Studio at the Lake

Wed. 2/29/12 Two Cards for three challenges

2012-02-29T01:24:00.002-06:00

Hi !!! Hope you will be having a wonderful day! I am glad you stopped by today.

The first card I am sharing is one I made for a Stamp School Geometry challenge about a week ago. This fun flower was made with tissue paper and lightly sponged. The bg was made with a CB embossing folder and the scroll work was cut with my Silhouette Cameo. The sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers.

This card is one I made yesterday and have entered it in The Play Date Cafe (PDCC120) challenge. Here are the colors. I used this sketch from MOJO Monday 230 and have entered it there too.

That's it for me today! I hope you have time to get inky!! ...Karen

Tues. 2/28/12 Card gift set

2012-02-28T01:25:00.001-06:00

I recently started working on a gift card set and a box to hold them. I finally finished and wanted to share with you! This started out as an experiment. I took a strip of pretty crocheted lace, which I love, but am running low on. I decided to temporarily attached it to a piece of cs and scan it into my pc. It turned out beautifully. I did the green first, then went into my editing software and changed the colors of the cs background. I then stamped the nestie labels to complementary colors of ink, and stamped, colored and cut out coordinating flowers. The label and the flowers are from Gina K Designs' "True Love" set.

For the box, which was made with a cut file, was decorated with a svg cuts for the lattice, the leaves, the doily and the label. The butterfly is GKD "Spring Mix" set and the sentiment from the "True Love" set.

Thank you for visiting! ....Karen

Mon. 2/27/12 Pinterest Inspired

2012-02-27T01:24:00.002-06:00

Good Monday morning!

The lattice was made with a Cheery Lynn Designs die, and the flowers were cut using a few svg cut files. I stamped the flowers with Bitty Background Basics, from PTI. The sentiment was from PTI's Mat Stack 2 set. Thank you for popping in to see my card today! ...Karen

Sun. 2/26/12 Joan's JG0209 challenge card

2012-02-26T01:24:00.001-06:00

I entered this card a few weeks back, but hadn't got it to my blog until now. I used Gina K's Winter Birds set, by Asela Hopkins. The challenge was to use lattice, and a bird. The lattice is a Cheery Lynn die and the branch is Memory Box die. The branch the bird is sitting on is part of the stamp image, which I colored with Copics.

Thanks for visiting! It make me very happy knowing you stop by. ...Karen

Sat. 2/25/12 The Outlawz PAM022512 FLOWER POWER

2012-02-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

I am the hostess this week for the Outlawz Paper a La Mode challenge. The theme is Flower Power.

I used Gina K's Bold Flowers stamp set, a sponged bg and a little twine, and I am happy with the result. We've got some great prizes this month, so come on over and play along! HERE is the link.

Fri. 2/24/12 Hello, Handsome Cat and Sending Happy Thoughts

2012-02-24T01:24:00.002-06:00

Isn't this big cat a real beauty? The image is from Mark's Finest Papers.

The stamp set is called North American Woods. The branch is a Memory Box die, that I bought at Joan's Gardens. They cut beautifully!

My next card is one I made for the sketch SC373 at SCS. I used a sentiment from the "Sending Happy Thoughts" set from Mark's Finest Papers. The flower was cut with my Cameo. I am loving this machine!!!

My third card today is one I entered yesterday into the JUGS124 color challenge. The colors given were teal, yellow, green and pink. I think I got them all here. The flowers were cut with my Cameo and was the frame. The sentiment is from MFP's "Dogwood Blossoms" set.

Thank you for stopping by! ...Karen

Thurs. 2/23/12 Challenges times Two

2012-02-23T01:24:00.003-06:00

Hi and good morning!

Do you like to make one layer cards? I sure do, so I try to play along every week. If you haven't you should try it. It's very freeing and a lot of fun. The ultimate CAS!!! This is for challenge OLW 78.

Can you guess what the challenge was? Yep, use 5 circles. This was fun and pretty quick too. I used stamps from Gina K's Bold Flowers set stamped with PTI ink. A little twine was added and I called it complete!
This next card was made for a challenge to CASE the DT on StampTV. This week we are case-ing Jimmy Mayo. This is Jimmi's card.

This is mine. I used the dress form image from Gina's "True Love" stamp set, in addition to some gorgeous Prima paper that I won. This is gorgeous paper, let me tell you!!! The rolled roses were cut with a Silhouette file by Samantha Walker. The rose leaves were punched.

Thanks for visiting. ...Karen

Wed. 2/22/12 A couple of new cards to share

2012-02-22T01:24:00.004-06:00

Good Morning! Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you have a wonderful day planned! The first card I want to share with you is one I made for one of the challenges at CPS. This is for CPS 37.

Here is a card I made using a really cute image and an Easter sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers "Blessings" stamp set. I colored this little fella with Copic markers.

So happy to see you today! ...Karen

Tues. 2/21/12 A new Valentine to share

2012-02-21T01:24:00.001-06:00

I am pretty sure I forgot to share this card before Valentine's Day. Well, better late than never? LOL.

I used Tami Mayberry's Hopeful Hearts set along with a scalloped Nestie.

Mon. 2/20/12 CPS 5- Day 9 #8293

2012-02-20T01:24:00.003-06:00

I was trying to keep up with all 15 challenges at CPS, but it just didn't happen. Here is one I did make, however. This sketch is # CPS 5. The image and sentiment are from the new Dogwood Blossoms set from Mark's Finest Papers. I stamped with Memento and colored with Copics. That's it for today. Thanks for popping in! ..Karen

Sun. 2/19/12 My card for Gina K Day

2012-02-19T01:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday on StampTV, we celebrated our awesome, fearless leader-Gina K. The card I made used this video by Gina, as my inspiration. You can watch it HERE. I used Tami's "Gnome one like You" stamp set, but made him into a Lepre-gnome-LOL.

In case you're wondering who the SPA chicks are- they are my fellow classmates from St. Patrick Academy. How awesome are we?? Well, we were the last graduating class and then they closed the school!!! Even after all these years, and it was quite a long time ago, we are still a group of 'girls' that keeps in touch.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sat. 2/18/12 Paper A la Mode challenge PAM021812

2012-02-18T00:01:00.003-06:00

Theresa's challenge this week at The Outlawz Paper A la Mode is to make a card that is Spring! Even though we have had a pretty mild winter here in Wisconsin, I do yearn for Spring.

I used the kite image from Gina K's "Eclectic Summer" stamp set. I paper pieced with white cs, but colored it with Copics. The sentiment is from the "Blessings" set from Mark's Finest Papers. I sponged the background with Distress and Memento inks.

I hope you will play along- we've got some very nice prizes. Check it out! You've got until Feb. 24th to enter your card!

Fri. 2/17/12 MFP HOP Day 4 Dogwood Blossoms

2012-02-17T00:01:00.002-06:00

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Relax A Bit Featured February 14
North American Woods Featured February 15
Blessings Featured February 16
Dogwood Blossoms Featured February 17

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!) All four winners will be announced on February 18, 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 and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) The deadline for commenting is 11PM EST on Friday February 17, 2012.

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

Our new promotion begins this month! With the purchase of the February New Release Package, you will receive this stamp set for FREE!

Our February New Release Mini:

Spring Joy

Thurs. 2/16/12 MFP HOP Day 3 Blessings

2012-02-16T00:01:00.003-06:00

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Relax A Bit Featured February 14
North American Woods Featured February 15
Blessings Featured February 16
Dogwood Blossoms Featured February 17

Our February New Release Mini:

Spring Joy

Wed. 2/15/2012 MFP HOP Day 2 North American Woods

2012-02-15T00:01:00.005-06:00

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Relax A Bit Featured February 14
North American Woods Featured February 15
Blessings Featured February 16
Dogwood Blossoms Featured February 17

Our February New Release Mini:

Spring Joy

Tues. 2/14/12 MFP Hop Day 1

2012-02-14T00:01:00.005-06:00

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

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Relax A Bit Featured February 14
North American Woods Featured February 15
Blessings Featured February 16
Dogwood Blossoms Featured February 17

Our February New Release Mini:

Spring Joy

Mon. 2/13/12 MFP Sneak Peek

2012-02-13T15:05:00.000-06:00

I have a sneak peek card for you today. Mark's Finest Papers February Release Blog Hop starts tomorrow and the four new stamp sets become available for purchase. The image I used here is from the "Relax a Bit" stamp set. There are so many fun images, so be sure to stop by tomorrow to get started with our hop.

I stamped with Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. I hope to see you back tomorrow. Thanks for visiting today! ...Karen

Sun. 2/12/12 One card for StampTV and The Outlawz

2012-02-12T01:24:00.003-06:00

The Outlawz Paper Ala Mode PAM021112 Challenge this week was a sketch challenge, by Sharon. The Mix it up Monday challenge STV12MON3 at STV last week was to use at least 2 textures.

Well, my card today fits them both. So happy when I can do that! This heat embossed rose is from Melanie's "A Year of Flowers" set. Have you seen the book that Gina is selling? It's Melanie's fabulous book and tons of gorgeous pictures and instructions to make a bunch of cards for all occasions that come up during the year. The sentiment is from Gina's "Enjoy the Sunshine" set.

Thank you for stopping by today! ...Karen

Sat. 2/11/2012 CSST Alumni Inspiration Hop

2012-02-10T21:00:00.019-06:00

Hi all- I hope you are prepared for some inspiration from the Center Stage Alumni team again. I am happy to be hosting this month! If you came from KAY'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 (February 14), 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!

Here is the photo I have chosen for the inspiration. HERE is where I found it. I love all the colors, shapes and shadows- ah, so much to be inspired by and I can't wait to see what the other ladies have come up with.

This is the card I came up with, using the bird cage and flowers from Gina's "True Love" kit.
I die cut the window with a really old Spellbinders die. I sponged Tea Dye Distress ink on all the edges. The leaves and little branches were punched.

Your next stop is JOY's blog, to see a gorgeous creation!
Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Fri. 2/10/12 Relax a Bit, plus two more

2012-02-10T00:01:00.002-06:00

Today is a sneak peek using one of the images from the soon to be released "Relax a Bit" stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers. This set and 3 others will be available for purchase on Tuesday, Feb.14th. I also entered this into the challenge CPS102 Day 8. I have two more cards for you today- scroll down.

This is a vintage design card I made for a challenge STV12FRI2 on StampTV. We were to use images from a favorite Gina stamp set. The bird and the sentiment are from the "Springtime Silhouettes" set. The card below was another for this same challenge, using the same stamp set. I cut the flower out with my Cameo and stamped the damask image on the petals.

I am happy to share my work with you and extremely happy when you visit!

Thurs. 2/9/2012 Release Party challenge cards

2012-02-09T01:24:00.003-06:00

Did you attend Gina K's Release party on the 31st? Fabulous new stamps, beautiful samples by the DT, and so much fun chatting with everyone. I had a fun time and enjoyed it a lot.

There were two card challenges and today I am sharing the cards I submitted. First was Lori challenge to use 'designer paper' dp on a card. I used a cut file and my Silhouette Cameo to cut the sentiment panel. I stamped leaves from Theresa's Whimsical Wishes set around the border of the panel. I then cut out the flower petals and built this fun little flower!

The second was a sketch challenge and was given to us by Jennie. I decided to use the sketch to make a masculine Valentine for my hubby. The color palette I used reminded me of a big velvet heart box filled with chocolates!! The heart image is from Tami Mayberry's Happy Hearts stamp set, and the itty bitty 'love you' sentiment is from Gina K's "True Love" set.

Wed. 2/8/2012 Pearl Challenge STV12mon2

2012-02-08T01:24:00.002-06:00

The Monday challenge on StampTV last week was a challenge to use pearls on our card. Joy gave us the challenge-she always wears pearls-even when she gardens!
I used a lot of pearls on my card today-much more than I ever had before! I like the look.
The flower image is from Gina K's "True Love" stamp set, colored with Copics and highlighted with a Sakura Clear Star pen. I had a difficult time, getting the sparkle to show up in the photo.
The die cut flourishes were cut from a Cheery Lynn die, using GKD patterned paper. I cut one in reverse so I could form a heart shape. Glad you came to see what I am sharing today. ...Karen

Tues. 2/7/2012 Have you seen this one yet?

2012-02-07T01:24:00.002-06:00

Today's card is one I posted on STV last week, but it didn't get to my blog until now. I used a gorgeous flower image from GKD's "Stately Flowers 2" set, by Melanie Muenchinger. It only took about 2 minutes to color this one with my Copics. Love that- a lot of bang for the buck!

I entered this one into Stamp School 1/24 challenge and also the Friday 2/27 challenge

at StampTV STV12FRI1. So happy you came to 'see' me today! ...Karen

Mon. 2/6/2012 Card for Joan's and Tuesday Morning

2012-02-06T01:24:00.002-06:00

I have one card to share with you today that I entered into Joan's Gardens' challenge #JG126 and for a first time entry at Tuesday Morning Sketches.

I had fun making this one with pink, green with a dash of purple for Joan's and the sketch. Do you like using sketches, or do you prefer color challenges?

The butterfly is a Cheery Lynn Design die cut. I cut using white cs, colored with Copics and then glittered with Art Institute transparent glitter (love that stuff). The dotted paper is GKD, as is the sentiment stamped 3 times and heat embossed, on a label made with a PTI die. If you look closely, you can see the remainder of the circle on the card front, used to decorate the inside! No waste here! LOL

I think this one is going to my granddaughter's mailbox! Thanks for stopping by today. ...Karen

Sun. 2-5-2012 Less is More #52 challenge

2012-02-05T01:24:00.006-06:00

I have recently started playing in the challenges at Less is More. FUN!!!

Here is this week's sketch. The butterfly I used is from Basic Grey and the sentiment is PTI. I just received some twine from The Twinery, and just had to use it on this card! Patterned paper and pink cs are from Gina K.

That's it for today! ...Karen

Sat. 2/4/12 Outlawz Challenge PAM020412

2012-02-04T00:01:00.005-06:00

It's time for another challenge for the Paper A La Mode group at The Outlawz. This time, Theresa has challenged us to use at least 2 hearts on our cards. I hope you will click on the link above, then on the challenge dated Feb. 4-10th and play along. There are some awesome prizes!!!!

Here is my card. I used Nesties to cut the felt hearts and the sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers. I didn't have red dotted ribbon, so I made it using white Liquid Applique, and centered it between two different strips of punched borders. The embossing folder I used is a Sizzix one called Scallops and Lines. Hope you like this fun card.

Thanks you for stopping by!

Fri. 2/3/2012 Vintage card for two challenges and a pouch

2012-02-02T23:41:00.000-06:00

I mentioned the paper I won from Becca at Amazing Paper Grace yesterday, and today's card uses more of this gorgeous paper. I entered this card into StampTV's Free for All Friday challenge,
# STV12FRI1, (at least one stamped flower on your project plus use at least two different shapes) as well as the Card Patterns Sketch 150.

The vintage feel to this card makes me a happy camper! Hope you like it too!

Now I also want to share a candy bar pouch I made for the challenge JG022 at Joan's Gardens. There is a tutorial-easy to follow and fun to make as well.

That's it for me today! Thank you for visiting! ...Karen

Thurs. 2/2/2012 Pretty Bird

2012-02-02T01:24:00.002-06:00

I really like the colors I ended up using for today's share. I used a sketch from The House that Stamps Built challenge J2512, and also entered it into a challenge at Stamp School Study Hall 1-24-2012.

I recently bought this bird stamp from Serendipity-thinking it would be great for a collage card, but I haven't made that one yet. I think it's cute on its own!

The patterned paper is Prima. I won a bunch of beautiful Prima papers from Amazing Paper Grace. Thanks Becca! The papers are gorgeous!
I hope you have a great day! ...Karen

Wed. 2/1/2012 It's February Already!!

2012-02-01T01:24:00.003-06:00

Good morning! I needed to make another sympathy card this week, and I really love this rose bud from Mark's Finest Papers new "Love Remains" stamp set. I stamped with Memento and colored with Copic markers. After cutting it out I popped it up on oval Nesties, both plain and scalloped. The sentiment is from Gina K. Designs "Not Forgotten" set.

So happy you stopped by! ...Karen

Tues. 1/31/12 OLW 76

2012-01-31T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-30T01:24:00.011-06:00

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

2012-01-29T01:24:00.012-06:00

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

2012-01-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-27T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-26T01:24:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-25T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-24T01:24:00.001-06:00

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!

2012-01-23T06:50:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-22T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-21T00:01:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-20T00:01:00.007-06:00

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

2012-01-19T00:01:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-18T00:01:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-17T01:24:00.003-06:00

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!

Karen K.(glad you're here)

Mon. 1/16/2012 Sending Happy Thoughts

2012-01-16T01:24:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-15T01:24:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-14T00:01:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-13T21:00:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-13T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-12T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-11T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-10T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-09T01:24:00.003-06:00

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!

2012-01-08T17:07:00.000-06:00

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

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

2012-01-08T01:24:00.008-06:00

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

2012-01-07T00:01:00.004-06:00

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!

2012-01-06T01:24:00.002-06:00

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!!

2012-01-05T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-03T20:11:00.001-06:00

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.

2012-01-03T01:24:00.006-06:00

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?"

2012-01-02T01:24:00.017-06:00

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!!!!

2012-01-01T01:24:00.001-06:00

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!

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

2011-12-31T01:24:00.005-06:00

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

2011-12-30T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-12-29T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-12-28T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2011-12-27T01:24:00.002-06:00

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....

2011-12-26T01:24:00.004-06:00

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

2011-12-25T01:24:00.005-06:00

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

2011-12-24T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2011-12-23T01:24:00.006-06:00

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

2011-12-22T01:24:00.003-06:00

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!

2011-12-21T01:24:00.006-06:00

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

2011-12-20T01:24:00.004-06:00

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

2011-12-19T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2011-12-18T01:24:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-17T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-12-16T01:24:00.005-06:00

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

2011-12-15T00:05:00.005-06:00

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

2011-12-14T00:05:00.004-06:00

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.

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

2011-12-13T00:05:00.002-06:00

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

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!

2011-12-12T01:24:00.004-06:00

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!!!

2011-12-11T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

2011-12-09T21:00:00.007-06:00

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!

2011-12-09T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-12-08T01:24:00.003-06:00

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

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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

2011-12-06T01:24:00.002-06:00

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!

2011-12-05T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-12-04T01:24:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-03T09:09:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-02T10:25:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-02T01:24:00.000-06:00

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???

2011-11-30T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-11-29T01:24:00.004-06:00

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

2011-11-28T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-11-27T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

2011-11-26T01:24:00.002-06:00

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?

2011-11-25T01:24:00.002-06:00

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

Thurs. Nov. 24, 2011 Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T01:24:00.005-06:00

I am so thankful for all of you that visit and follow my blog. I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving Day! We are having a small gathering here this year. DH and I will be welcoming my mom, sister and brother in law, and my son. My daughter will be joining her boyfriend's family for dinner this year. My granddaughter will be spending the day with her dad in Arizona this year. My oldest stepson will be with his mom and the youngest step and his wife live in NJ and spending the day with her family. We are praying that all will be here for Christmas!!!

The card I have for you today is a simple Thank You card. I got some new dp the other day, and I loved these colors. I layered flowers (which I colored with TH stains) to make a creation to match the papers. I dedicate the card to all of you!

Enjoy your day! Thanksgiving is my favorite meal of the year-so back to the kitchen, for me!

...Karen