Inspired using Outdoor Borders S2106

A few more days remaining to purchase this awesome Stamp of the Month for June.  Place a qualifying order before June 30th, and purchase for $5.00.  Better yet, Sign up to become a V.I.P and you will receive the Stamp of the Month "Free", with a qualifying order, plus you are eligible to receive other great benefits too!

Here's a little video I created, using this SOTM for June, a recap of the cards I posted earlier this week.  I hope you are inspired and consider making a purchase on my shopping site.

Thanks for stopping by and stay cool.  PNW is going to be in triple digits this weekend, breaking record highs here.  My crafty space is in my nice, cool basement, so I plan to create this weekend.  What do you do to stay cool?

Glad you stopped by, enjoy your weekend.

Karen

CTMH February Stamp of the Month

Good morning from snowy Tukwila, WA, just a few blocks from Sea Tac airport, which has been reported, February 2019 is now the snowiest February on record, with 14.1" of snow, and another snow coming through now.

I work for our local area school district, in the Facilities department as an accountant, so I only have snow days when the district office is closed.  I have taken full advantage of the 3 Bonus Days off, to create and had a chance to make some cards using the Close to My Heart February stamp of the Month, Heartfelt Sentiment S1902 valued at $18.95 however, with a $50.00 qualifying order, it can be yours for $5.00.  Click the link below the image for more details.

Only available from February 1 - 28, 2019 

Details can be found  Here

This stamp is a large image, so it can be used for scrapbooking layouts and home décor as well.  I have 3 cards 6" x 6" to share with you, all are embossed with our White Embossing power Z891, over VersaMark ink Z2068.  I also used 3 different thin cut border dies, on each card.  Check out the set on page 118 of the catalog, Decorative Borders Z4241, I personally love the torn notebook paper one.

Black, Pixie and Mint cardstock, dotted paper from I Heart Us paper packet X7242B, Notebook paper from So Much Happy paper packet Z7241B.  Finished with White ribbon Z4196 and Loose Sequins - Silver Z4304.

Sapphire, Lagoon, Linen and Almond cardstock, plaid paper from Mix-in paper packet X9003. Finished with Stitched Heart thin cuts Z4182, Silver embellishing thread Z4213 and dots.

White Daisy, Pixie and Mint cardstock, striped paper from Something Fierce paper packet X7240B

Pixie and Mint ink sponged background and watercolor pencils used to color in the flowers and letters. Finished with White ribbon Z4196, Stitched Heart thin cuts Z4182 and Clear Sparkles Z3274.

Thank you for stopping by and please, check out the SHOP NOW button and head over to my Close to My Heart site to place your order today.  Enjoy your Monday, I know I am with extra day to create.

Karen

Caught in Crystal

First Tuesday of the month brings a new technique to try from Technique Time Tuesday

 

CAUGHT IN CRYSTAL

 

I have never tried this technique before, so I was  excited to create my card

I have to say I was a little stressed, as I only have 3 Distress re-inkers and NO Stazon ink

So I had to be extra clever with my creation
I just bought a new car and couldn't justify buying more product, you know how that is!

 

Here's my card...

 

 

After several attempts to stamp the image onto the acetate/transparency,

I ended up stamping my image, which is a really old CTMH stamp from the Floral Thank You set

This is a set from way, way back, wood mounted

Anyway, I inked it with black Versa Craft ink onto my card stock

I then put it into my copier and copied the image onto the transparency

What's a Girl to do? I was running out of time and stressing BIG TIME!

 

I followed the wonderful tutorial Mynnette has provided for us on the blog - CHECK IT OUT

 

I gathered all my supplies and went to work...

I used Distress ink - Worn Lipstick, which I think is actually too dark with my papers

However, I really think the technique was FUN to try and I liked the look of the finished square

Again, just too dark with the papers

 

It is what it is... and I will give it a try again

 

My papers are from Echo Park - la Ballet du Grand - mini kit

pink Washi tape and rhinestones finished the card

 

I ended up with really messy hands even though I used the plastic baggie idea Mynnette suggested

 

I invite you to try your hand at the CAUGHT IN CRYSTAL technique this month

I can't wait to see what you make and share with us

 

Thanks for coming by and taking a peek

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

TSOT sketch #155 - HELLO

Today is Tuesday and that means I have a new sketch for you to try over at...

Try Stampin' on Tuesday
 

Team B has created some AWESOME cards with Sketch # 155 as their inspiration 

Our TWIST this week  - Hearts and/or Flowers

Here's my card...

 

Sketch #155

 

 

I started with a light green A2 cardstock base

Layered with Designer paper from American Crafts in a kit called Soho Garden

I used Cricut cartridge -Elegant Edges to cut my 2 -1/2" scalloped flower

And the Flower Shop cartridge to cut two, 1-1/2" leaves

I sponged ink around the edges of the scalloped flower and leaves

I also added black doodle lines along the edges

I finished the card by adding a treat cup from Stampin' Up that I had in my stash

The sentiment and beads are really old Close to My Heart that I used to complete the card

 

 

I invite you to play along with us this week

Bur first, get inspired by checking out the rest of Team B creations

I am sure you will find plenty of inspiration if you do

 

So glad you stopped by today - have a WONDERFUL Tuesday

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen



To Adore, Cherish, Love...

Another fortnight challenge begins today over at Digi Haven

Our THEME...

LOVE, VALENTINE, CHERISH, ADORE

I am using this beautiful image Mama Hug

From our SPONSOR: A Day for Daisies

Base is Kraft 5-1/2" x 5-1/2"

Pink dotted paper from Simple Stories - Snap Color Vibe

Stripped paper from My Minds Eye - Dolled Up

Chocolate ink used on old CTMH sentiment from B1215 Life is

Flowers from Maya Road, Adhesive pearls, Twine

Copic markers uses:

BG01, BG15, E11, E31, E33, E35, E50, E53, RV13, RV21, YR20

I have to say I was sweating it trying to color all the hair on this image

More hair than I am comfortable with, as I am just not that confident with hair

I took what I learned at my advanced Copic class and tried to apply it here

I was just praying, while coloring that I got all the highlights in the right place and did not goof up

I really didn't want to start over - I was stressing BIG time

I will keep on practicing hair, but realized it's good to be out of the comfort zone once in awhile

Thanks for stopping by today...
Make sure to visit the blog for more Inspiration from the Design Team
I hope you will consider playing along with us - I would love to see your creation

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

A Sketch Challenge at Digi Haven

Happy Friday everyone...Thanks for stopping by today!

I am so excited its Friday, as I am so ready for the weekend

 

Today starts a new fortnight challenge at Digi Haven 

and

this time we have a SKETCH CHALLENGE provided by DT member - Kevin McCrafty

 

Here's my card inspired by Kevin's Sketch (see sketch below)

 

 

I am using the Bird Nest image provided by our sponsor Beccy's Place

 

 

Kevin's Sketch

 

For my card I used the following Copic markers to color my nest:

B00, B12, E35, E50, E51, E53

Bird and branch chipwood laser die cuts from Quick Quotes - Bag O'Chips - Birds

I sponged the die cuts using Chocolate ink

Kraft cardstock from My Favorite Things

Designer papers from My Minds Eyes 6 x 6 pad - Paris & Co.

Sentiment from old CTMH - D136 Thank You set

Finished the card with ribbon, two brown buttons with cream floss in the center

 

I hope you will have a chance to make a card inspired by Kevin's sketch and play along with us

If you need some more inspiration - checkout the rest of the Design Teams cards HERE

 

Please remember to use a Digital image on your card

Checkout the HOW to PLAY tab for all the details

 

I plan to spend some quality time in my little crafty space this weekend making cards

I sure hop you all have some fun plan yourself - Enjoy your weekend

 

I can't wait to see what you come up with - until then...

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Challenges I have entered this card into:
Beccy's Place - September Challenge

Technique Time Tuesday - Smackin' Acetate

It's the first Tuesday of the month, which means a new technique challenge at...

 

Technique Time Tuesday

 

 

This month is my turn to host the challenge - the Technique I chose is called...

 

SMACKIN' ACETATE

Make sure to check out the TUTORIAL video on the blog,

as well as the wonderful creations by the rest of the Design Team

 

Here's my card...

 

Ink colors used are Dutch Blue, Watermelon, Hydrangea from Close to My Heart

All papers are from my stash of scraps

Stamps: from my old collection of Close to My Heart - Treasured Life D1306

 

I experimented with using glossy cardstock, which gave me more movement with the water/ink

This resulted in more coverage on the paper and a great blended look once the paper was dry

I think this technique is really fun and can give you a varied look with the type of paper you use

 

And here is a second card I made...

 

 

Ink colors used are Sunny Yellow, Sunflower, Orange from Close to My Heart

All papers are from my stash of scraps

Stamps: from my old collection of Close to My Heart - Beware D1381

 

Now it's your turn to play around with the SMACKIN' ACETATE technique

REMEMBER to watch the TUTORIAL and check out the INSPIRATION from the Design Team

Don't be afraid to try different color combinations and types of paper

Have FUN with it - I look forward to seeing what you come up with

 

Thanks for stopping by today...

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

 

I'll be entering the Floral card in the following challenges:

Make My Monday - Silhouettes

My Craft Creation - Ribbons and Bows

Penny Black and More - August Challenge - In the Garden

Ladybug Crafts - Something Floral

 

I'll be entering the Oct. 31st card in the following challenges:

Sweet Stamps Blog - #129 - Silhouettes

Make My Monday - Silhouettes

Little Blue Button Stamps - Use twine or rope

Sparkles Monthly Challenge - #46 Autumn Colors

It's Technique Time Tuesday

Maybe you noticed I have been gone for a month, maybe not!

 

Either way...I am so excited to finally be spending time in my creative space and making cards again.

Life was a little hectic the past couple of months, with no time to devote to creating, oh so sad!

 

New job - 3 months into it and I absolutely LOVE it!

Positive, Drama Free and wonderful co-workers.

 

My fathers 5 days a week, for 7 weeks of radiation is complete!

Myself, hubby & siblings took turns driving dad each day to his appointments, a lot of miles.

He is doing great - skin graph on his neck is healing well.

 

One year anniversary of my Mother's passing on Mother's Day last year - it was an emotional time.

We celebrated Mother's Day this year at her graveside.

Lot's of flowers and a hummingbird showed up - she would have loved that!

 

Anyway, that is what has been going on with me these past couple of months

 

Now it's my turn to share with you a new technique for my DT at Technique Time Tuesday

 

Blurred Vision Stamping

 

 

I used 3 older Close to My Heart images from the set - C1397 Smiles

White A2 card with Watermelon cardstock - which I stamped up using the same flower

I used Watermelon and Topiary water based dye ink also from CTMH

 

Make sure you check out the Tutorial for directions on how to do the Blurred Vision Stamping

I used a paint brush for this technique

Note:  When using my water brush, too much water, causing a big, messy puddle on the paper

 

I finished my card by adding pink gingham paper to the center

Layered the stem and leaf image over the top, cut out the flower and used mounting tape to adhere

Green ribbon with bow tied to hold metal tag with sentiment

A yellow button for the flower center

 

I hope you will take a moment to visit Technique Time Tuesday

and see what the rest of the Design Team created for your inspiration.

Now it's your turn to be inspired, maybe get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with using the Blurry Vision Technique

 

Take care and have a Terrific Tuesday!

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Beautiful Butterflies for Digi Haven DT

Our new fortnight challenge at Digi Haven is BUTTERFLIES

 

Sponsored by Floppy Lattes

 

Here's my Gatefold card using Butterflies and Flowers

 

 

My card is a 6 x 6 Gatefold card using celery colored cardstock from my stash

The patten paper is also from my stash - really old scrapbook paper I never got around to using

I colored the image using my Copic markers in the following colors:

V000, V06, V12, BV02, YG03, YG23

I layered the image on top of celery and lilac cardstock

I finished the card by adding 2 dimensional butterflies, lilac ribbon/bow and some gems

 

The inside of my card has an old sentiment from Close to My Heart

 

 

 

I hope you will be able to join us - check out the rest of the Design Teams inspirational cards

Remember to use a DIGITAL image and check out the How to Play

 

 

Floppy Latte Prize ($6 gift cert.$12 if use FL image)

 

Oh, and by the way...

Digi Haven is also having a Design Team call, so if interested, be sure to check it out

 

Thank you for stopping by today

I hope you enjoyed my card and have been inspired to create something with butterflies

I look forward to seeing what you come up with

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

#63 for Tammy's Scrapin' Corner

Our theme for this weeks challenge at Tammy's Scrapin' Corner

 

#63 - is PINK and GIRLY with SPARKLE

 

We want to see lots of PINK and lots of SPARKLE this week,

So grab those gems and that bottle of glitter and get creative,

and remember to THINK PINK!

 

 

My image is from Eureka Stamps called Daisy Swirl and it can be found HERE

 

I used some paper from KC & Company by Kelly Panacci (I think it is called Valentine)

The scalloped edge is cut from Cricut cartridge "Just Because Cards" - <Truck-s> at 5-1/2"

I colored my image using the following Copic markers:  RV21, RV29, BG10, BG15

I finished the card by adding a banner with a sentiment from Close to My Heart,

A ribbon/bow, as well as clear rhinestone gems along the scallop and center of the flowers

 

Our sponsors this week are...

 

Eureka Stamps

 

Delicious Doodles

 

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

I look forward to seeing your PINK and GIRLY cards

Need inspiration? Check out the rest of the Design Teams wonderful cards

 

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

 

 

 

#62 for Tammy's Scrapin' Corner

Happy Monday everyone...

Today brings a new challenge at Tammy's Scrapin' Corner

#62 Anything Goes with Ribbon and Lace

 

Here's my card sharing for today - using Mom's Hat from one of our sponsors - A Day for Daisies

 

 

I used the following supplies in making my card:

Solid salmon cardstock from old stash of Close to My Heart

Kraft cardstock from My Favorite Things

Pattern paper from Glitz 6 x 6 pad "Kiss"

Colored the image using the following Copic markers:

R05, R11, R22, E35, E50, E51, E53, Colorless Blender

Sentiment inked with Chocolate ink, both from old Close to My Heart products

Scallop edge cut from Cricut cartridge, "Just Because Cards" <Truck-s> at 4-1/2", trimmed

Finishing touches:  ivory lace, light salmon ribbon/bow,

adhesive pearls and glossy accents for her necklace

 

We have two sponsors this week...

A Day for Daisies and SKdigis

 

I hope you have found some inspiration here today, but if you need more inspiration...

Check out the rest of the Design Team creations on the blog.

 

I sure hope you will have a chance to join us this week

I can't wait to see your Ribbon and Lace creations

 

Until then - Catch the Frenzy! - Karen



#117 with Try Stampin' on Tuesday

Happy Tuesday and today I bring you my Design Team share for Try Stampin' on Tuesday

 

We have sketch #117 for you to try this week (see below for sketch)

 

 

For my card I decided to do something Masculine

I won this fabulous stamp set from Marks Finest Paper - North American Woods

I haven't used the set yet, so this is what I came up with

 

Papers from Bo Bunny - 6 x 6 Camp-a-lot Collection

Ink is Brown Bag from Close to My Heart

fibers and wooden buttons to finish the card

 

 

 

I hope you are inspired by the sketch and my card

Make sure to check out the rest of the Design Teams creations for some more INSPIRATION

 

Thank you for stopping by today - Catch the Frenzy! - Karen



#116 for Try Stampin' on Tuesday

Here's my card for this weeks sketch (see below) for Try Stampin' on Tuesday

 

 

Sketch #116 - I hope you will enjoy making something with this sketch as your inspiration

 

So sorry to have such a short post today...   I had an extremely busy weekend

Friday night out with friends, Saturday all day Women's retreat at church and I ran a 5K on Sunday

A lot of things just didn't get done and of course I had to work today - so now I need to get them done

 

I do hope you will visit the blog at Try Stampin' on Tuesday

Check out the rest of the Design Teams creations

 

BE INSPIRED!

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

Sketch #114 for Try Stampin' on Tuesday

Good Morning and Welcome to my Blog

If you are a new, please take a look around and consider becoming a follower

Tuesday is my Design Team day for Try Stampin' on Tuesday

and we have a new sketch to share with you - Sketch #114

 

 

Here's my take on the sketch this week - using items from my stash

 

 

Cardstock and pattern paper from my stash (do not remember what company)

I found this teal colored die from Cricut cartridge Elegant Edges in my box of dies cut but not used

Stamp is a really old Close to My Heart sentiment

I finished my card with some washi tape, adhesive pearls and a bow

 

Still trying to make cards with supplies and papers I have on hand

It's a good feeling to clear it out - I have too much!

 

I hope you will have a hcance to join us this week

Make sure to visit the blog to see the rest of the Design Teams creations

Be inspired this week and create something wonderful to share with us

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

 

 

Try Stampin' on Tuesday #113

Here with a new sketch for Try Stampin' on Tuesday

 

Sketch #113

 

I have to warn you that my card is very bold and colorful

I love color and I just had to use this ribbon I had in my stash

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Isn't this ribbon just too FUN!

Bold and Bright

So I am really trying hard to clear out supplies from my crafty space

And this card is made from all older stash supplies, ribbon, bottons and paper scraps 

The sentiment is also an older items from my Close to My Hearts days as a consultant

 

I really hope you have a chance to join us this week

There is a lot more inspiration on the blog from the rest of the talented Design Team

Check it out and play along

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Technique Time Tuesday

The first Tuesday of the month means a new Technique to share for Technique Time Tuesday

 

Water Stamping

I hope you enjoy my card, especially because I worked really hard
I was NOT having a good crafty weekend :(

 

I have to admit that I tried 4 times before I got my sponged background colors just right

I have some well used sponges and realized that I need to buy some new ones or a blending tool

 

I used Close to My Heart inks in the following colors:

Amethyst, Bubblegum and Sunny Yellow

To go along with this wonderful ribbon I had in my stash

 

Then I tried some more just to get the right water stamped impression

Some of the images I chose just were not making good impressions on my paper

Yeah! I FINALLY had success with this background swirl stamp I had in my drawer

 

Oh My!...You should see the mess I left on my desk! 

 

Don't be afraid to try this technique, I am HAPPY I stuck it out and got it done

 

I hope you will check out the rest of the Design Team creations over at the challenge blog

It's so much FUN to get inspired to try something new when you see the possibilities

 

I can't wait to see what you come up with

 

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

Try Stampin' on Tuesday

It's Tuesday and that means my sharing day for my Design Team card over at...

 

Try Stampin' on Tuesday



We have another wonderful sketch this week - Sketch #111

 

Here's my card - BLOOM

 



Stamps from Close to My Heart

Papers October Afternoon 8 x 8 paper pad

Ink Tulip and Juniper

Cricut - Elegant Edges - I can't remember the description or size I cut - found it in my stash

Adhesive pearls, ribbon and gold metal bead

 

Now take a PEEK at the rest of the Design Teams wonderful cards they made to INSPIRE you

 

I really hope you will join us this week.

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Try Stampin' on Tuesday...

 

Today is my Design Team post for Try Stampin' on Tuesday

and we have sketch #110 for your inspiration this week

 

 

I decided to flip the sketch and make a smaller 4 x 4 card this time

Only because I wanted to use the black gingham paper

and it was the only piece I could find in my stash.

But, I really like little cards, as they are so darn cute!

And speaking of cute, don't you just love this image from Bugaboo?

 

 

Image can be found HERE from Bugaboo

All papers from my stash

I used the following Copic markers: 

C-1, C-5, C-7, G14, R05, R22, R27, RV000, YG06, YG23, Y08, Y11, Y17

Hello sentiment - old Close to My Heart stamp

Finishing touches:  green ribbon/bow and red adhesive rhinestones

 

Remember to check out the rest of the inspiration on the blog from the other Design Team members

Come play along with us this week - I would love to see what you come up with for sketch #110

 

Until then - Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

Technique Time Tuesday

New Flash...

I am now a Crew Member for Technique Time Tuesday

 

 

I am so excited to be a part of this Crew, working with Mynnette and the rest of the Crew.

And I am really looking forward to sharing technique with you, on the first Tuesday of each month.

It's been awhile since I have really created using techniques, so this should be FUN!

 

So let's get started...

 

This months challenge is using the technique - Brick Wall

Make sure to check out the tutorial and the inspiration on the blog. 

I hope you will be inspired to create your own Brick Wall card and play along.

 

Here's my card...

 

 

I started with A2 Kraft cardstock

Stamped my image (from Close to My Heart - Aspiration #C1340) on Ivory cardstock

Ink- Chocolate and Cranberry

After cutting my Brick Wall - I sponged around the bricks using Chocolate ink

Sentiment also from Close to My Heart - Solo "L"

 

Other supplies:

Adhesive pearls, ribbon, metal tag, safety pin

 

Be inspired to learn a NEW TECHNIQUE and join us for this months challenge.

I look forward to seeing your creations.

 

Catch the Frenzy! - Karen

 

Believe in the Magic of...

...Christmas!

With Tuesday, it brings my posting day at Try Stampin' on Tuesday 

As well as a new sketch for you to try, Sketch #96, which you can see below.

 

 Here is my card I made inspired by the sketch...
I decided to curve the sentiment banner away from the card before attaching with the brads.

Also, a little oops turned into a good thing...
The dye from the Outdoor Denim paper transferred onto the white embossed snowflakes.
There was no way for me to remove the color, so I ended up rubbing the paper over the snowflakes.
It added just the right amount of color and I really love the way the card turned out.

I hope you like it too!

 

 Outdoor Denim and pattern paper both from my stash of old Close to My Heart papers
White cardstock was embossed with Cuttlebug embossing folder - Snowflakes
Sentiment from My Favorite Things - Seasonal Sentiments, which you can find HERE
Small sentiment - "believe" from Close to My Heart inked with Outdoor Denim
Star was cut with Cricut cartridge "George and Basic Shapes", page 115 <star1> at 1-1/2" and 1"
For finishing touches I  added Outdoor Denim brads, ribbon and attached the star with a safety pin
 

 

The Design Team has some really wonderful cards that you can see HERE
I really hope you can join us this week for our Sketch #96 Challenge
Be inspired, create and share your card with us at...

Try Stampin' on Tuesday

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

2 Sisters Challenge Blog - #121 Snowflakes
My Time to Craft Challenge Blog - #200 None Traditional Christmas Colors
Raise the Bar Challenge - #123 Blues and Whites
Loves Rubberstamps Challenge - Week #30 Let it Snow

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