Just for fun...

I am actually sharing a card today that I made for three challenges.

Rarely do I have time to enter challenges, as I am creating for the fabulous Design Teams I am on.

So this weekend, as I was looking through the challenges listed at Feline Playful,

I found some of interest that I thought I would play along with this week.

I also was so wanting to color one of the Some Odd Girl images that I have. 

I chose Tiny Tia Bow because I just think she is so sweet.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Totally Papercrafts - Challenge #127 (use Orange & Yellow)

DigiStamps 4 Joy - Challenge #47 (Polka Dots & Stripes)

Card Makin' Mama's - Challenge #50 (Recipe: 1 image, 2 Designer Papers, 3 embellishments)

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoyed my card.

Have a awesome Tuesday!

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

A Happy Birthday Card

Today I am sharing a newly created Birthday Card.

I am submitting it to the The Stamping Boutique Design Team call.

The Stamping Boutique frequently sponsors challenges at Made Especially for You,

So, as a DT member, whenever I have an opportunity to use one of Tracey's images, I really enjoy it!

I used this sweet little image Audrey with a cupcake, which you can purchase HERE.

Other supplies used to complete my card:

Close to My Heart paper from my stash along with an old set, D1408 A Little of Everything

Designer Paper from a 6 x 6 stack, Bo Bunny - Hello Sunshine Collection

Flowers and brads

I just love bright colors!

I have two more recent cards made with The Stamping Boutique images,

just in case your missed the original posts.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Blessings...

Today my share is a card I made for Made Especially for You week 5 challenge.

Make a card inspired by the provided color combo.

Gray, Light Brown, Brown, Dark Blue, Teal

Make sure you use at least three of these colors on you card.

Here's my card using a stamp by Josephine Kimberling for Impress.

I used my water brush and ink pad to color my image, only the flowers.

This paper wasn't the best paper for water coloring, the paper had a coating that acted like wax resist.

But I think it still came out nicely.

Our sponsor this week is the The Cutting Cafe.

The randomly chosen winner will receive their choice of three sets of images from their store.

Thanks Regina!

I hope you will have a chance to join us for this weeks challenge.

Check out our Design Team inspiration and be inspired.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Did you notice...

My new Badge on the right side of my blog?

Yep, that's right...I had the privilege of taking the Copic Standard Certification class on Thursday.

I took the long 4 hour, 40 minute drive (490 miles) from Tukwila, WA to Eugene, OR
I started my trip on Wednesday afternoon around 1:00 p.m. with an Iced Mocha and my tunes.
After 1 hour, 30 minutes of driving I stopped in Chehalis for a slumber party with my Daddy-O!
Back on the road Thursday morning at 5:00 a.m.  to arrive in Eugene by 9:00 a.m.

The class was worth every mile and every drop of gas.

Our class was taught by Copic Product Specialist - Marianne Walker
We received a 70 page Student Manual, color charts, 5" x 7" Portfolio for our samples.
As well as little pouch filled with 4 multi liners, Colorless Blender, bottle of refill ink for the blender.

There is so much to learn beyond what I thought I already knew:

History of the markers
Types of papers that work and always test first
Color Theory
Blending techniques
Fun techniques using the Colorless Blender
Airbrushing

What I took away from the class, besides the goodies:

Really saturate the paper and look at the back side to make sure it is even.
The Colorless Blender is awesome!
Find the right paper that works for me.
Always write down the color numbers when you find a combination you like
.
AND... I need more markers! Shhh... don't tell the hubster.

I'll be taking the Intermediate class sometime in October, as it will be in Portland, a little closer!

A Designed 2 Delight share...

Today, I am sharing another Designed 2 Delight card using one of the July new release images.  

I used the Sick Chick image with the Sick sentiment. 

You can view the entire Bird Brain collection HERE 

There is still time to play in our Color Combo Challenge.

Enjoy your Saturday and go out and play!

Thanks for stopping by today - Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

It's a Dog's World

Happy Thursday and welcome to Digi Haven weekly challenge.

If you love digi images, especially "Freebie's",  this is the place to play!

Digi Haven is all about using "Free" digi images for our challenges.

This week - It's a Dog's World (also open for you cat lover's as well) details below...

You can find my image HERE

July 27, 2012 - It's a Dog's World. Use any FREE dog or cat digital image.

The image can be a forever freebie, limited time freebie or a freebie of the month,

as long as it is free for the duration of the challenge.

Many of the sites listed at Digi Haven under the Free digi tab have really cute dog images.

Please check them out, pick one to use and play along with us.

Oh, and there is awesome inspiration from the Design Team to check out as well.

Please make sure to link back to the original artist or website on your blog.

Challenge ends next Thursday and winners announced on Sunday.

I promise, you'll have a "Tail wagging good time!"

About my card and the image...

If you check out my blog, you'll notice that I love to make long cards and square cards. 

This card is a 5" x 5" Square.

I colored my image with my Copic markers, added my own computer sentiment.

Finishing touches:  Red heart brad, 3 large black brads attached to paper tabs, black/white twine.

I am also entering this card into the "It's Hip to be Square" challenge at Dustin Pike 

If you enter the challenge and email him (there's still time to play),

You receive this image "Free" for spreading the LOVE

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Happy Holidays Pixie Style

Another Thursday, Another Pixie Dust Studio challenge.

This week, "Pixie Does Some Early Christmas Shopping"

Make a Holiday card.

I used the Santa Surprise image and did a lot of cutting and paper piecing.

Please check out the Design Team inspiration and join in on the challenge.

Happy Thursday - Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

You Color my World

This week at The Cutting Cafe blog it's all about Bow Ties and Ribbon.

We are using the Bow Tie and Ribbon template to create our Design Team projects.

I decided to make a simple card this week.

I hope you like it!

After cutting my Bow Ties out, I sponged around the edges, added black line work.

I used a digi stamp for the sentiment, coloring in the letters with my Copic markers.

Check out our Design Team inspiration and Be Inspired!

Leave a comment letting us know what you think about the projects.

From those comments there will be one randomly chosen person to win any 3 sets from the store.
Online Store

Have a blessed Wednesday and Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Challenge Me Monday

This week at Fantabulous Cricut the Design Team members on Team A

are sharing their inspiration for Challenge #121 - Wedding Bliss.

Make a project for a special couple, (Wedding or Anniversary).

Use at least one (1) Cricut cut on your project.

And remember to list on your blog the cartridge(s) used.

I have to admit, I do not have many cartridges with Wedding images.

I did find an image in the Wild Card Cartridge.

Page 63 <Cake) using the Icon feature, cut at 3-1/2".

I was able to create a simple, but elegant card with this image.

I love Red, Black and White together.

I also used George & Basic Shapes cartridge, page 108 circle. 

White circle cut at 4"  and the Black with white polka dots cut at 1-1/2"

Sentiment is from Close to my Heart.

All other supplies were from my stash.

I hope you will be able to play along with us this week at FCCB

Challenge begins on Monday, July 23 and runs through Midnight (Mountain Time), July 29

Have a great week.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Sending Owl My Love

Week four of July brings our weekly Challenge at Made Especially for You.

Create a card using a specific technique.

We are making Easel Cards.

I absolutely love, love, love to design easel cards. 

My easel card starts with a 4" x 8" base.  Beginning at the left side, lengthwise, score at 2" and 4"

Crease 2" score line up like a mountain.  Crease the 4" score line down like a valley.

Cut another piece cardstock 4".  This will be the front of the card.

Decorate the front as desired and glue this piece to the first 2" section from left.

Decorate the inside, which is the 4" section on the right of the 4" x 8" cardstock.

Please note:  when you decorate the inside, you will need to use mounting tape.

This will help raise the paper up just enough to create the stop for the easel.

The Owl image was a freebie from Melonheadz.

Owl sentiment from The Crafts Meow

Love sentiment from Close to My Heart.

Our sponsor this week is Paper Piecings by Nikki which you can find HERE.

One randomly chosen winner will receive a $15.00 Gift Certificate to their store.

You can check out all the Design Team inspiration HERE.

Make sure to play along with us this week.  

We would love to see your Easel Card creations!

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

D2D and Pixie Dust Studio Blog Hops...

You can find the Designed 2 Delight - HERE
You can find the Pixie Flix Blog Hop - HERE

HAPPY HOPPING

please see other current post below

Dear Tooth Fairy

This week at Digi Haven the challenge is all about Fanciful Fairies.

Make a card using a FREE Fairy or Winged Cherub.

The image can be a forever freebie, limited freebie or freebie of the month,

as long as it's free for the duration of this challenge.

Please be sure to link back to the original artist or website on your blog.

This challenge ends on Thursday and winners will be posted on Sunday.

You can find this cute tooth fairy at The Stamping Boutique HERE

The sentiment is free as well and can be found HERE

Please see the Digi Haven blog to read about the story behind this image.

A big THANK YOU to Denise at Digi Haven for going the extra mile.

and

Thank you Tracey for understanding and offering this image FREE for the week.

I actually made a second card, if things didn't work out.

You can find this fairy at A Day for Daisies HERE

Please check out the Design Team's inspiration and join us this week for our challenge.  

Digi Haven is a new challenge blog that is all about FREE digi images.

We would sure love to see your fairy creations an have you play along.

Happy Friday and enjoy your day as you head into the weekend.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Blog hoppin' with...

Designed 2 Delight

Thanks so much for blog hoppin' with D2D! 

Remember, you can enter our Blog Hop Challenge for a chance to win some FREE Digis!

ENTER COLOR COMBO CHALLENGE

Choose a D2D Designer's card from the blog hop and copy their color scheme for your challenge card. Please link to the original card in your blog post or gallery description, and then link up your creation at D2D.  Faith will randomly select a winner, and the DT may also select their favorite entries.  Have fun!

Also, all New Release Digital Stamps will be on SALE until July 23.  

Details HERE

For more inspiring ideas from this new release, please visit the other designers' blogs:

Angels or Fantasy Challenge

At Southern Girls Challenge today we kick off another challenge.

Challenge #49 - Angels or Fantasy theme

For my card I chose this beautiful fairy from A Day for Daisies.

I colored in with my Copic markers and I had some ink bleeding.

I didn't have any opaque white to clean the problem up, so I trimmed around the flower area.

I then circle cut the rest of the image out.  Great recovery, I so did not want to re-color this image.

Our sponsor this week is:

You'll find them HERE

Please head over to the blog and check the Wonderful Design Teams examples.

We would love for you to join us in the Challenge this week.

It's Thursday, so have a Terrific day.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Pixie Flix Blog Hop

Are your ready to have some fun today?

The Pixie Dust Studio is doing another Pixie Flix and a Blog Hop.

3:00 a.m CST on Thursday 7/19/12 through Midnight CST on Sunday 7/22/12

If you want to start at the beginning of the Hop, go back and Start here!

or

You should have arrived from Kathy's blog.

Along the Hop, each Pixie will have one clue to help you identify Pixie's Flix

My Clue...

"An evil genius plans to instigate a World War 

in order to make a fortune from his war profiteering companies"

To be eligible for any PRIZES...

Hoppers must comment on all Pixies' Blogs along the Hop.

Hoppers must post their GUESS as to which movie Pixie selected for the Hop. 

Post your GUESS on the Challenge Blog only, not on individual. Pixie Blogs

PRIZES...

One lucky Hopper who correctly guesses the name of the movie 

and 

posts it along with their comment on the Challenge Blog

and.

has posted a comment on all participating Pixies' Blog

will

RECEIVE their own copy of the movie on DVD

Please note: WINNER is randomly selected from all correct entries.

Also, one of the Pixie's blog is a "Mystery Blog" 

One Hopper's comment will be randomly chosen from the "Mystery Blog"

and that Hopper will receive the digi stamp that Pixie Kathy designed just for this special hop.

BUT WAIT...

There is another way to be in a random drawing to receive this special image.

Just go to the Pixie Fan Page on Face book and leave a comment on the Pixie Flix post.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/133628750108595/

You'll find all the adorable Pixie images available to purchase at the Pixie Dust Studio Store.

The next stop on the Hop is Stephanie's blog. Happy Hopping!

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Anything Goes

At the The Cutting Cafe today, it's Anything Goes for our Design Team

I decided to use the Divider box with handles, Coffee Bean Background, Got Coffee

Inside I added plastic tubes filled with whole coffee beans, sugar, 

and if I had cream, I would have added a third tube to the box.

Make sure to check out The Cutting Cafe for more Design Team inspiration.

Be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you think.

One randomly chosen winner from those comment receives their choice of any 3 sets from the store.

Also, there will be some specials going on, so don't miss out!

Happy Wednesday

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

A 3 color challenge

It's week three and at Made Especially for You, that means create a card using three of the specified item.

This week's challenge, create a card using ONLY three colors.

I chose to use Cream, Blue and Brown.

We would like to thank our wonderful sponsor this week, Verve Stamps.

The winner will receive their choice of one stamp set from their store.

Head over to the Made Especially for You and get inspired by the Design Team Creations.

I hope you will be able to play along this week in our challenge.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Play the Day Away!

Looking for the FUN in the Sun blog Hop?
click this link MEFY and Digi Haven FUN in the Sun Blog Hop
Happy Hopping!


Today my share is a card I made for the Design Team at Fussy and Fancy.  

Challenge #67 - Photo Inspiration (Beach).  See my card and inspiration photo below.

I went for more of a vintage look, using this image I had.

I chose the colors grey, ivory and teal, which reminded me of the colors in the photo.

I was also inspired by the child at play.

This image brought back memories of my own two sons, 20 years ago.

They both loved to dig in the sand, splash in the water and would play for hours, happy and contented.

You can check out the Design Team inspiration at Fussy and Fancy.

I hope will will get a chance to play along and link up your creation.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Hop with MEFY and Digi Haven

Welcome to the Fun In The Sun Beach Blog Hop, brought to you by the fabulous teams of...
Made Especially for You and Digi Haven!

These two design teams have joined together to create some fun in the sun beach-themed projects! Inspired by the concept of the Digi Haven challenge blog all our creations we have for you today were made with "Free" digi's!

If you came from Denise's blog, you're in the right place!

If you just came across the hop and would like to start at the beginning,
please visit Ashley's blog at Made Especially for You

You can find the image I used HERE.  My sentiment was computer generated by me.

Since I am on both Made Especially for You and Digi Haven Design Teams, I made one card. However this card is also for the weekly challenge at Digi Haven Blog Hop and Summer Fun Challenge. Use any "Free" digital image that reminds you of summer.  The image can be a "forever freebie", "limited time freebie" or a "free digi of the month" so long as it is free for the duration of the challenge.  Please be sure to link back to the original artist or website on your blog.  this challenge ends next Thursday and winner's will be announced on Sunday.

We have some wonderful sponsors giving away prizes to those who comment on each stop along the hop!

Let's see what they have to offer...

As Cute As A Button

$25 Gift Certificate

Paper Piecings by Nikki

$15 Gift Certificate

Scraptastical Kreations

$20 Gift Certificate

The Stamping Boutique

3 images of the winner's choice

You must comment on every stop along the hop to be eligible to win a prize.
Hoppers have through Sunday July 15th to comment. 
Winners will be randomly chosen and announced on 
Made Especially For You on Tuesday July 17th. 

Your next stop is Eileen's blog.

Here's the entire lineup in case you get lost along the way:

Ashley - http://especiallymade.blogspot.com

Denise - http://www.scrappycardsbyd.blogspot.com/

Karen - http://simplyfrenzied-karen.blogspot.com/

Eileen - http://www.scrappingactuary.blogspot.com/

Krista - http://kristadesign.nl/

Cyndy - http://arcyscraps.blogspot.com/

Tammy - http://tampatha.wordpress.com/

Robin - http://www.thecricutscrapper.blogspot.com/

Candice - http://stampinpearls.blogspot.com/

Kristy - http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/

Dana - http://iwycd.blogspot.com/

Susie - http://www.susiecrafthappy.com/

Sandy - http://sandyscraftycreations.blogspot.com/

Pam - http://scrappinfabpam.blogspot.com/

Sandra - http://crea-sandra.blogspot.com/

Laura - http://scrappinaroundtheclock.blogspot.ca/

Jeannie - http://dragonflyjourneys.blogspot.com/

Happy Hopping! :)

Rain or Shine...

Welcome to another Pixie Dust Studio weekly challenge.

Rain or Shine, I must design!

Anything goes weather theme.

You can find my image in the Store

So head over to the blog and check out the Design Team inspiration,

then join us for the challenge and link up your project.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Happy Birthday

This week Pixies illustrator at Pixie Dust Studio celebrated her birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I made her a card using this cute little pixie she designed to celebrate the occasion.

You can purchase the image HERE.

There's still time to play in this week's SPA color Challenge and grab a FREE pixie image.

Have a...

Flippin' awesome summer!

This morning my sharing is a card I created for The Cutting Cafe,

using the Flip Flop card and a sentiment from the Flip Flop Laundry Line.

I used the front piece of the flip flop only.

I tucked a little envelope inside the border piece, which I made into a pouch.

Tuck a gift card inside this little envelope:

Jamba Juice, Starbucks, your favorite ice cream/yogurt shop, or even for a pedicure.

Make sure to check out the Design Team Inspiration posted Wednesday of each week.

Leave some comment LOVE, letting us know what you think.

One randomly selected winner from those comments will win 3 sets of their choice from the store.

Enjoy your Tuesday

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

You're out of this World

Another challenge at Made Especially for You.  Week 2 is our sketch challenge week.

Create a card inspired by the provided sketch.  (see below)

Our wonderful sponsor this week is:

One randomly chosen winner from all entries will receive 7 images of their choice from the store.

Head over to the blog and check out the Design Team inspiration using Bugaboo images.

Also be sure to checkout the 7 Days of Facebook Giveaways!

Seven Days, Seven Prizes, Seven Winners (randomly chosen)

Become a FB Fan of ME4Y

and

leave a message on the wall about what Your favorite part of ME4Y

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

You & Me , So Sweet..

It's Challenge me Monday at Fantablous Cricut  - Challenge #119 Yummy! - Yummy! 

We are making projects with summer desserts (i.e. ice cream, Popsicle, fruit, etc..)

Check out all the Yumminess from our Design Team

and

Get your Sweet tooth on and join us this week at FCCB fro some sweet fun!

Sweet Shop cartridge

To make my card:

Pattern paper from 8 x 8 stack October Afternoon - Farmhouse

Solid paper from Close to My Heart

Cut and adhere paper layers as shown in photo

I stitched the gingham paper using my sewing machine

Cut the <Float> image and all layers at 5"

I added black pen doodles and sponged the edges with Grey Flannel ink (CTMH)

Finishing touches:

Sentiment from Studio G - clear stamps

Used Memento-Tuxedo Black ink on the sentiments
Banner attached by stitching to the top of the card
Circle tag attached with brad and safety pin to bakers twine

I added 6 more brads to finish the card

Please remember when linking your project to list which cartridge you used on your blog

Have a Fantablous Monday - and Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Christmas in July Challenge

Over at Digi Haven we are celebrating Christmas in July for our weekly challenge.  If you love working with digi images, then Digi Haven is place to play!  It's all about "Free" digi images and we would love to see you link up your creations.

You can find my image Here

For this challenge use any "Free" Christmas or Winter image you wish.  

It can be a forever freebie, a limited time freebie or a freebie of the month.

Just make sure the image you use is "Free" for the duration of the challenge.

Please be sure to link back to the original artist or website on your blog.

This challenge ends on Thursday, July 12, 2012

Don't miss out on all the fun!  Head over to Digi Haven now and check out the DT inspiration.

Find a "Free" image and get creating.  We would love to see you link up and play along.

Happy Friday!

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Relax with a color challenge

Today is another Pixie Dust Studio challenge.  

This week we are creating a SPA cards, which is also a color challenge.

Be inspired by the colors in this badge 

and

use the link above and claim this digi image to use as well.

Now head over to PDS and get inspired by our Design Team.

Grab the image and get creating!

I can't wait to see what you come up with using this cute Spa Pixie.

Have an absolutely fabulous day and Catch the Frenzy!

Karen

Celebrate the USA

Today at Made Especially for You we are celebrating Independence Day in USA and Canadian style.  Week one is "Make a card for theme of the month using a certain item or product".  

Our theme is 4th of July or Independence Day from your country and BLING!  

Think rhinestones, gems, glitter, make it sparkle.

Our wonderful sponsor this week is The Stamping Boutique.  

One random winner will be able to choose 3 images of their chose from their store.

I hope everyone will have time to play along this week, I would love to see what you come up with.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen