Sunday, November 30, 2014

Creating Christmas Cards

Let me perfectly honest....I'm NOT hand-crafting all my Christmas cards this year.  I just don't have the time (or the energy).  However, I do always hand-craft several cards for certain friends and relatives who I know truly appreciate receiving them.  I made this Christmas card last night while my husband was watching one of his shows that I don't enjoy.  I disappeared into my craft room, and I didn't come out until this card was finished.
I used more of my Simple Stories Handmade Holidays patterned papers, journaling card and goodies, some October Afternoon buttons with jute and baker's twine tied on them, a Maya Road kraft journaling ticket with a Melissa Frances rub-on, a Tim Holtz rusty mini paper clip, a felt Santa cap, some holly berries on a stem, some Pink Paislee tickets, a K & Co. corner piece, sequins and mini pearl stickers, a large cream doily, washi tape, and machine stitching.

I am sharing it in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes"
 
Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Linky Party - Challenge #29 - Have you seen this GORGEOUS seam binding?

Craftin' Desert Divas - Challenge #45 - Craft It Up Linky Party - I absolutely fell in LOVE with Craftin' Desert Divas stamps during my recent GDT spot with them, and am now their biggest fan!  SO blessed to play along.

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge - Challenge #205 - Santa's On His Way - I used LOTS of great patterned papers, among other fabulous goodies piled on top!

Inspired By Stamping - GORGEOUS Color Challenge - Come play along!
 
Thanks for stopping by today!
Karen



Something New with Really Reasonable Ribbon

Oh, happy day crafters!  I don't know about the rest of you, but I tend to get in the rut of making cards almost all of the time.  OK, maybe an occasional mini album here and there, but for the most part......LOTS of cards.  So, I thought I'd try something different, and I encourage you all to do the same.  It's almost Christmas, which is the perfect time to treat yourself to some new ribbons and trims from the AWESOME selection at Really Reasonable Ribbon to get you started.
My card was made with some lovely  Crate Paper, Oh Darling patterned papers which I machine stitched for that "home-spun" feel.  Then, I added a length across and a bow made from the gorgeous Sun Rose Seam Binding.  By the way, our Seam Binding comes in a rainbow of gorgeous colors.  At the top, I added some paper strips with a sentiment, and to the top right you can see a loop of the amazing Natural Wire-Edged Pink and Burlap Trim.  I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful this ribbon is; and.....again, it comes it several amazing colors.
For this little spool decoration (my adventurous "something new"), I used a vintage wooden spool (as you can see, I have A LOT of them) that I wrapped in patterned paper and I tied with some Deep Pink Solid Baker's Twine.  I stuck a paper straw in the hole, and topped it with a coordinating embellishment.  I added a nice big fluffy bow made from the lovely Sun Rose Seam Binding, and behind the embellishment, you will see another decorative length of the beautiful Natural Burlap Wire-Edged Pink Stitched Wide Ribbon.
 
You know, most husbands don't know what we really want for Christmas.  SO.....to avoid getting another fluffy pink bathrobe or a new vacuum cleaner, why not leave a subtle little note on his dresser that says something like this...."Christmas Ideas - Really Reasonable Ribbon Gift Certificate or RRR Ribbon Club".  Hey, a girl needs her ribbon, right?  Just a thought.

I'm sharing my projects here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

 
Happy crafting, everyone!
Karen

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Craftin' Desert Divas Blog Hop

Welcome to my blog, My Cup Runneth Over!  Quite some time ago, I had applied for a Guest Design spot at Craftin' Desert Divas, and I was delighted when they invited me to join them this month.  I received the cutest Christmas stamp set to work with.  I promise, you will LOVE it.  It's called Elf Made; and it includes a girl elf, a boy elf, and five darling little sentiments.  It's SO perfect for designing all those special hand-crafted gift items, and attaching them to your creations to give your crafts that sweet, home-spun Christmas feel.
 
We're SO glad you're joining us today on the 9th Craftin' Desert Divas two-day Stamp Release Blog Hop.  You should have arrived here from Barbara's Blog, but if you didn't start at the beginning, you can go to the Craftin' Desert Divas Blog to get started.  The PRIZES for the Blog Hop are one stamp set per day from Craftin' Desert Divas, and a $25 Gift Certificate from Too Cute By Jessica (our partner for the Blog Hop).
 
Here is a sneak-peek of the first card I made using the Elf Made stamp set, which I already shared here on the 25th.  You can click the link to visit that post again, if you wish.
Then, for today's Craftin' Desert Divas Blog Hop, I created this sweet little Christmas card  - again using the new Elf Made stamp set; as well as some fun Simple Stories Homespun products, lots of machine stitching, a Making Memories poinsettia, a glittered brad, a Simple Stories BINGO card that I covered with the sentiment, some red and some natural May Arts Burlap String/Jute, and a little plastic candy cane that I placed in the elf's hand.  How cute are Craftin' Desert Diva's Stamps?
Just in case you get lost along the way, you can always go back to Craftin' Desert Divas for the line-up.  I hope you have fun hopping along with us!
 
Here are the specials you can enjoy during the November Release, and just wait until you see ALL the fabulous new stamps available.  They're ADORABLE!  AND.....All the stamp sets with images have a FREE SVG file (digital cut file).

1. Use Code: NOV to receive 20% off your entire order. Sale ends Dec. 5 Midnight MST.
2.  4x6 Freebie is for $30 minimum purchase (before tax & shipping) in the CDD Shop Offer ends December 5, 2015.

Thanks SO MUCH for taking part in this fun Craftin' Desert Divas Blog Hop today.  Your next stop is at the talented Nanne's Blog, and I'm quite certain that she will have something lovely to share with you all.  HOP ON!!

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

Inspired By Stamping - Color Challenge #88 - I stamped my elves, and was really inspired by the beautiful Christmas colors in the inspiration photo
 
Have a blessed week, and please visit me again soon!
Karen

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

FUN at Word Art Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, and time for another FUN challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  It's always more fun when everyone plays along with us.  You are all welcome to share ANY type of art, and we have two AMAZING sponsors again this week.  We have My Craft Spot offering a $10 Gift Certificate to their SUPER SWEET store filled with crinkled seam binding, stamps, dies and more.  One of my FAVORITE shops ever!  AND.....our digital sponsor this week is the adorable Robyn's Fetish.  What a great combination.  I hope you will ALL stop by to play along with us.
My card was made using some Crate Paper patterned papers that I purchased recently at Tuesday Morning, as well as a Prima flower and a piece of burlap for texture.  I printed the free scripture/word art file on a piece of vellum and backed it with patterned paper.
 
My tag was made with the same papers, and I added a Robyn's Fetish image called Pilgrim Man.  I accented his hold buckles with Stickles to help them stand out.  They have so many sweet little images.  I used the free scripture/word art file again for the sentiment on my tag.
I really hope that you will stop by to play along with us.  It's always better when you all share your amazing talents with us, and why not throw your hat in the ring for a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes.  I hope to see you there!

I'm sharing my projects here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes"
 
Blessings to you all,
Karen 

What's Hot? Scratch Off Stickers!

This is my week to share the "What's Hot Wednesday" segment at The Kraft Journal, and I was asked to do something creative using the awesome Scratch Off Stickers we carry at The Kraft Outlet.  They are really cool, and I chose to make a baby gender reveal card using them.  Gender reveals are VERY on-trend right now, and so many people have been trying to come up with new and innovative ideas for revealing the gender of their babies.  So, I thought I would share this idea with you all.
I started my card by using a Large Buff/Ivory Note Card and covering half of it in blue card stock, and the other half in pink card stock.  Next, I created bows in the alternating colors, placed stickers at the top in alternating colors, and then added my Gold Scratch Off Stickers to the bottom.
For this card, you will see that....."IT'S A GIRL"!!  You can set up your gender reveal cards either way to suit the needs of the information you wish to reveal.  Here are a few more photos, and detailed instructions for making this card.
The photo above shows a close-up view of "GIRL!!"  I did this by using my computer and printer.  I chose my font, printed out the words "NOPE!!" and "GIRL!!" onto Buff/Ivory Cover Weight Cardstock - but you could literally print ANYTHING you'd like to reveal.
Once you've printed the words you want to hide (and later reveal), you use a small circle punch to create your Buff/Ivory Cover Weight Card Stock circle with the printed "word" underneath, and then you place the Gold Scratch Off Stickers over the words.  The recipients of your card(s) won't know the reveal until they rub off the gold seal.  What a fun way to do a gender reveal, or to do a raffle, or any other special event you can imagine.  Let your creativity roll!
 
Thanks for visiting my blog today.  I hope that you will all stop by The Kraft Journal this week to play along in our fun challenge there, as well as our fun weekly Anything Goes challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  We LOVE having you play along with us at both of these great challenge blogs.

I'm sharing my project here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes"
 
Have a wonderful and creative week!
Karen

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Guest Design Spot at Craftin' Desert Divas

I've never considered myself a diva, but today I guess "I'm a Diva"!!  I've been invited to Guest Design for the ADORABLE Craftin' Desert Divas.  I can't even begin to tell you how incredibly CUTE the stamp set is that they sent me.  It's called Elf Made; and it includes a girl elf, a boy elf, and five sweet little sentiments.  This is the card I created using my new Craftin' Desert Divas Elf Made stamp set.  Their entire New Release is DARLING!
I totally used patterned papers from my stash on this card.  I can't even tell you what company they're from.  I just know that they're OLD, and they were in one of my Christmas bins.  I also used a paper doily, some glittered berries, a PTI holly leaf die cut from wool felt, a rusty jingle bell, Tim Holtz ink, and several lengths of May Arts Natural Burlap String.
 
I'm SO grateful to Tara and her talented group of designers, and I thank them for inviting me to join them this month.  They welcomed me warmly, and were SO friendly.  I hope you'll take the time to check out all the amazing stamps they carry; including all the amazing Christmas stamps available in their new December Release.


Here are this release specials for you:
1. Use Code: 20NOV to receive 20% off your entire order. Sale ends Dec. 5 Midnight MST.
2.  4x6 Freebie is for a $30 minimum purchase (before tax & shipping) in the CDD Shop Offer ends December 5, 2014.

I'll be back again on Saturday for the Craftin' Desert Divas Blog Hop.  You won't want to miss that either  - SO much fun is in store for everyone.  Thanks for stopping by!
 
My Cup Runneth Over,
Karen

P.S.  If you're looking for a GREAT SALE, stop by Really Reasonable Ribbon today through Black Friday for their big end-of-year super sale!

Friday, November 21, 2014

A New Challenge at RRR

Each month at the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog, we have not one; but TWO awesome challenges where you can share your projects using ribbons.  The challenge starting today is for Gift Packaging & Ribbon ideas, and our Design Team has some really amazing ideas for you.  I created my project using a dirty jar that I picked up at a garage sale for $0.25, and let me tell you - it was really dirty.  I encourage you to take a closer look at those jars you find at garage sales and thrift stores.  Don't look at what you see; but rather, think outside the box and imagine the item's potential.
So, I cleaned up the jar/lid, and scrubbed them until they were looking shiny and new (and sanitary....LOL).  And then, I painted the lid with cream acrylic paint.  Since it has that cool little handle on top, I thought it would be a great place to attach lots of beautiful ribbons from the October Ribbon Club Kit. 
I filled the jar with red and green (sour apple an cherry) Jelly Belly's (YUM!!).  That's an awesome gift all by itself.  But these gorgeous ribbons make it even sweeter!  I used several ribbons from the October Ribbon Club Kit including the Red/Green Plaid Christmas Ribbon, Snowflakes On Forest Green Ribbon, and some Ivory Tulle.  I also added an embellished tag that has some May Arts Burlap String/Jute as well as some Black Licorice Baker's Twine.  What a great Gift Packaging Idea!
We'd LOVE to see your Gift Packaging Ideas With Ribbon, and we warmly welcome you to join the fun by linking your creations to this great challenge.  You could be the lucky winner of the monthly ribbon club kit, and win all this gorgeous ribbon for yourself!

I'm sharing my project here:
My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #158 - 3-D Christmas - I couldn't resist linking up to this fun challenge to share my 3-D project

Classy Cards-N-Such - Challenge #59 - Christmas Blooms Photo Inspiration - I was inspired by the colors in the inspiration photo as well as all the ribbons and the red berries.  I used the GORGEOUS Crystal Ice Ultra-Fine Glitter available at Classy Cards-N-Such to sprinkle on my berries - You should check out all their fun products and play along in their challenge!

Inspired By Stamping - Challenge #88 - I was inspired by the GORGEOUS inspiration photo for COLORS.  I just loved the photo, and enjoyed using these sweet and traditional Christmas colors.  What a FABULOUS challenge.

Happy Crafting,
Karen

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Really Reasonable Ribbons in Christmas Pink

Hello again, ribbon lovers!  Today I'm sharing a couple of sweet little Christmas projects with you all using some AWESOME Really Reasonable Ribbons products.  First, I made a card with some untraditional Christmas colors.  It's fun to use pinks on Christmas projects; especially when you're making something for a girl friend or female relative, co-worker, etc.  My card has a nice big bow at the top right that was made using Rose Petal Seam Binding and Moss Green Seam Binding.  I also placed a pink button in the center of the bow, and added in some Green Solid Baker's Twine.
One of my favorite gift-giving "go-to" ideas is gift cards.  One size ALWAYS fits all, right?  I love using the sweet little Decorative Bags for this purpose, and the store is FULL of great decorative bags for tucking in a gift card.  For this project, I used an adorable Kraft Polka Dot Bitty Bag.
I decorated the Kraft Polka Dot Little Bitty Bag with some patterned paper and chipboard, and repeated the same ribbons (as above) for my bow.  I generally use Scor-Tape to adhere my bows.  These sweet little Decorative Bags come in several styles, sizes and designs.  As you can see above, there's plenty of room in them for a gift card, some candy, or a small gift; and they can be easily decorated to match your card.
There are all sorts of great products in the Really Reasonable Ribbon shop to help you create some really wonderful Christmas projects.  We hope you will treat yourself to something new, and then stop by to play along in our challenges this month.  We look forward to seeing what you will make to share with us!

Party Time Tuesdays Challenge Blog - Challenge #190 - Anything Goes

Docerela Stamps Challenge Blog - Challenge #73 - November Challenge/Anything Goes - I love using little stamps for accents and sentiments.  Docerela has SO many cute stamp sets.

Thanks so much for visiting me today.  I'm so grateful to have you stop by, and wish you all a wonderful week.

Karen

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Word Art Wednesday Is For Everyone

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of amazing challenge blogs out there - many of which I love playing along in, and many of which have the sweetest and most talented designers.  But still, I honestly believe that Word Art Wednesday is the best challenge blog on the internet!  Perhaps it's because I'm partial, but here are several reasons why I feel this way......It is a gift from God and ALL the praise for the good things that happen there go to Him.  We have a Design Team comprised of imperfect people serving a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ.  We pray for our participants and care about them.  Also, we have the most AMAZING sponsors ever; and additionally, it's open to everyone!  We've come "under fire" in the past because some people who don't necessarily agree with us on some issues called us names and spread rumors about us.  Their words were hateful, hurtful and UNTRUE!  Nobody ever asked our side of the story, but rather, they joined the bandwagon and became "haters".  It's absolutely sad.  All we desire to do at Word Art Wednesday is to provide a fun, uplifting and encouraging place for ALL CRAFTERS to share their art.  In return, all we ask is that they share art which is also fun, uplifting and encouraging.  Yes, we have "rules", but so does EVERY OTHER challenge blog out there.  It's sad that people choose to hate, gossip, and deny God.  No person, no business, nothing can escape the truth.  2 Timothy 2: 12 tells us that "if we deny him, he also will deny us".  People will try to say, "I did this for God", and "I had this over here for God", and He will say, "I never knew you, depart from me." (Matthew 7:23).  Don't get mad at me; I didn't write it - GOD DID!  You can't "be a good little Christian" part-time.  You can't separate it from your business, from your blog, from part of your life.  How do I know this?  Because in Revelation 3:16 (and the verses surrounding it), God explains that we're either hot or cold (all in or all out).  If we choose to be lukewarm (neither hot nor cold - neither all in or all out), He says, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."  Again, not my words - God's words.  You can't pick and choose when and where you will allow God to rest upon your life.  That's just how it works!  I really do pray for ALL those who don't understand this, and for those who spoke out against us, those who have told me they're "Christians" but don't want to associate their business with God, and all those who are being lied to by the enemy.  They need the Lord.  We're not here to judge people - that's God's job.  We're here to be a blessing and an encouragement to people.  We really do care.  We only want to help people grow in the Lord, to learn to give themselves completely to Him, and to live the truly blessed life that comes from being HOT (as described in Revelation 3) for the Lord, and not lukewarm.  I don't know about you, but I don't want to be vomited (spued) out of God's mouth as He says.  I want to stay hot for the things of the Lord so that I will never hear the words, "depart from me, I knew you not."   At Word Art Wednesday, we all want that  very same thing for everyone.
I got the idea for the layout of this card over at Sketch Saturday.  I just loved this sketch and DT Member, Joanna Munster's sweet card, so I used the sketch to create my card.  I didn't enter it in their challenge because I can't use the prize, and didn't want to ruin the odds of someone else winning who will use the prize.  I used some Simple Stories patterned paper scraps, machine stitching, some American Crafts wood veneer stars, and an October Afternoon piece of chipboard on my card.  It was quick and easy to create.
 
I'm sharing my card here:
 
Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge Blog  - Simon Says "We're Seeing Stars"
 
Have a blessed week!
Karen
 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Sketch Challenge at The Kraft Journal

For this week's Sketch Challenge over at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog, I chose to create a Christmas card.  I started  my card with a fabulous Large Lunch Bag Kraft Note Card (I just LOVE these blank note cards), and I added some October Afternoon patterned papers and embellishments as well as some of my other favorite Kraft Outlet favorites.  I used a Large Grungy Prim Shipping Tag which I tied with a length of Vintage Style Red Baker's Twine.  I cut a large circle from Lunch Bag Kraft Cover Weight Card Stock and embellished that as well.  Next, I added some Red With White Polka Dot Washi Tape that she ran across the bottom portion of her card.  I also added some green buttons strung with bits of Vintage Style Black Baker's Twine as well as a few other little embellishment touches.  You're very welome to stop by and play along in this week's fun Sketch Challenge at The Kraft Journal.  You just might be the lucky winner of the monthly $15 Gift Certificate to the Kraft Outlet.
I also used some wooden pieces from Studio Calico and some sticker tickets from my stash.  I have SO much Christmas stuff that I need to use or (or give away).  I really need to down-size BIG TIME!
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I really hope that you'll consider playing along in this week's Sketch Challenge.  We'd really love to have you join us.
 
Blessings to you,
Karen

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop

Hello, all you lovers of ribbons, laces and trims!  I'm so glad that you've stopped by for the Really Reasonable Ribbon November Blog Hop.  You should have arrived here from the talented Bonnie Garby's Blog; but if you just happened to find me, please go back to the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog to get started.  We've got some great ideas for you, and of course....PRIZES!
I created my project using a paper mache pumpkin that I painted and glittered.  Next, I attached some of the gorgeous Arianna Natural Crochet Lace from the November Ribbon Club Kit as well as some Orange Mini Pom-Pom Ribbon around the outer edge of the box.  On the top, I used more of the beautiful Ivory/Brown/Copper Plaid Ribbon from the November Ribbon Club Kit, as well as some Ivory Tulle, May Arts Natural Burlap String/Jute, some felt leaves and a little bat sticker.  On the side of the box, I attached a mini prim tag with a Melissa Frances rub-on (Pumpkin Patch) which is held with Natural Burlap String/Jute and a mini orange safety pin, and it's setting on top of a bow made from Shimmer Satin Rust Ribbon from the November Ribbon Club Kit.  I also attached a spider sticker to it.  SO spooky, right?
Thanks for hopping along.  Have fun, and don't forget to check out all the amazing ribbons and trims available at Really Reasonable Ribbon; AND our TWO awesome monthly challenges.  We LOVE seeing your creative projects using ribbons and trims.  And now, your next stop is the lovely Heather Hudson, and I just know she will have something delightful to share with you all!

One more thing....I wanted to share this ornament I made last night.  I got the idea off Pinterest.  I used a vintage spool and wrapped it in Crate Paper Oh Darling patterned paper and then ran gold Stickles around the edges.  I placed two buttons on the top and ran Red Baker's Twine through them to create a hanger for the ornament.  I also placed a button at the base of the spool.  I added some Crate Paper Bundled Up chipboard to the front.  Pretty simple!
I'm sharing my ornament here:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges - Simon Says "Handmade Ornaments" - See above for how I made my ornament.  FUN challenge!
 
Have a blessed week,
Karen

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Always Thining of You

I'll admit that lately, most of my time I'm always thinking of Audra, Rob, or her kids.  But truthfully, it's also caused me to start thinking of other friendships and relationships that have suffered over the years because I've learned the hard way that you never really know when your last opportunity will be to let someone know you're thinking of them.  So, that's what I've been doing lately....just sending out cards to let others know that I am (thinking of them).  You know that saying, "it's far more blessed to give than to receive"?  Well, it's really true.  It gives you such a joy to give to others.
This card was created late last night using some October Afternoon and Simple Stories patterned papers, a Crate Paper Story Teller chipboard piece, a wool felt flower cut using a Dynamics Die-Cut rolled flower, a button, some jute, a Prima leave, some Simple Stories stickers, a Verve stamped sentiment (thinking of you), gems, and machine stitching.
 
I'm sharing it in these challenges:
 
Sketch Saturday - Sketch for Week #335

 Stamp & Create Challenge Blog - November Challenge - Ribbons and Bows
I'm sharing this little ornament in this sweet challenge:

Simon Says Stamp - Monday Challenge:  Simon Says "Ornaments"
 
What a great day to let someone know that you're thinking of them.  Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy crafting.
 
Karen
 

Monday, November 10, 2014

Using Your Scraps With RRR

Hello friends! I wanted to share an idea with you all today for using scraps when you make cards.  I've created three cards and two tags for this post using some of the FABULOUS ribbons available in the Really Reasonable Ribbon Shop.
My first card (above) has a length of 1 1/2" Red Gingham Ribbon peeking out from the side, and I tied my button with a length of the sweet Green Solid Baker's Twine just to make it pop.  There are several great colors of solid Baker's Twine available to give your cards that WOW you're looking for.
My second card (above) has the same Solid Green Baker's Twine in the middle of my button, as well as a small piece of the nice wide Red/White Natural Burlap With Wired Edge.  It peeks out from the left just enough to catch your eye and add a little something special to the card.  I used some wonderful Scor-Tape to adhere my ribbons and embellishments.
Finally, in the picture above, you can see how I took all the little scraps (you know the ones you have left over when you create cards) and I used them to piece together a couple of cute little tags that I can tuck inside each of the cards.  It's a great idea for using up those left-overs so that nothing gets wasted.  I adorned the tags with 5/8" Burlap Center Stitch With Red and the 5/8" Burlap Center Stitch With Green ribbons at the top of each.  These Center-Stitch Ribbons come in several great colors, and are SO cute on tags and cards.  Finally, my last card uses more of the FABULOUS May Arts Natural Burlap String/Jute.  It's a "must-have" crafting item for sure, and Really Reasonable Ribbon has it all.
I hope that you will grab yourself some new ribbons and trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon and give it a try!  We'd love to have you play along in this month's awesome challenges too.

I'm sharing the above "thanks" card in the "Kindness & Gratefulness Challenge here:
Words 2 Scrap By - Challenge #11 - "Kindness & Gratefulness"
 
Happy Crafting!
Karen

P.S.  Before I sign off, I want to remind you all to join our Really Reasonable Ribbon BLOG HOP this Thursday, November 13.

Tall & Skinny at The Kraft Outlet

For this week's Tall & Skinny Challenge at The Kraft Journal, I did something a little bit different.  I used a Lunch Bag Kraft Number 10 Open-End Policy Envelope which really is tall and skinny.  In fact, it measures 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" and I thought it would be perfect to use as a gift for someone who is an avid reader.  I filled it with hand-made bookmarks, and will use that (along with a book) as a gift.  What a great gift-giving idea, and at only $0.35 each, they're a great Kraft Outlet bargain.
I decorated the Lunch Bag Kraft Number 10 Open-End Policy Envelope with a Tim Holtz Journaling Ticket, some flowers and a brad, a length of Black & White Polka Dot Washi Tape, a Jenni Bowlin Hodge Podge Magpie Sticker (collect), and then I tied several lengths of Black Baker's Twine around it.  I really hope you'll play along in this week's fun Tall & Skinny Challenge.  We'd really enjoy having you join us.
 
Happy crafting,
Karen

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Thinking of You

My very favorite challenge to play along in is Simon Says Stamp (well, since I'm not allowed to play along at Word Art Wednesday - my own challenge blog).  I would absolutely LOVE to win some day at Simon Says Stamp; especially when I see their talented Design Team Members showcasing all the beautiful products they carry.  I fell in LOVE with this card, and now I want ALL of the goodies she used on this adorable card.  You can never have enough scrapbook supplies, right?  And they just keep getting cuter and cuter, so it's too hard to resist.  Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful for all that I have.  But I just love getting the newest and greatest, and I see so many great ideas that I want to try.
I made this card for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge where this week's theme is "Thinking of You".  I just primarily Simple Stories products, as well as a doily, some white seam binding, a stick pin, and machine stitching.
 
I'm sharing my card here:
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Thinking of You"
 
Stamp and Create Challenge Blog - November Challenge "Ribbons and Bows"
 
Craft Dee Bowz Challenges - November Challenge - "Anything With Ribbons an Bows"

Words 2 Scrap By Challenge Blog - Challenge #11 - "Gratefulness & Kindness" - This card was created for a friend who has been SUCH a blessing and encouragement to me during this difficult time since I lost my dear Sister, Audra, one month ago.  Thanks, Sybrina, for inviting me to play along!
 
Wish me luck!  I'd really love to have a win - I guess just to boost my feelings since I've been pretty down in the dumps since my precious Audra passed away.  But, either way, I always enjoy playing along in these amazing challenges and I'm so grateful that I'm able to share my creations.  And even more, I'm SO grateful for all the sweet comments you leave me.  Always know that when you do, I will soon be by to visit your blog and leave some love for you as well.
 
Bless and be blessed,
Karen
 
P.S.  For anyone who is interested, today is the last day to take advantage of this AMAZING DEAL at Archiver's Online Scrapbook Store.  You can get $5 off any order of $5 or more plus FREE SHIPPING; so if you find a $5 item, it's yours completely free.  But today is the last day!  The coupon code is FREESHIP117.  Enjoy!