Dreaming and Creating

Unlimited Fun with a Template and Blockhead Stamps

2012-02-14T10:30:00.001-06:00

Hi Dreamers,

Happy Valentine's Day!! Hope your day is sweet! I am having a great day here. We are getting a little snow here in Michigan, so the view out the window is pretty. I have been playing with my Crafters Workshop template again. Boy, oh boy, I went crazy. Here is just a small sample of all the backgrounds I made.

You can check out more ideas and the tutorial I posted on this page. When I was working with my template this time I discovered that really, really cool result were had by NOT cleaning the template off between uses. I just kept flipping it over and spraying it again, and flipping it and spraying again onto a new piece of CS each time. You get some really subtle colors with this technique. The two cards I want to share with you today are the result of this continual flipping and spraying technique. I used two of my favorite stamps from Blockheads stamps to make the cards. The Bizarre Carnival Girl and Jester.

And this really fun elements type set called Grunge It up

Materials List:

STAMPS: Carnival Girl and Jester

Grunge It up

Verses-Special Delivery

TEMPLATE: Mini Harlequin-Crafters Workshop

INKS: Vintage Sepia-Versafine

Raisin Adirondack-Ranger

Malted Mauve and Pink Petunia-Versamagic

Stormy Sky Distress Ink-Ranger

DISTRESS STAIN-Faded Jeans- Ranger

SPRAYS: Glimmer Pink and Gold

CARDSTOCK:White, Cocoa Brown, Teal Blue

EMBELLISHMENTS: Pearls from Kaiser Craft, Silver Pearls, Lace, Ribbon, Ribbon yarn.

I started with White CS; sprayed Pink and Gold Glimmer Mist over the template. The Carnival Girl is stamped with Vintage Sepia. I stamped three images from the Grunge It Up set with Pink Petunia. I distressed the edges using the direct to paper method with the Malted Mauve Dew Drop pad. The Sentiment is stamped with Raisin.

I cut a piece of ribbon and rolled one edge and glued it down. I added some lace and ribbon yarn . Here is a look at the inside. This sentiment if from the Verses- Special Delivery.

The second card is made with the Carnival Jester. This background is the result of starting with White CS and Faded Jeans Distress stain. I made one or two backgrounds with it. And then without cleaning off the template, I flipped it over and sprayed it with gold glimmer spray. This is probably a 2nd or 3rd generation image made without cleaning off the template.

Again, I used the images from the Grunge It Up set and the Malted Mauve Versamagic ink. I also distressed with Stormy Sky DI ( using a distressing tool) and Malted Mauve (direct to paper)

I added a few silver pearls for embellishments. Here is a look at the inside. I can write a little note on the inside.

Challenges for my Distressed Template cards:

Simon Stamp and Show: Anything goes

Truly Madly Crafty: ribbon and bling

Fashionable Stamping: monochromatic and one color

Lets ink It up: ribbons and lace

Paper Sundaes: Cream , blue, distressing,and pearls

Stamptacular Sundays: Pearls and lace

Allsorts: free and easy

All my Valentine's Day cards went out and I hand delivered a few this morning. Hope you have a great day!! Love ya.

Karen

DeNami Blog Hop !!

2012-02-12T06:00:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the Denami Cute Chickie Blog Hop! What is the Hop all about? Here are the details:

When: the blog hop starts on February 12 at 6 AM, PST. However, you have until Feb 13 to lave comments on all the blogs(to be eligible for a prize).

Why: to be inspired by fun DeNami Design creations and also the chance to win a mini shopping spree on the DeNami website!
Prizes: We are giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to our website! We will be giving away one gift certificate to a random participant (DT members not eligible) and them we will also be giving away TWO gift certificates to Two people who comment along the hop!

Our Blog Hop Theme is....................Cute Chickies. You should have arrived here from Kristy Smith's inspiring blog. If you got lost somewhere along the way, or are just stopping by to visit me, you may like to start at the beginning of the Blog Hop by clicking over to the DeNami Blog

Okay, now that all the housekeeping issues are taken care of, here is my Cute Chickie Card. I used the stamp called Open Umbrella Chickie.

I stamped the Chickie with black ink and colored with markers. I fussy cut the Chickie and glued him to two punched circles.

I started with the DeNami Sketch #11. I changed the orientation of the sketch and omitted the horizontal piece. My card is a small note card 3 1/2" x 4 1/4"

The card base is made from a light lavender CS. I edged punched aqua CS and added a strip of Purple CS. For an extra bit of cuteness, I added some pink polka dot ric rac.

Here is a close up of this cute little Chickie card

On the inside, I stamped a sweet saying that is also from DeNami. See the stamp here. I repeated the layout for the inside. This will be a great little note card to send to a friend.

Now for the next stop on the blog, head on over and see Carol Hartery's Chick-a-licious Calendar!

Don't forget to leave a comment to be eligible for the prizes. Have fun on the Hop!! Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Valentine's Day Fun with Blockhead Stamps

2012-02-07T09:54:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,
How is your week going? Going pretty good here. I have two more Valentine's Day cards to share with you today. The cards are made with stamps from the Ghastlie Gang. This is another fabulously whimsical set from Di sold at Blockheads Paper Arts.

Material List:
Stamps: Ghastlie Gang from Blockheads Paper Arts
Love Sentiment-Flowers Daisy Set
Inks: Tuxedo Black and Rhubarb Stalk from Memento
CS: Solar White from Neenah; reds, pinks, white, and lavender
Distress Inks: (on second card) Fired Brick, Spun Sugar, Tattered Rose, Dusty Concord from Ranger
Distressing Tool from Ranger
Copic Markers
Spellbinders-Classic Scalloped Hearts, Classic Ovals Large
Sizzix Die -Oval
Score Pad
Ribbons

This lovely lady(?) is stamped on Solar White CS with Tuxedo black ink and colored with Copic Markers. I cut the image and pink CS with the heart die. The card base is made from bright pink CS and layered with red CS. I stamped the word love in the lower corner and added a bow. Ain't she sweet??

To make the background for card number two, I started with a piece of white CS. Add distress inks with the distressing tool and cover all of the white CS. When you like what you have, score lines down the CS using a score pad. Using the distressing tool and Dusty Concord Distress ink, lightly go over the score lines. Don't press on the lines because they will flatten. Just lightly touch them to highlight the lines with the ink. Make card base from lavender CS. Add background piece to card base.

Stamped the image on Solar White CS and color with Copic Markers. Cut out the colored image with Spellbinders die. Cut the scallop oval with a Sizzix die. Add both to card front. Stamp "hug" with Rhubarb Stalk ink. Add ribbon and a small die cut heart.

How about a few fun challenges??!!!

Craft Your Passion: anything goes-no DP
I Copic : hearts
Lollipop Crafts: Valentines
Scrap Creations: Valentines
Sweet Stamping: The one I love
Victorine Originals: Valentines
Shopping Our Stash: Valentines

I love working with these images. They are so fun. Don't they make you laugh??!! The Blockheads Technique Challenge is still open. The Technique is "Chalk Attraction". It is a really neat technique and much easier that it looks. Give it a try. Are you getting any Valentine's made? I have one more to make and than I will be done. Have a super day! Love ya.
Karen

Some Bunny Loves My Favorite Things

2012-02-06T14:15:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Hope you had a great weekend. How about that Superbowl? Pretty good game I thought. I am still making Valentine's. I made this sweet card with images from My Favorite Things. The set I used is called Warm Fuzzies. With a name like that you know this is a super cute set. Here is my card.

Materials List:
Stamps: Warm Fuzzies from My Favorite Things
Ink: Tuxedo Black from Memento
CS: Solar White from Neenah; Blush Blossom and Cameo Coral from Stampin' Up
DP: K & Company
Copic Markers
Classic Oval Large Spellbinders Die
Die-namics File Folder from My Favorite Things
Swiss Dots Embossing Folder from Cuttlebug
Pearls from Kaiser Craft
Tulle

I stamped the image with Tuxedo Black dye ink and colored with Copic Markers. Die cut and emboss the colored image and DP with the Spellbinders. Glue image to Die cut DP. Make card base from Blush Blossom and layer with DP. Cut a smaller piece of the Blush Blossom and Cameo Coral. Run the piece of Cameo Coral through the Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots folder. Die cut a File Folder Tab from Cameo Coral. Stamp the sentiment on the tab with black ink. Glue Tab to back of Blush Blossom CS; layer with dry embossed Cameo Coral. Add both to card front. Look how sweet this image is. (That's why they are called My Favorite Things.)

To finish up the card, I added some accents made from Beige Tulle. I tied a bow with a narrow strip cut from tulle. Glue the bow to the top of the stamped piece. Add a pearl to the knot. To make the tulle rosettes: Cut a narrow piece of tulle about 18 inches long. Cut a small scrap of CS. Add a good quality glue to the scrap. I used Fabri-Tac. Wrap the tulle strip around two fingers. This makes a rosette like shape/bunch. Glue the tulle to the CS scrap. Press it down into the glue. Add a pearl to the center. Glue to card front. Add some small pearls along the edge of the stamped piece.

I would also like to enter My "Some Bunny" in:
I Copic Hearts challenge.
Incy Wincy: love, pink, white and black
Lexis Creations: Love
Stamps R Us: Valentines
The Pink Elephant: pink
Simon Says: Animal Antics
Card Making Mamas: valentine

That's about it for me today. Check back tomorrow for more Valentine's fun. I will have two cards for you made with Blockheads Ghastlie Gang images. LOL Love these crazy images! Have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Valentine's Day Love Notes with The Stampsmith

2012-02-05T08:27:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I have more Valentine's Day inspiration to share with you today. I made four cards using the Love/heart image from the Love Notes Valentines full sheet from The Stampsmith. This is such a versatile stamp set. I use it all year round, not just at Valentine's. I stamped the images on glossy white CS with Archival Ink (Ranger) for all the cards. I added some Tulle held in place by brads and a Sizzix die on the first card. Color scheme: pink and brown.

The second cards has Stampin' Up DP for its background and more tulle.

Card number three has a deep blue background. The light blue layer is die cut and dry embossed.

I used a tan/gray card base on the last card. And added a big bow made with wine colored ribbon.

This is the inside of the last card. The sentiment is from My Sentiments Exactly.

Check out updates to my Published work on my Published Work tab. Click on the tab at the top of my blog.

And, how about a few fun challenges!?
Paper Sundaes: CAS
Sentimental Sundays: Feel the love
Crafty Calender: Love and marriage
Card Making Mamas: Valentines
Through the Craftroom Door: Valentines with no pink. Card #3 and #4.
Artistic Stamper: hearts

I hope you have a great day. Are you watching the Superbowl today? Or, would you rather be blogging?
Love ya.
Karen

Love and Lace Challenge with The Stampsmith

2012-02-01T06:53:00.004-06:00

Hello Everyone,
Happy February! As it is the first on the month, that means it is time for the new Stampsmith Challenge! Our new theme for the month is:

LOVE AND LACE

This month's prize - a FULL SHEET OF RUBBER- is provided by The Cutting Garden in Halifax, Nova Scotia where four members of the Stampsmith Design Team will be holding a Stampsmith workshop on Saturday, February 11th. The Cutting Garden is now stocking Stampsmith stamps and invites you to drop off or mail in a project to be displayed in the store until March 31. All entries will automatically be entered here in this month's Stampsmith challenge and draw. Visit The Cutting Garden web site for further details in the Events Calendar.

***Special Note *** The new February Technique Junkies Newsletter features ideas on using Stampsmith Photo stamps.

In keeping with the Challenge theme, I have made a Valentine's Day Card. I used an image from the Flapper's 3 Full Sheet.

The image is stamped with black dye ink. The sentiment is from My Sentiments Exactly. I stamped on white CS and added all the color with Distress Inks (Ranger).

The heart is die cut and embossed with a Spellbinders die. I added lots of laces that I had in my stash. And, here is a peek at the inside. This sentiment is also from My Sentiments Exactly.

Some Challenges for my Valentine's Day Card:

Anything Challenge: To the one I love

Deep blue Ocean: Love you

Scrap-Creations: Red, pink, and white

My time to Craft: A is for Adorable

Oldie but a goodie: Have a heart-my oldies are the shaped lace is 10 years old, the pink used for the card base 1year old, the large sentiment on the front-1 1/2 years old.

Shopping Our Stash: People

The Stamping boutique: valentine's

cooking it up with Katie: punch an embossed heart

Reasonable Ribbon: Red and pink with ribbon
Craft us Crazy: Anything goes

Join us for the Stampsmith Challenge. I can't wait to see how you interpret the theme!! Have a lovely day!!

Karen

My Funny Valentine with Blockheads

2012-01-31T09:36:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!
Today, I have a funny Valentine to share with you. I used one of The Ghastlie Gang stamps (by Di) from Blockheads Paper Arts.

Stacey( owner of Blockheads) has been sharing some amazing tutorials on using Studio Paints from Ranger in the Blockheads Newsletter. I was inspired by the tutorials to use the Studio Paints for the background on this card.

Materials List:

Ghastlie Gang Stamp Set

Tuxedo Black dye ink from Memento

CS: Solar White from Neenah, purple, and lavender

Spellbinders Dies:

Standard Circles Small

Classic Scalloped Hearts

Pearls from Kaiser Craft

Studio Paints Brushes

**All linked items available from Blockheads Paper Arts.

I will start with the main image. The Ghastlie Gang character is stamped with Tuxedo Black dye ink. Color the image with Copic Markers. Cut out the image with a heart shaped die. Cut a circle from the lavender cs with a circle die.

Make a card base from purple CS and layer with lavender CS. To make the painted background piece:
Start white CS and cover it Gesso using a brush. Let this dry.

When dry, spray a tiny bit of water on the CS. Paint on a layer of the Dash of Red Paint with the large brush.

While the red paint is still wet, pick up more red paint and using a wiggle motion pull the paint downwards.

Do this across the whole area of the painted white CS. Mix the Dash of Red with Smidge of Blue to make purple.

While the red paint on the CS is still wet, pick up some of the purple and pull the paint across the CS in horizontal direction.

Do the same thing with the Blank Canvas (white) paint. Wipe the brush clean each time before picking up more of the white paint. You don't want to mix in the other colors with the white.

Let dry.

Now just put all the layers together. Add some pearls and some ribbon. And, you are done.

Okay, that was a lot of info. Let me know if you have any questions. It really is easy to create the backgrounds...after reading the tutorials! LOL Oh boy, this is fun!! Don't forget the new Blockheads Technique Challenge is open. The technique is Chalk Attraction.
Have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Valentine Digi Card

2012-01-30T13:13:00.000-06:00

Back again!!

Another post today! This is another Valentine's Day card that is going out to a fiend. I used a cute little bear from Meljens Designs.

I printed the digi out and colored it with Copic markers. I used dimensional squares to add the little bear to a lavender card base (Stampin' Up) and DP (GCD Studios).

And here is a peek at the inside. The sentiment and small heart are from My Sentiments Exactly.

Challenges for Heart Cookie Bear

Meljens Challenge: Hearts and a Meljens image
I Copic Lover: red love
Craft Your Passion: use a bear
Paper Makeup: digi and valentine
Crafty Pad: Valentines
Simon Says stamp: Anything goes

Okay, now that really is all for me today! Have a fun day! Love ya.
Karen

Chalk Attraction Technique Blog Hop Challenge with Blockheads

2012-01-30T10:16:00.004-06:00

Hello again!
It is time for the new Technique Challenge with Blockheads!! The new challenge is to use the Technique that Design Team Member, Leigh, calls Chalk Attraction. See Leigh's card and more details HERE.
The challenge/blog hop runs thru Feb 21st. The Design Team will pick one winner to receive a $25 gift certificate to Blockheads Paper Arts.

I used the Romeo and Juliet stamp from the Grunge Collages Set It is also available as individual stamp.

I was very pleasantly surprised at how my Chalk project turned out. I was afraid I would end up with a chalky mess. But, I followed the Tutorial and my image turned out great!!

Materials List:

Stamps: Grunge Collages; Sentiment from Flowers-Daisies

Ink: VersaMark

Chalks

Cardstock: White, pink, blue. brown

Pearls

Ribbon

Dabbers

Orange Bag (in photo below)

Brush (in photo below)

Stamp the main image with VersaMark ink and apply the chalk as shown in the tutorial. I wanted to use the technique for my background too. I used an usual item to make the background; an orange bag. You know, the mesh type bag that the fruit comes in (shown above).

I laid a piece of the bag on pink CS. I pounched the VersaMark pad over the bag as shown in the photo below.

I used the large brush in the photo above to add the chalk to the background piece. I came back with the dabbers to add more chalk in some spots to add darker coloring. Here is a close up of the main image.

To Take our Challenge: Visit Blockheads' Chalk AttractionTechnique Page to see Leigh Snaith Brunton's steps for creating a card with VersaMark ink and chalks. Then create your own out-of-the-box creation, create a blog post that includes the link code, which creates links to other participants, then submit your URL by clicking the button below. Links will be removed that don't include the code.
Join the blog hop with your example by February 21st for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. Winner is selected by our design team. Design team members and guest designers are not eligible to win.
Code to Paste into the html code of your blog post:

Have fun with this Technique Challenge!! Have a great day!! Love ya.

Karen

Love Notes from The Stampsmith

2012-01-30T08:32:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Monday!
I am still working on Valentines's Day cards! I have two cards to share today that I made with The Stampsmith's set called Love Notes Valentines. This is the whole set.

I stamped with Archival Ink from Ranger on glossy white CS. I found that this ink is really great for photo stamps. I picked up a couple pads from Blockheads Paper Arts. The ink on the first card is Coffee.

I added some Vintage Photo and Tattered roses Distress ink. The sentiment is also from The Stampsmith's set called Paris. Her is a close up. I also stamped the hearts across the top.

And, the inside looks like this. I stamped the hearts again and a Sentiment from My Sentiments Exactly.

The second card was stamped with Sienna Archival Ink. from Ranger. I used some papers from K & Company.

I added Vintage Photo Distress ink to the image and one layer of the dp which was dry embossed. This sentiment is also from the Paris set. Here is a close up.

Stayed tuned for more cards made with this set!! Follow me to see them all.

Hope you had a great weekend. Love ya!

Karen

Who's Your Valentine?

2012-01-28T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hello!
Here we go again with more of the Valentine's Day Cards I made for St. Jude. I used the Stampin' Up Owl punch for all of these cards. I used lots of different DP's, die cuts, and embossing folders too.

There are still more cards to come. Stayed tuned tomorrow for another batch of Owl Punch cards. I hope you are not tired of Valentine's yet! I share some baby cards after Valentine's Day. Have a great weekend! Love ya.
Karen

Valentine's Day Bunnies

2012-01-27T13:50:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone!
More Valentine's Day Cards for St Jude. The first and second bunny is made with a digital image from Sweet N' Sassy stamps.

This cute little bunny is a digital image from The Prairie Fairy.

Challenges:
CardMad Fairy: Ribbons and bows
Card Making Mamas: something old - the dp on the last card is about 2 years old.
Simon Say Stamp: anything goes

I will have lots of Valentine's Day cards over the next couple weeks. I will post all the cards I made for St Jude and the ones I made for my friends and family. Tomorrow I will have a bunch of Owl Valentine's made with the Stampin' Up Owl Punch. See you then! I hope you are having a great day!! Love ya.
Karen

More Valentine's Day Cards for St. Jude

2012-01-26T10:59:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

I have a few more of the Valentine's Day cards that I sent to Winter for her St. Jude Card drive. I used some fun digital images for the cards. The first card is made with a sweet owl image from Michelle Perkett.

The image is colored with markers and I used some dry embossing folders to add texture.

This image is also colored with markers. The heart is cut with a Spellbinders die. The next card is made with a cute little bird image from the Doodle Pantry. I used markers to color.

The sentiments on this card are from My Sentiments Exactly. Pretty cool that the sentiments rhyme! I'm a poet and don't know it. LOL Here is a peek at the inside.

Challenges for my Children's Valentine's Day Cards:
Simon Says Stamp: Anything goes
Aud Sentiments: use the word love
Crafty Purple Frog: Valentine's
Craft Us Crazy: Valentine's
Digi Doodles: Anything goes
DRS Designs: Valentine's
Cooking it Up with Katie: Recipe: hearts, punches, embossing

Hope you are having a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Vintage Valentine's Day Card with The Stampsmith

2012-01-25T08:19:00.000-06:00

Hello All,
Are you getting any Valentine's Day cards made? I finished up all the cards for St. Jude's (see Winter's post here). So, now I am on to Valentine's for my friends and family. I decided to go romantic for some of my cards. And what better stamps to use when you want romance than The Stampsmith??!! I used two different sets to make this card: Belinda and Friends; Love Notes Valentine.

I choose my color scheme from the ribbon. I picked out the reds and blues from the ribbon. CS: Cherry Cobbler(SU) and Blues are from Bazzill. The images are stamped on glossy white CS. I found another ink that works great for The Stampsmith's photos!!!! It is Ranger's Archival Ink!! I picked up a couple pads from Blockheads Paper Arts. I used Coffee on this card.

I stamped the "love" image and cut out the hearts. They are layered on blue CS. I added a great big bow with this fabulous ribbon.

Vintage Valentine is also entered in:
Simon Says Stamp: Anything goes

Hope you are having a super fun day!! Love ya.
Karen

Blockheads Give-a-Way

2012-01-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!
Blockheads Paper Arts is having a give-a-way tonight starting at 9:00pm. Just click over to the Blockheads blog for all the details.

Go to the Give-a-Way post. Just Like Blockheads on Facebook. Click on the Like button and that's it! You will be entered in a drawing to win your choice of 4x5 cling stamp set or a 8x5 untirmmed rubber stamp set.
One set will be drawn for every 15 people that Like Blockheads Paper Arts.
And, since you are here, I decided to post two photos of a card I made using two of the sets that could be chosen for your prize. Vintage Portraits and Verses-Special Delivery

I stamped a simple sentiment on the inside:

The stamping is done with Kaleidacolor Ink Pads. And, they are on sale right now at Blockheads Paper Arts. Have a great weekend!! Love ya.
Karen

Honey Bee Note Card Set with Blockheads Stamps

2012-01-19T07:04:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone,

Check out the new Blockheads Design Team here.

Today, I have a mini note card set made with the set ATC-Honey Bee from Blockheads Stamps.

I found that this is a really versatile set. I just wanted to keep stamping and stamping. You know how I get carried away!! I completed three cards with some of my stamped pieces. Here is the first card. Size: 3 1/2" x 51/2"

Materials List:

ATC Set -Honey Bee from Blockheads

Inks:

Oregano Adirondack from Ranger

Butterscotch Adirondack from Ranger

Raisin Adirondack from Ranger

Tea Dye Distress Ink from Ranger

Victorian Velvet Distress Ink from Ranger

Butterscotch Adirondack Marker

Cardstock: yellow, brown, olive green, white, wine, and peach

The clover flower is stamped by inking the flower with Butterscotch, the stem and leaves with Oregano, and the tips of the petals with Raisin. It is stamped on a pale yellow CS. I added Tea Dye distress ink around the bottom of the flowers. Add some layers and the same yellow CS for the card's base. Here is a detail

And, take a peek at the inside. The sentiment is from the Verses-Feel Better Set.

Card number two uses the bee and honey comb image. Wouldn't this be a cute Valentine's Day Card???!!!! I inked the honey comb with Raisin ink and the Bee with a Butterscotch Adirondack Marker. I stamped on White CS. Size: 5" x 3 3/4".

The sentiment is stamped with Raisin and Butterscotch. "Bee" is cut out added to the card top. Again, I added Tea Dye DI. The last card uses the honey comb image. But this time I stamped the large flower with Raisin ink; cut it out and added it to the card front. Size: 4 1/2" x 3 1/4". This Sentiment is from the Verses-Feel Better Set.

Here is a close up. The shading is added with Victorian Velvet Distress ink.

Challenges:
City Crafter: Decorate the inside too.
Creative Card Crew: Red
Sparkles Forum: use your new stuff-The stamp sets and the Adirondack inks are all new.
Shelly's Images: Anything goes
4 Crafty Chicks: Summer in January

Whoa! The power went out in the middle of writing this post. Of course it was the coldest day of the year. Got pretty cold in the house without any heat. We got a big fire going in the fireplace and that took the edge off the chill. The power came back on around 1am. So, I am up and running again!! Yea! Finally took down the Christmas decorations yesterday. I still have to pack up a few things, but other than that I am all done with that job. I put out all Spring colors (pillows, table lines, etc....) I am ready for Spring already. LOL Well, guess that's all for now. Love ya.
Karen

Valentine's Day Cards for St. Judes

2012-01-17T10:21:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!
Winter over at Winter Wonderland Crafter is hosting a card drive for St Judes and other Children's Hospitals. Checkout all the details on Winter's Post. Winter is asking for Valentine's Day cards for children of all ages. I have 27 cards made so far. I will be posting them in small groups. Today's cards were made using digis from Meljen's Designs.

I used the Out of the Box Technique (Blockheads Technique Challenge open for a few more days!) The dandelion peeks out over the Spellbinders die. I colored the image with watercolor pencils. Here is a detail photo.

I made several cards with this image. Here is another!

And the last card for today also uses a Meljen digi that was colored with markers. The sentiment is from a retired Stampin' Up set.

This is what the inside looks like. The sentiments are from My Sentiments Exactly and Hero Arts.

My Valentine's Day cards are entered in the following fun Challenges:
Meljen's: Anything goes
Incy Wincy: Bold and Bright
Lexi's Creations: Anything goes
The Pink Elephant: Favorite color-RED
Pile it On: fuzzy friends

Stayed turned for more Valentine's Day cards!! I have some bunnies for the next post. Have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Template Tutorial And Lost Coast Design Stamps

2012-01-13T13:38:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I have a tutorial today showing one way to use a Template made by Crafters Workshop. This template is called Mini Harlequin and is available from Blockhead Paper Arts.

I used stamps from Lost Coast Designs---Which are also available at Blockheads Paper Arts. Blockheads carries a nice selection of Lost Coast Design's stamps.

Here is the project we will make today.

Materials List:
Praying Angel Stamp available at Blockheads Paper Arts
Mini Harlequin Crafters Workshop Template
Ink: Coffee Archival Ink from Ranger
Vintage Photo Distress Ink from Ranger
Ink Sprays: Plum and Gold
CS: Black, Wine, and Kraft
Gold Brads
Gold Ribbon

Start by cutting a piece of Kraft CS. Layer the template over the CS and spray with the glimmer spray or spray type ink.

Pull up the template. DON'T clean the template off yet!! I found that if you flip the template over, you can get a reverse image and don't waste all that ink you have sprayed on the template.

Press the template into the card stock inked side down. And, you get this really cool reverse image!! How cool is that!!??

Now let's finish up the card. Trim the Kraft CS and stamp the Praying Angel with Coffee Archival Ink. Stamp a second image on Kraft CS.

Cut out the angel on the second stamped image. Layer the angel onto the original image. Distress the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Layer onto some black and wine CS. Make a card base from Kraft CS. Add some ribbon and gold brads.

Here is another example that was made using Terra Cotta Walnut Ink Spray.

And it looks like this:

I used the above reverse image on this card:

Stamps: Steampunk Pony and Buttons Border

I also used a left over piece. Don't want to waste any. LOL

And here is the card I made with the left over.

Stamps: Dress Form and Buttons Border

These Templates are a lot of fun. I now have a whole stack of backgrounds are ready to be made into cards. And how about some fun Challenges for my cards??!!

Play Date Cafe: Burgundy, Wine, and Gold colors
Shelly's Images: Roll with it. My numbers-7-ink, mist; 2-Ribbon; 4-Kraft
Rainbow Lady: Many faces of women
Blogger's Challenge/Lisa Somerville: Wings
Stampin' for the weekend: Out with the old-I have had those gold brads for 2 years.
Artistic stamper: Vintage

Well, that was fun!! I think that is enough for today. Have a super great day!! Love ya.
Karen

Mini Cards for Any Occasion

2012-01-12T09:03:00.000-06:00

Hello, hello,
Hope you are having a great day! We are having strange weather here in Michigan: rain and 40 degrees. Better than snow! You don't have to shovel rain. LOL Today I would like to share a couple of mini cards. Wee Memories is hosting their last challenge-boo. So, I wanted to participate. The theme is Mini cards.

This card was made with My Favorite Things stamps and Cosmo Cricket paper. Mini cards are a great way to use your scraps too. And, they are so fun. Here is the inside of the card. This card is 3 1/2 " square.

Card number two also uses My Favorite Things stamps and Cosmo Cricket paper. The Doggy Card is only 3 1/2 " by 2 5/8".

Isn't that a cute little Doggy?!! Here is a close up of him. I added three buttons and a narrow ribbon. The card base is made of Old Olive from Stampin' Up.

Some other Super Fun Challenges for my Mini All Occasion Cards:
4 Crafty Chicks: Recipe-Two buttons, one ribbon, and 3 layers. My doggy card has all these elements.
Simon Says Stamp: Strips and Spots- Card 1 has stripes and Card two has dots and a dog named Spot.
Do You Stack Up: Pink

Well, happy crafting! Have a super day! Love ya.
Karen

Vintage Portrait Card with Blockhead Stamps

2012-01-11T06:26:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I am finally getting back in to the swing of things after the Holidays. My studio is all re-organized and haven't tripped over anything yet!! My Christmas card burn-out is over and I am looking forward to another year of fun-tastic crafting!! Today I have a bright card that I made using a sketch (see sketch below) from Totally Paper Crafts. The stamps are all from Blockheads Stamps. The main image is from the Vintage Portraits set.

The images are also available as single stamps. Here is my card.

Materials List:

Stamps: Silhouette Portrait; Small Flower, Dots, and Thinking of You all from Blockhead Stamps

Ink: Adirondack Stream and Pesto Dye Ink from Ranger

CS: Vanilla, Mint and Cream

Stickles: Aqua

Rhinestones

Lace, ribbon, and pearl cotton

Labels Eight Die cut from Spellbinders

****All linked items available at Blockheads Paper Arts.

The main image is stamped on cream CS with Stream dye ink and then cut out. Stamp the same image again with Stream ink on cream CS and once more with Pesto ink on cream CS. Cut out the lady from the image stamped with Pesto and just the hat decoration from the second image stamped with Stream ink. Layer the cut pieces on top of the original stamped image (paper piecing). Make card base from Vanilla CS. Die cut a piece from the mint CS. Stamp the dots on die cut with Stream ink.

Stamp nine of the small flowers with Stream ink on the mint CS; cut out. Glue lace a piece of lace and tow strands of the pearl cotton across the bottom on the card and add the flowers.

I stamped the flowers again on the inside and added a sentiment.

Fun Challenges for my Vintage Lady Portrait:
Totally Paper Crafts: Sketch
Simon Says stamp: Spots and/or stripes
Reasonable Ribbon; Sparkle and Ribbon
Sweet Stampin; Spots and dots
Allsorts: Paper piecing
One Stop Craft: Bingo-I used lace/ribbon, die cut, and paper piecing

Okay, I guess that is all for me today. My to-do list is a mile long. I better get to it! I hope you have a great day. Love ya.
Karen

Tag Art Challenge with The Stampsmith

2012-01-09T07:51:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone!
Well, the Design Team took a couple weeks off over the Holidays and now we are back with a new Challenge with The Stampsmith. This months theme is:

Tag Art

Make a tag or use a tag on your project. Please use at least one stamp from The Stampsmith The challenges is open until end of January. Three top picks will be selected and one random winner will take home a full sheet of rubber!!
I used a stamp from the "Shall We Dance" Full Sheet. (please email Estelle if you would like to order this sheet.) I made three tags. Two are on the card and one is separate and will be used for a gift tag.

Here are the card and gift tag. I stamped the image of the dancers on glossy white CS with black dye ink. The corners were rounded on the stamped image and on the brown and black layers. I punched a hole with a hole punch and added some ribbons and fabric tape.

The card base is made from cream CS (Staples). I added a layer of brown CS (TPC) and some DP that looks like sheet music (Hobby Lobby). The ballet slippers (from Serendipity Stamps) were stamped on Kraft CS and layered with Graphic 45 paper and brown CS. This piece is added to the right side of the card. Then I added the large tag. The word "Dance" (Serendipity Stamps) is stamped on a small die cut tag (Szzix) and added to the top of the card.

I added lots more ribbons and some die cut paper flowers from Graphic 45.

And here is a close up of the tag.

A few fun Challenges for my Dancers card tag.
Sparkles Forum:Anything BUT a Christmas card
Fashionable Stampers: New stash-first time I have used the Graphic 45 items
Simon Says Stamp and Show: A red letter day. To me, a red letter day is an exceptional day that becomes a great memory. The dancers image evokes to me a performance that would be very memorable.

Well, that's it for now. Have a great Monday. Love ya.
Karen

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blogoversary

2012-01-08T05:53:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Check out the great give-a-way over at Really Reasonable Ribbon! They are celebrating their second aniversary! A really reasonable prize is being offered.

Ohhh, super sweet candy! This candy is open until Jan. 26, 2012!

Karen

Fun Birthday Card with The Stampsmith

2012-01-07T09:32:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!
Today I have a fun birthday to share with you. I used an image from the"Those Were The Days" full sheet by The Stampsmith. I just love this stamped image for belated birthday cards. I think it is funny. LOL.

I stamped the image on a glossy white pre-cut piece of CS. I am not sure where I got this cs. It was either at Michaels or a garage sale. But, you could use a plain piece of glossy CS and die cut it. I used black dye ink to stamp.

The purple ink was added with a distressing tool (Ranger). The card base is made from dark Purple CS from Stampin' Up. I added some funky ribbon (Michaels), brads, and die cut paper flowers (Hero Arts). The Yikes sentiment is included with the "Those Were the Days" full sheet.

I added a belated birthday (My Sentiments Exactly) sentiment on the inside. So, a very fun card.

Some Super Fun Challenges for my Fun Belated Birthday Card
Frosted Designs: No patterned paper
Forever Night: Framed
Samuel Taylor: Distress
Simon Says stamp: New Something- this is the first time I used the die cut Hero Arts Flowers. They were in a blog candy from SSS. thank you
Mark's Finest: use brads or eyelets

Glad you stopped by today. Have a great weekend! Love ya,
Karen

New Technique Challenge with Blockheads Stamps

2012-01-05T12:31:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone!
It is time for a new Technique Challenge over on the Blockheads Design Blog. This is a good one and if you are a Spellbinders addict, like me, you will love this technique. It is called "Out of the Box". You will find the complete instructions for this technique on the Blockheads Store blog here. I used one of the Naughty Pets for my Technique Challenge project.

Materials List:

Stamps: Naughty Pet Half Sheet

Inks: Tuxedo Black - Memento

Copic Markers

Cardstock: Solar White - Neenah

Pink, Purple, and Lavender

Spellbinders: Classic Ovals Large -S4-110

Lace

Pink ribbon

Pearls

Dimensional Pop Dots

*****All linked items are available from Blockheads Paper Arts*****

The image is stamped with Tuxedo Black and colored with Copic Markers. I used the "Out of the Box" tech to cut out the image. I added another layer of the oval die cut in dark purple CS and some pretty fibers. finished the card off with some pearls. Check out the inside too. The sentiment is also in the Naughty Pets Set.

Lets see what you can come up with! The Design Team will pick one entry to win a $25 gift certificate to Blockheads Paper Arts!! Here is what you do to enter. Make your card and post to your blog. Add this html code to you blog post. See the post on the Design blog here.

Code to Paste into the html code of your blog post:

Have fun! Love ya.
Karen

Operation Write Home Blog Hop

2012-01-01T07:56:00.000-06:00

Hello Again!
I just saw that Operation Write Home is having a Blog Hop today! I idea is to show your favorite cards made for Operation Write Home during 2011. I thought that sounded like a fun idea and I just ran with it. Here are a few cards I made and sent in to Operation Write home this year.

Head over to the Operation Write Home blog and check out all the other favored cards and join in the fun. Have a great day and Happy New Year!!! Love ya.
Karen

Top Twenty Five Projects of 2011

2012-01-01T06:00:00.004-06:00

Hello Everyone,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I dd this top ten of the year post last year and I thought is was so fun, I decided to do it again this year, but I found it way too hard to pick only ten. So, this year, I am picking twenty five. It has been a great year of crafting for me with lots of new adventures, fun design teams, great blogging friends,and so much more! Now, I choose the cards because they are my favorites, and I hope you will enjoy taking a look at them too.
I would also like to add a great big "Thank You" to all my followers and friends that visit this blog!!! You are so appreciated!! And, another super big "THANK YOU" to Stacey at Blockhead Paper Arts, Estelle at The Stampsmith, and Val at Third Coast Rubber Stamps!! It has been a great year!!

Check out Debby's Top five of the year post and challenge here!!

Well, that was fun!! I wish everyone a most happy and prosperous New Year!!
Love ya.
Karen

Two Masculine Birthday Cards

2011-12-29T10:29:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,
I hope you all had a great Christmas/Holiday. After all the Christmas projects, I thought it would be nice to change things up a bit. So, today, I have two masculine birthday cards to share with you. Here is the first.

The moose image is from Mark's Finest. I did a little color variation by inking the samp with brown and green ink. I added some gray marker for shading. The Sentiment is from Victorine Originals.

For the second card, I also decorated the envelope.

Stamps: Wild Horses Trio - Onyx Xpressions; Background stamp -Blockheads Background and Borders Full Sheet. I stamped the background stamp in two different inks and masked the horse image. CS: Black and Sahara Sand from Stampin' Up.

The background stamp is used again on the inside. I also stamped sentiments from Victorine Originals.

And, how about a few fun challenges for my masculine birthday cards?!!

Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes
Aud Sentiments: Anything Goes + Sentiment
Paper Play Time:Anything Goes + Sentiment
Mark's Finest: Anything Goes
Party time Tuesday: Anything Goes

That's it for now! I be back in a few days with a new Technique Challenge with Blockhead Stamps!!
Karen

Winter Snowman Cupcake Cards with Third Coast Rubber Stamps

2011-12-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hello Everyone,

Hope you are having a great Holiday!! Now, today, I have some cards that would be perfect for all those winter birthdays. I used two stamps from Third Coast Rubber Stamps. The first stamp is Snowman Sprinkles Cupcake ( CM-241-J).

Materials:

Stamps: Sprinkles Snowman Cupcake (CM-241-J) – Third Coast Rubber Stamps.
Card Stock: Marina Mist (119682) and Pacific Point (111350) Stampin’ Up; Solar White - Neenah Classic Crest.
Ink: Tuxedo Black (ME-900) Memento.
Embellishments: Diamond Stickles (SGG17028) Ranger; Holiday Inspirations Ribbon (165-1793) JoAnns.
Other: Copics Markers; White Gel Pen (XPGB#50) Gelly Roll; Small Labels (S4-169) and Large Labels (S4-168) Spellbinders; Zots 3-D Clear Adhesive Dots- Therm-o-web.

Make card from Marina Mist CS. Using the White gel pen, hand draw numerous snowflakes and dots. Stamp image on Solar White CS with Tuxedo Black dye ink. Color the image with Copic Markers. Cut image and Pacific Point CS with Spellbinders dies. Glue the stamped piece to the Pacific Point die cut. Add this piece to card front. Using the Stickles, add dots to Marina Mist card base. Tie ribbon in a bow and glue to the card front.

____________________________________________________________________________

The second image is Melting Snowman Cupcake (CM-240-J). I thought this image would so super cute for a winter belated birthday card.

Materials:

Stamps: Melted Snowman Cupcake (CM-240-J) – Third Coast Rubber Stamps.
Card Stock: Medium and Light Teal- Bazzill; Solar White - Neenah Classic Crest; White -Staples.
Ink: Tuxedo Black (ME-900) Memento.
Embellishments: Aqua Stickles (SGG20578) Ranger.
Other: Copics Markers; Wonky Rectangles (S4-306) Spellbinders; Zots 3-D Clear Adhesive Dots- Therm-o-web.

Instructions:

Make card from Med Teal CS and layer with White CS. Stamp image on Solar White CS with Tuxedo Black dye ink. Color the image with Copic Markers. Cut image and Dark Teal CS with Spellbinders die. Glue the Stamped piece to the Dark Teal die cut. Add this piece to card front. Using the Stickles, add dots to White CS background.

Well, now you have some ideas for those winter birthdays. I wish you all a Merry Christmas!! Love ya.
Karen

Country Christmas Card with the Stampsmith

2011-12-23T18:09:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,
Just a quick post today with one more Christmas card. This card is made using a stamp from The Stampsmith from the Country Landscape full sheet. The image is stamped on glossy white CS with black dye ink.

The CS is from Stampin' Up and the Dp from Anna Griffin. I added several rows of Stickles around the image and the card.

And check out that lovely black and red checked ribbon! This is from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. The sentiment is from Mark's Finest.

Merry Christmas to all my blogging buddies!!

Karen

Last Minute Christmas Preparations with Blockheads Stamps

2011-12-22T05:39:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Wow, seems like I have been super busy getting everything ready for the Holidays! I have been running around getting gifts, making cake pops, wrapping gifts, delivering gifts, and more...... I have a fun card for you today that illustrates my mood. I did do lots of house cleaning too. I know, yes, I did take some time to clean.

This fun image is another winner from Di at Blockheads Stamps. The image is from the Harried Housewives Set.

I also used a Background stamp from the Background and Borders Full Sheet.

Materials List:
Harried Housewives stamp set
Background and Borders Full Sheet Stamp Set
Ink: Tuxedo black - Memento
Cinnamon - VersaColor Pigment
Copic Markers
CS: Solar White - Neenah
Pink, Red, Purple
Embossing Powder with glitter
Glitter Dome Embellishments
Purple Ribbon
Flower Punch- Martha Stewart
The linked items are all available at Blockheads Paper Arts.

Stamp the Harried Housewife with Tuxedo Black dye ink and color with Copic Markers. Layer the stamped image with purple and then pink CS.

Make a card base with Red CS and add a rectangle of purple CS. To create the sparkly background piece stamp the background stamp twice on a piece of white CS with the pigment ink. Heat emboss with a powder that has glitter in it. Trim the embossed piece to the desired size and add to the card front. Use the trimmed off piece to punch two flowers. Wrap a piece of purple ribbon around the card and tie in a bow. Add the Harried Housewife to the card front using Dimensional squares..

Punch a few more flowers from the red and purple CS and add to the card front. Add the glitter dome embellishments. I used one of the sentiments from the Harried Housewives set on the inside.

Some fun challenges for my Harried Housewife:
Simon Says Stamp: Bingo- I used ribbon, gems, and glitter
I Copic blog: last minute Holiday projects-My card depicts a last minute holiday project. LOL
Wee Memories: Anything goes
Pile It On: Bling

Hope you are having fun getting ready for Christmas! I am just about ready. I have to do some more wrapping and I might make some cookies. Have a lovely day!! Love ya.
Karen

Design Team Call for Blockhead Paper Arts!!!

2011-12-19T14:03:00.001-06:00

Design Team Call now Closed. Thank you to all the applicants!

Hi Everyone!

I have a fabulous announcement!!!

Blockheads Paper Arts is looking for 3 creative people to join the Design Team.

And to commit to a 4 month contract from January 2012 through April 2012.

To apply for our Creative Team: please email the design team coordinator with your information with attachments of your work you'd like to have considered and a link to your blog.

Design Team Coordinator: Karen McAlpine blockheadsdt7@hotmail.com (That's me.)
Be sure to include:
Personal Info: Full Name, Address, Phone
Online Presence: Email Address, Blog URL, Any additional online galleries that include your work, a list of any online groups you post regularly to
Ideas for projects: tell us 3 card sample ideas you have in mind

Your responsibilities if chosen:

Provide monthly: images of 4 Artistic Cards, 6 ATCs or 1-2 altered items depending on complexity. All projects should use rubber stamps, exclusively from Blockheads and be designed to really make others excited about those stamp(s).
Post your examples to your blog with instructions and links to pages on Blockheads where the stamps and supplies may be purchased. Put an image/post on our Facebook page to draw people to your blog to view your project.
Submit at least 2 projects that use rubber stamps, exclusively from Blockheads, during the four month period to stamping magazines, such as Altered Arts, Vamp Stamp News, or Rubber Stamp Madness.

Design Team Members will receive:

$100 in Blockheads Rubber of your choice ($50 in month 1 and $50 in month 3). Please be prepared to select full, half or ¼ sheets of untrimmed rubber. Each $50 allowance is enough for either 2 full sheets, 3 half sheets or 5 quarter sheets of rubber.
Your work will be featured in a special Design Team section of our web site where you may provide links to your blog, gallery and/or Etsy store.
$50 supply allowance ($0 in month 1 and $50 in month 3 if requirements were met for the first two months) toward any inks or paints offered at Blockheadstamps.com. After the first contract, proven design team members will get $25 in products every two months.
COMMISSION! If you wish to sign up for our affiliate program (available to all bloggers) you can earn 5% of sales resulting from customers following a link you've posted - 10% if taken as products (www.blockheadstamps.com/blogger-links.html).
Publication incentive awards for any projects published in print publications (details provided on the info page of our web site).

DEADLINE: December 20, 2011

Click over to the Blockheads web page for additional details.

Here's a little something I made using the image "Mother and Baby" from the Grunge Collages set. The color is added by stippling on ink from a Kaleidacolor pad.

I hope you will apply to the Team! We really do have lots of fun and learn so much from each other. Have a great day!

Karen

Snowman Trio Winter Cards with Blockheads

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!
How about some chilly snowman cards! Today, I have a trio of snowman cards to share with you. I used the Snowman image from the Illustrated Christmas set by Blockheads Stamps.

The Illustrated Christmas set is such a versatile set. I have used it many times this Holiday season. See my Framed Santa Picture too. Here is the first card.

Materials List for all three cards:

Stamps: An Illustrated Christmas Set

Ink: Onyx black -VersaFine; Stream -Adirondack Ranger

Cardstock: Gray, Teal, White

Glitter

Silver Pearls

Paper punched snowflakes

Linked items available at Blockheads Paper Arts

Stamp the snowman with Onyx Black ink on gray CS. Using the Stream Adirondack ink, water color the scarf using a wet brush. Layer with white CS and add to card base made from teal CS.

Card number two features the snowman stamped on white CS. I added some layers and a few silver pearls....keeping it clean and simple.

Here is a close up.

This image is great for CAS cards and would be great for all those last minutes Christmas cars. And, the last cards has a bit more bling. The snowflake image from the Illustrated Christmas set was stamped with Stream Adirondack ink on the gray CS.

The scarf was watercolored and glitter was added to the snowflakes.

Well, friends, I hope you have found some inspiration here for your own Christmas/Winter cards. I think I would use one of these cards for a winter Birthday too. For more Blockheads inspiration, check out fellow team member Leigh's fabulous Holiday ornaments here and here. And, also pop by and see Colleen who is Guest Designing for Blockheads. Colleen has a beautiful floral card.
Have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Glittery Winter Scene with The Stampsmith

2011-12-15T08:33:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,
I have been keeping busy getting ready for the Holidays. I also changed my studio around. I have been working on the studio project for about 3 weeks. I have everything in place and just need to fine tune a few things. Now I am not tripping over things all the time. Overall, I am very happy with how the room turned out.
Today, I have a glittering winter card to share with you. I used a stamp from the Country Landscape Full Sheet by The Stampsmith.

The image is stamped on white glossy CS with black dye ink. I colored the horse blanket with a red marker. I added lots of glitter to the snow with Diamond Stickles. The decorative paper is from Basic Grey and the CS is Night of Navy from Stampin' Up. I added a strip of burlap too.

I think you can see all the glitter in this photo. I used the Stickles almost like a brush and "painted" the glitter glue on the branches. This would be a great Holiday card or just a nice all occasion card for the winter months.

Amish Winter Scene is entered in the following challenges:

Do you Stack Up: Winter
Victorine Originals: Christmas
Scrap Creations: Snow
Creative Card Crew: Christmas
Deep Ocean: Snow
Paper Sundaes: Anything Christmas
Winter Wonderland Christ Blog: Let it Snow

Have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Quick and Easy Christmas Cards

2011-12-08T09:42:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends!
I thought you might enjoy looking at a couple more Christmas Cards. This design was fairly quick and easy. I have so many beautiful papers and I wanted to take advantage of them. I used a retired Stampin' Up stamp to make the poinsettia.

The flower was stamped twice, cut out, and layered to make a poinsettia. The striped paper is from Anna Griffin.

I made several (6) of this card design and changed the paper for each one. Here are some of the other versions.

The paper in the card above is from Webster's Pages.

Here again, I used the Anna Griffin papers. I went with a solid background.

On the card below, I added some dimension by running glossy red CS through the Cuttlebug.

And , a close up.

I used the same sentiment for the inside on almost all of my Christmas Cards this year. It is from Blue Ridge Impressions.

And some Very Fun challenges for my Quick and Easy Christmas Cards:
Paper Sundaes: Sundae Bar-use at least two- Red, Stripes, Die cuts, Stitching. I used Red and stripes.
Simon Says: Photo Inspiration.- My third card has the subtle color combo shown in the inspiration photo.
Mark's Finest: use favorite embellishment. One of my favorite ways to embellish a card is by cutting out a stmaped image and adding it to the card with dimentsional tape
Cute Card Thursday: anything goes
Samuel Taylor's : anything goes
ABC Christmas: anything Christmasy goes

Well, that was fun. I do love a good challenge! How are your Holiday cards coming along. Are you making cards? I still have to get some more decorating done. I do not put up a big tree. Just a teeny tiny two footer. It is not decorated yet. Maybe I can get to that today. Still have to address all the Christmas cards. Maybe I can get to that today. OOPPs sounds like I am repeating myself. Well, maybe I can get all that done today. LOL. Whatever you have planned for today, I hope you have a great day!! Love ya.
Karen

Holiday Gift Tags with Third Coast Rubber

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!
I hope you enjoying the Holiday preparations. I have a little bit of inspiration for you today. A trio of Holiday Gift Tags made using a stamp from Third Cost Rubber Stamps: Log Reindeer (AP-455-H).

Materials:

Stamps: Log Reindeer – Third Coast Rubber Stamps.
Card Stock: Green and Red-AC Cardstock; White-Staples.
Decorative Paper: Red Flocked-Anna Griffin.
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908) Stampin’ Up.
Embellishments: Assorted Christmas Ribbons; Red Pearls-Kaiser Craft.
Other: Copic Markers; Dimensional Adhesive Squares; Labels Eight (S5-019), Deckled Mega Rectangles Large (S5-015), Small Labels (S4-169) Spellbinders Nestibilities Dies.

Instructions:

On white CS stamp the Log Reindeer with Chocolate Chip ink. Color the images with Copic Markers. Cut the stamped images with the dies. Cut out layers using the next largest sized dies. Cut two from green CS and one from Flocked Red DP. Add the stamped pieces with dimensional squares. Add ribbons. Add the Red Pearls to the Reindeer’s nose.

And , here is the third gift tag:

Now, won't these look cute on a package? I think they will dress up a plain wrapping paper nicely. I have all my Christmas cards finished and now I have to address all the envelopes and get them out in the mail. I had better get busy!! Have a great day! Love ya.

Karen

Digital Poinsettia From Blockheads Stamps

2011-12-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and happy Friday!
Here were go with another Christmas card today. This card is made with a digi image from Blockhead Stamps. I colored the image with Copic and Le Plume Markers.

Materials List:

Poinsettia from the A2 Card Set 1Digi Stamps- Blockhead Stamps

Solar White CS -Neenah Classic Crest

Copics:

R02

R05

R35

R59
Y06

YG63

YG67

Le Plume Markers:

AG871

AG875

Red and Black Cardstock

Glitter pearls

Sheer Red Ribbon

**All linked products are available from Blockheads Paper Arts web store.

Print the image from the computer. Let the ink dry before coloring with the markers. The R-Copic markers were used to color the flower and the word "JOY". The YG Copics were used to color the leaves. Color the center of the flower with Y06. The Le Plume AG markers were used to color the background. The image was layered with white and black CS. And, then placed on a white card base layered with red CS.

I added a sheer red ribbon bow and some glitter pearls for accents.

If you want more info on coloring with Copics, fellow Design Team member, Leigh has a tutorial on the Blockheads' Design Blog. Leigh also has a great Santa card made using the Technique Challenge technique here. The Blockheads' Technique Challenge is still open. Check out the details here. $25 gift certificate is up for grabs!!

The Blockheads' Design Team Call is open until Dec 20th. See all the details by clicking here.

I can't believe how fast this year went by and it is already December. Well, I will try to enjoy each day! LOL. Love ya!
Karen

Shimmer, Sparkle, and Shine Challenge With The Stampsmith

2011-12-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,
The time is here for a new Stampsmith Challenge. Hope you all enjoyed the blog hop last month. Check out the winners and Top Three over on the Challenge blog. We had some lovely entries last month.

AND, THE WINNERS ARE:

Random.org says last month's challenge winner is... #10 Cathy at Cathy's Corner!! Congratulations - you get to select a sheet of rubber!! Please contact Valerie for all of the details (her link is in the sidebar of the Stampsmith Challenge Blog).

In honor of our anniversary, we have also put the names of everyone who left a comment on any of the Stampsmith or Designers' blogs into a hat and drew a SECOND WINNER!! Congratulations Dawn at Crafty Dawn - you also get to select a sheet of rubber!! Please contact Valerie for all of the details (her link is in the sidebar of the Stampsmith Challenge Blog).

And, now, on with the new Challenge for December. The new theme is:

Shimmer, Sparkle, and Shine

You have all month to complete your project and link it up on the Challenge blog. As always, a top three and a random winner will be picked. Oh, you have to use at least one Stampsmith Stamp. I used the image "Grace Christmas" for my Shimmery, Sparkly, and Shinny card.

Grace was stamped with Vintage Sepia (VersaFine) on glossy white CS. I layered the image with Rich Razzleberry (Stampin' Up).

On a piece of Blush Blossom CS (SU) I sprayed two different Glimmer Mists -Vintage Pink and Gold (Tattered Angels). When dry, I added three rows of gold metallic ribbon and wrapped a piece of Green metallic ribbon around the CS. This CS is glued to a card base of Rich Razzleberry. Add the stamped unit. Tie a bow with the green ribbon and glue to card front. Add dots of green Stickles (Ranger) to the background. The camera does not really pick up the sparkle from the Glimmer Sprays. But, it is there!

You will have all month to complete your project. Let's see what you can come up with to inspire us!!

Sparkly Christmas Card is also entered in a couple of my favorite challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

Victorian Originals : Ribbon

Hope you are having a great day. Click over and check out the other Stampsmith Design Teamies' cards. Love ya.

Karen

Clean and Simple Christmas Card with The Stampsmith

2011-11-27T20:18:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I have another Christmas card today. I went very CAS (clean and simple) with this one. I used a lovely stamp from The Stampsmith called "Grace Christmas" I stamped the image on glossy white CS with black dye ink.

The card base is made from Real Red CS from Stampin' Up. The flowers were cut off their stems, layered, and held together with a gold brad. I picked up the flower bunches at Michael's for $1 each.

This is a super simplistic card. As I was making it, I realized it just did not need anything else. I love the contrast of the white and red CS. I added a sentiment from My Favorite Things on the inside.

CAS Christmas is entered in the following challenges:
Fashionable Stamping: White Christmas
Paper Sundaes: Winter Wonderland
Stamptacular Sunday: Anything Christmas
Less is more: a bit of bling

Have a great day! Love ya. PS: Did not get any Christmas decorations up. I will have to work on this during the week.
Karen

Cute Christmas Tag Cards

2011-11-26T06:24:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Today's projects are some cute Christmas cards I made using similar tags to the ones that made the cover of Vamp Stamp News Dec issue. (See previous post) I went one step further this time and incorporated the tags into my cards. The stamps are from My Favorite Things and are colored with Copic Markers.

The DP is from Anna Griffin and the snowflake punch is Stampin' Up. The snow and hat are colored with a Le Plume Pigmented Opaque White marker.

I used Flocked paper for the tag on this card. The ivy cut outs are from K & Company.

I used the Anna Griffin DP again here and the K & Company cut outs.

My Cute Christmas Cards with tags are entered in the
Simon Says Challenge- Use a tag.
Dutch Dare: Recipe (use three) Ribbon, Images, pattern papers, layers, rhinestones, brads, buttons. [I used pattern paper, layers ribbons, and rhinestones.
Sweet Stampin Challenge: die cuts and punches

Well, you have a great weekend! I may put up some Christmas decorations today. Love ya.
Karen

My Black Friday Post

2011-11-25T12:58:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I decide to do a Black Friday Post. There are no sales, no crowds, you don't have to wait in line, or drive anywhere. You just get to look at some cards. I have a few of my Christmas cards for you today. I used a retired Stampin' Up set to make all the cards. I won't talk much today. This is supposed to be a nice restful post.

The snowflakes are stamped on Kraft with Poppy Parade ink (SU).

Stamped and embossed - black on Night of Navy CS (SU).

Stamped and embossed on white CS. Color added with Distress Inks (Ranger).

I made about 20 of this design. Hope you enjoyed this nice, quiet, relaxing Black Friday post. Love ya.

Karen

Publishing Update November 2011 Part 2- My First Cover!

2011-11-22T18:32:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I am back with another Publishing Update. I wanted to share this with you: My first Cover!!! My artwork appears on the Cover of The December issue of "Vamp Stamp News".

I made three Christmas tags using stamps from My Favorite Things. I don't usually show the artwork that is published, but since the tags are the cover, I felt it was okay to show you the projects. As long as you still buy the issue. LOL

Okay, see you on Friday. Love ya.
Karen

Publishing Update November 2011

2011-11-22T07:47:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!
I thought I would post my publishing up date today. I am still working on Christmas cards this week. I have 45 done. I will start posting some of the cards on Friday. I thought it would be fun to have my own Black Friday celebration...that does not actually start before Friday. No sales....just cards to look at. Stay tuned for that. Okay, These are the magazines which have published my artwork this month.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! I am having dinner with my family. My Mom is cooking. I have to bring the rolls. How did I get so lucky. LOL Well, I think I will make something else too. And, I will take a birthday cake as there are two family birthdays this week-my nephew, Tyler and my hubby, Don. Enjoy!! Stop back on Friday for my Black Friday post. Love ya,
Karen

Christmas Lovely from Third Coast Rubber Stamps

2011-11-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hi Friends,
More Christmas inspiration today! This time, I have used two images from Third Coast Rubber Stamps.
Winter Walk and Retro Ornaments. I used paper piecing on this lovely lady.

Card Size: 5 x 5 ¼

Materials:

Stamps: Winter Walk (VB-370-M), Retro Ornaments (CO-099-M) – Third Coast Rubber Stamps; Sentiment-My Sentiments Exactly.
Card Stock: Really Red-Stampin’ Up; White.
Decorative Paper: No. 2 Tiny Dots-My Mind’s Eye; Chic Stripes-Fancy Pants Designs.
Ink: Jet Black (SZ-31) Stazon; Emboss It (EIP05506) Ranger; On doily- Rocket Red Gold (BR-96) Brilliance.
Glimmer Sprays: Vintage Pink and Gold Glimmer Mist –Tattered Angels.
Other: Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder (EPB10968) Ranger; Markers-Memento; Blender Pen-Stampin’ Up.
Embellishments: Paper Doily; Red Riding Hood Striped Ribbon (113099) Stampin’ Up.
Other: Dimensional Adhesive Squares.

Instructions:

Make card from Really Red CS. On green DP, stamp Retro Ornaments with Emboss It ink and heat emboss with clear powder. Add to card front. Cut a rectangle and strips of CS and DP; add to card front. Cut Doily in half. Spray doily with Glimmer Mists (let dry) and add Rocket Red Gold ink. Glue to card front. Stamp sentiment and layer with CS; add to card front. Paper Piece the Christmas Lady Stamp: Stamp the Christmas Lady on white CS, Tiny Dots DP and again on Chic Stripes DP. On the White CS color the hair, face, purse, and boots with markers and blender pen; cut out. Cut out the Skirt and coat from the DP; glue over the original stamped image. Add to card front with Dimensional squares. Fold a piece of ribbon and glue to inside edge of card.

And, of course, a peek at the inside.

This is a really fun image. You may recognize it from a Halloween card I made in October. She is very versatile. There is lots and lots more TCRS inspiration on the TCRS Design Blog.

I would also like to enter my Christmas Lovely in the By the Cute And Girly Challenge: Christmas Girls.

Have a great day. Love ya.
Karen

Lovely Juliet in Watercolor

2011-11-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

I have a watercolored beauty from The Stampsmith for you today. I used the image called Juliet. I stamped the image with Stazon ink. The image was colored by placing the ink from markers on an acrylic block. Then pick up the ink with a wet brush. You get such a soft, warm color with this technique.

I tore the image and layered it onto some DP from Fancy Pants. The edges were distressed with Victorian Velvet Distress ink (Ranger).

And, here is a peek at the inside. This was sent to one of the ladies of the Stampsmith Yahoo Group.

Thanks for stopping by. There is still time to participate in the Stampsmith Blog Hop and Challenge. See my blog hop post by clicking here. There are prizes!! Have a great day. Love ya.
Karen

Sparkly Christmas Card

2011-11-19T06:24:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Hope you are having a great weekend. I have been working on some Christmas cards this week. I wanted to share one of them with you today. I used the background technique again I used with the Tea Cup Card recently. It is a double stamped-double embossed kind of thing. I haven't thought of a good name for it yet. LOL Here is the card.

Stamps: D6905 Hanging Tree Bulb and CC057 Cover a Card Vines both from Impression Obsession. I stamped the Cover a Card Vines stamp with pigment ink twice on white CS. Each time using a different color. Then heat embossed with clear powder. This was then sprayed with Gold Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angles). The Hanging Tree Bulb was stamped with Onyx Black Versa-fine on yellow CS (The paper Company) and heat embossed. I stamped a second bulb for layering. The yellow CS was painted with Champagne Mist shimmer ink (Tsukineko) and layered with wine CS (Bazzill). The second bulb was cut out and layered on to the first. The snow was decorated with Diamond Stickles.

I added more sparkle with Gold Stickles and more of the Champagne Mist on the edges of the card base. I placed a gingham ribbon tied in a bow with pleated tails at the corner of the bulb piece. I cut a white ribbon that was printed with Seasons Greetings and glued over the gingham ribbon.. The photos don't do the sparkle justice. It is very shimmery.

Challenges for My Sparkly Christmas Card:
Impression Obsession: no DP, have to use IO stamps
Art Impressions: Red, green and metallic
Just For Fun: Favorite Technique ( double embossed background)
Samuel Taylors: Christmas card
Southern Girls: Bingo (I used Glitter, ribbon, and embossing.
Artistic Stampers: Backgorunds

How are you doing with your Christmas cards? I did get quite a few done this week. And, I have about twenty in the works. I stamped and stamped snowflakes. Some are embossed and some aren't. Now, I will just go from there to finish up the cards. Well, you have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Technique Challenge and blog Hop with Blockheads

2011-11-16T16:04:00.006-06:00

Hi Everyone!
We are starting up a series of technique challenges at Blockheads Paper Arts. The first Challenge begins Nov 17th. The Challenge Technique is called "Sanded Color Block". We are trying out a different kind of Hop. For this hop, anyone can join in by adding the html (shown below) to their post. This is the first time we have tried it! I hope it works. (What I really hope is that I do it correctly. LOL)

Materials needed to complete a project using this technique are:
Any dry embossing folder,
Bone folder or burnishing tool,
Sand paper,
Glossy Cardstock
At least one color of Distress Stains or Distress inks.
Oh, and a stamp or two

To Take our Challenge: Visit the Distress Stain Sanded Color Block Technique Page and create your own sanded color block project. Create a blog post that includes the link code, which creates links to other participants. Then add your link on the Blockheads Design blog.

Links will be removed that don't include the code.

The design team will vote on a winner to receive a $25 blockheads gift certificate after the challenge ends. Design Team members cannot win.

Here is the card I made using the Sanded Color Block Technique.

My Materials List:

Stamps: Victorian Inventions; Background and Borders Set (small border image)

Glossy White Cardstock

Med Olive Brown Cardstock

Distress Stain: Vintage Photo

Distress Ink: Rusty Hinge

Vintage Sepia VersaFine ink

Clear Superfine Embossing Powder: Ranger

Embossing folders: Postmarks and Dot Matrix Tim Holtz Texture Fades

Brown Satin Ribbon

Copper Brads

(All linked items available at Blockheads Paper Arts for one stop shopping)

Here are a few more photos for your enjoyment.

I used Vintage Photo Distress Stain on the left half of the card. I heat embossed the stamped image of the Flying Machine to give it more depth (stamped with Vintage Sepia). I stamped the border image in Rusty Hinge Distress Ink.

I hope you will take the challenge and hop along with us. Just a tip about the technique: choose an embossing folder with larger, bold images. You will get better results.

To recap, you will have to pop over to the Blockheads Store to get the instructions, and link up your project on the Blockheads design blog. And add the linking code to your post. Okay, now. Have fun!! Love ya.

Karen

Veterans Day Celebration

2011-11-12T08:31:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone!
Just wanted to share this post today in honor of our Veterans. I have been talking about the cards I have been making for Operation Write Home this month. I got everything finished up and sent out a box of cards last week. So, today I will share some of the photos with you. Not a lot of talking, just lots of pictures. OWH is also having a blog hop this weekend. I made quite a few cards for children too.

And here is the whole bunch in a pile.

Happy Veterans Day and much love and thanks to our Heroes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen

Fun Princess the Cat Cards

2011-11-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Today's cards are "just for fun" kind of cards. This image is so funny. I think it really represents the way cats feel about themselves. LOLLOL This fun image is called Princess and is from The Stampsmith. I made this card for my Mom because I thought the cat looked like pictures of the cat she had as a child.

The image was stamped on Glossy White CS with black dye ink. I added a cheerful sentiment to the inside.

CARD #2: I made a second card using different papers and ribbon. I dry embossed the background on this project too.

I used the same sentiment (Victorine Originals) on the inside.

So, just a really quick post with this really fun image. Hope you are having a great day! Raining here. Love ya.
Karen

Clean and Simple Christmas Card

2011-11-08T11:47:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!
One more Christmas card made! I went CAS (clean and simple) with this card. I used a yummy Poinsettia Stamp from Serendipity stamps.

I stamped the image with Memento black ink and colored with Copic Markers. I added lots of layers using traditional Christmas colors. And of course, a great big bow.

The sentiment is also from Serendipity Stamps. (It was only $1!-OMGosh)

Challenges for CAS Poinsettia Card:
Serendipity Stamps: Super Simple Christmas card
Mark's Finest: Fall or winter theme
Paper Sundaes: rectangles
Ribbon Girls: Christmas and ribbon

Have a great day!! Love ya.
Karen

More Mischievous Mice

2011-11-07T12:06:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Well, Sandra said she wanted a Christmasy card. So, Christmasy it is! I have used another of the images from the Figgy Pudding Mice set- Blockheads Stamps for this project.

Materials List:

Solar White CS Neenah Classic Crest

Tuxedo Black Dye Ink- Memento

Copic Markers

Green and Brown CS

Bright Green Ribbon

Metal Dot Stickers

I stamped the image in Tuxedo Black Ink on Solar White CS. The image was colored with Copic Markers

Aren't these little mice a scream??!! They really get into trouble. I finished out the card with brown and green CS layers, green ribbon, and metal dot stickers. I will put a Christmas sentiment on the inside and, this is going in my Christmas card box. I sure have a lot more to do. I am almost finished with my Thanksgiving cards.....so next I will have to really get busy on Christmas Cards.

For more Blockheads inspiration, pop over to Leigh's blog. She has more Zentangle and a humorous pig to tickle your funny bone!

I would also like to enter my Figgy Pudding Mice in:
Marks Finest Challege: Fall or winter theme

How are your Christmas cards coming? Is everyone making cards this year? I usually make about 70. Every year I say I am going to scale it back.....and don't! LOL. Hope you are having a great Monday! Love ya.
Karen

Check out Lynn's Blog-aversary

2011-11-05T18:31:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Check out Lynn's blog Trash to Treasures. She is celebrating her 3rd Blog-aversary with some fun blog candy.

This celebration runs thru November 18.

Playful Squirrels Winter Scene with Third Coast Rubber Stamps

2011-11-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Today's project is a fun wintry scene card. For this Design Team project, I used a stamp from Third Coast Rubber Stamps called Snowy Scenes - Winter Visitor FA-361-O. I made this card for something nice to send during the winter; maybe after the Christmas rush is over. Check out these frolicking, cute little guys.

Card Size: 5” x 6 ¼”

Materials:

Stamps: Snow Scenes- Winter Visitor – Third Coast Rubber Stamps.
Card Stock: Green, mustard-Bazzill; Glossy White- Kromekote.
Decorative Paper: Fanciful (966) Fancy Pants Designs.
Ink: Black Soot Distress Ink (TIM19541) Ranger.
Embellishments: Brown Polka Dot Ribbon; Gem Stickers-Darice.
Other: Copic Markers; Dimensional Adhesive Squares.

Instructions:

Make card from Green CS and layer with DP. Wrap the ribbon around card and tie it in a knot. Stamp image on Glossy White CS with Black Soot ink (let dry!). Color the pine needles, squirrels, and tree with Copic Markers. Layer the stamped piece with green and mustard CS; add to the card front. Add the Gem stickers to the lower left corner of card. On the inside, I stamped a sentiment and used more of the CS and DP.

Okay, that's about it for today. What would you like to see next? A cute and girly Birthday card or something Christmasy? Hope you have a great day!! Love ya.
Karen

Mischievous Mice From Blockheads Stamps

2011-11-02T19:13:00.001-05:00

HI Everyone,
I am feeling Christmasy today. I used a so, so, so, cute image from Blockheads Stamps. The set is called Figgy Pudding Mice. Here is what the set looks like.

Pretty cute, isn't it?! I used a non-traditional color pallet for my Christmas card. I like to change it up now and then with some fun colors. Here is my project with the mischievous mice reeking havoc on the Christmas tree.

Materials List:

Figgy Pudding Mice

Tuxedo Black ink - Memento

Copic Markers

Solar White Neenah CS

CS: Berry, Green , Pink

Ribbon

Rhinestones

Metal Stickers

Paper Clip rhinestones

The image was stamped on Neenah CS (the best when using Copics markers) with Tuxedo black dye ink. I colored with Copic Markers. Here is a close up of the colored image.

I layered the image with Berry, green, and pink CS. Accents: a paper clip rhinestone, green rhinestones, pink metal sticker dots, and a wide plaid ribbon.

This was such a fun card to make. I will have another of the Figgy Pudding Mice images for you later in the week. The mice are eating up all the Christmas Pudding in the next card. LOL so cute!

For more Holiday inspiration, check out fellow Design Team Member, Leigh's blog. She is Zentangling up a storm!!

Have a great evening. Love ya.
Karen

Blog Hop with The Stampsmith

2011-11-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Today is a bit special! It is the first of the month and that always means a new Stampsmith Challenge. But, we are really celebrating over at the Stampsmith Challenge blog. As you may remember, last month we celebrated the grand opening of the new Stampsmith Online Store.

This month we are celebrating The Stampsmith Challenge Blog's one year anniversary and we couldn't be more excited to give you some extra chances to win Stampsmith Stamps!!!

The members of the Design Team have put together a fun Blog Hop. Each DT member has created a project based on the November theme

Ribbons and Lace

Suggested by the Lovely Lynne. The extra bit is to hop along and check out all the DT projects and leave a comment for a chance to win a Stampsmith full sheet of stamps ($21 value). PS: the more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to win. Oh, how fun! The hop runs all month and you have until Nov 30th to leave a comment.

For a second opportunity to score another Stampsmith Full Sheet of stamps, create a project that includes some Ribbon and Lace and at least one Stampsmith stamp. The just link it up on the Stampsmith Challenge Blog.

You should have arrived here from Melanie's blog. And if not, you can click back to the beginning at the Stampsmith Challenge Blog.

For my Ribbons and Lace project, I decided to make a Christmas card. (I have not gotten very many Christmas cards done yet this year and need to get busy on that.) I used the Stampsmith image Christmas Angels. A sweet, nostalgic image indeed.

My LACE component is actually faux lace. I stamped the doily (Stampin' Up) on Glossy White CS with a clear resist ink (Ranger) and then heat set. You have to heat set the resist ink to get the results. Then just come in with Fired Brick Distress ink and add it to the glossy CS. I also sprayed on some Glimmer Mist.

Stamp the Christmas Angels on Glossy White CS with black dye ink. I added some Vintage Photo Distress ink to age it a bit. Layer with a khaki green color. And, of course, my Ribbon component: A wide peach ribbon tied in a bow. I added a Christmas sentiment.

Now, to continue on the Blog Hop, click over to the Lovely Lynne's Blog.

Don't forget to leave a comment here before you hop off!! Have fun!!! Love ya.
Karen

Vintage Framed Santa

2011-10-28T08:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Changing things up a bit today. I have a Christmas project to share. I made a Vintage Framed Santa piece. I will either put this up in my house or I may give it as a gift. HMMM. Who would like this? I will have to think about this. I used a plain frame I bought somewhere and jazzed it up a bit with paints, glimmer sprays,and glitter glue.

Here is a photo of the frame before alteration. It is just a plain frame.

For the "picture" inside the frame, I used a Santa Stamp from the newly released set: An Illustrated Christmas from Blockhead Stamps. This is the whole set.

Materials List:

Santa Stamp from An Illustrated Christmas

Canvas Paper

Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Distress Tool

Cream Pigment Ink

Brown Embossing Powder

Acrylic Paints: Tan and Brown

Paint Brushes

Sand Paper

Satin and Sheer Ribbon

Glitter Glue

Glimmer Sprays

Smooch Spray

Paint the frame with Tan Acrylic paint. Set with a heat gun or let dry. Go over the Tan paint with Brown paint. Set with a heat gun or let dry. Sand off most of the Brown Paint to look aged. Get it nice and scratchy looking. Add lots of gold glimmer spray and Smooch Spray. Let this dry. And then add the Glitter Glue the the edges. While the glitter glue is drying, make the Santa Picture.

To make the Santa picture, stamp Santa on canvas paper with Vintage Photo ink and heat emboss with brown embossing powder. Cover the paper with Vintage Photo ink using a distress tool. Add a little white pigment ink to the hat with a Q-Tip and smudge it in with your finger. (Very technical, LOL) Add some random dots of the glitter glue in the background. Let dry. When the glitter glue is dry, add the picture to the frame. To make the bow, I layered a satin and a sheer ribbon. Hold them together and tie in a bow and leave long tails - Do Not trim the ends yet. Glue the bow to the frame. Lay the satin ends flat (Satin ends should be under the sheer ribbon ends) and secure with some glue on their underside. Trim the satin ribbon ends to about 4 inches. Now, to gather the sheer ribbon, place a small line of glue on the right side of the satin ribbon on its top edge. Gather the sheer ribbon and press it into the line of glue. Trim the sheer ribbon ends. Here is a close up of the ribbon. Isn't that a fun ribbon treatment?!! I love it.

We have really got the Holiday feeling going on over on the Blockheads blog this weekend. Stacie has a dazzling dimensional ornament using Spellbinders and Blockheads Stamps. And Leigh continues to amaze us with her Halloween treats!

Now, I feel in the mood for a few fun challenges too.

I am entering Vintage Framed Santa in the following Challenges:

Fashionable Stampers: Colors- coffee to cream

Simon Says Stamp and Show: use one color- I used different shades of brown

Mark's Finest: Make an Altered image that has been showcased in their 12 days of Christmas- Altered frame

ABC Christmas: V is for Vintage

Okay, Phewww. Lots of info. I have been working like a busy bee all week and have tons of stuff to show you in the up coming weeks. I still have all the Operation Write Home Cards to show you too. I will be back with lots more fun. Oh, and have a happy Friday! Love ya.

Karen

Thanksgiving Digis from Blockheads Stamps

2011-10-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Having a great day here! I need to run out to the grocery store but, wanted to get some Thanksgiving cards posted first. Now, these are nice and CAS (clean and simple). Blockheads Stamps has decided to add digital stamps to their store. And, today I have used three of the new images to create some fun Thanksgiving cards. The digis come in sets. There is a regular image and an image that has been Zentangled. They Are Awesome.
Images used: Pumpkin Digi, Turkey Digi, and Thanksgiving Words. Here is the first card.

Materials:
Blockheads Digi Images
Neenah Solar White
Copics
Orange, Green, Brown, and Cream CS

The images were printed out from the computer using Neenah Solar White CS (works best with the Copic Markers). I let the ink dry before coloring. I used Copic Markers to color. I adjusted the size of the sentiment to fit the card and colored with Copics.

The second card is made in the same way. The colored image was layered with Fall colored CS's.

And, here a few close up views. The cards are pretty quick and the process of coloring is relaxing. Like coloring when you were a kid. Remember how fun that was??

Again, I re-sized the Sentiment to fit the card. It was added to the card with dimensional squares.

Check out Leigh's version of the digital images on her blog. She added her own Zentangle doodles. You have to see what she came up with using the Halloween images. It is awesome!!

I would like to enter myThanksgiving cards in the following Challenges:
Victorine Originals: Fall
My Time To Craft: Quite white
Wee Memories: Free For all
Melgens Challenge: Red and Gold

Well, that's two Thanksgiving cards done. Only 20 more to go. LOL. Have a super day! Love ya.
Karen

Gorgeous Cleopatra With The Stampsmith

2011-10-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hello and Happy Sunday!
I am channeling Cleopatra today (LOL -just kidding). I have made a fun Birthday card using the Cleopatra image from the Cleopatra and Friends Shakespeare Heroines Full Sheet.

The image is stamped with black dye ink. I colored the image by water coloring with markers. I picked up the color from an acrylic block with a wet brush. A green, peach, and tan marker were used. I really like the soft shades that you can get with this coloring technique. I tore the image and layered on a piece of DP from Imaginisce. The card base is made from greenish/gray CS and layered with Glossy black CS. I added a humorous sentiment on the outside from Victorine Originals.

On the inside, I stamped Happy Birthday. I already know who is getting this card for their birthday. I sure hope she will like it. LOL. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Take some time to stamp. It is good for you. LOL. Love ya.
Karen

Cup of Tea in Purple

2011-10-21T07:46:00.000-05:00

Hello and Welcome!

Hope you having a great day! Today's card is in shades of purple which is the theme for the current Impression Obsession challenge. I used two stamps from Impression Obsession:

CAC Vines CC057

Rose Tea Cup G6124

I also wanted to participate in the Mark's Finest challenge this week. Theme is Seeing Double. And that got me thinking. Which is what a challenge is supposed to do, right?! What stamp would look good stamped more than once? I came up with this interesting background treatment by stamping the Cover a Card stamp (IO) twice. Here is how I did it. Stamp first with a lighter color pigment ink ( Lt Plum - Anna Griffin) and then quickly clean the stamp. And, stamp with a darker pigment ink (Elegant Eggplant pigment -Stampin' Up). Sprinkle on Clear embossing powder and heat emboss. I love this effect. While I was at it, I made several more in different colors. I will share those with you at a later date. Just a hint: I did one in green and red for Christmas. OHHHH.

After creating the Background, I stamped the Rose Tea Cup (IO) on White CS and colored with Markers. The image was cut out and added to the card front with dimensional squares. I added some wide gingham ribbon. Cardstock colors: Lavender Lace and Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up).

I added an ultra close up so you can see how the image looks stamped twice. I really like it. I will use this technique again.

I have been very busy lately and have lots of cards to show you. I made a big bunch for Operation Write Home, I will be posting those too. Stay tuned for all the fun! And, of course, I will be back with all my Design Team projects for Blockheads, The Stampsmith, and Third Coast Rubber Stamps. Have a lovely day. Take time to have a cup of tea and relax. Love ya.

Karen

Baby Bud Get Well and Publishing Update

2011-10-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hello,

Another rainy day here in Michigan. Today I wanted to share a "Get Well" card that was made for my dear friend, Sharon. I used a very cute digi image from Baby Bud Designs called Sweet Pea. The sentiment is from My Sentiments Exactly.

The image is colored with Copic Markers. I used a Spellbinders die and a Stampin' Up Embossing folder on the Barely Banana CS. The card is made from lavender CS.

I added some Stickles, 'cause Sharon loves glitter. And a big bow.

Hope you are enjoying your day! I have been busy with submissions all week. I don't know why they all seem to be due at the same time. LOL

Publishing Update:

I do have four projects in the new Scrap and Stamp Arts (Dec 20011 issue). Three Christmas Tags and an all occasion card. Very Cool!

Love ya.
Karen

Wicked "Good" Witch with Third Coast Rubber Stamps

2011-10-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Are you feeling the Halloween spirit yet?! Well, I have one more Halloween card to get you in the mood. (There is still plenty of time to get some cards made.) For my card, I have used Winter Walk -Large (VB-370-M) from Third Coast Rubber Stamps. This in not a typical Halloween image. In fact, it is not a Halloween image at all. But, I made it into an image for Halloween be using lots of oranges, black, and a spider. Take a look.

The image is paper pieced using three different orange DP's (Stampin' Up). A witch's Hat and Wicked sentiment (Graphics 45-Hampton Arts), and a spider (SU) are added. The CS is: Really Rust and Black (SU); Orange (Bazzill), Brown, gray. The DP used in the background is from K & Company.

The image was stamped several times using Stazon Black ink. Once on the base CS and three time on the DP. Cut out the pieces of the garments and spray with Peach Delight Glimmer Mist; let dry. When dry, glue to the base image. And, just layer away! Add some fun Halloween ribbon. Here is a look at the inside.

The sentiment is from Stampsmith Stamps, DP - K & Company. Totally wicked! That's all for me today! Have a great day and thanks for stopping bye! Love ya.
Karen

Cutesy Birthday Card

2011-10-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy Monday.
Mondays aren't so bad. How about a cutesy Birthday card for this Monday? I used a cute digi from Sweet N' Sassy Stamps. She is called Cookie. I was also inspired by the current sketch from The Dutch Dare Challenge site.

Gardening Cookie was printed and then colored with Copic markers.

CS: Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride, black -Stampin' Up

DP: My Minds Eye

Pink Memento Marker

Metal Tag

Black ric rac

Sheer Coral Ribbon

Sentiments: Happy Birthday-SU; On inside of card- Victorian Originals

Here is Cookie Birthday

The corners are rounded on the image and the black CS layer. I colored the metal and paper tag with the Pink Marker and then stamped the sentiment. I added a layer of black CS behind the tag.

The ric rac is glued to the CS and the ribbon is placed over top. I added a nice Birthday sentiment on the inside from Victorine Originals. Here is a peek at the inside.

A few Fun Challenges of Cookie Birthday:
Dutch Dare: Sketch
Sweet 'n Sassy Digi: Use black, 2 DP's, 3 embellishments (ric rac, ribbon, and metal and paper tag)
By the Cute and Girly: Anything Goes
Art Impressions: Tag
Critter Sketch: Use green, pink, and black
Prairie Fairy Fridays: Sugar And spice

Well, that's it for me today. Check back tomorrow for one more Halloween card. Have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Clean and Simple Medallion Cards with Blockheads Stamps

2011-10-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Hope you are having a great weekend! I have four cards for you today! I went pretty Clean and Simple (CAS) with this group of cards. I used lots of pretty Cardstock, dry embossing folders, Spellbinders, and one stamp set. The stamp set is Nature Medallions from Blockheads Paper Arts. This is what the whole set looks like. I used the three larger medallions for my projects.

Materials list needed to make the projects:
Nature Medallion Stamp Set: Blockheads Paper Arts
Spellbinders dies: Standard Circles Small; Big Scalloped Circles small
Embossing Folders: Swiss Dots - Cuttlebug; Post Cards, Regal Flourishes, and Damask - Sizzix
Inks: Sweet Plum- Memento, pink,aqua, and plum
Various colors of Cardstock
Ribbons
Now, on to the first card. I used a combo of pink and soft blue CS's, a Regal Flourishes-Tim Holtz embossing folder, and the Flower Medallion stamp. The image is stamped on White CS and cut with the Spellbinders die. A layer of pink is cut too. Add a big bow and you are done.

The next card is made in the same way, just vary the colors, embossing folder, and image.

This uses the Bee Postage Medallion, Sweet Plum Memento ink; and I chose Lavender and plum CS. And, of course a big bow.

Card number three uses the Butterfly Medallion image and is stamped in a dark plum ink. I used Lavender and dark plum CS and a blue ribbon.

The Swiss Dot Cuttlebug embossing folder was used here.

And the last card also uses the Flower Medallion image. The Cardstock is in two shades of pink with of pop of dark cherry under the image. Pink ink was used. This embossing folder is Damask from Tim Holtz.

The Flower Medallion was stamped in pink ink on white CS. I added a dark cherry polka dot ribbon.

I did not use any other embellishment other than the ribbon. I wanted the Clean and Simple look. so, a great set of all occasion cards. I will just add sentiments to the inside and the cards will be appropriate for any on my card giving needs. The cards go together so quickly too. I ended up making about ten altogether they were so easy. And, they look great. For more Blockheads inspiration, check out fellow Design Team Member Leigh's blog. She has a Alcohol marker Tutorial on the Blockheads' blog and a fabulous Halloween project.

Have a great weekend. Love ya.

Karen

Pretty In Pink ATCs

2011-10-11T11:44:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,
Hope your weekend was great and the week is staring off nicely. We are enjoying the most wonderful Indian summer weather here in Michigan. Absolutely beautiful. Today, I have two ATCs for you. I made them with a stamp from Blockheads Stamps. It is a dress form in the Vintage Travel Set.

Materials List:
Dress Form Stamp: Blockheads Rubber Stamps
Canvas Paper
Black Acrylic Paint
Brush
Pigment inks: Yellow and Black
Embossing Powders: Yellow and Black
Twinkling H2O's
CS: Magenta, Yellow, Black
Magenta Marker
Ribbon
Lace
Pearls
Twine
Shells

For the base of the ATCs, I used some canvas paper. I was fooling around with it one day and decided to see if I could come up with something interesting by painting on the canvas paper. I used black paint and just brushed on the paint in diagonal lines.

I cut the canvas paper to the right size for an ATC and Stamped and embossed the Dress Form image. I added some pink Twinkling H2O's and some streaks using the magenta marker.

I added laces, twine,and some shells to finish off the ATC. The second ATC was made in the same way, except that I varied the ink color and used different embellishments.

To make the ribbon embellishment, I ran a line of Fabri-Tac glue down the side of the card and pleated the ribbon and pressed it into the glue. I trimmed the end when all the pleating was done.

For more Blockheads inspiration, click over and check out Leigh's "Miss Purple Poison" card!! You will love this great card!!

Have a great day! Love ya.
Karen

Haunted Forest with Third Coast Rubber Stamps

2011-10-08T10:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone!
More spooky Halloween fun! Today, I have a Haunted Forest Halloween card for you. I have used Creepy Tree (DT-376-L) from Third Coast Rubber Stamps.

The stamping is done on a 5'" piece of Cream CS. To make the moon, cut a piece of CS the same size as the cream CS and, using a Spellbinders die, cut a circle from this CS. Don't throw any thing away. Both pieces will be used. Lay the CS with the circle cut into it over the Cream CS. Fill the circle in with Distress Inks: Scattered Straw and Spiced Marmalade. Remove this mask. Take the die cut circle ( circle mask) and put it over the moon. Cover the Cream CS with Distress Inks: Stormy Sky and Soot Black. Remove the circle mask. Stamped the tree with Stazon Black ink and the bats (Stampin' Up) with black dye ink.

I used a brown marker to echo the stamped lines on the trees and to shade the eyes and mouth.

Layer with Orange CS ( DCWV) and Mustard CS (The Paper Company). I also decorated the inside and added a sentiment (Stampin' Up).

Pretty Haunted, isn't it?!! Hope you are having a great weekend and are able to make some time to stamp. Love ya.
Karen

Stampsmith Celebration With a Sale and Prizes

2011-10-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hi There!
We are Celebrating Today!!! What are we celebrating you ask? We are celebrating the Launch of the new Stampsmith On-line store. It is better than ever and redesigned. You can browse, purchase stamps, create a wishlist, and view finished projects in the gallery. And to celebrate, we are having a contest and a sale. The Sale starts Saturday, October 8 at 6:00 am and ends Sunday evening. The discount code is TENOFF, just put that in at checkout and get 10% off your purchase.

Now, the contest! I will NOT be listing the stamps I have used in my project. You will have to hunt them down on the newly designed On-line web site and find out their names. DO NOT PUT THE NAMES ON MY BLOG. GO OVER TO THE STAMPSMITH DESIGN BLOG AND LEAVE A COMMENT WITH THE STAMP NAMES. Comment moderation will be turned on, so no one will see your answers. The winner will receive one Full Sheet and one single stamp of their choice.

That's a lot of info. I hope I haven't lost you by now. Okay, on with my project. I made a large piece of wall art measuring 10" square. I used two different Stampsmith Stamps. Can you find them? I tried not to be too sneaky.

This is a large project and I wanted you to be able to see all the details. Therefore, there are lots of photos. I won't "talk" too much and you can just look. I started with a artist's canvas that I painted with acrylic paints.

For the center piece, the image was stamped on velum and layered over white CS and mounted on Navy CS. The other image was stamped on glossy White CS and cut with a Sizzix die. This whole piece was glued to the canvas using Fabri-Tac glue.

I will stop talking now and let you look.

So, now, pop over to the Stampsmith On line store and find the stamps I used. Leave a comment on the Stampsmith Design blog with the stamp names to be eligible for the prize. Good luck. Hope you have enjoyed looking at my wall art. I hung this on my living room wall. Looks great. Have a fun weekend. Love ya.
Karen

Spa Day with DeNami

2011-10-06T07:34:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Hope your week is going well. Today's card is one of those just for fun cards. I used an image from DeNami called Spa Girls. DeNami is having a color challenge and I used those colors.

I stamped the image with black ink and colored with Copics. The image was cut with Spellbinders and layered.

I used the challenge colors for all the papers and CS. CS is from TPC (chocolate brown) and DCWV( orange and charcoal grey). DP is from SEI. The sentiment is from Gina K. Designs.

I added a great, big bow made from Lime green wide ribbon. Orange gems were also added for accents.

A Few other Super Fun challenges for Girls day at the Spa;
Cooking it up with Katie: something with F: My f word is friends.
Do You Stack Up: Brown
Simon Says Stamp: Sparkle and bling:
Paper Take Weekly: anything goes + punches
ABC Challenge: Anything goes
Paper Play: Autumnal colors

Well that's about it for me today. Check back on Saturday. We are having a Grand Opening Celebration at the Stampsmith to celebrate the launch of the new store. They will be prizes and a coupon code to use on any purchases. I will also have a project to show you. How about a sneaky peek at my project? Well, okay, you talked me into it. LOL......

See you on Saturday! Have a great day. Love ya.
Karen

Celebrate World Card Making Card with Third Coast Rubber Stamps

2011-10-01T00:00:00.004-05:00

Hi,
Here I am again with another post! All the Design Team members at Third Coast Rubber Stamps wanted to help you celebrated world Card Making Day. Click over to the Design Blog and see what the other Team members have going on. To celebrate, I thought I would show you three different ways to use the Lady Bug Keeper stamp (VB-029).
For the first card, I stamped Ladybug Keeper on velum and placed it over a photograph I took of wild flowers.

I did a little coloring on the image with markers. A die cut frame was added. It was stamped with specks and sprayed with glimmer sprays. I added a piece of tulle tied in a knot. Here is a close up.

And, a peek at the inside. Sentiment is from My Favorite Things.

For the second card, I stamped the same image on some DP (Karen Russell Designs) with black pigment ink. It was then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

The image was colored with watercolor crayons. I layered with Green CS's from Bazzill and added lots of ric rac, pearls, and ribbons. Close up:

For the last card, I went totally Clean and Simple (CAS). I stamped the same image on Pool Party CS (Stampin' Up) with black pigment ink. Then heat embossed with clear powder. I did not do any coloring other than the belt. I layered onto a card base made from Wisteria Wonder CS (SU). To add a little dimension, I added little drops of Aqua Stickles.

And the close up:

I hope you have enjoyed celebrating World Card Making Day with me and Third Coast Rubber Stamps. Have a great weekend! Love ya.
Karen

Stampsmith Challenge - Halloween

2011-10-01T00:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!
We are having a busy day today! Happy World Card Making Day! It is also time for a new Stampsmith Challenge. Some of the rules have changed and I will list them here:

New Rules

1. Challenges will now run for one month.

2. Project must use Stampsmith stamps to eligible for the drawing.

I am hosting this monthly challenge, which means I get to pick the theme. The theme for this month is:

HALLOWEEN

You have a whole month to get a project made. Link up over on the Challenge site. Now, my projects area a bit scary. Take a look at card number one.

I used an image from the Halloween Full Sheet. I stamped it on Glossy CS with black dye ink. I cut the image with a Spellbinders die and colored the background with Distress Inks-Rusty Hinge, Black Soot, and Spiced Marmalade. I dry embossed another piece of orange CS and distress with Distress inks. Here is a close up.

The card base is orange CS that is completely covered with black CS. I added a purple rectangle cut with a Spellbinders, ribbon, gems, and a heat embossed sentiment (Also on the Halloween Stamp Sheet). And, here is a peek at the inside.

And, the second card uses the same images and is stamped on glossy white paper. This image is distressed with Stormy Sky, Dusty Concord, and Black Soot Distress Inks. Very Spooky!!!

I used the left overs from the purple rectangle to create the frame. The Rust Cs is texturized with Texture Plate (Stampin' Up) and distressed with the Distress inks. I added some silver pearls for the eyeballs and along the bottom. The ribbon was knotted and glued under the sentiment

Here is a look at the inside.

I made these cards for my nephews for Halloween. I think they will like the gruesomeness of them. Head over to the Stampsmith Challenge Blog and check out all the other ghoulish projects by the Design Team. And, have fun!! Love ya!

Karen