Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 New Year's Eve!!!!!

This year sure flew by and here we are getting ready for 2012- are you going to be wearing party hats tonight? 

Last week I shared some masculine cards I created with the "Buffalo Spring" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers, a Heinrich Company.  Today I want to show you one that could either be for a guy or a girl.

 I really like this color combo, which kind of reminds me of Arizona. This birthday card was an easy one to put together and would be one to whip up quickly, if you needed a last minute card.

Fri. Dec. 30, 2011 Buffalo Birthday card

Good morning!  Yesterday I shared a card made with the "Buffalo Spring" set from Mark's Finest Papers and I am back today with another masculine card, using another image and sentiment from that set.  I think this is a really funny card for a guy, don't you?

Thurs. Dec. 29, 2011 The Buffalo

As a member of the Mark's Finest Paper (a Heinrich Co.) Design Team, I am happy to show you a masculine card I created with the new "Buffalo Spring" stamp set.  It is available here, and has a lot of cool images.

I did some sponging and then stamped the images with Versafine Black ink.  For the popped up sentiment, (also in this set), I added Crackle Glossy Accents, to give it a really aged effect.

 That's it for today, but I will be back with a few more cards made with this set-in the next couple of days.  Thanks for visiting!   ...Karen

Wed. Dec. 28, 2011 Elegant Gift Box

I am so glad you popped in today to see what I have to share.  I made this box for a little Christmas gift for my granddaughter.  It measures 6 x 1.5 x 1.5", so not a lot of space on the top, but I think it worked!

Some lace and pearls dressed up this pretty simple box. The patterned paper is from GKD, as is the black and white cardstock.  I made the rose and then sprayed it with some Glimmer Mist. 

Wow- I rarely have to scrounge for small boxes anymore, since I can fashion just about any size I need-unless it has to be really big! LOL So much fun!!!

Have you tried making small boxes yet?    ...Karen

Tues. Dec. 27, 2011 Gift box for my friend

I bought a Christmas gift for my friend and neighbor, and decided to make a box for it. This one measures 6x6x6", so I had a lot of space to work with.  Sure was fun coming up with the design for this one.

Here is a close up photo showing the little spritzes of Goosebumps Texture Spray.

Laura liked it and I hope you do too.  Thanks for visiting!   ...Karen

Mon. Dec. 26, 2011 The day after....

Good morning everyone!  I hope that all of you that celebrated Christmas yesterday had a wonderful day, and honored the Reason for the Season! We spent a fabulous day with our closest family-always a good thing!

Did any of you see the rosette trees that Tim had on his blog last week?  Oh I fell in love with them and made them, that very same day.  I improvised a bit, since I didn't have any wooden spools to use for the bases. However, I did have a huge roll of corrugated cardboard- no idea how long I have had it, or even where I bought it!  (uh-oh, hoarder???) Well, it sure came in handy for this project!

I appreciate you stopping by and visiting today!   ...Karen

Sun. Dec. 25, 2011 Merry Christmas Blog Friends

Today's post is short and sweet, as I know you all are busy!  

I saw this idea on Becca's Amazing Paper Grace blog and just had to make it.  But of course, I had to drive to Mike's (18 miles away) to get the supplies I needed, but it was worth it, don't you think? This is such a cute box, and one I hope my sis will love!

Merry Christmas to all of my sweet followers!!!  I will be back tomorrow to share something new!  Have a wonderful day!   ...Karen

Sat. Dec. 24, 2011 Christmas Eve

This evening we head to my sister and BIL's for dinner.  Tomorrow, we celebrate Christmas here with my son, daughter, granddaughter, stepson and my Mom. I hope all of you that celebrate, are as ready as you want to be!

Today I am sharing a project I made to use as place cards for our Christmas dinner.  I recycled Starbuck's frapp bottles once again.

 

Glad you stopped by! I hope you have a chance to visit tomorrow- I have another fun project to show you. It wasn't my idea, but I love how it turned out.

Fri. Dec. 23, 2011 One card for two challenges

I made this card and matching envelope for two challenges this week. The Outlawz CAS1218 was a lovely inspiration photo.  You can see it here. This also works for CAS-usual Friday challenge CFC32.

The challenge was to have a matching envie.

The mittens are from Gina K's "Winter Wonderland" set, which I also stamped with Nina's "Vintage Borders " set, also available at Gina K's.  The embossing folder I used is "Peppermint Twists" from Sizzix. The snowflakes, embossed with white EP is from GKD's "Holiday Cheer" set.

Thanks for letting me share with you today!   ...Karen

Thurs. Dec.22, 2011 Time to CASE Giovana

Cat's challenge last Friday on StampTV is to case Giovana.  Her cards are awesome, and if you haven't seen her gallery-you're missing out on an amazing amount of inspiration.  Here is Giovana's card, that I chose to case. Isn't it adorable?

Here is my card.  I have a different image, a different color ribbon and no embossing on the bg. I sponged instead. I used a different sentiment, too!    Thank you for stopping by to see my card today!   ...Karen

Wed. Dec. 21, 2011 Happy Wednesday Morning!

Today I am happy to share another card I made with Melanie's "Stately Flowers 1" stamp set.  I am having a lot of fun creating with these lovely flowers! I kept this one pretty CAS, by die cutting an oval in my card base.  I made a frame with my scalloped oval nesties in GKD navy cs.  I colored the beautiful Bluebonnets with Copics.  The sentiment is from Melanie's "Buds and Vases" set.  Both of these are available at Gina K Designs.

Tues. Dec. 20, 2011 Buttons, buttons, buttons

The card I have to show you today is one you may have seen already.  I entered it into a StampTV challenge last week, as well as a challenge over at  Outlawz .

I used the train image from Tami's "Oh Boy" stamp set, and colored with Copics.  As you can see I used buttons for the choo choo's wheels.  I found the ribbon in my stash and realized it looked a lot like train tracks.  It's a CAS card, but I like it!

Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 Stately Poppies

I am pleased to share another card made with the Stately Flowers 1 stamp set by Melanie Muenchinger, available at Gina K Designs.  This time I used the gorgeous California Poppy image and sentiment, which I colored with Copics.  I stamped on a Labels 20 Nestie die cut. The yellow is GKD  Wild Dandelion Pure Luxury cs and the dotted dp is from my stash. This stamp set is a must for your collection- the flowers are gorgeous and versatile for any occasion!

Thanks for stopping by!   ...Karen

Sun. Dec. 18, 2011 One Layer Wednesday Challenge #73

The challenge this week on the One Layer Wednesday Challenge was to create a 'peaceful' card. A high school friend's mom passes away a few days ago, so I needed to send her a card.  She said her Mom had been suffering the last few months, and my friend was at peace knowing her Mom is no longer suffering.

I thought these trees conveyed that peaceful feeling, so this is a very CAS card, but I like the way it turned out.

I appreciate you visiting today.   ...Karen

Sat. Dec. 17, 2011 Speedy's Challenge #86

 Yeah-it's Saturday and I hope to get a lot accomplished today.  What are you doing today?

The challenge at Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company this week was submitted by Patti- to make a Christmas card.

I used the trees stamp from the "New Pines" set that was just released by Mark's Finest Papers. I added Flower-Soft and Stickles to look like snow!  Thanks for stopping by!   ....Karen

Fri. Dec. 16, 2011 Showcasing Melanie's stamp set

Today I am very pleased to share a card I made with the beautiful Wood Violet flower and a sentiment from Melanie's Stately Flowers 1 stamp set available HERE.

I have always been a fan of her gorgeous flower images! I stamped with Memento ink and colored with Copics.  The lattice die cut is from a Cheery Lynn die. The other two panels were made with  Spellbinders dies. The mini tag is from Staples.  Thank you for letting me showcase Melanie's set today!    Be sure you visit Melanie's BLOG!         ...Karen

Thurs. Dec. 15, 2011 MFP-AHC Blog Hop Day 3

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's December Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Pucker Up Featured December 13

Pussy Willows Featured December 14
Ice and Snow Featured December 14

New Pines Featured December 15

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! We will announce all four winners on December 16, 2011 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Thursday December 15, 2011.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Connie
Linda
Karen H.
Patty P.
Geri
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Brenda T
Bonnie
Harriet
Tammylee
Silvia
Mark's Finest Papers



__._,_.___

Wed. Dec. 14, 2011 MFP-AHC Hop Day 2

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's December Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Pucker Up Featured December 13

Pussy Willows Featured December 14
Ice and Snow Featured December 14

New Pines Featured December 15

Here is my first card using an image from the Pussy Willow set.

I love the images in this set, so I made another sample. I used flower-soft on both of these cards!

The other new set we are showing you today is called "Ice and Snow", so I used a lot of glitter on the snowflake image in this set.

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! We will announce all four winners on December 16, 2011 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Thursday December 15, 2011.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Connie
Linda
Karen H.
Patty P.
Geri
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Brenda T
Bonnie
Harriet
Tammylee
Silvia
Mark's Finest Papers



__._,_.___

Tues. Dec. 13, 2011 MFP-AHC Blog Hop Day 1

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's December Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Pucker Up Featured December 13

Pussy Willows Featured December 14
Ice and Snow Featured December 14

New Pines Featured December 15

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! We will announce all four winners on December 16, 2011 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Thursday December 15, 2011.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Connie
Linda
Karen H.
Patty P.
Geri
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Brenda T
Bonnie
Harriet
Tammylee
Silvia
Mark's Finest Papers



__._,_.___

Mon. Dec. 12, 2011 Pucker Up -it's a sneak peek!

Tomorrow starts the December Release Hop, for Mark's Finest Papers/ A Heinrich Company new stamp sets.

Today I am sharing a sneak peek using an image from the "Pucker Up" stamp set. I really like this sentiment too!  Isn't this lemon yummy looking? I used Copics to color it!

Thank you for visiting and I hope you will hop with us tomorrow!   ...Karen

Sun. Dec. 11, 2011 Two weeks until Christmas!!!

Wow- time is getting away from me- we just got our tree up yesterday! I wish we had gotten the decorations in place last week, but that just didn't happen!

I used the mug from Melanie's "Mugs and Kisses" stamp set for my card today.  I entered this one into the Outlawz CAS1204 challenge. I paper pieced the mug handle and the saucer.  The mug was stamped and cut out out of a piece of glossy cs, that I colored with Adirondack alcohol inks.

Have a great day!   ...Karen

Fri. Dec. 9, 2011 CSS Treasure Chest HOP

We have a wonderful hop for you today!!! The CSS team really enjoys providing inspiration and this time our challenge was to create a Christmas or New Year's treat holder. 

If you arrived from Linda's Blog, you are in the right place.  If you'd like to start at the beginning, click HERE.

***Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (December 13), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs and that person will receive a huge grab bag of fabulous Gina K. Designs Stamps!

My first project is a little treat box I made for our dear Mail Lady.  She is awesome and when I have 'happy mail', she brings it to our garage service door and beep the horn to let me know!

 I used a Sizzix Bigz Die to create the box.  The mailbox image, is from Theresa's "Autumn Beauty" stamp set. The Christmas tree is from Theresa's "A Very Merry Christmas" set. I colored these images with my Copic markers. I cut a slit in the tree to insert the mailbox post.

My next treat holder is a Starbuck's Frap bottle that I re-purposed.  I painted the cap with gold paint and added a patterned paper rosette and a little charm.  I then added a tag, cut with a Spellbinder's Fancy Tag.  The holly image is also from Theresa's "A Very Merry Christmas" set, colored with Copics.

Your next stop on the hop is to see what our sweet Joy has to show you.  I appreciate you stopping by!  ....Karen

Fri. Dec. 9, 2011 Happy Friday - It's a sneak peek!

Today, I am sharing a card using the soon to be released "Ice and Snow" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers, a Heinrich Company. I made it for the IC313 challenge on SCS, and The Outlawz CAS1204 challenge, as well.

  Here is the inspiration photo I used, a Christopher Radko ornament. That's it for today, no box ornaments for today-LOL. Glad you stopped by!  ...Karen

Thurs. Dec. 8, 2011 An ornament and a Challenge card

Here is another ornament box for you today, followed by a card I made for Cat's STVMONCT13 challenge at StampTV and for JUGS113.

For the tag on this card, I sponged Adirondack alcohol ink on the tag.  I then stamped the Bluebonnet flower from Melanie's Stately Flowers 1 stamp set with Stazon ink.  I then removed some alcohol ink from the petals with a teeny paintbrush and Blending Solution.  I used my Distrezz-it-all around the edges of the dp, added some twine and a button.

I am happy you stopped by!    ...Karen

Wed. Dec. 7, 2011 Lots to share today

I've got two more box ornaments, and a tag for Carolina's black and white tag challenge, #STVFRICB3.

Now, here is my tag for the challenge from last Friday on StampTV. The sentiment and the subtle leaf images in the sentiment panel are from Melanie's new Stately Flowers 1 set, as well.

 Thank you for visiting!   ...Karen

Tues. Dec. 6, 2011 Hee hee- two more

The two I want to show you today are whimsical designs, to give you a totally different look than the ones I have previously shared with you. The lines in the first photo are reflections from the screen on my patio door, and I didn't realize it would be so pronounced in the pic. Oops!

I hope you enjoyed looking at these ornaments today!  ...Karen

Mon. Dec. 5, 2011 Happy Monday my blog friends!

I've got another two box ornaments to share today!

I hope you are enjoying seeing all the different designs I've come up with!  Thanks for visiting!

Sun. Dec. 4, 2011 2 more Ornament Boxes

It's was a long and grueling Saturday, as I write this post. Sheesh- connecting a new pc (with a new operating system) was more problematic than we thought it would be. We did it, with only one run to Best Buy for a needed switch box to hook up 2 computers, and 2 printers to one monitor and 1 set of speakers.  Yay, it's completed now!!!!

  But before we started that, we did head out to see the Charity Christmas tree I made the ornaments for.  Those were the ones I shared with you a few weeks back.  It was fun to see all 9 of mine on the tree.  There were approximately 15 trees on display!!! Fun, and they were all unique and very pretty.

Here are photos of two box ornaments.  I made 12 in total, and will show you the rest in the coming days.I made both of these roses.  The first box was entered into the PTI  challenge, to pleat some ribbon.

 Thank you for stopping by!!!   ....Karen

Sat. Dec. 3, 2011 GKD Release Party Challenges

I have two things to show you today.  Gina K's Release party had two challenges to enter this week.  First up, is the tag I made for Tina's challenge, using the trees from Gina's "Holiday Cheer" kit and silhouette deer from Theresa's "Life is Good" stamp set.

Next is a card for Lee's challenge to make a summer color card.  It was fun, after a run on Christmas projects.  I used the kite from Gina's "Eclectic Summer" kit and the children image from Asela's "The Journey" set. The sentiment is from Theresa's "Vogue Vases" set. All images are available at Gina K Designs. I colored the images with Copics, and die cut the clouds with a PTI die and vellum.

Thurs. Dec. 1, 2011 Gift Card Holder

Vicki posted a challenge for Mix It Up Monday on STampTV.  The challenge this time is to make "Anything but a Card", and make a gift card holder.

It's been quite a while since I used Carolyn King's purse template, available at Gina K Designs. I made one that will end up on our tree, for when our granddaughter arrives for the holidays! I hope she will like it, as well as what will be in it-LOL.

The layered poinsettia is from Melanie's "A Year of Flowers", which I colored with Copics and then spritzed with Shimmer Goosebumps, by Tsukineko. I used the CB Polka Dots embossing folder on the front and back purse panels.

Thanks so much for stopping by!   ...Karen

Fri. Dec. 2, 2011 Gift Box = Ornament

I have been busy making gift box ornaments, for a friend that requested them.  I will be sharing them with you over the next few days.

I started by using the Sizzix Shaker Box die. The finished box is approximately 2.75 x 2.75 x 3/4 ".  I punched a hole at the top, to thread the ribbon hanger. The rose is one given me by my fiend Cheri Weston.  I needed a closer match to the PTI ribbon/bow, so I watered down some TH Picket Fence stain and brushed the entire flower. The front of this box opens like a book, and there is a window inside to show off the contents. The pleated ribbon is attached to the belly band to keep the box closed. 

If you have any questions, make sure you include your email address, so I can respond to you!

Glad you stopped in!

Wed. Nov. 30, 2011 Wow- the last day of November???

This month had flown by, hasn't it?  Onward to Christmas, which will be here before we know it.  I remember how long it was between Thanksgiving and Christmas when I was a kid-now- not so much.  LOL!

The card I want to show you today, is one I made for Cat's challenge STVFRICT12, at StampTV-so you may have seen it already.  The challenge was to do some fussy cutting.  I used a branch die cut, but did fussy cut the cats image.  This image is from Melanie's "Cuddles and Hugs" stamp set, available HERE.  The branch die is a new one I recently purchased, and is from Memory Box.  Their dies are awesome! I used my Copics here and also sponged with Distress, for the bg.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tues. Nov. 28, 2011 STVMONDB6

Today I am sharing a card I posted on StampTV for last Monday's challenge. Donna gave us a CAS sketch to work with, and I had fun with it.

The die cut  behind Melanie's poinsettia is called LaRue Flourish and is from Memory Box dies.  Wow- I am loving their dies!!!  Thank you for stopping by!

Mon. Nov. 28, 2011 Counting down to Christmas

Good morning!


I don't know about you, but I really enjoy making Christmas cards, and I think I have enough made for this year's mailing.  Maybe I should just keep going and I'll have a head start for next year-LOL.

Here is another one for you to see today.  This adorable little penguin and the gifts are from Rupa's Winter Friends set, from Gina K. Designs.  The snowflakes were cut using a MS punch.  The metal Merry Christmas tag is one I have had for a very long time.  The penguin was colored with Copic markers. The red cs is GKD.
I hope you have a wonderful week.  I am determined to get all my cards in the mail this week. I am behind in getting that part done-sheesh!

I entered this card into the challenge here: http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
  Why not play along and enter a Holiday card!  Thank you for visiting.

Sun. Nov. 27, 2011 Two new dies

Good Morning Blog Friends!!!

I recently bought two new Memory Box dies and wanted to use both on a card.  They make for a fun scene.  This would work for a Congrats on a New Home, or a Thank you for your Hospitality, or just an any occasion at all. I sponged the bg and the leaves with Distress inks.  The pine tree is from Gina K's Winter Wonderland stamp set.  Thank you for stopping by!   ...Karen

Sat. Nov. 26, 2011 Arizona Desert

I made this card for the "For Your Inspiration" blog. FYI18.

 The photo is a gorgeous view of the desert.  I used Distress inks and a sponge to create the bg.  The tree is a Memory Box die that I purchased here. I used a mask to create the red rocks.  Thanks for stopping by today!   Karen

Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 Are you shopping today?

I am not a fan of big crowds, so if there are super deals out there, they better be online-LOL!

A few weeks back, I bought some Tim Holtz glassine paper and it is really cool stuff.  Check this link. This is the paper I used to make the flower for my card today.  I die cut the flowers with the TH Altered Flowers die, and added distress inks and stains.  I love the way it turned out.  The shine was added with Goosebumps shimmer texture spray. I won 3 different types of Goosebumps from Tsukineko, for my entry into the World Card Making contest.

I am happy with the result I achieved with this card.

Thank you for visiting!  Have a wonderful day!   ...Karen