Sun. July 31, 2011 Bridal Shower

Our friends' daughter is getting married and the Bridal Shower was yesterday.  The invitation was so cute, so I decided to scan the photo portion and use it on the card, while using the colors of her dress as my inspiration. I also decided to make a box for the card, because,well, because I really enjoy making boxes!

The umbrella image is from Rupa's "Sung from the Heart" stamp set, available HERE  

from Gina K. Designs.


First, here is the picture that inspired me. I checked with a magnifying glass, and yes, those are polka dots!

Here is the card I created!

Finally, a close-up of the box itself.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sat. July 30, 2011 Speedy's Challenge # 66

Wow- time is sure flying as this is Speedy's last challenge for the month of July!

The challenge this week is to use twine - NO ribbon.  I decided to work with the little bird images and a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers "Little Birds with Big Mouths" stamp set.    I sponged some distress ink for my sky and added black twine for the wires.  Thank you for visiting!

Fri. July 29, 2011 Wow, it's Friday already! 2 cards today

I am still playing catch-up from last week, but I did have time to play with Theresa's "Follow your Dreams" stamp set.  I was up for making a scene card!
Below this one, is my challenge entry for STVMONSJD2- Monday's Mix it Up Monochromatic card.

I seem to really like this color palette, when I realized how often I choose them!

Thurs. July 28, 2011 STVFRICT5 Case-ing Carolina

On Friday, Cat posted the Friday challenge on STV, and it was to pick a card from Carolina's gallery and CASE on of her cards.

 Carolina has so many beautiful cards to choose from and this is the one I chose.

Here is my card, and the changes I made:
1.  Mine is an A2, not square.
2. The top of hers is embossed white,  with orange liquid pearls, and I used yellow and orange dp, with white pearls.
3. My stamped image and sentiment are from Melanie's "Buds and Vases" stamp set, and my tag is swiss dot embossed.
4. I reversed placement of the bow, image and tag.

This is the first time I have ever CASE'd a card for a challenge, so I hope I did it correctly! You'll let me know, right?

Wed. July 27, 2011 Speedy Challenge #65 use 3 hearts

Good Morning!  I have a card to share today that uses the butterflies from Mark's Finest Papers "Just Dandy" stamp set. I used Copics to color them.

The challenge was to use three hearts, so I cut them out with my Cricut and sponge them with distress ink.  I also distressed  my patterned paper and base.  Some ribbon and buttons were added to finish it off.

I am entering this one into Speedy's #65. Thanks for visiting!

Tues. July 26, 2011 STVMONVD2 Sketch challenge

I posted this black and white card for Vicki's 7-18-2011 sketch from Mix it Up Monday at Stamp TV. I mostly used CB embossing folders,  paper piecing on the flowers and vase, which are images form Theresa Momber's Vogue Vases stamp set..  The cute dotted ribbon is from Gina K. Designs.

Thank you for visiting!

Mon. July 25, 2011 My STV FB Challenge card

We were challenged to make a card with a sentiment as the focal point.  Gina K has quite a lot of beautiful ones to choose from. 

 

I CB'd my card base, and added some sponging.  I also die cut out the center, and added a CB'd piece of white cs to back the opening.  The sentiment was stamped and heat embossed.  Added some wide ribbon and some pearls and it was completed!

Sure glad you stopped by!

Sun. July 24, 2011 An Altered Project

DH and I have been drinking Starbuck's Fraps lately and I just couldn't see throwing out those cute little bottles and the carrying box with the handle.
I watched one of Becca Feeken's videos a while back and she was using pre-printed file folders from the dollar bin at Michaels. My ah-ha moment.  I measured, cut scored and glued to the box.  I added a piece of raffia, some flowers and oh so cute, don't you think?

No stamping at all on this, but when I make one for a gift, I will add a tag, with stamped images and a sentiment.

Sat. July 23, 2011 10 Minute Chocolate and Ivory

Today is Vicki's last day with us here :(
  We sure have had fun!


I have another 10 minute card to share today.

 

I used a double embossing technique for this one.  The image and the sentiment are from Gina K's "Vintage Chic" Stamp kit.  I used GKD kraft for my base, and the Dotted Swiss Cuttlebug EF.  I added some lovely dark brown satin ribbon and a bow and I was all done in 10 minutes.
I am thinking of making a set of these, all ready to go for last minute needs.  I will leave the space open for whatever sentiment I need!

Fri. July 22, 2011 Another 10 minute card

Here is another 10 minute card I made for Tami's STVFRITAMI1 challenge at StampTV. It's a CAS in black and white. I embossed the bg and placed it on a pc of Black Onyx cs. The stamp image and sentiment are from Theresa's new "Whimsical Wishes" stamp set/ A piece of gingham ribbon and a tag with a brad, and it was good to go in under 10 min!   Fun, fun!!!!

Thanks for visiting!

Thurs. July 21, 2011 Today is CHA Day for us

Vicki and I are off to CHA today, but I did have a card to share.  This is one I made for Tami's CAS 10 minute challenge at StampTV, so you may have this already.  I used Theresa's "Farm Life" stamp set for this image.  I quickly, VERY quickly colored with Copics and then sponged with some distress inks-faster than a speeding bullet-hahaha.  But it was done in 10 minutes, without a second to spare.  I can't believe how much fun it was to work within the time limit!  Really, really a lot of fun.  Another 10 minute card to share tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wed. July 20, 2011 Adirondack Summer

I sure am enjoying my visit with Vicki Dutcher.  She's here in Wisconsin, having flown in on Monday from Phoenix.Whoo- hoo- we finally met in person!

Vicki is my fellow DT member at Mark's Finest Papers, but we formed a friendship online at STampTV.

My card today showcases one the the stamp images from MFP's new release called "Adirondack Summer", with a lovely sentiment from this set, as well.  I love Adirondack chairs, although they seem harder to get out of, as I get older-LOL.

Can't you just picture yourself sitting here with a tall glass of iced tea, and reading a book?

Thanks for visiting today!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 MIM #23

My card today is for the "Make it Monday#23 challenge at PTI. The challenge was to make a pocket card using a PTI edger die.  Unfortunately, I didn't have one, so I substituted with a MS punch. I made a Nestie bookmark, to go into the pocket.

Thanks for letting me share this with you!

Mon. July 18, 2011 Mojo Monday 199 & STVMONLM3

Happy Monday Blog Friends! This is really a happy day for me.  This afternoon I head to the airport to pick up Vicki Dutcher.  Vicki and I have been online friends for quite some time, and this will be the first time we will meet in person. She is staying with us for 6 days, and I am sure we'll have a blast!

I have two cards to share with you today.  First, is one I made for the Mojo Monday 199 challenge.The cloud was masked with a die cut from PTI.  The dragonfly is from Theresa MOmber's "Whimsical Wishes" stamp set and the sentiment if from Tami Mayberry's "Dreams" set.

My second card is for a CAS sketch challenge at StampTV, STVMONLM3.

Once again, I used that wonderful dragonfly from Theresa's set and the medallions are from Gina K's "Elegant Elements" set.

I appreciate you stopping by!

Sunday, July 17, 2011 Speedy Challenge 64

Speedy's Challenge this week is to make a bright and cheery card, using pink, yellow and green. The image I chose is from the "Greet the Day with Gerber" 

stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers. I stamped on a Nestie oval, colored with Copic markers and then placed it on a Spellbinder's Lotus die cut.

Thank you for visiting!

Friday, July 15, 2011 CSS Paper Piecing Blog Hop

Wow, I can hardly believe it is the middle of July already! But the good news is that the Center Stage Alumni team has another hop for you.

If you arrived from JOY'S blog, you are in the right place.  If you'd like to start at the beginning, click HERE.

This time, we are working with the paper piecing technique.  Gina has a video tutorial, if you haven't seen it yet. You can watch it HERE.

I have two cards to share today. For the first, I decided to use an image from Melanie's "Jumping for Joy" stamp set.  I haven't inked any of these in a while, and it's always nice to re-visit some of my older sets.

The blue parts are paper pieced and so is the seal.  This is a 4.5" square, which means it will fit in an A2 envelope, especially when you line the envelope to match.

Now, for my second card, I used an image from Theresa's Purrr-fectly Delightful set. I paper pieced the cup and the saucer, and colored the kitten with Copic markers. I painted the daisies with paint from a bottle of Pearl Paint Dabber, with a little Stickles in the centers.

Now, it's time for you to head over to MELISSA'S Blog to see what she will "WOW" you with. Oh, the creativity!
I am so glad you stopped by!
Karen

Fri. July 15, 2011 MFP Hop Day 4

Hello! Welcome to the July 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!

This week's new releases are: Little Birds With Big Mouths, Planted with Love, Lilacs in the Summer, and Adirondack Summer.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Adirondack Summer? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Adirondack Summer. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's blog post.

Emily

Nancyruth

Neva

Silvia

Faith

Claudine

Dawn

Marilynn

Patricia

Chrissy

KarenK (you are here)

Pam

Joanne

Kittie

Mark’s Finest Papers

Thurs. July 14, 2011 MFP HOP Day 3

Hello! Welcome to the July 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!

This week's new releases are: Little Birds With Big Mouths, Planted with Love, Lilacs in the Summer, and Adirondack Summer.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

Here's the card I made to share with you today!

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Lilacs in the Summer? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Lilacs in the Summer. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's blog post.

Emily

Nancyruth

Neva

Silvia

Faith

Claudine

Dawn

Marilynn

Patricia

Chrissy

KarenK (you are here)

Pam

Joanne

Kittie

Mark’s Finest Papers

Wed. July 13, 2011 MFP HOP Day 2

Hello! Welcome to the July 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!

This week's new releases are: Little Birds With Big Mouths, Planted with Love, Lilacs in the Summer, and Adirondack Summer.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

Here is my card- isn't this seed packet just adorable?  I colored the image with Copic markers!

For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Planted With Love? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Planted With Love. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's blog post.

Lois

Vicky

Dawn

Anne

Peggysue

Connie

Emily

Karen

Patty

Roxie

Vicki

Liz

Geri

Lynn

Mark’s Finest Papers

Tues. July 12, 2011 MFP Hop Day 1

Hello! Welcome to the July 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!

This month's new releases are: Little Birds With Big Mouths, Planted with Love, Lilacs in the Summer, and Adirondack Summer. For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Little Birds With Big Mouths? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Little Birds With Big Mouths. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's blog post.

Lois
Vicky
Dawn
Anne
Peggysue
Connie
Emily
Karen
Patty
Roxie
Vicki
Liz
Geri
Lynn
Mark’s Finest Papers

Mon. July 11, 2011 A MFP Sneak Peek

Happy Monday my blogger friends!

The card I have to share with you today is a sneak peek of the "Planted with Love" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.  I entered this card into the WT330 challenge at SCS-to use a doily of some sort.  I used crochet lace to make my doily border. This stamp set and 3 others will be for sale, tomorrow- July 12th.

Thanks for visiting!

Sun. July 10, 2011 Challenge Card STVFRIEG1

As I listened to the final Shuttle launch on Friday, I made this card for 2 challenges.  First, for the One Layer Wednesday challenge #61-to use clouds. For Emily's challenge on StampTV-to make a kid's birthday card, I added the rocket chip from Tami's "Oh Boy" stamp set. I am very happy with the result!

I die cut the clouds to make a mask.  I then used my Copic Airbrush system to add the blues and the yellows .  Since it is a one layer card, this came together very quickly. The rocket was colored with Copic markers and some Clear Star pen accents.

Although this is a happy card, it is so sad to see the end of the Nasa shuttle program.

Thank you for stopping by!

Sat. July 9, 2011 Speedy Challenge # 63

Speedy's Challenge today is to use a die cut on your background. I decided to use an image from the soon-to-be released "Little Birds with Big Mouths" stamp set, which goes on sale Tues. July 12th, at Mark's Finest Papers. Both my oval and the Italian Flourish die cuts were used.

I am happy you stopped by!

Fri. July 8, 2011 SC340

I decided to play along with the sketch challenge at Splitcoast this week, and I used an image from Mark's Finest Papers soon-to-be released "Lilacs in the Summer" stamp set.  This set along with three other brand new ones go on sale next Tues. July 12th.

EDIT:  

I did not use an embossing folder on this card.  Actually, I bought a box of pre-embossed square cards at Michael's a few years ago. I cut the 5.5" squares down to the A2 size.

Thank you for visiting today!

Thurs. July 7, 2011 STVMONCT4

Good Morning!  My card today is for Cat's Mix it Up Monday challenge on StampTV. Cat's calling it swipe on swipe off-ink pad direct to paper.

The sentiment I used is one of the new larger ones from Theresa's "Whimsical Wishes" set. I am loving the larger font!

I used a MS anywhere punch  'Rose', and used  yellow and green ink pads on a piece of cs behind my punched out areas.  I also swiped Vivid aqua on the bottom section, before I ran it through with the polka dot embossing folder.  I dye colored the seam binding to match.  The little charm is the larger flower from this stamp set on Shrinky plastic, colored and shrunk with the heat gun!  I then added Art Institute Glitter and a drop of Liquid Pearls to the center.  If you look closely, I stamped a bit of Melanie's "Bring the Bling" and added a little more glitter to tie it all together-I hope!

Thank you for popping in today!

Wed. July 6, 2011 Whimsical Wishes

Good Morning blog friends!  Today's card is another made with Theresa Momber's "Whimsical Wishes" stamp set.  Isn't this flower cute?
Thank you for visiting today!

Tues. July 5, 2011 Tags

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Today, I am sharing the tags I made for Carolina's Tag Along challenge, gkdjun11cb.  I used images from Theresa Momber's new set called "Whimsical Wishes".

The sentiment is from Melanie's "A Charmed Life" set.

I had fun making these, but don't make tags very often!  Maybe I should- I can always attach them to a card, I guess-LOL.

Mon. July 4, 2011 Happy Birthday America

Our beloved country is celebrating her 235th birthday today!  I wish you a happy flag-waving kind of day!

The card for today is a sparkly one, although not red, white and blue.

My butterfly is from Gina K's "Hope is Faith" stamp set.  The sentiment is from Nina's "Fanciful Tags" set, also available at Gina K's.
I decided to make this a 4.25" square card.  I used Tim Holtz's Distress ink for my sponging and Art Institute glitter for the butterfly.  I entered this card for Tina's challenge, gkdjun11tg.

Thank you for stopping by today.

Sun. July 3, 2011 Whimsical Wishes

Today, I wanted to share a card I made for Gina K's Release party last Thursday. Theresa Momber asked me to be a Guest Designer for her new stamp set, called "Whimsical Wishes", and I was thrilled.  I loved her last set, "Vogue Vases", and this new set compliments it very well.

Thank you for stopping by!  Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Sat. July 2, 2011 Speedy Challenge #62

Speedy's challenge this week is to make a Patriotic card.  

Of course, The "American Made" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers- is just perfect for this card. I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and then colored it with Copics.

This card is being sent to "Operation Write Home"-what a fabulous organization, with wonderful volunteers.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you'll play along with Speedy's team this week. Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

Friday, July 1, 2011 Oh, I am happy

The Gina K Release party was so much fun last night! So many beautiful creations from the Design Team.

Theresa asked me to Guest Design for her, and this is the card I shared last night.  Her new set "Whimsical Wishes"  is fabulous and works well with so many of her other sets, including last month's "Vogue Vases"

Isn't the larger sentiment really awesome? I love that dragonfly too! You will be seeing a lot more cards using this set in upcoming blog posts!