfish were hand drawn and fussy cut.  The smallest starfish was cut (by a crafty friend of mine) using a Spellbinders die.  The sentiment and tiny stamped starfish stamp are from the At The Beach Stamp Set from Paper Sweeties.  It was stamped onto a Fishtail Banner Die.

Please stop by The Card Concept to play along with us this month.  We always enjoy seeing your creativity and how you're inspired by this lovely inspiration photo.  Also, be sure to place the inspiration photo in your blog post to be eligible to win or make the Top 3.

You don't necessarily have to make a beach themed card in order to play along.  Maybe it's just the colors that inspire you.  Whatever it is that gets your creativity going, we look forward to seeing it.  Have a blessed week, and thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.  I always appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

Blessings,

Karen

P.S.  I'm sharing my card in these challenges:

Stencil Fun Challenge - June: Anything Goes/Optional Twist: Birthday - I used a mosaic design stencil with Heavy Gesso to create my background

Double D Challenge Blog - Challenge: Pick Three: (I used all four) Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - I used an OLD Paper Sweeties Stamp Set for the sentiment, a NEW technique (to me, anyway) of using Heavy Gesso with my stencil (and my Heavy Gesso is new), and a "BORROWED" starfish.  When I say "borrowed", it was actually sent to me (by request) from a crafty friend who owns the Spellbinders die that cut the small starfish.  I don't think she wants it back....LOL.  And, I also used BLUE - because it's so pretty.

Winter Warmth Challenge at The Card Concept

What does Winter Warmth mean to you?  I think about a warm cup of coffee or cocoa, being near a crackling fire, taking a hike outdoors, and enjoying all the things that come in the colder months.  Well, this month at The Card Concept, we're having a challenge based on the theme of Winter Warmth.  You can see the inspiration photo towards the bottom of this post, but you're welcome to share anything that says Winter Warmth to you.

I used kraft cardstock layered with dark wood patterned paper and some green gingham patterned paper.  Once I attached those, I added a length of torn May Arts Natural Canvas as well as a length of Natural Burlap String that I wrapped around the card to add texture.  The trees were cut using Tim Holtz Tree Dies and they were cut from white cardstock rubbed with Mowed Grass Oxide Ink.  I have them just peeking out at the top.

Before I go much further, I do want to mention that this card was totally inspired by my teammate, the talented Esther Asbury.  She recently made a similar card for Stamp Simply, and I loved it so much that I used her layout design for this card.  The journalling spot is from Verve, and the stamps (deer and vines) are found in the A Godly Man Stamp Set from Stamp Simply.

This is really a very simple card.  I was inspired, first by Esther, but also by the elements of wildlife, trees, colors, and textures from the inspiration photo.  What does the photo say to your creativity, and what will you create to share with us?  We can hardly wait to see.  Stop by The Card Concept to play along and share your Winter Warmth cards.  Happy crafting.

The colors, the textures, the moose (or any animal), the designs or any part of this that sparks your creativity will be perfect for this challenge.  Perhaps Winter Warmth means something different to you.....a cozy blanket, a cup of coffee, etc. Please come play along with us and share your inspiration at The Card Concept this month.  We look forward to seeing you there.

I'm playing along in the following:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Tie It Up" - I used canvas trim as well as Natural Burlap String to "tie it up".

Blessings,

Karen

A New Autumn Challenge at The Card Concept

Are you ready for Autumn?  Ready for cooler weather, wearing sweaters and scarves, enjoying a Pumpkin Spiced Latte or two, and maybe even playing in the leaves a bit?  Well, at The Card Concept, we have a FUN new challenge for you all that celebrates all these things and more.  Whatever Autumn means to you is what we would love to have you create and share with us this month.

I used white cardstock that I painted with oxide inks.  I alternated those colors on the backgrounds and the leaves.  The leaf stamps and dies are from Stamp Simply as is the sentiment.  They're all found in the Stamp Set and coordinating Dies.  I stamped the sentiment onto a strip cut with the Fishtail Banner Dies and I inked that with the Fossilized Amber ink, and I added a small wooden acorn.

We would love to know what speaks to you from the inspiration photo and what you enjoy doing at this time of year.  We're spending some time with our middle daughter, son-in-law, and their two kids (our grandson, Bennett 4 and granddaughter, Bethany 2) this week.  I'm looking forward to taking them on long walks in the wagon, playing in the leaves, and having all sorts of fun outdoors with them.  They are missionaries (living in Armenia full-time) so our time with them is always limited.  When they're in the U.S., there isn't anywhere we wouldn't travel to see them.

Come on over to The Card Concept and play along with us this month.  It will be a lot of fun seeing what you create to share with us.  Have a wonderfully creative and blessed week, friends.  I thank you for visiting me and I look forward to seeing your cards.

I'm sharing my card in the following:

The Paper Funday Challenges: November: Challenge #59 Anything Goes/Optional: Grateful, Thankful, Thanks

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Thinking of You

Blessings,

Karen

Happy Thanksgiving w/The Card Concept

Welcome by my blog again, friends.  Today starts the October Challenge over at The Card Concept.  We have a lovely inspiration photo to help you get started on your project.  You don't have to use these exact items, this is just a starting point for your creativity.  Perhaps it's these warm Autumn colors that speak to you, or maybe it's the coffee mug.  Whatever gets you going, we can't wait to see what you'll share with us.  Here's what I came up with for my inspiration.

I used basic black cardstock layered with basic white cardstock that I added a fun background to using a cool stencil called Coffee Bean Background from Funky Fossil Designs.  This is the only coffee element on my card, but for me, coffee is a year-round 24/7/365 state of mind.

The stamps I used are from Paper Sweeties stamp set called Fall Phrases.  They aren't actually books.  I think they were meant to be for bookmarks.  However, I drew the lines around the images and made them into books.  I had immediately seen them as books (and I used them as books) when I originally received them as part of the Design Team there.

I colored all those bitty images with my Copics and then I used colored pencils to color and share the book bindings.  As I was coloring, I had to go get my prescription (close-up) glasses to see these bitty little images and attempt to stay even somewhat between the tiny lines.  Oh my!  I'm getting old.  And since my (biological) Dad had Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma, and eventually went blind, it can be a bit concerning.  Just another great opportunity to pray and to praise.

After stamping the sentiment, I added some Natural Burlap String and a burgundy vintage button.  What parts of this inspiration photo interest you?  Are those colors calling you?  There's some fabulous inspiration on the Card Concept Blog and you'll also find the link-up there.  We hope that you'll stop by and share your art with us this month.

Blessings,

Karen 

I'm plating along in these FUN challenges:

Stencil Fun Challenge:  October - Anything Goes/Optional Orange - I used a coffee bean stencil from Funky Fossil Designs.

Challenges Resume at The Card Concept

Hurray!  The FUN challenges over at The Card Concept are resuming now for Fall after our much-needed Summer Break.  We all hope that you will come back to The Card Concept to share all your wonderful cards with us in these awesome challenges.  As is often the case, this card piles on a whole lot of stuff.  This just seems to be something that happens as I create my cards and pile on one element after another.

I started with black cardstock and layered that with several scraps of patterned papers to match the colors in the inspiration photo.  Almost all the products I used are October Afternoon items.  I added a scalloped border and a piece of Mini Black & White Gingham Ribbon that I also used to tie a bow.  I tucked in some Double Head Stamens, a piece of Light Blue Ivory String, and I topped all that with an Ivory Sweetheart Blossom.  The barn and sentiment (Farmhouse Sweet Farmhouse) are from Paper Sweeties as is the word JOY that I stamped onto a canvas tag from Maya Road.

October Afternoon items include all patterned papers, journalling card with rooster, small word stickers, blue journalling sticker, and rub-ons.  I also added a piece of a Tim Holtz Adage Ticket and a faux vintage milk cap attached with a Tim Holtz Mini Paperclip.  Oh yes, I realize that I have packed a whole LOT onto this card.  If I've missed anything that you're interested in knowing more about, please just let me know and I will get to you as soon as possible.

Thanks so much for visiting me today.  I really do hope that you'll join the FUN new challenge over at The Card Concept as we pick up our challenges again for the Fall.  We can't wait to see what you will create after being inspired by this fabulous inspiration photo.  To be perfectly honest, I created my card from memory and thought the 4th color was blue rather than green, so my colors are a bit off.  Sorry.

Happy crafting, everyone.

I'm playing along here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Make It Cute - I think this is cute.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Take Flight - My rooster can take flight.

Blessings,

Karen

A New Challenge at The Card Concept

It's time again for a FUN new challenge over at The Card Concept, and we really hope that YOU will stop by to join us.  The theme for this challenge has sort of a nautical feel.  Now, that doesn't mean you have to specifically make a nautical card.  You can use the images in the inspiration photo if you choose to do so; or you can possibly take inspiration from the colors, textures, or anything else that speaks to your creative side.  Here's what I created based on the inspiration photo.

I used a deep red cardstock layered with basic white cardstock that I rubbed with Tumbled Glass Oxide Ink to create an underwater background.  The stamps and dies I used are all from Paper Sweeties.  I'm a big advocate for using what you own and somehow making it work.  I really thought (pretty sure) that I own a ship's wheel as well and I really wanted to use it on this card.  However, I couldn't find it.  So, this is what I created.

I tied a piece of Solid Yellow Baker's Twine on my anchor just to tie in the yellow and to add a touch of texture.  The really FUN part of an inspiration challenge is that each and every person will come up with something completely different even though we're all looking at the very same inspiration photo.  I find that SO super cool.

What is that speaks to you in this inspiration photo?  Is it the images, the colors, the water, or something else about Summer?  We really look forward to seeing your wonderful creations and learning how you were inspired.  Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today, and don't forget to visit The Card Concept to play along with us.

Happy crafting, everyone.

Blessings,

Karen

A New Challenge at The Card Concept

Hello, friends.  It's time for another fun new challenge over at The Card Concept.  For this challenge, you have the choice of two awesome inspiration photos that you can use as your starting point.  One option is Modern Industrial (cogs, wood, wheels, etc.) and Nature (fish, leaves, warm colors, etc.) and you can use either photo, or colors and elements from each.  Whatever these awesome photos inspire you to create is what we'd love to see you share with us.  AND.....there's a PRIZE up for grabs.

I was inspired by the Nature Calls 197(b) inspiration photo (shown below).  The primary reason for my choice is that I own a very limited amount of industrial and/or steampunk products.  It's not really my thing.  I did know, however, that I owned one really cute stamp set from Brutus Monroe, and another from Paper Sweeties, that I could possibly use for the fishing theme.  I pulled out a few things, and this is what I created to inspire you.

I used white cardstock and layered it with a foliage patterned paper and another layer of white cardstock that I rubbed with oxide ink.  Next, I ran a piece of peach washi tape across my card one under the white paper and once over the white paper.  I used the Brutus Monroe stamp set and coordinating dies to stamp the bubbles, fish, turtle, underwater life and sentiment, and to cut them once I'd colored them.

Which photo will inspire you?  What images, elements, colors or textures speak to you creative side?  You can share anything your imagination (and your hands) inspire you to create and we're really looking forward to seeing what that will be.  Each person will be inspired differently.  That's the fun.

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, I'm offering up this FUN little wood mounted stamp as a prize for this new challenge over at The Card Concept.  YOU could be our lucky winner, so please be sure to stop by and share your art and creativity with us.  We appreciate your participation, so we wanted to offer a small prize to show our appreciation for having you play along with us.

We hope you'll get your creative wheels spinning and create something new for this fun challenge.  As you can clearly see, my card doesn't use any of the colors in the inspiration photo.  You can use any element/elements from the inspiration photo(s) to create your card.  Come on over to The Card Concept and share your creations with us.  We really look forward to it.

I'm playing along here:

As You Like It Challenge Blog - Brights or Pastels and Why?  Much like my other card that I entered in this challenge, I'm guessing that the soft pastels  (peach, blue, etc.) might actually be found underwater so I was trying to capture that look.

Blessings,

Karen

Come Play Along at The Card Concept

Hello, creative friends.  It's time for a fun new challenge over at The Card Concept.  This time, you can choose from either a Fall/Thanksgiving theme OR a Christmas theme.  The choice is yours, and the creative possibilities are endless. Here are the two inspiration photos.

You can choose either theme and create a card inspired by whichever and whatever inspires you.  I chose to use the Christmas theme photo - #184b.  Just let us know what part of the photo spoke to your creativity when making your card.  I used basic black cardstock and then a piece of white watercolor paper that I inked up with Tim Holtz Oxide Inks.

I stamped several images on the background using stamps from Paper Sweeties and Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  I also used a SNSS Stencil called Paint Splatters on the background.  After I'd inked, stamped and stenciled the background; I ran it through my machine with a Swiss Dots Embossing Folder to give it even more texture.I glittered the roof and chimney just a bit.  The little round sentiment is from Paper Sweeties (retired).  I also added a length of Black Seam Binding and tied a bow with it.  I just like ribbons.  What can I say?  Textures, colors, and LOTS of extras can almost always be found on my cards.  It's my downfall, but I just can't resist.

I really do hope that you'll come play along with us at The Card Concept.  We always enjoy seeing your wonderful creativity and it's just more fun when you are able to join us.  I'll be sharing my card in the challenges listed below.  Thanks again for visiting me.

Can You Handle The Pressure - Anything Goes w/Twist: Wreaths - I used a Swiss Dots Embossing Folder on the inked background layer because I thought it looked a bit like falling snow.  I have a wreath on the house and a wreath on the tag.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Stencil It" - As I mentioned above, I used a Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Stencil called Paint Splatters on the background.

Happy crafting, everyone

Karen