Friday, March 30, 2012

Colorful Creations - Spring Fling Blog Hop


Thanks for playing along in our "Spring Fling Blog Hop"!

My challenge for you is to create an Easter card using a cross.
After you complete your project, post it in the Colorful Creations gallery
Please tag it "DT Karen Spring Fling".
Also, please link your project to my blog using the link at the bottom of this post.
Your layout or project must be newly created as of March 30th
 and cannot be combined with any other CC Challenges.
You have until Saturday, April 8th midnight MST to complete your challenges



Make sure to use at least 7 of the secret products on your layout/project,
then post a link in the Spring Fling Challenge Event!
 Leave a comment, after you post your layout/project,
 so we can leave you some love on your blog,
doing so you will be entered into RAK's offered for the DT blog challenges!

For your "Spring Fling Challenge" my product is to raid your stash
and use buttons on your layout or project!

I can’t wait to see your creations! Here is my example...

It's time to do a bit of Spring Cleaning of your stash!

Each DT member will give you a product from your stash,
to be combined into your layout/project for the

Andrew came from here
Karen You are here
Kristie go here next

Here's how to win the RAK to the right
  • Become a follower of my blog
  • Participate in my above card challenge
  • Leave a comment here and on the Colorful Creation blog
  • Answer 6 trivia questions about my blog - send answers to my email at stampinQT@comcast.net
  • DO NOT post answers in the comment section
All answers can be found on my blog.  Have fun!
1.)  What city and state do I live in?
2.)  What is the phrase I use at the end of each post?
3.)  What date did I post "The Bold & The Beautiful"?
4.)  Besides Colorful Creations, name one other DT that I am on.
5.)  What is my occupation?
6.)  What is the meaning of Frenzied?
All persons with all 6 (six) answers correct will go into a random drawing for the RAK.

Catch the Frenzy!



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Bold and The Beautiful

Over at CAS-ual Fridays they are having  challenge #CFC45:  The Bold and the Beautiful.  Create a Clean and Simply project using pastels and black.  This really has a stunning effect.

I started with a 3-1/2" x 8" white cardstock.  I layered it with a 2-1/2" x 8" black cardstock.  The 3 pastel squares are cut at 2-1/4" x 2-1/4".  I used a Close to my Heart flower image and stamped it three times on co-ordinating gingham paper.  Cut these flowers out, added a matching large brad to the center of each.  Stamped the sentiment in black and finished with black bakers twine.

Catch the Frenzy!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Southern Girls Challenge

I am so happy to announce that I am now a member of the Southern Girls Challenge.  Please stop by and meet all the other Design Team members.

My first challenge as a Design Team member will start post on April 26.  Until then.

It's Springtime

It was an absolutely gorgeous spring day today in Washington, with sunshine and purple crocus popping up in my yard.  Lovin' it. 




So my card today is one I made for iSpy Sketches  based on the sketch below.  If you have not had a change to check out their blog, please do so.  They have fun sketches to work with and the Design Team creations are very inspirational.

To make my card I used ink, paper and stamps from Close to My Heart that I had in my stash.  I began with an Orchid Bouquet A2 card.  Layered the Indian Corn Blue gingham paper on top.  For the center piece I used Elegant Edges Cricut cartridge, page 65 <Flower3> with the Oblong feature cut at 4", added the shadow in white cardstock.  I also cut a 3" <oval1> found of page 114 of George & Basic Shapes Cartridge.  The bird and birdhouse images were stamped in the same ink colors as the paper.  I also used Clover Meadow for the leaves. 

Finishing touches were adding the green grosgrain ribbon to the right side and a bow at the top.  The "thinking of you" message were stamp with black ink on a white strip of cardstock paper.  I clipped one end with a square punch to create a banner effect.  Small adhesive pearls around the oval really finish this card off.


Thank you for stopping by today. Enjoy your week and check back for more sharing.

Catch the Frenzy!



Sweet little Lamb

My share today is my Design Team creation for Fantabulous Cricut  - Challenge Me Monday #104 "Out like a Lamb".  The basic idea for this card had been developing in my head weeks.  I finally had time to create it last Saturday and I have been waiting to share with everyone.  It was so much fun to make and when I look at it, it makes me go all soft and squishy inside.  I hope it has the same affect on you.

I started with a 7" x 8" white cardstock, folded in half to create a 3-1/2" x 8" card.  I added 1-1/2" x 8" strip of Bubblegum gingham paper at the bottom of the card.  The next layer is a 3/4" strip and a 2" circle Citrus Leaf cardstock, with a 1-3/4" white circle.  Inside this circle I stamped a circle message that says "Cutie...Cutie" and used a second stamp inked in Bubblegum "Hello" for the center.

I used Create a Critter, pg. 71 <Lamb> cut at 4" for all layers.  The tulips are from the same cartridge, pg. 69 <Bttrfly2> using the accessory feature, cut at 3".  George and Basic shapes was used for the 2" Citrus Leaf circle.  The last cartridge I used was Walk in My Garden, pg. 115 <btfly1> cut at 1" using the blackout feature.  I cut a second one in Citrus Leaf and used the body only.

For my finishing touches I used Baby Pink ink to sponge around the white portion of the lamb, Bubblegum ink sponged around the gingham paper on the lamb, tulips, butterfly wings.  Citrus Leaf ink for the leaves, grass and butterfly body.  I added line doodles with my black  .01 micron pen to my cuts outs and the lamb got eyelashes and cheeks with little white dots for her eyes.  Adhesive pearls were added to the tulips, buttons for the lamb and the butterfly head.  And the last touch was the sweet little Limeade baker twine bows added to my little lambs ears.

Catch the Frenzy!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Fussy and Fancy Design Team Call

I decided to apply for the Fussy and Fancy Design Team Call, but choosing 3 of my favorite projects is "Oh so hard to do".  I have many more cards in my gallery, so please take a peek.


I decided to choose the following three cards for several reason: 

They all were a lot of fun to make for the challenges I entered them into.

They show my ability to work with color and embellishments.

They make me smile.

They all were recognized as Top 2, 3 or 5 in the challenges.



Thank you for stopping by to check out a few of my cards.









Catch the Frenzy!

    Wednesday, March 21, 2012

    Another Design Team Call

    I'm just so excited to announce...


    I have been asked to join Colorful Creations Design Team. It's "A place where scrappers can come to Craft, Create and Share. Come Grow With Us!"  The site is not only for scrappers, but for card makers too.  I will be hosting a bi-monthly card challenge.  My first challenge will be up on April 1, so please make sure to check my challenge and other Design Team members challenges as well.


    There will also be a Spring Fling Blog Hop with challenges and prizes along the way. Look for more information soon, to include a list of sites along the hop, my challenge, and blog candy.

    Colorful Creations


    Catch the Frenzy!

    Saturday, March 17, 2012

    Happy St. Patrick's Day

    Get your GREEN on...  Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone and thanks for stopping by to check out my share today.  I'm posting rather late in the evening, but wanted to make sure I got my St. Patrick's Day card posted to my blog.  Todays' share is a card I made for Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge. I also entered it at Lil Red Wagon  challenge #124 - Lucky You.  This week it was a color challenge using green, white and one other color.  I choose gold.  Enjoy!

    I started with a white A2 card for my base.  I added gold cardstock cut at 4" x 5-1/4" and layered the green gingham patten paper on top, which was cut at 3-3/4" x 5".  I also cut a strip of green cardstock at 1" x 4-1/4" and added that to the bottom on the card.

    I used the Simply Charmed cartridge and cut the <Leprchn2> on pg. 32 at 2-1/2" and layers 1, 2 and 3.  I also used <PotOfGld> on pg. 33 cut at 2-1/2" and layer 2.

    To finish this card I sponged black ink on the pot and outlined both the pot and Leprechaun with my black .01 Micron pen.  I used gold adhesive rhinestones on the pot to represent gold, added a rhinestone for the button, as well as three more in varies sizes to the top right corner.  My sentiment stamps are from Close to My Heart.  I tied green bakers twine around the pot and the top of the card with a bow and a fun little pin I found at the Dollar Store finishes off the card.

    Catch the Frenzy!

    Tuesday, March 13, 2012

    New Release and Giveaway

    Check out the New Release and Giveaway at Getting Cricky.  This set is very versatile for Get Well, Thinking of you, Birthday, Boys and Silly cards.  So head on over using the link above and check out this new release, other stamps and the challenge.

    Catch the Frenzy!

    Thanks for Everything - ISSC06 Challenge

    Another iSpy Sketches Challenge #06 based on the below sketch from Patter Cross.  The Octagon shape was intriguing. Thanks for stopping by today and please stop by iSpy Sketches.

    I used My George & Basic Shapes Cartridge for the <Octagon> shape found on pg. 107 and I cut three at 1-1/2" and two at 1" in coordinating colored pattern paper.  I also used this same cartridge to cut my circle, which is found on pg. 108 and cut the red one at 2-1/2" and the pattern one at 2".  The last Cricut cut was the <Flower1>, pg. 120 in which I cut three at 1-1/2".


    I stamped the sentiments in Chocolate ink , both from Close to My Heart on the smaller circle, and on white cardstock, which punch to make a banner.  All pieces layered as shown in the photo. 

    Finishing touches, added chocolate brads to the center of the three layered flowers, to the right edge of the circle and to the center of my Bon Bon (DoodleBug Design) twine bow.

    Catch the Frenzy!

    An Ode to March and Lions

    Are you kidding me?  It's the middle of March and the Pacific NW received snow again today! I woke up to a winter wonderland this morning.  Although I do find snow magical and beautiful, it can be disruptive as well.  It was definitely a crazy weather day.  We had snow fall, rain, snow fall again during my quick commute home from work, but as I sit here posting, looking out my front window, it is an absolutely beautiful sunny evening.  Mother Nature, just make your mind up, please. 


    So this poem is an ode to the March weather and my previous two Lion cards:





    In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb by Lorie Hill
    March roars in like a lion
    So fierce,
    The wind so cold,
    It seems to pierce.

    The month rolls on
    And Spring draws near,
    And March goes out
    Like a lamb so dear.
    Remember to check out the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog Challenge Me Monday #102 - In like a Lion.  Check out our Design Teams inspiration and link up to play along.  Remember to include as least one cricut cut.  There is still time to play.

    Catch the Frenzy!

    Monday, March 12, 2012

    Happy March

    I'm playing along with My Craft Spot challenge #47 - For the Birds.  My card has an awesome color combination of Lagoon and Sorbet and lots of layers.  So Happy March!


    I started with Sorbet A2 card.  I added a pattern paper I found in a stack of DCWV with the same Lagoon and Sorbet colors.  I used  the following cartridges for my card:  Elegant Edges pg. 65 <Flower3> cut at 4" for the center piece.  My bird is found in Live Simply <Bird1-s> cut at 3", I also used the layers for the wing and leaves.  The flower is from George & Basic shapes cartridge, pg. 120.  I cut 3 each in the following sizes, 2", 1-1/2" and 1" on dotted Sorbet paper from My Minds Eye.  I also cut the white circle found on pg. 108 at 3".  All other paper from Close to My Heart and cut 1/4" smaller than the piece below it. 

    To finish this card I sponged all bird and leaf pieces with Lagoon ink, all flower pieces with Sorbet ink, ink from Close to My Heart.  After sponging I added black line details around the edges of these pieces.  Stamped my sentiment, two stamps from Close to My Heart in Sorbet and Black.  Added lighter lagoon brads From American Craft to center of flowers and 3 at the lower right corner.  Small adhesive pearls around the center cut out and a ribbon finish off my card.

    Catch the Frenzy!

    In like a Lion

    My share today is my first as a Design Team member at Fantabulous Cricut for the Challenge Me Monday #102 - In like a Lion.  Please use the link above to check out creations by other DT members for some inspiration.
    I found many lion images on several Cricut cartridges.  I decided to use the <Lion>, plus all layers and shadow feature found on page 57 of Create a Critter cartridge cut at 3". 

    I also used the <Leaf> on page 51 of the Create a Critter cartridge cut at 2" and used 6 leaves on my card.  The tree is actually the <Branch1> found in the Winter Woodland cartridge, page 38 cut at 2-1/2".  The last cartridge I used was Simply Charmed for the <Sun2> found on page 50 with layer 1 cut at 1-1/2"

    This card is a 6" X 6" card.  I used a light blue base, and sponged clouds onto the background with Heavenly blue ink.  I tore 3 strips of garden green paper and used an old Close to My Heart stamp called Scratches and garden green ink onto the torn strips.  I also sponged garden green around all 6 leaves.  The sun and lion have sunflower ink sponged around edges.  The lions mane was ran through my Cuttlebug using the tiny bubble folder.  I then used my Micron black pen to add outline details.  Layer all pieces as shown in the photo working back to front.  All paper, stamps, cloud stencil from Close to My Heart.

    For other finishing details... I found some green buttons and added Bon Bon colored twine from Doddlebug design to 5 buttons, made a bow with the twine as well.  And last of all, I stamped my sentiment on white cardstock and mounted to brown cardstock.  I wanted to make it look like a sign hanging from the tree, so I punched tiny holes in the top corners, added same Bon Bon twine.  A brown brad went into the trunk of the tree to hang the sign on.

     I hope you enjoyed my card and thanks for stopping by today. 

    Catch the Frenzy!


    Sunday, March 11, 2012

    Each Day is a Gift

    Tonight I am sharing a card that I made for the Freshly Made Sketches challenge #25.  This is a very simple, yet classic sketch and it was fun to work with.  Since it was kind of a deary day in the Pacific NW, I wanted to make a card that felt like spring.  I used colors that are bright and cheery.  I hope you enjoy the card.


    The inspiration sketch



    To make this card I started with an A2 base in bright blue.  I found some great packages of paper at Big Lots a few months back.  The company is Sunny Day - "The Lydia Collection" .  Inside was this bright, cheery paper with orchid, yellow and blue.  Using the sketch,  I cut my paper as follows:  pattern paper cut at 4" x 5-1/4", yellow cardstock cut at 2-1/4" x 5", blue square cut at 2-1/2" x 2-1/2", and white square cut at 2-1/4" x 2-1/4".  The orchid paper, which was the reverse side of the pattern paper, was stamped with a leaf image in orchid ink. I stamped a dragonfly onto the white square, and a second one onto vellum.  The dragonfly on the white square was colored with Tombow markers in light blue and two shades of yellow.  I also colored the wings and upper dragonfly body of the vellum, on the back side and cut it out.  This was attached to the center of the dragonfly on the white square.  I pulled up the wings to give dimension and added an adhesive pearl for the head.  I punched a 1" circle out and stamped my sentiment, glue this piece to a metal tag and add 3 blue brads.  The last finishing piece is a yellow gingham ribbon.  All cardstock paper and stamps from Close to My Heart.


    Close up view of the dragonfly
    Catch the Frenzy!


    Wednesday, March 7, 2012

    I'm not lion...

    Today my sharing is a card I made for My Craft Spot challenge #46 - Make us laugh.  I do not have much in the way of stamps with funny sayings or puns, but thank goodness for the computer and the ability to use it for searching. I did find a great website for Top 100 animal puns.  Korney, silly puns to use on cards, which I did for my submission.  I hope you'll enjoy it and think that it's punny! or at least make you GIGGLE!


    To make this card:
    I started with an ivory A2 cardstock card.  I then added patterned paper to the background.  Polka dotted paper is cut 3" x 4-1/4" and the diamond pattern paper is cut 2-1/2" x 4-1/4". All paper from Close to My Heart.

    Cartridges:
    Ultimate Creative Series Sampler, which has so much to offer.  I used Bonus 4 for the lion, which is Image13 with layers cut at 3-1/2".  You can also find this lion in the Animal Kingdom cartridge.  The grass is on the Bonus 5, Image42 cut at 1-1/2".  This image can be found in the Plantin' SchoolBook cartridge.  And the last image I used was the hat and layers, Bonus 2, Image15 & Image16 cut at 1-1/2", which is from the Forever Young cartridge.

    To complete this card:
    I chalked around the edges of my images, as well as used a black micron pen to outline the images.  Layer all pieces as seen in the photo, working back to front.  I gave the  Lion some Glossy Accents on the eyes and nose, which I colored in with the black pen first.  I added an adhesive pearl to the center of the flowers, one found inside.  I created the message on the computer, punched it out with my 1-1/2" circle punch and layered it on top of a red 1-3/4" circle.  A GIGGLE ticket from Tim Holtz is tucked under the circle. 

    Inside of card
    So the question is, "What do you call a Lion wearing a stylish hat?"

    The answer, "...a dandy Lion" 

    Enjoy you evening and thanks for stopping by.


    Catch the Frenzy!

    Sunday, March 4, 2012

    Get Well Soon!

    The sentiment "Get well soon!" is for everyone in my household.  We have been sick with head colds that continue to linger after two weeks.  And I had three days for jury duty this week as well.  I feel like I haven't been in my craft space like forever and really wanted to stamp today.  I did manage to complete one card for the Freshly Made Sketches #24 based on the sketch below.


    To make this card:

    I used A2 white card for my base.  I trimmed the red w/ white polka dot patterned paper to 5-1/4" x 4" and another pieced to 1-1/2" x 4-1/4".  I trimmed the red, white and blue patterned paper to 5" x 3-3/4".  I also trimmed blue cardstock to 1-3/4" x 4-1/4".  I used a piece of paper doily for the bottom edge.

    Cartridges:

    Elegant Edges - page 33 <Doily> oblong frame cut on blue cardstock at 4" and shadow feature on white cardstock.   I run the frame piece through my Cuttlebug with the swiss dot folder.  Stamp the sentiment in the center.  I used a stamp from Fiskars with red ink.

    To complete the card:

    Layer all paper as shown in the photo, working back to front.  My finishing touches are red buttons with knotted floss, a blue crocheted flower and a bow made with bakers twine.

    Catch the Frenzy!
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