Friday, September 28, 2012

Taking a little break...

Due to some personal family issues, my health and work schedule, I am currently taking a break.
I'll be back soon, after dealing what life has dished out.

I miss creating and blogging already :(

Take a look around in my blog, become a follower and leave a comment.

Check out the gallery of my projects too and get inspired to create something wonderful.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen



Friday, September 21, 2012

Harvest

Today kicks off a new fortnight challenge at Digi Haven.
This challenge is using a "Free" image that fits our theme: HARVEST

We have two great resources on the blog...
First, How-to-Play, where you will find the RULES
Next, Free Digis, where you will find blogs that offer free digis to use for our challenges.
 
 I actually have two cards to share with you today:
First Card
 
This image you can be found HERE


Supplies used:
6" x 6" purple cardstock base
Layered with striped pattern paper 5-3.4" square (from my stash of really old CTMH products)
Autumn terracotta cardstock cut to 1" x 5-3/4"
Oval cutter - cut two ovals 5" purple and 4-1/2" cream
Copic markers to color the image:
E21, E33, E35, E51, BV00, BV04, BV08, R20, R22, R27, Y02, YG03, YG11, YG41, YG67
Cricut cartridge: Beyond Birthdays, Grape leaves cut at 2-1/2"
Colored and sponged with Copic markers and outlined the image with micron pen
Finished card with a sentiment and lavender ribbon/bow

I will also be entering this card in the following challenges:
 
My second card:
 
Image can be found  at Spectacular Printable
 
I had found this scarecrow image and really wanted to use it,
however this "Freebie" expired prior to the end of the challenge.
I emailed Lyn, the designer and asked if there was a possibility to have it available longer.
She agreed to do that for me, making it available through the end of this challenge.
If you have a minute to comment on her blog and say Thanks, that would be appreciated.
 
Lyn - Thank you so much for your generosity and willingness to share this image with us.
 
Supplies used:
Brown A2 card base, layered with cream, red and gingham papers
Copic markers to color my image, which I cut out after coloring
Staples and 3 brads and sentiment banner finish my card.
 
 
Now you can head to the Digi Haven blog:
Check out the rest of the inspiration from our Design Team
Be inspired, create something wonderful and play along with us.
 
I can't wait to see what you come up with.
 
I will be entering this card in the following other challenges:
 
 


Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Another Pixie Flix...

Today brings another Pixie Flix challenge from Pixie Dust Studio


Can you guess the movie by reading the clue below?

"The three brothers, Samuel, Tristan, and Alfred fight in WWI. 
Tristan is unable to protect his brother on the battlefield, and Samuel dies in his arms."
 
You can check out the rest of the Design Team inspiration on the challenge blog
And check out the title of the movie to see if you guessed correctly.
Maybe do a little shopping too while your there!
 
I sure hope you will be able to play along with us this week.
 I look forward to seeing your creations.
 
I will also be entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Dude Time Doodles - Greetings All - add a sentiment
Classy Girl Musings - Classy Card Sketch Challenge #5
 
Thanks for stopping by today. Have a great day!
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wednesday with The Cutting Cafe

On Wedensday I have the pleaseure of sharing a Design Team creation for The Cutting Cafe
The Design Team was asked to feature the Acorn Shaped CardAutumn Days or Welcome Fall

Suppiles used:
For my card I used some fun papers from my stash, which had a little splash of mauve.
I used a brown ink to add sponging around the edges and doodlelines with my micron pen.
I decided to use that same mauve for my finishing touches: 
Leaves cut from a Cricut cartridge and my buttons
and a tan bow finish my card.
Browns and Pinks are a fun color combo.



I also used the Autumn Fall mini words for my card
Remeber to check out all the wonderful cut files and printable stamps in the The Store
Leave a comment letting us know what you think of the project.
There will be one randomly selected winner from those comments who will win...
Any 3 sets sold in the store.

By the way...
There is a super great special going on until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th
Check out the details HERE, found at the bottom of that post.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - #94 - Shaped Cards
 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Back to School CAS style

Today I am posting for my Design Team challenge at The Stamping Boutique
Challenge #51 - Back to School

 
I created a card using Kylie on books and went CAS on this card.
This was from a sketch I saw a while back, but cannot remember where.



Supplies used:
A2 card base folded in half the long way
Copic markers
Red gingham paper
Sentiment from Close to My Heart inked in black
Green grosgrain bow

So now it's your turn to create a Back to School card
Check out the Design Teams wonderful projects on the challenge blog HERE
I can't wait to see what you come up with.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

I'll be back after looking for some challenges.

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Toadally Awesome...

And now for my last card share for the day...

A card for the Design Team at SKdigis Challenge Blog
Our challenge theme is Black and White plus One

 
 
For my card I used the Happy Frog image
Colored with my Copic markers, then cut the image in a oval shape
I layered my papers as shown in the photo
My sentiment was created by me on the computer, circle punched with banners
Twine and black brads finish the card.
 
I hope you can join in on the challenge this week.
If you haven't checked out SKdigis yet, please do.
Fun images, quick to color and awesome to work with.
Remember to check out the rest of the Design Team creations for some inspiration.
Also, there are some "freebies" to grab if you want to play along.
 
I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
 
2 Sister - Challenge #109 - Black & White + 1
 
CAS-ual Fridays - CFC70 - Black & White + 1
 
Card Crafters Circle - Challenge #40 - Gone Gingham (checks)
 
Thanks for stopping by today.
I hope you enjoyed your visit and that maybe I inspired you just a little to be creative.
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 


Defying Gravity

My second post for today is a Design Team card I made for Songbird Challenges

Your card creation must feature something that flies! 
Which also needs to be your main image. Think Wings!
 
 
Supplies used:
Base of card 6" x 6" purple cardstock
Layer with pattern paper and two solid yellow strips of cardstock
Image from Tiddly Inks
Used Copic markers to color the image:
E00, E11, E33, Y00, Y06, Y08, BV00, BV02, BV04, RV02, RV20, R32, C-1
Sentiment from Close to My Heart
Lavender bow and adhesive rhinestones
 
 
Our sponsor for this fortnight challenge is Di's Digi Downloads
I hope you will find inspiration on the Blog from the other Design Team members
and have a chance to play along with us for this challenge.
 
I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Sketch Saturday - Week #225
 
Raise the Bar - Challenge #111 - I believe I can fly - (anything with wings)
 
Have a great day and remember to Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Balloons...

I have so much to share today! 
 
Monday is always a busy post day for me, so please be sure to check out all three of my posts.
 
My first post is the card I made for Made Especially for You
Week 3 of the month - Create a card using 3 of the specified item
 
Create a card featuring 3 Balloons
They can be die-cuts, stamps, embellishments, etc... as long as there are 3
 
 
Supplies used:
Card base is 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" red cardstock
Image is Ellie from Tiddly Inks, which is a freebie image
Used my Copic markers to color the image: C-1, R20, R27, R29, Y00, Y06, Y17, B00, B05
Layered pattern paper as shown in photo (paper from Close to My Heart)
Cut 5 banners in varies sizes
Added black twine and black adhesive rhinestones
 
Our wonderful sponsor this week is:
 
 
One randomly selected winner will receive their choice of  3 images from their online store.
 
Please remember to check out the rest of the Design Teams creations, HERE
Get inspired, create something wonderful and play along this week.
 
Can't wait to see what you have created!
 
I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
 
QKR Stampede - Challenge #5 - Birthday Celebration
 
 Sketches by Carly - Sketch Challenge #65
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

I'm a winner

I won some goodies this week!
 
Both were random draws
Which, believe it or not,  I have never been the lucky winner of a random draw before this week

Click HERE to see my card, which features an awesome image from SKdigis

And I also won at One Stop Craft Challenge entry #2
This was a card I made for the Desgin Team at Songbird Challenge

Challenge Winners
18th August Challenge Winners - 4 images Meljens Designs - Karen Howard ~ Craft Den - Anna

Anyway, I just wanted to share and can't wait to receive my goodies and make something wonderful!

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Winner of SKdigis...

 
$6.00 gift certificate to the online store...
Selected by random draw,
(the old fashion way, drawing a number out of a hat)
is...comment #15 - Sharon with her lovely comment:

"This is just adorable!!! Love the birdhouse and how you framed it. Great colors, too!! :)"
 
Thank you Sharon for the lovely comment, hopping along and becoming a new follower.
Please email me with your contact information so that I can email out the gift certificate.
 
Congratulations Sharon!
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Fall Ball Blog Hop

Welcome to the Fall Ball Blog Hop,
brought to you by the design teams of...
Made Especially For You and I Heart {ippity}!

Today we're happy to share with you all sorts of fall-themed projects to get you in the mood for a season full of crisp leaves, bountiful pumpkin patches, warm apple cider,
and all those other things we love that make fall such a wonderful time of year.

If you've come from Eileen'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 Made Especially For You.

For my project, I created this "Count your Blessings" card using this digital image HERE.


My card recipe:
Image colored in with my Copic markers, then cut out using a oval cutter.
Using the Cricut, "Elegant Edges" I cut a scalloped oval at 4-1/2" using the <Flower3> oval feature.
I mounted my image over the top of the Cricut scalloped oval.
Layer all pieces together, working back to front as shown in the photo.
Finishing touches:
Adhesive pearls around the scalloped oval and bottom right edge.
As well as a rich cranberry ribbon/bow



We also have some wonderful sponsors giving away prizes!
To be eligible you must comment on every stop along the hop!
$15 Gift Certificate


$20 Gift Certificate

The winners of the blog candy will be announced on
Made Especially For You  on Tuesday September 18th.
Please make sure to leave your contact information when commenting to be eligible to win!

Your next stop is Jeannie's blog
Here's the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way:


Happy Hopping and Catch the Frenzy!
Thanks for stopping by today - Karen

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Happy Girls...

Are the Prettiest!
My sharing today is my Design Team card for our new Pixie Dust Challenge
Pixie takes a Photo - a Photo Inspiration challenge


For my card I used the Cherry O' Teacup Pixie, which you can find  HERE

I used a Sentimental about Audrey Hepburn from My Favorite Things, which you can find HERE

Fun photo and I was inspired by the colors and the striped sofa.

I hope you will play along with us this week. 
I always love to see what inspires someone from a photo.
Also, check out the Design Team creations, be inspired and create something wonderful.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

Feeling Sketchy - F-sketchy 24
Use Your Stuff - #51 - Earning your stripes

Kaboodle Doodles - #136 - Flowers

Rubys Rainbow - #37 - BINGO

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

With Thankful Hearts

My share today is my last as a Design Team member for Southern Girls Challenge
It's been great being on the SGC Design Team and I will miss working Team Lou!
Thank you for having me and I'll be playing along in the challenges.



Our fortnight challenge #53 "It's well Bling, Bling" - add Bling
Anything Goes as long as it is BLINGY!
 
My card is using the Pumpkin Corner from one of our sponsors this week Delicious Doodles
 
 
My BLING - glitter, and a lot of adhesive pearls were used.
I also added two butterfly stick pins tot he bow.
 
I will also be entering this card in the following challenges:
 
2 Sisters Challenge Blog - Challenge #108 - Fall (optional - use Glitter)
The Sweet Stop - SSS175 - Sketch Challenge
CMC Copic Challenge Group - Challenge #51 - YELLOWS
 
So pull out all your BLING and create something SPECTACULAR!
Can't wait to see what you come up with and make sure I need my shades when I view your card.
 
Enjoy the Day - and remember to Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 
 

Best Witches...

Today is my share day for The Cutting Cafe
I am so excited to share my card, I love the Fall season and Halloween,
however with adult son's and no grandchild yet, I do not decorate like I used to.
Instead, I create cards and goodies bags for friends and co-workers now.

For my card I used the Halloween Trio, which you can find this set and others in the Store

 This is a great set and was so fun to color. 
These colors are my favorite Halloween color combination to use for cards.

My card recipe:
I started with an 8" x 3-1/2" black cardstock base
I then added my layers of purple cardstock, green and orange pattern paper
I used a stripe of black with white dot wasabi tape and tie an orange ribbon bow as well
I colored the image using my Copic markers
The sentiment comes with the set, however it was smaller, so I created a larger one on the computer
Finishing touches:
3 black rhinestones in the upper left corner and attached to these fun button I had in my stash.

Enjoy your Day and check out all the Design Team creations HERE

Leave a comment about what you think of the creations for a random draw chance to win 3 sets

I will also be entering this card in the following challenges:

I'll be back to enter those links later... final have the links
 
i(heart)2stamp - Sketch challenge
One Stop Craft Challenge - Challenge #198 - No Floral embellishments
Send a Smile 4 Kids Challenge - Cute Fall or Halloween cards 4 Kids challenge
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Remember 9 / 11

My share today is for The Stamping Boutique
This week, the Design Team has created cards "Remembering 9/11", show your American Pride.

I created a card using the Bald Eagle, which you can find HERE
Or go directly to the SHOP and take a look around.
I'm sure you will find something you like.


My card recipe:
A2 light grey card base
Added a layer of grey pattern paper for the background
I colored the Bald Eagle with my Copic markers
Using a template, cut a 3" circle around the image
I then used Cricut cartridge - "George & Basic Shapes", page 108 to cut a 3-1/2" <circle>
Sentiments stamped in Moonstruck ink
Sunflower ink to sponge around the circle with Eagle image.
Finishing touches:
Punched 4 grey stars, added blue rhinestones to the centers of the stars
Created a support ribbon with yellow grosgrain ribbon

I do hope you will have a chance to checkout the other Design Team inspiration on the blog,
and be inspired to create a card showing your American Pride!

I will also be entering this card into the following challenges:

Card Positioning Systems - CPS #282 Sketch


Crafting when we can - #26 - Recipe - Use 1 Large image, 2 Sentiments, 3 Colors

Come and Get it Challenges - Tic Tac Toe


For my card I used the bottom row - Punches, Rhinestones, Ribbon

Thank you for stopping by today and Remember those who loss their lives on 9 / 11

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Challenge Me Monday with FCCB

My share this morning is for Fantabulous Cricut, Challenge Me Monday, #128:
Trains, Planes and Automobiles
Create and link a project using some sort of transportation (bus, plane, train, car, bike, etc...)
 
For my card I used the "Just Because" Cards cartridge
 
 
My card recipe:
A2 Cranberry card base from CTMH
"Just Because" cards, page 24 <Car> cut at 3-1/2" using the sticker feature
I also cut from this same cartridge page 42 <Truck-s> at 5-1/2" scallop edge, trimmed to fit
Pattern paper from Graphic 45 scraps in my stash
Cream cardstock sponged/distressed using Desert Sand ink from CTMH
My sentiments were computer generated by me and cut into banners
Added large silver brads to finish the card.
 
As always there is some great Design Team inspiration, which you can see HERE
Be inspired and play along this week.  I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
 
I am also entering this card into the following challenges:
 
 A Gem of a Challenge - #54 A Boy Thing (use a boy image, boy theme or for a boy)
 
Crafty Sentiments - Male cards
 
Creative Craft Challenges - All about the boys
 
Have a great Monday and the rest of the week too!
 
Caatch the Frenzy! - Karen
 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Made Especially for You - Sketch

Monday begins a new challenge at Made Especially for You
Week 2 of the month - create a crad inspired by the provided sketch (see sketch below)
 
The Design Team is using images provided by Bugaboo
On my card I am using Silhouette-Butterfly Flowers, which you can find HERE
 
 
My card recipe:
A2 card base in Cream cardstock
I cut a 3" circle in the circle of the Brown layer using Cricut George & Basic shaped
I also cut two oval from the same cartridge at 3" and 2.5" for my sentiment
Papers and sentiment from my stash of old Close to My Heart products
Gingham scallop cut (vendor unknown) cut from "Just Because" cards at 5-1/2" trimmed to fit card
The Bugaboo image was printed in brown ink, which my hubby converted for my on Photoshop
Finishing touches:
Added a dark Cream ribbon/bow and tiny adhesive pearls to the image
Medium adhesive pearls added to the oval and along top edge of circle.
 
Our wonder sponsor this week is Bugaboo, giving away 7 images of choice
to the Winner, who will be randomly selected from all eligible entries.
 
 
I am inviting you to join us this week for our Sketch challenge,
so head over to ME4Y and get inspired to create something wonderful using the sketch.
I can't wait to see what you come up with.  Challenge begins on Monday 09.10.12
 
I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Crafty Calendar Challenges - Color Challenge - Browns and Creams
 
Squigglefly - SFC3512 - Monochromatic
 
The City Crafter - Week 125 - Monochromatic
 
My Mum's Craft Shop Challenges - #73 Anything Goes
 
Enjoy your day and Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 
 

Friday, September 7, 2012

Fins and Feathers using a FREE digi image

Welcome to my blog today and so sorry to be posting late.
With our new format at Digi Haven I was confused... 
Not because I'm over 50, but because it's Denise's fault, I'm positive it is :)

Anyway, today is the start of the first 2 week (fortnight) challenge.
This challenge begins today, Friday 09.07.12 and will end on Thursday 09.20.12
Use any "FREE" digi image for our "Fins and Feathers" challenge,
You can use a "FOREVER", "LIMITED" or "FREEBIE OF THE MONTH" free image on your card,
as longs as it is available as a freebie throughout the duration of this challenge.

My card today is using a FISH freebie from SKdigis which you can find HERE
 

My card Recipe:
 
My card base is Navy 3-1/2" x 8"
I layered with pattern paper from Little Yellow Bicycle 6" x 6" paper pad -  SPLASH
Cut a 2-1/2" white cardstock circle and added the colored and cut out fish/bubbles on top
Stamped the Hello (from CTMH) in black and created a banner
 
Finishing touches:
Tied a Navy grosgrain ribbon/bow around center
added tiny white adhesive pearls to the little circles on the fish
 
So visit Digi Haven and be inspired by the rest of the Desgin Team and play along with us.
I look forward to seeing your creations.
 
I also have another challenge for you...
 
...I am also a part of the SKdigis Design Team and we are having a Blog Hop
 
 
So, I am challenging my followers to play along with Digi Haven's "Fins and Feathers" challenge,
using the free image from SKdigis Challenge Blog found HERE and enter that the "Anything Goes" challenge challenge at SKdigis Challenge Blog as well
 
**** BLOG CANDY ****
There is a lot of prizes being given away during this SKdigis Blog Hop and if any of my followers
enter a card in both challenges, I am giving away a $10.00 gift certificate to Markerpop
 
To be eligible to win this $10.00 gift certificate:
        • Become a follower on My Blog - Simply Frenzied
        • Enter a card to both Digi Haven and SKdigis following their challenge theme.
        • Use the "Free" Fish image from SKdigis for both enteries.
        • When you link your card to both sites, please leave a comment on both sites, stating "Karen sent me"
 
The random drawing for this $10.00 will take place on Thursday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m.PST
 
Have fun and happy hopping
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen


Pixie Dust Weekly Challenge

This week at Pixie Dust Studio our challenge theme is...
Pixie goes Trick or Treating (Halloween Theme).

For my card share I used the image Good Witch or Bad Witch
I really like this image and it also comes with a phrase:
 
"Good witch or Bad Witch
which are you?"
 
 
I colored my card using Copic Markers
I added a sentiment banner, ribbon bow and some Gold adhesive rhinestone BLING!
 
I really hope you will have a chance to head over to the Challenge Blog
to check out the rest of the Design Team creations.
Be inspired and play along this week,.
 
I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Tuesday Morning Sketches - sketch challenge #162
 
 
Alota Rubberstamps - challenge #90 Halloween
 
 
Card Cupids - Halloween
 
This is my second post of the day, so please make sure to check the earlier one as well.
 
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit.
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Another SKdigis card

I think this little bug from SKdigis is just too cute! 
You can find him in the shop HERE
Because SKdigis is having a week long Blog Hop and Challenge,
 I wanted to share another card with you today.
 
 
I added little googly eyes, which I think makes him even more cute!
 
There is still plenty of time to join in the Blog Hop, create a card and enter into the first challenge.
You can find all the Blog Hop details HERE
 
There's lots of chances to win a gift certificate to the store.
I can't wait to see what you come up with.
 
Happy Hopping!
 
I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
 
 Lawnscaping Challenge - sketch challenge #41
 

 
Tammy's Scrapin Corner - Challenge #26 "Anything with Wings"
 
 
Thanks for stopping by today and remember...
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

I {heart} School...

Since I missed my post last week for Pixie Dust Studio,
"Back to School" Challenge and the Blog Hop, I was feeling a little guilty.
I love to share and really do not like it when I miss a DT challenge.
 
Life and work just got a little overwhelming last week.
I am an Office Manager at an Elementary school and students came back last Thursday.
I was pulling some early mornings and late nights, just to get done what needed to get done.
 
So anyway, I wanted to finally share my card that I was going to post last Thursday.
There is still time to enter the challenge, submit a School related project and link it HERE
 
 
My Card Recipe:
For my card I used Paris Pixie, colored her with my Copic markers.
I eliminated the suitcases, and I thought her little red case looked like lunchbox.
The card is a 5" x 5" brown base, layered celery green and an apple patterned paper on top.
I cut an apple at 4" from my Cricut - Recess cartridge, sponging red and green ink around the shape.
I added black doodle lines and white hi-lights to the apple.
I {heart} School is from Close to My Heart inked with Vineberry ink, also from CTMH.
Finishing Touches:
I added a scalloped edge to the bottom of the card. Celery circle behind the apple.
Jute tied around the bottom edge and around the apple stem, using a wooden button.
Small banners added to the right side of the card and an adhesive pearl to the center of the flower.
 
Thanks for stopping by today.  I will be back on Wednesday with some new posts.
And on Thursday, I'll be back with another Pixie Dust Studio challenge.
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 
 
I'll be entering this card on the following challenges:
 
Incy Wincy Designs - Back to school
 
Critter Sketch Challenge Blog - Challenge #131 Back to School is Cool!
 
Love to Create - Challenge #31 Back to School
 
Kennys Krafty Krew - Challenge #109 Back to School
 
Di's Digi Designs - Back to School
 
Just some Lines - Lets go Back to School
 
That's a lot of Back to School Challenges
 

Labor Day

Yesterday we celebrated Labor Day in the states.
A holiday that celebrates the economic and social contributions of our workers.
 
And today, at The Stamping Boutique, we are sharing cards we made for LABOR DAY...
honoring those workers. 
 
For my card, I used Audrey the Chef, which you can find in the store  HERE
My tribute to the hard working men and women in the hospitality business.

 
My card recipe:
 
Started with a yellow A2 card base
Color Audrey using my Copic markers
Dot pattern paper is from My Minds Eye 6 x 6 - Dwell
I added punched hearts, sponges with pink ink around the edges and outlined with black doodle lines.
All stamps are from Close to My Heart
I cut the & symbol from Cricut cartridge, George and Basic shades at 1"
 
I really hope you'll have a chance to play along at The Stamping Boutique this week.
I can't wait to see what you come up with.
 
Catch the Frenzy! - Karen
 
I'll be entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Card Makin' Mamas - add hearts
 
 CPS - sketch challenge 281
 
 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...