Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Beautiful Ribbon

Well, we all survived another Christmas!  I'm sure that you're all just as happy as I am to have it behind us.  It's a lot of fun, but it sure is a lot of work as well.  I'm ready to move on.  I made this card as I prepare for my oldest daughter's birthday in early January, and Really Reasonable Ribbon helped me make it special.
I started with a patterned paper base and sewed on a sheet of vellum.  I added a die-cut frame in gold, as well as a gold letter A (for my daughter's name).  Then.....the good stuff!  I made a big bow using several of Really Reasonable Ribbon's GORGEOUS trims including the Forsythia (deep yellow) Seam Binding, Dusty Olive Seam Binding, Diva Lemonwood Solid Baker's Twine and Deep Pink Solid Baker's Twine.
I also added some of Really Reasonable Ribbon's beautiful Open Roses.  The ones I added are the lovely Two-Tone Yellow Roses.  They come in so many gorgeous colors and styles that you're sure to find the perfect shade Mulberry Flowers to adorn all your cards and projects.  We encourage you to check out ALL the fabulous items carried at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  By the way, this card is technically for tomorrow's post; but because there's a very special FIVE-DAY SALE taking place now at Really Reasonable Ribbon, I wanted to post it just to give you a chance to get in on the BIG SALE.  We also have a super FUN challenge starting on January 6, and we really hope you will join us.  We want to see what wonderful treats you got for Christmas.  See you then!

Karen

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Merry Christmas

Like most of you, I'm getting excited about Christmas as well as feeling a little bit overwhelmed.  But let me assure you, dear friends......Christmas will come and go despite what we get accomplished or don't get accomplished.  And what's more, it will be just fine even if a few details are missed.  So, don't stress over any of it.  Just enjoy the holiday, and focus on what truly matters.  We need to celebrate the fact that God came to earth in human flesh (through the form of Jesus Christ).  He came so that we could have eternal life when He paid the price for our sins at Calvary.  Praise God!  I hope you will simply enjoy the true meaning of Christmas and not worry about the details.
I created this card for a few specific challenges I wanted to enter.  I haven't played along at Our Daily Bread in a while, and I don't have ANY of their Christmas stamps.  So.....I had to make it work with what I own.  I incorporated an Our Daily Bread Designs stamp that has nothing to do with Christmas, and "tweeked" it until it was a Christmas card.

I used ivory card stock, Crate Paper Bundled Up patterned paper (red plaid), Echo Park (snowflake background) and October Afternoon patterned paper (green), a couple of Simple Stories stickers, a Merry Christmas sentiment stamp, some red baker's twine, machine stitching, and holly/berries cut from wool felt using a PTI die-cut.  Here are the challenges where I am sharing this card:

Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge Blog - Challenge #267 - Merry Christmas/Winter Inspiration Challenge - I used Our Daily Bread Designs Seed Packet stamp as the base of the focal point of my card.

Cut It Up Challenge Blog - Challenge #86 - Brrrrr!  It's Cold Outside - I thought a snowman would be perfect for this challenge theme.  I used a Papertrey Ink die-cut for the holly and berries I added.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Die Crazy" - I loved using die-cuts and for this card, I used a die-cut for the holly and berries I added.

Inspiration Journal - Tis' The Season

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Merry Christmas

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Winter Wonderland

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I know it's a busy time of the year, so your visits are really appreciated.  I hope you enjoy Christmas, and don't forget to keep your focus on the true meaning of Christmas....the birth of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Blessings to all,
Karen


Monday, December 21, 2015

We Gather Together.......

Well friends, Christmas is right around the corner.  We are preparing to gather.  And, while it doesn't snow or get super cold in Las Vegas, it is definitely chilly here.  We've had the heater on for quite some time, the tree is trimmed, the lights are glimmering, cookies have been baked, gifts are tucked safely under the tree; and (here's the best part)....as of tomorrow, ALL my babies will be under our roof and tucked in their beds at night waiting for Santa.  Well, not really for Santa, but.....we do hang stockings by the fireplace that Dad and I stuff with little gifts for our good little children once they're all asleep.  Of course, Alicia won't be tucked in her own bed (bedroom) any longer (which is really strange for us).  She and her husband (our new son-in-law, Nathan) will be tucked into the guest room.  Nonetheless, it is absolutely WONDERFUL celebrating Christmas with all of our family gathering here.  We are SO blessed.  My cup runneth over!
This is another sweet little pocket card that I created for Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I started with one of their many sweet Decorative Bags.  This one is called the Honeycomb Middy Biddy Bag (kraft color).  And here's some great news for Christmas time.....they're all on clearance, so this is a great time to stock up on some Decorative Bags.  Once I folded up my bag to create a pocket and covered it with some patterned paper by machine stitching it, then it was time to decorate it.  I used lots of great products from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I also added a tiny Tim Holtz journalling card (gather), silver jingle bells, and a vintage Melissa Frances sticker.
I also created three tags to tuck inside the pocket.  The pocket itself, as well as each of the three tags is embellished with Bay Leaf Seam Binding, Melon Seam Binding, Silver Metallic Baker's TwineDeep Solid Pink Baker's Twine, Silver Metallic String, and Blueberry Baker's Twine.  I also added a length of Ivory Pom Pom Trim across the pocket.  Really Reasonable Ribbon has so many great trims for every project.

Thanks for stopping by today.  We love having you visit, and hope that you find lots of great ribbony-licious inspiration on the RRR Blog.  We hope that you will all be sure to stop by and play along in our Current Challenge.  We love seeing your sweet creations.  And don't forget to make that Christmas "wish list" with all the ribbons and treats from Really Reasonable Ribbon that you want Santa to bring you.   Sometimes our hubbys  just need a little help to know exactly what to buy for us, so give them that little bit of extra help so that you don't end up with another giraffe sweater, blender, or fuzzy slippers.  LOL
Happy crafting, and Merry Christmas!
Karen

Sunday, December 20, 2015

A Christmas Thank You

We have friends who have been so sweet to us this Christmas season.  We are blessed far beyond what we deserve, and I just knew that I needed to start making some Christmas thank you notes.  Life sure has its share of disappointments (I've had plenty lately), but I really do try to dwell on the blessings in our lives.  And even when some people are, let's just say, not so nice....I try to remember that God has sure been gracious toward me.  I can only try to display that same grace towards others.
I made this quick and easy card using a piece of October Afternoon patterned paper, added a bright red doily that was cut using my Cheery Lynn Designs French Pastry Doily Die Cut, added some green, ivory and red solid baker's twine with jingle bells, am Echo Park gift sticker, and a die-cut "thanks" from Studio Calico.

I'm entering my card in these challenges:

Cheery Lynn Designs Challenge #216 - Thank You Theme - I used Cheery Lynn Designs sweet French Pastry Doily Die Cut.

Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog - Merry Christmas Theme

Cut It Up Challenge Blog Challenge #86 - Brrrr!  Winter Theme - I used two die-cuts.  I used a doily die-cut and a sentiment (thanks) die-cut

Scrappy Land Challenge Blog - Challenge #32 - Holidays - I used two die-cuts.  One is Cheery Lynn Designs French Pastry Doily Die and the other is Studio Calico "thanks" die.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Die Crazy" - I used two dies on this card - the Cheery Lynn Designs French Pastry Doily Die and Studio Calico sentiment "thanks" die-cut.

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Sunday Linky Party - I love to play along in this challenge every week, and I know they would love to have YOU play along as well.

Inspiration Journal - Tis the Season

Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Thinking Of YOU

It's always a good day when you receive unexpected "Happy Mail".  Well, yesterday I received TWO such packages.  One was a box from my dear friend in Ohio, Sharon, who sent me two jars of her wonderful homemade salsa.  My husband immediately ran out to buy some tortilla chips, and we devoured the first jar in one sitting (with the help of our teenage son, of course).  The other parcel was an unexpected package from Simon Says Stamp.  They are announcing a new stamp line this week, and I was fortnate enough to have been sent their lovey new "Big U" Stamp Set which I used to create these two cards.
I used Crate Paper Craft Market patterned papers, stickers, 3-D embellishmens and ephemera, some machine stitching, vintage scotch tape, and Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink to stamp my seniment and ink the edges of my card.
This second card also uses lots of gorgeous Crate Paper Craft Market patterned papers, stickers and 3-D embellishments, machine stitching, vintage scotch tape, and of course more of the lovely stamped images from the "Big U" Stamp Set that Simon Says Stamp send me.  As I said, it's part of a new release that you won't want to miss.  Don't forget to visit their blog to see all the wonderful new stamp sets, dies, and loads of great inspiration.  You won't be disappointed.

I am SO grateful to Simon Says Stamp for their generosity in sending me this stamp set.  I want everyone to know how incredibly generous this wonderful company is, and how much they care for their customers.  They have loads of inspiration on the blog every day, plenty of blog candy and give-aways, and two different challenges each week where you can enter to win a $50 gift certificate to their AMAZING store.  I hope you will stop by Simon Says Stamp Blog to see what all the other designers have created using these new stamps.  They're absolutely adorable!

Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello.  Have a blessed week, everyone.

Karen

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Baby It's Cold Outside!

I can tell you with certainty that my blood has thinned since I've moved to a warmer climate,  We made a late-night run (about 9:40) last night to Starbucks, and I thought I was going to shiver to death.  Now mind you, it was only abou 47 degrees outside which isn't really all that bad.  Growing up in Northern Minnesota (not far from Canada), temperatures fell well below zero.  I would spend endless hours playing in the snow, sliding, ice skating, skiing, and just being a kid.  Even when we were first married we lived there for four more years,  I just think that my blood is thinner now because even the sightest chill makes me shiver.  And what's worse.....my hubby wants to retire back there.  NO!  I will always keep my home here.  This is where I want to grow old.  No more below zero temps for me, thank you.
I was up late last night.  You know.....one of those nights that you just can't fall asleep because your mind is wandering and thinking of ALL that still needs to get accomplished before Christmas.  Either today or tomorrow (probably tomorrow), I will venture out into the world to get ALL my shopping finished.  So anyway, I made this card last night.  I used Crate Paper Bundled Up patterned papers, sewn banners, and chipboard stars.  I laid a length of ivory mesh across the card, added an October Afternoon journalling sticker, sentiment, and a bow made from torn fabric, baker's twine and silver metallic string.  I also attached some silver bells.
I will be playing along in these challenges with my card, and I hope you will play along as well.

Sketch Saturday - Challenge #391 - This sketch is super basic, but SO much fun.  I put my cluster at the bottom left instead of top left.

DRS Designs Challenge Blog - Challenge #204 - Silver and/or Gold - I added some sweet silver jingle bells tied with silver metallic string for the finishing touch!

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Just a Pinch" - This project has just a PINCH of silver - the silver jingle bells and silver metallic string.

Classy Cards 'n Such - Challenge #115 - Starry Starry Night - I couldn't resist adding lots of chipboard stars to my card.  They're the perfect accent.

Inspiration Journal - Tis The Season

Color Throwdown Challenge Blog - Challenge #373 - Any Colors/Christmas Theme - I went with non-traditional colors.  This is an awesome challenge blog, and I'd be smitten to Guest Design (one can dream, right?)

I know that there are a lot of great challenge blogs out there, and I can't blame you all for wanting to enter them.  However, if you would be so kind......I would LOVE to have you stop by and play along with us at Word Art Wednesday (the best challenge blog in the world - in my humble opinion) as well.  We offer great prizes every week, and lots of fun.  It would be such a blessing to have you join us.

Until next time, I wish you all a safe and happy week.
God bless you,
Karen

Monday, December 14, 2015

Santa Pocket for TKJ

Hello, everyone!  Today I'm sharing a quick Christmas pocket I created for The Kraft Journal.  The current challenge is a Pick 3 Challenge, and we would love to have you play along with us.  There's also a big 40% off sale taking place now at the Kraft Outlet.  I started my project with a nice big Lunch Bag Kraft #10 Open End Policy Envelope that I folded half-way up to create a pocket.  I covered that in patterned papers, machine stitched, and embellished with some green and red Baker's Twine.
I also added some October Afternoon flair, tucked in some tags and a gift card, and that's about it.  I love using large bags and envelopes to create these wonderful pocket cards.  They're great for gift-giving.  And because this is a huge envelope (notice the flap at the top), you can also tuck photos or notes, etc, into the envelope.  The Kraft Outlet has lots of great envelopes, bags, and goodies of all sorts - and many of them are 40% off right now.

I'm entering my project in some challenges that you can find by clicking on the highlighted links:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Tag It" - I have one tag on the front, and another tag tucked inside the pocket.

A-Muse Studios/Amusing Challenge - Happy Holidays - I'm happy to share my little holiday project in this fun challenge.

Sweet Stamps Challenge Blog - December Challenge:  Anything Goes

Inspiration Journal - Tis The Season

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says "Just a Pinch" so I added just a pinch of twine, and just a pinch of kraft paper left showing.

Thanks for visiting.
Karen



Sunday, December 13, 2015

Home For The Holidays

If I really could go "home for the holidays" (and by that, I mean back to Mom and Dad's house where I grew up), one thing I know for sure that I could count one is.......COFFEE!  This is how I became a coffee lover.  My Mom and Dad did it to me.......LOL  My Mom has a fresh pot of coffee brewing every morning before I've even thought about getting out of bed, and a second pot brewing by the time I actually do.  And what's more, Mom shares my love for Starbucks.  So, we always find our way there during the early part of the day.  However, I'm not heading home for the holidays.  SO.....I will make do with the coffee I have right here, and I am fine with that.
This card was made using more of the same Simple Stories patterned papers and stickers.  I've been using them a lot this weekend.  I machine stitched someof them together, inked the edges, and then added a seam binding bow with some more of the Gold Metallic String, a gold frame from Heidi Swapp, and my favorite touch (a small antique button in the center of the bow).  I really like the touches of gold.
I will be sharing my card in some challenges.  I hope that you all will check out these fun challenges, as well as the one this week at Word Art Wednesday.  We would LOVE to have you play along with us there, and I know these great challenge blogs would enjoy your participation as well.

Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog - Challenge Week #391 - This sketch is simple and fun.  I hope you will come play along!

DRS Designs Challenge Blog - Challenge #204 - Silver and Gold - I used lots of gold on this card including a gold glittered frame with gold metallic string tied around it, a bow with gold metallic string, and a gold vintage button in the center of my bow.  Gold (and silver) accents are SO pretty.

Inspiration Journal - Tis The Season

Please accept my sincere thanks for visiting my blog, and most especially if you leave a comment (and/or become a new follower); and please know that I will do the very same for you.  I enjoy making new blog friends, and love seeing everyone's creations.

Have a wonderfully blessed week!
Karen

I'm Getting Sketchy Again

Hello, friends!  You might say I'm "on a roll" this weekend.  I got several cards done before I wet to the Policemen's Ball Friday night, I had some scheduled ahead of time, and I've even gotten some finished since I got back home.  Now, if I can just get some baking and Christmas shopping done, I'll be in great shape.  I'm SUCH a procrastinator.
I created this card following a sweet sketch shared this week over on the Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog.  It's always nice to get a starting place, and sketches are a great place for that inspiration.  I followed their sketch, and this is what I came up with.
I used Crate Paper Bundled Up patterned papers and tag, machine stitching, a stamped sentiment, some Pink Paislee stars with gold polka dots, lace, seam binding, stitched ribbon, silver metallic string, gold metallic string, and some silver jingle bells.

DRS Designs Challenge Blog - Challenge #204 - Silver or Gold - I don't own any DRS Designs sweet stamp sets yet, but I used a stamped sentiment from a set I had on hand,

Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog - Challenge Week #391 - This was a really sweet sketch that is easy to follow.  Come and play along!

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Tag It" - I added my tag to the right-hand side of my card.  In fact, my second photo is a close-up shot of the tag.  It's from Crate Paper Bundled Up line, available at Simon Says Stamp.

Craftin' Desert Divas - Challenge Blog - Christmas Linky Party

Sweet Stamps Challenge Blog - December Challenge: Anything Goes

Classy Cards 'n Such - Challenge #115 - Starry Starry Night - I added some cute chipbaord stars to my card.

Thanks for visiting me. Please know that I greatly appreciate you stopping by.  If you've created anything this week, I encourage you to share it in these challenges; as well as at Word Art Wednesday.  We would LOVE to have you play along!

Blessings to you all,
Karen


It's Blog Hop Time at Really Reasonable Ribbon

It's time once again for a FANTASTIC Blog Hop with Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Just wait until you see this month's lovely Ribbon of The Month Assortment with all those beautiful hues of shimmery blue.  This is such a great way to get a great variety of ribbons and laces, and is a great bargain as well.  You can check out Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ribbon of The Month Club by clicking the highlighted link.
You should arrived here via the lovely blog of Nancy Hill.  Wasn't that exciting?  She always has a special way of showcasing the lovely ribbon assortments.  If you just happened upon my post, you can go back to the Reasonable Ribbon Blog to get started.  For my project, I created a lovely hair bow using several of this month's lovely trims including the Light Navy Satin With Grosgrain Edge, Blue Multi Ovals on White Grosgrain, Royal Blue Diamond Satin, Funky Snowflakes on Royal Blue Satin, Checkerboard Satin in Capri Blue, Capri Blue Mittins and Snowflakes on White Grosgrain, Delicate Stitch Satin Blue Topaz, Blue Topaz Argyle Print on White Satin, and the lovely Cindy White Crochet Lace.....and yes, that is ALL of them!  Aren't they absolutely spectacular together?
The next stop on the Blog Hop is at the blog of the very sweet and talented Kathy Clements and I know she has prepared something to really knock your socks off, as she always does.  Don't forget to answer the question on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog at the end of the hop so that you'll be entered to win the fabulous prize.  Thanks so much for joining us, and don't forget to check out all the fabulous ribbons, laces, twine and trims available now at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  After all, it's Christmas time, and YOU DESERVE IT!

DRS Designs Challenge #204 - Silver or Gold - I used silver embellishments on my bow.  I hope that works!

Karen

All That Gliters Is Gold

I just LOVE using the beautiful gold foil paper I found at Michaels some time back.  The difficult part, however, is photographing it.  Either you see your own reflection in the card, or you have to shoot your photos at an angle.  Either way, it's not ideal.  I did the best I could to photograph this one, but I couldn't take the traditional photos I would have like to take.  I don't feel like the photos ever do these cards justice.  If I had more time on my hands, I'd do a search on how to photograph these cards (because I'm certain there are tutorials out there), but for now......wonky photos!  LOL
I used some Simple Stories patterned papers and stickers, a Crate Paper Market Place gold foil frame, machine stitching, Tim Holtz Black Soot Ink, vintage sheet music, an old Christmas stamp set (from My Craft Spot), mini pearl stickers, Christmas Baker's Twine and Gold Metallic String.
I haven't been linking to many challenges lately, but I really want to get back into it more.  I've recently found a couple of challenges where my cards fit the theme, and I do enjoy playing along.  So.....I am linking to the challenges I am aware of, and that my card qualifies to enter.
DRS Designs Blog - Challenge #204 - Silver or Gold - For this card, I chose to use gold foil paper, gold metallic string, gold mini pearl stickers, and a gold frame.


Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - December Patterned Paper Challenge

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Card Challenge - Challenge #259 - Anything Goes/Christmas

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today.  I'm always very grateful to have other artists stop by and leave their comments and thoughts about my cards.  That's one of the best things about card-making.....we all have our own style, but it's all beautiful.  We take pride in what we make, and it makes us happy.  That's what it's all about.  I look forward to seeing what YOU have been creating this week.

Blessings to you,
Karen

Friday, December 11, 2015

Frantic Stamper Dies......YES!

It's that time again when we need to get prepared for Christmas, and Frantic Stamper has all the greatest die-cuts to help you create all your Christmas cards.  Just wait unil you see their GORGEOUS dies and the sweet cards you can create with them.  They're truly amazing.
This lovely Christmas card really POPPED by using shiny gold foil paper for the background and the die-cut sentiment using Frantic Stamper's sweet Merry Christmas die.  I also used some patterned papers, machine stitching in gold thread, and gold ribbon.  By keeping the colors and design simple and just letting the die-cut be the star of the card, it was easy to showcase it.  I also accented the outer edges of the poinsettias in gold Stickles to make it pop even more. It's a pretty simple card, but Frantic Stamper made it extra-ordinary with just one of their die-cuts.  AND......here's another lovely card using a Frantic Stamper Precision Die.
There's really almost no end to the GORGEOUS die-cuts found at Frantic Stamper.  When I saw these beautiful Christmas Ornaments, I knew that I wanted to use gold paper to die-cut them, and I'm SO glad I did.  I used some gold Stickles on the edges to really make the ornaments POP.  These die-cuts include not only the beautiful ornament shapes; but also include the topper and the hooks to compliment and complete them.  I cute those pieces from a gorgeous gold foil paper, and they look like real ornaments that sparkle.  I also used gold thread when I machine stitched the random lines in the background.  Here are some close-up photos of these lovely die-cuts.
You can see the gold Stickles accents, which are really lovely on projects like this because they help bring them to life, and really catch your eye as the light hits them.  And the quality of Frantic Stamper Precision Dies is amazing.  They cut right through these wafer-thin dies like a knife through warm butter.  They make clean, crisp cuts that you don't need to run through your machine time and time again.  Lovely!
I encourage you to visit the Frantic Stamper Blog every day to see all the great inspirational projects shared there.  You're sure to find the perfect dies for your next project.  Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.  It's always so nice to have visitors!

Karen

I'm sharing these sweet gold-embellished cards in the following:

DRS Designs Blog - Challenge #204 - Silver or Gold - I stamped and embossed my sentiment in gold as well as using gold foil paper, gold ribbon, and gold thread for machine stitching.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Happy Anniversary with Really Reasonable Ribbon

Really Reasonable Ribbon has the perfect ribbons, laces and trims for EVERY occasion.  And it doesn't stop with the ribbons.  They have flowers, stems and leaves, decorative bags, hair accessories, and SO much more.  They really carry everything you need to make the perfect card for any occasion.  I needed an Anniversary card, and this is what Really Reasonable Ribbon's FABULOUS products helped me to create.
I started with pink card stock and added some patterned paper that I machine stitched and glued a piece of tea-stained torn cheese cloth to.  I stamped my sentiment to a iniatre doily.  That's absolutely IT!  The rest is just lots of great Really Reasonable Ribbon products to adorn it.
I added two bow clusters,  Each was made with a small piece of Forsythia Yellow Seam Binding, a torn strip of May Arts 2 1/2" Cotton Blend Vintage Floral Pink Ribbon, a length of  Lemonwood Solid Baker's Twine and Deep Pink Solid Baker's Twine.  I also added two small clusters of tea-stained Deep Ivory Gysophila, two Deep Pink Open Roses and two Two-Toned Yellow Open Roses

Thanks so much for stopping by  today.  There are so many great projects posted on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog each day by our Design Team Members to inspire you, and we would LOVE to have you stop by to play along in our Current Challenge. I sure look forward to seeing YOUR fabulous projects using ribbon linked to our challenge, and I encourage you to head over to take a peek at the fabulous items I used on this card available now in the Really Reasonable Ribbon Store.  You deserve something new!

Blessings to you all,
Karen

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday

Despite the fact that I haven't had my latte yet this morning, I'm having a great day.  I got to spend some quality time with my hubby, and now I'm snuggled on the couch with my favorite blanket.  When I finish making this post, I'm headed to Starbucks for my coffee so that I can truly get myself in high gear for the day.   And yes, I realize it's after 10:30 AM here....LOL
I created this card for this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  We have a FUN challenge every week at Word Art Wednesday.  It's always Anything Goes/Family Friendly, and we always have FABULOUS prizes.  This week, you can win a $25 Gift Certificate to The Flying Unicorn and a digital prize from The Cutting Cafe.  It's always more fun when everyone plays along, so please be sure to stop by and link up ALL your projects with us this week for your chance to win.
I'm also sharing this sweet tag that I created using lots of great Crate Paper Craft Market products.  This line is SO yummy.  I created this tag based on one that Melissa Phillips had posted on her blog some time back, and also has on Pinterest.  While it's perfectly fine to "lift" other people's art, it's very important to always give credit where credit is due.  I must say that Melissa's art often inspires me.  I just LOVE it!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and don't forget to visit Word Art Wednesday to play along with us.  I look forward to seeing everything you create this week!

Blessings,
Karen

P.S.  I'm linking my projects here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Tag It"

Simon Says Stamp - Work It Wednesday - Holiday Card - I just LOVE making scripture cards for Christmas.

The Card Concept Challenge Blog - Challenge #45 - I used clean and layered as my inspiration, and I was also very drawn to the snowflakes using the blues and whites as shown in the sample.

Cupcake Inspirations #339 - Let It Snow - My card has lots of snowflakes on it (very subtle background).  I really like these soft blue and white hues for Christmas, snowflakes, and the sweet vellum and jingle bells to give it a wintery snow affect.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

A Joyous Christmas To You

Today is a bitter-sweet day for me.  You see, 30 years ago today I gave birth to identical twin boys.  Our sweet little Nicholas Keith (2 lbs.) and Benjamin Robert (2 lbs. 3 oz.).  They were perfect, beautiful gifts from God.  When they were born, their souls were already with the Lord.  But we got to hold them and love on them for several hours as we said our sad goodbyes; knowing that we would see them in Heaven again some glorious day.  Well, here we are 30 years later.  The pain is still very real as I recall their big brown eyes, dark hair, and tiny feet and hands.  God is SO good!  The very miracle of life is such a precious gift.  I will never forget, and I will always be grateful for the seven months I got to carry them in my tummy and feel them move.  Oh, how I miss them.
I created this card based on this week's tutorial over on the Papertrey Ink Blog that shows you how to use small felt die-cut embellishments on your cards.  I used one of their many sweet die-cut sets to create this card.  I used some Simple Stories patterned paper, vintage sheet music, machine stitching, half of a vintage cream doily, a Tim Holtz ephemera image, and some trims; including PTI's sweet Ivory Button Twine and some Gold Metallic String.  I strategically placed my felt holly and berries here and there as accents and placed some tiny gems in their centers.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Nichole Heady's Papertrey Ink Blog - Challenge #234 - Embellishing With Felt - I used PTI holly and berries die-cut and their sweet Ivory Button Twine.  LOVE this sweet store, and all the great inspiration on their blog each month.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges - "Let It Snow" as Simon Says - It's always fun to remember the snow, even when we don't live an area of the country that gets any!

I'm so very blessed that you've stopped by today.  Let me just say this in closing.  Be grateful for the children God has placed in  your life, and thank God for them every day.  Tell them every day that you love and value them.  Hold them close.  Let them be little, and let them make mistakes.  They need you to guide them in the way of the Lord.  Life is so very short, and so very precious.

My cup runneth over,
Karen



Monday, December 7, 2015

Snowman Or Santa at The Kraft Journal

This week we have a really fun Christmas Challenge where you can pick either a Santa or a Snowman for your project; but I said, "Why Choose"?  I created one of each for this challenge.  I started my projects with Krafft Outlet's adorable 3" x 3" x 3" Kraft Gift Boxes.  These sweet little boxes cost just $0.65 each and are perect for giving a small gift.  I covered each Kraft Box with a small image (one snowman and one Santa), and then embellished them using some painted glittered jingle bells tied with Natural/Earthy Hemp Cord, and I also attached a Scalloped Grungy Prim Tag to each box so that you can write (to/from) on these sweet little tags.  They come in several sizes, and are SO shabby chic.  They're just the perfect touch for your all Christmas gift-giving needs.
I'm hoping that you will stop by to play along in this week's Santa and/or Snowman Challenge at The Kraft Journal for your chance at winning our monthly $15 Gift Certificate to the Kraft Outlet.  It's always more fun when everyone plays along.  We love seeing your fabulous creations, and appreciate your participation in our challenges.  Here is anither view of these super sweet boxes:
These sweet little boxes can hold some candies, small gifts, and so many other great ideas for Christmas gift-giving.  There are also several other very reasonablly prices gift box and treat bags available now at the Kraft Outlet, and you're sure to find something perfect to package up all the presents on your list, and they're all VERY reasonally priced.  We hope you'll stop by to link up in our current challenge for your chance to win our fabulous prizes.

I'm linking up here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Let It Snow"

Little Scrap Piece - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

Have a great week!
Karen

Friday, December 4, 2015

Shimmer & Sparkle With Really Reasonable Ribbon

It's time for another fun challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and this time our theme is Shimmer and Sparkle.  You can add anything bright and shiny.....just remember to use ribbon or some type of trim on your project, and you will be eligible to play along with us.  And we LOVE having you play along.  It's always more fun when everyone can join us.
So, for this project I used a wooden sled that I picked up at a super clearance price at the end of year sale last Christmas at Michaels.  I simply painted the sled cream with acrylic paint, and then painted the slats with a thin layer of Mod Podge to cover them with strips of vintage sheet music.
Once I had the sled painted and covered in sheet music, I embellished it a bit.  I added a Tim Holtz miniature playing card (winter), an old Making Memories gold glittered tree, a Heidi Swapp miniature wreath, and some silver bells.  I tied Silver Mettalic String and Gold Mettalic String around the top of the sled to hang it with, as well as adding a decorative bow using these two shimmery strings. 

I also tied the silver jingle bells using the Silver Mettalic String and Gold Mettalic String.  It's SO pretty, and adds just the right amount of sparkle and shine to any project.  Underneath the silver jingle bells, you will also see a double bow that was made using the sweet Lipstick Red Seam Binding which is one of my year-round favorites.

We really look forward to seeing your Shimmer & Sparkle projects, and hope that you will link them in our challenge here on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.  There are so many fantastic trims in the RRR Shop, and lots of great inspiration on the blog every day.  Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you again soon.

Blessings,
Karen