Tues. 1/31/12 OLW 76

I love playing in the One Layer Wednesday challenges.  This week we were challenged to use gray with just a dash of red- "Color in Winter".

A while back I bought some inchie stamps, and decided to use them here, with a dash of red bling. The circle stamps are from Inkadinkado and the sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers. The card base is Neenah Solar White.  Tonight is the Gina K release party at StampTV

- Woo hoo!  Will I see you there?          

Thanks so much for stopping by!   ...Karen

Mon. 1/31/12 CASE-ing Jennie and CFC36

Happy Monday!  Today I want to share a card with you, that I made for Cat's challenge to CASE one of Jennie Harper's cards.  What fun!!!-since Jennie make gorgeous cards.
I chose this lovely vintage looking one.

Here is my CASE.  I used black and white plaid dp, used a different Spellbinder label and a different sentiment. I also entered this into CAS-ual Fridays challenge #36.

Sun. 1/29/12 Kary's Challenge Pocket Card

Kary Lim is the Guest Challenger at StampTV this week.  Great choice, Lori-for choosing this talented stamper!  Kary's challenge was to make a pocket card and to use red.  I also wanted to keep the Chinese New Year in mind, while creating my pocket card.  I haven't made a pocket card in ages, so it was a lot of fun.  I think I was able to give it a Chinese feel- what do you think?

I used images from two of Theresa Momber's stamp sets.  Her new "Wild Wilderness" and a previously released set, called "Vogue Vases".

 Thanks for stopping by today!

Sat. 1/27/12 Outlawz PAM012812

Good Saturday morning!!!!  

The Paper A La Mode challenge this week is PAM012812 and hosted by Rona!  The theme 

S (stitching) N (new stamp) O (oval) W (white)= SNOW-that wasn't mentioned however.  Mine is more spring-like and has nothing to do with snow. LOL

My stitching is faux and my new image is a Unity stamp. I used an embossing folder for the bg.  The image was colored with Copics and I added some sponging. 

That's it for today.  See you tomorrow!

Fri. 1/27/12 Another True Love card

I just love the new StampTV set "True Love", from Gina K. Designs. It is so versatile and I am having tons of fun playing with it. This set comes will awesome GKD card stock and an assortment of ribbons.

The plaid paper was a .jpg file on my computer.  It was a really bright green, but I changed it to more blue than green.  Love that I can do that!

I stamped, colored the flowers with Copic markers and cut them out.  They were then attached with pop dots. Yep, this was a pretty easy card to make, and I like it, even though its pretty CAS.

Thank you for visiting!   ...Karen

Thurs. 1/26/12 Just for fun

Sometimes I like when mojo visits and I get to play without any challenges in my mind. I used PTI cs, Spellbinders lacy circles and a fussy cut image from Gina K's new "True Love" stamp set.  I distressed some of the edges, added some lace and ribbon and I was finished.  I like it, because I am especially fond of the colors! I am so glad you stopped by today!  It means a lot, to know you were here!

Wed. 1/25/12 Valentines

I made this card using a border image from Gina K's latest stamp set called "True Love". I entered this one into the Sunday CAS challenge at The Outlawz.  We were requested to use something new, and I just bought this set.
Next up is a card I entered for a Stamp TV challenge last week. It was so easy to make using Tim Holtz Distress stain and a heat embossed sentiment. I really like how it turned out.

Thanks for visiting!

Tues. 1/24 Another One Layer Wednesday Challenge

One layer cards are a challenge to many, and used to be for me, as well.  Now, I just find them a lot of fun! Participating in the OLW challenges has also helped me with CAS cards. If you shy away from them, you should really give it a go-it's so freeing and gives you a chance to ink of some of the stamps in your collection that have never touched an ink pad. Really-you have some of those, don't you?

This stamp is a new one from Gina K's latest StampTV kit called "True Love". The images are ones I will use A LOT!  For this card, I only inked up part of the stamp since I wanted to change the words on the sheet of paper.  I have a bunch of ideas, using this again with some of the teeny sentiments I have.

I was so happy with this image, that I made another card for the Outlawz CAS012212 challenge.  This time I used a panel and made a square card, measuring 4.25". I like this one better!!! I think I should have added a ribbon or something to the first card, for better balance.

Glad you stopped by!

Mon. 1.23.2012 Good Morning!

I have a quick post for you today!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

This clean and simple one layer card was for the One Layer Wednesday 74 challenge.  The sentiment is from Unity and I added some faux stitching to draw your eye to this lovely quote.

Next, is the card I made for a friend.  Inchie stamps are so much fun to work with.  I have a bunch of them and really need to get more of them inky.

 

Lastly, is a card with a really fun fold.  I watched the video for it on the Memory Box site and just had to try it.  You may have seen this card on StampTV, since I entered it for Suzanne's challenge last Monday.     The heart was made with glossy cs and dabbed with alcohol inks.  When it was dry, I added silver metallic mixative (Adirondack), and embossed in my Vagabond.

Thank you for visiting!  I hope to see you tomorrow!

Sun. 1.22.12 A few cards for you today

Hi blogger friends!  I hope you are having a wonderful day.

*** My Blogger didn't post Saturday-converted it to a draft instead.  Hate when that happens!!!

 Anyway, it is located below today's post!

I have a few cards to share with you today.  The first one is a simple one in black and white.  The silhouette horse was cut with a .svg file I have had in my pc for quite a while.

Not sure what svg files are?  They look like digi stamps, but are used with a cutting machine, like the Sizzix eClips, and they can be sized and stretched etc.  You can get a better idea by looking HERE.

 This next one is a non-traditional color Valentine for challenge # JG112 at Joan's Gardens. I used Spellbinders dies to cut out the felt hearts, and then I added the lace edge. Not sure where I bought these two different types of lace, but I like them both! No stamping on this card, but that's okay with me-fun, once in a while.

My final card for today was a fun one.  We had friends over Saturday night and they asked what it was that got me into making cards.  So, of course I demonstrated heat embossing.  I grabbed a piece of GKD chocolate cs and some platinum EP.  The stamp that was laying on my desk is one I just got from Unity-isn't this bird cute?  I wowed our friends with the transformation from powder to beautiful gold embossing with a wave of my magic wand---err, I mean the heat tool!!! LOL Sunday evening, I decided to see what I could come up with the image I embossed-voila'- here is the card!

 I hope you enjoyed seeing these cards and will come back tomorrow! I am very grateful that you visit!

Sat. Jan. 21, 2012 The Outlawz Paper a La Mode Challenge

I am the Paper a La Mode challenge hostess this week at The Outlawz, and I hope you'll play along! My challenge is for you to make a CAS Valentine. Come on over and check out what our DT has to share with you.


Here is mine-to give you some inspiration, I hope! Clean and simple, even on beautiful kraft cs.
Here is a link to the gallery.

Fri. Jan. 20, 2012 Mark's Finest Papers Hop -Day 4

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

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! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!)We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

Here is the card I designed using the "You are Cherished" set. I stamped this beautiful heart image and heat embossed with fine detail white EP- both for my background and on the cut out heart.  I distressed the bg panel, and the sentiment was stamped and heat embossed on a piece of vellum, and held in place with 2 pretty pearl embellishments. This soft pink cs is a favorite MFP color and the ribbons is a perfect match!!!

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.(happy you are here)
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Thurs. Jan. 19, 2012 Mark's Finest Papers Hop -Day 3

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

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! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!)We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

Isn't this postage image gorgeous?  Easy to color too!  This beautiful pink cs is also from MFP, and with a  quick zip through my Vagabond with embossing folders, some seam binding ribbon and bows, my card was complete!

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.(you are here)
Pam (your next stop)
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Wed. Jan. 18, 2012 Mark's Finest Papers Hop- Day 2

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

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! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

My card to share today uses the boots image and a sentiment from "Cowgirls Rule", colored with Copics.  Have you noticed I love my Copics!  LOL.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.(Thanks for visiting)
Pam (visit Pam next)
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Tues. Jan. 17, 2012 Mark's Finest Papers Hop- Day 1

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

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! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

Here is my sample of this gorgeous rose image.  I colored it with Copic markers!

Lois

Vicky

Anne

Pat G.

Karen H.

Patty P.

Mary

Dawn M.

Marilynn

Chrissy

Karen K.(glad you're here)

Pam (go here next)

Debbie

Nancy

Bonnie

Harriet

Kathy

Silvia

Brenda

Mark's Finest Papers

Mon. 1/16/2012 Sending Happy Thoughts

Hi everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  The snow we got on Thursday and Friday has put a beautiful and clean wintry look to our area.  We were blessed with a rather mild winter up to this point, but it was strange, until we got snow.  It's so pretty looking now!

The card I made for today's post uses a wonderful little postage image from Mark's Finest Papers stamp set called "Sending Happy Thoughts" which is being released tomorrow.

 

 

The MFP Release hop starts tomorrow, so be sure to stop by, and see how you can win some new stamps! See you then!   ...Karen

Sun. Jan. 15, 2012 Free for All Challenge F4A98

Good morning everyone!  Are you getting some winter weather?  We have had quite a change since last Wednesday, when it got to 50°  I guess now we will appreciate Spring even more when it gets here! LOL

I made this one for a challenge at SCS.  Make a “potpourri” by adding the following elements:

1. A 3-D Flower (or more than one, if you'd like!)
2. A gem or gems (rhinestone, pearl, etc.)
3. Embossing Folder
4. Diecut/Punch
5. Designer/Patterned Paper

I think I have all the bases covered with this card.  I had a lot of fun creating this felt flower. The leaves and the sentiment are from two different MFP sets:  Winter Crocus and Love Remains.

Thanks for visiting!   ...Karen

Sat. Jan 14, 2012 The Outlawz Challenge PAM 011412

It's time for the Saturday Paper a la Mode challenge at The Outlawz.  I hope you have a chance to play along.  Theresa's challenge this week is called "White Sale".  You are to use mostly white!

This crocus image is from Mark's Finest Papers-a Heinrich Company, colored with Copic markers. The card base was embossed with a Sizzix embossing folders called Scallops and Lines. I added some seam binding ribbon with a bow.

  I am so glad you stopped by!   ...Karen

Fri. Jan. 13, 2012 CSS Alumni Sketch Hop

Welcome to another CSS Alumni Hop. 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 month our challenge is a sketch by our talented team mate, Melissa Cash.

*** Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (January 17), 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!

I made two cards for this sketch, since it is such a fun one.  My first card uses a sentiment from the "Friends" stamp set by Gina K.  I used two different Nestie die cuts and a felt flower and leaves that I die cut. Instead of embellies in the outer corners, I added them around my focal panel.  The flower stamp I used to make my dp, is from Gina's "Comfort and Peace" set.

Next I used a flower from Melanie's new "Stately Flowers 2" set.  This was so much fun to color.  I then cut out the petals and leaves and attached them to the circle nestie.  I decided a  lacy border would be a nice touch. 

I am so happy you visited!  Now it's time to head over to Kay's blog, to see her gorgeous work!

Fri. Jan. 13, 2012 MFP Sneak Peeks

 I used two sentiments from Mark's Finest Papers "Love Remains" stamp set.  This new set will be available HERE, on Tuesday Jan. 17th. This card is for the Moxie Fab World challenge.

My next card  uses an image from the MFP  set called "Cowgirls Rule".  Our release hop starts on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.  I colored this with my fave Copic markers.

That's it for me today!   ....Karen

Thurs. Jan. 12, 2012 Post it Note Holder with tutorial

Jennie's challenge at StampTV (STVMONJH7) on Monday was to create a Post it Note holder.  Here is mine, where I created a little box type holder. If you scroll down, I have the instructions on how to make this one.

Start with a piece of sturdy card stock, 120# would be ideal.

1. Cut cs 7" x 4".

2. With the 4" side on your left, using a Scor-Pal, score at 1/2", 3.5" and 4".

3. Rotate cs, placing the 7" side on the left and score at 1/2" and 3.5".

4. Make cuts, as shown, including punch out where noted.

Whoa- sorry this pic is blurry!

5. Fold along score lines, place Scor tape on flaps and create the box.  Decorate as desired.

Wed. Jan. 11, 2012 Showcasing Theresa's stamp set

Theresa's latest stamp set has so many cool images to play with. The set is called "Mountain Wilderness".

The first images I wanted to ink up, were the bears.  I thought it would be a great birthday card, and used the vertical sentiment to finish it off.

I stamped the bears with Memento ink and then colored them with Copic markers. The sky was sponged with Distress ink.  Glad you popped in to see what I'd share today!  ...Karen

Tues. Jan. 10, 2012 Playing with svg cut files and a sneak peek

I totally forgot that I had software to use cut files, so I have been playing with them the past few days.  This was a freebie (from somewhere) and is such a pretty round flourish. I made the rolled rose and the leaves were punched.  The sentiment is from the soon to be released stamp set, from Mark's Finest Papers, called "You are Cherished".

Thanks for coming by to visit!  It means a lot to have you stop by!   ...Karen

Mon. Jan 9, 2012 A Baby card for Challenge STVFRIMW1

Happy Monday morning!  Still no snow here and temps in the 40's-so strange for SE Wisconsin.  Friday and Saturday we were in the low 50's!!!!!  Temperature records were broken all over the U.S.!!!! 

The Free for All Friday challenge at StampTV was to make a Baby card.  Michelle came up with this fun challenge.  I don't know anyone that is expecting, but I'll save the card for when I do!

The frame was cut with a .svg cut file, and then I ran it through with a CB Dotted Swiss folder..  The image is from Gina K's "Jumping for Joy" by Melanie Muenchinger.  The Baby letters were die cut, using a Sizzix alphabet set, colored with Copics and dotted with TH picket Fence stain and a mini mini paint brush.

Sun. Jan. 8. 2012 Second post today!!! You've got to see this!

Melanie has a fab tutorial and blog candy!  HERE 's the link- she is so clever!

Sun. Jan. 8, 2012 More challenges- woo hoo

Happy Sunday morning!


 First up is a card for The Outlawz CAS0101 Challenge- white base, and no dp! The snowflakes were made with a MS punch and glittered.  I embossed the card base with a CB folder.  The frame was made with Nesties and the sentiment is from Gina K's "Winter Wonderland" stamp set.

This one is for two challenges- the CPS 249 sketch and StampTV's Friday Challenge- STVMONTG5 (a girlie card). The flower image is from Theresa Momber's "Hope Grows" set from Gina K's.

Thanks for stopping by!   ...Karen

Sat. Jan. 7, 2012 The Outlawz Paper a la Mode Challenge

I am so happy to now be a DT for The Outlawz Paper a la Mode Challenge team.  The challenge this week is to use numbers on a card. I hope you will join in the fun and play along with this challenge.  

Here's my second card:

Come on and join in the fun!  Here is the link to the challenge. 
Be sure to check out the prizes for entering the challenges in January, especially a 20 pack of Cryogen White card stock as a "special prize" from Paper Temptress!

Fri. Jan.6, 2012 Another challenge done!

This card is one I made for Gina's Release party challenge.  Giovana challenged us to use stamped flowers on our card.  Here is mine using Theresa's Fanciful Fall set! I love coloring flowers, so this was a lot of fun for me.  Yay!

Thurs. Jan. 5, 2012 Good Morning!!

My card today was one I made for two challenges last week. StampTV's challenge STVMONVD5.  Vicki challenged us to make a New Year's card.  We headed to the neighbor's house on NYE, and I always make them a card. I also entered this one into The Outlawz Paper a la Mode challenge 123111.
I die cut the stars with Spellbinders dies.  All the dots are from Gina K's Ribbon Stripes set. I stamped them with Versamark and then heat embossed with gold and silver EP.  I glittered the two little stars!
All cs is GKD.  Thank you for popping in!   ...Karen

Wed. Jan. 4, 2012 Two cards and a few challenges

It was really nice to spend some time in my studio today. Christmas decorations will have to wait until the weekend-LOL.

  I've got two cards to share with you today. The first one is for the CR84FN45- to use medium blue, orange and yellow. I used a Memory Box die called LaRue Flourish (this cuts like butter) and a Spellbinders tag die.  The sentiment and the bird are from Mark's Finest Papers "Pussy Willows" stamp set.

My next card is for 3 challenges. 

I used the sketch from Mojo Monday 222.

Tami at StampTV's STVMONTAMI5- to use one of Gina's new patterned papers as an inspiration.  I used one of Gina's Freebie patterns and inked it up with Copic markers. The sentiment is from Gina K (Melanie's Inspiration Mosaic set). 

Since the JUGS challenge 117 this week was to use felt, this card qualifies for both challenges. I have made a lot of roses before with paper and cs, but using felt for one, was a first for me!  I like it! I made felt leaves too!

Wow- this was a longer than normal post- Hope you enjoyed it though, because I sure appreciate you stopping by!   ...Karen

Tues. Jan. 3, 2012 Getting back to normal, I think.

As much as I love the Holidays, I am looking forward to getting myself back on some sort of schedule and getting back into my studio on a more regular basis!

My card today is for a challenge for Our Craft Lounge Blog 98. Check out the beautiful inspiration photo for this challenge!  My friend, Melissa Cash is now on the Our Craft Lounge DT.  Gotta support my friends, and have a lot of fun playing along!
This card looks exactly like our Wisconsin weather today. Cold with lots of blowing snow, but not much in the way of accumulation-thankfully!

Thanks for visiting!   ...Karen 

Mon. Jan. 2, 2012 Did you all survive "Ringing in the New Year?"

We had a wonderful weekend! However, yesterday we were moving slowly! Taking down the Christmas decorations will have to wait until next weekend, I am afraid. 

I wish you all a blessed, happy and healthy 2012, a year of dreams and wishes fulfilled.  I haven't given up on my hope and dream and maybe this will be my year! :)

Not sure if I mentioned it yet, but I was invited to join The Outlawz Paper a la Mode challenge team.  Have you played in any of their challenges?  There are a lot to choose from.  The team I am on has the Saturday challenges, and I hope you'll play along.  There are lots of fabulous prizes too!  Here is the link and I hope to see you there, while you are joining in on the fun.

Please come back here on Wednesday, to see my card for the challenge.

 

This card was one I made about a week or so ago, and I shared it on StampTV for a Christmas thank you card challenge.  The bg is actual Tim Holtz strip paper.  Originally I wasn't going to add the red stripes and had cut them off, but as I was creating I wanted to add small portions back.  If you look closely, you can see that.  The tan, ivory and green are one piece.  I did run all of the dp through with an embossing folder for added dimension.  The tree images are from Gina K's Winter Wonderful stamp set. The sentiment is from Theresa's Heartfelt set, also from Gina K's.  I love tree images, don't you?  They are so versatile and can be masculine or feminine. I then added a little twin and a button and I was done!

Thanks for stopping by!   ...Karen

Sun. Jan. 1, 2012 HAPPY NEW YEAR, blog friends!!!!

Hard to believe we are starting a new year already- wow, where did 2011 go?


Last Thursday was the Release party at StampTV and there were so many fabulous samples from Gina's awesome DT.  There were two challenges, for us!!  The first one is from Donna Baker to make our own stamped dp. 
This is always a lot of fun to do.  I used the flower image and a sentiment from GKD's Winter Wonderland stamped with Versamark on vellum.  I then heat embossed with fine detail white EP.
The sentiment was stamped the same way on a separate piece of vellum and then I die cut a frame for it.  This was popped up, so that the bg wouldn't show through it as much. I added some ribbon and lace and voila!

Glad you stopped by!  I hope you have some time to get inky today, as we welcome in 2012!