So Grateful for So Many Things

Today is an overcast, kind of gloomy, day in Las Vegas.  By looking outside, you would think it was a nice cool day, but guess what. . . .it's not.  It was 95 today.  I'm so ready for Fall.  I realize that technically it IS Fall, but I'm ready for the weather in Las Vegas to reflect the season.  I love the sunshine, but I'm just ready for cooler weather.  I had lots of errands to run today, so I didn't even get a chance to create anything until late this afternoon/early evening.  But I'm grateful that my life allows me the luxury of crafting so often.

This card was made with Jenni Bowlin patterned papers, PTI sentiment stamp, Sassafrass giraffe and hippo stamps (which is where my fussy cutting came into play - yikes), I used a Martha Stewart border punch, and machine stitching - pretty simple card really.  I'm entering this in the following challenges:

http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-38-and-winner-of-37.html - Challenge #38 Happy Birthday
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-184-animal-crackers.html - Challenge #184 - Animal Crackers
http://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/fabulous-friday-challenge-fussy-cutting.html - Fussy Cutting

I'm also entering this card in the challenge at Creative Card Crew.  You can check it out here:  http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2011/09/easel-card-challenge.html - Easel Card Challenge



I also wanted to show you another card I made.  This one is primarily October Afternoon papers, OA journaling card, letters and stickers, Making Memories cork letters, a cute little feltie, lots of machine stitching, and some ribbon tabs attached with my Tim Holtz attacher.

I'm entering this card in two challenges.  They are:
http://cas-ualfridays.blogspot.com/2011/09/cfc22.html - CFC 22 - Ribbon Tabs
http://papersundaes.blogspot.com/2011/09/paper-sundaes-challenge-88-anything.html - #88 Anything Goes

I love this card because it reminds me of how grateful I am for SO many different people, and SO many things in my life.  I'd love to hear what YOU are grateful for.  Thanks for stopping by to take a look.

Blessings to you,

Karen

Happy Crafting, Everyone

My most favorite challenge of all is the weekly challenge at http://www.simonsaysstampblog.blogspot.com/ and the reason why it's my favorite, and the one I want to win SO very much, is because they give away one of these each week:

I place several small orders every month at their awesome store.  You can check it all out by cllicking this link:  http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/  I am crossing my fingers that eventually I will be the random draw lucky winner.  I could do some serious shopping.

You can check out, and even enter, the Simon Says Stamp Blog Challenge by clicking on this link: http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/simon-saysanything-goes.html - It's an Anything Goes Challenge, so get busy and create something to enter this awesome give-away.

For this card I used Melissa Frances patterned paper and sticker, Creative Cafe ticket strip, vintage sheet music, a Papertrey Ink die-cut and stamps for button card, some vintage buttons, Papertrey Ink stamp for sentiment, gems, lace, hand-made scrunched seam binding, a big Heidi Grace brad, ink, and machine stitching.  I'm also entering this card in the challenge at Anything Goes Challenge Blog - Check it out by clicking here:  http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-50-anything-goes-at-anything.html - Anything Goes.

I would really love to win this challenge (if not this week, eventually), but I always hope that whoever wins this prize (or any other) is truly grateful and is someone who is really blessed by it.  I LOVE paper crafting - it's an addiction, I think.  It's so fun to meet SO many others who feel the same way.  So, happy crafting everyone.

Thanks for taking a peek.  Enjoy the rest of your week.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Love is the Key

"And now abideth faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love".  1 Corinthians 13:13

I coudn't find the right rub-on or stamp for this card, so I ended up hand writing it.  I don't really like when people do that, but I didn't quite know what else to do.  Here's a great idea for a company - to make rub-ons by special request.  Wouldn't that be great - to be able to special order the exact rub-ons you want.  Well, for now I just had to use a good old Sharpie.

Here's a close up shot of the flowers I made from seam binding as this was the challenge at Ribbon Carousel and at Digi Designs.

I used Making Memories, My Mind's Eye, and Prima patterned papers, a pressure embossed/Bazzil background, some Recollections pearl swirls, Girls' Paperie die-cuts, a painted and glittered chipboard key, the hand-made flowers from dyed seam binding, pearls and gems, mini safety pin holding inked hand-written tag, a Maya Road stick pin, Prima leaves, Ranger ink and machine stitching.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges.  The links I've mentioned here are direct links to the challenges.  Each of these blogs has fun challenges and inspirational projects.  Check it out.

http://ribboncarouselchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/rcc-22-alter-it.html - RCC #22 - Alter It
http://bowsnberries-bosenberries.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-10-glitter-and-new-dt-debut.html - Challenge #10 - Glitter
http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-33-for-girls.html - Girls
http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/make-your-own-flowers-challenge.html - Make Your Own Flowers
http://scrap-creations1.blogspot.com/2011/09/going-grey-with-scrap-creations_27.html - It's a Girl Thing
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-63.html - #63 Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by to take a look.  I appreciate your comments, and would love to have you follow me and enter my floral frog give-away (details by clicking on the photo link at the top right of my blog).

Blessings to you,

Karen

Something Sweet and Something Far Out

I apologize for getting this post up so late in the week.  It's just been "one of those weeks", and I'm sure you can all relate to that.  I've had good intentions, and visions in my mind.  Unfortunately, the pictures don't really show the folds in this card.  I hope you get the general idea.  I posted a few different angles to try to give a good idea of what it looks like.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/pio-39-fancy-folds.html - Fancy Folds

http://southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-28-anything-goes.html - Anything Goes

http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-129.html - Inspiration #129

I also wanted to mention that the challenge at Cupcake Inspirations is being sponsored by Stamp Fairy and they have some amazing images.  Just to give you a taste of their images, I made this little card using one of their "freebie" images.

I'm entering THIS little card in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp & Show, which you can read all about by clicking this link:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2011/09/simon-says-stamp-and-show-men-only.html - It is called "Stamp and Show - Men Only" so I made this crazy/fun card for a "Far Out" guy I know.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look at these cards.  Thanks to Simon Says Stamp and Show, Pile it On, Cupcake Creations, Southern Girls and Stamp Fairy for the challenges and inspiration this week.  I appreciate your sweet comments.

Blessings,

Karen

Something for Him

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am always making "pretty" things.  Almost all of which are geared toward women/girls.  So, when I saw the challenge this week over at http://www.fridaymashup.com/ I was kind of excited.  It's all about following their sketch, and making something masculine.  This is good for me because there are plenty of times that I need a "guy card", and now I will actually have something that can be used.  I need challenges like this more often - LOL.

For this card, I used an older line.  It's Crate Paper's Static Collection - patterned papers and die cut punch-outs.  Other than that, I used a Pebbles rub-on, and I machine stitched it a bit.

You can read about, and even enter, the Friday Mash Up challenge by clicking here:  http://www.fridaymashup.com/2011/09/we-getting-sketchy-with-friday-mashup.html and I know you will be inspired to make something masculine once you've taken a peek at all the awesome creations that have been entered.

Thanks for stopping by my blog to take a peek at my entry.  I appreciate your comments.  And, don't forget to click on the photo/link in the upper right hand corner of my blog to enter the give-away for an Antique Floral Frog.  Have a great week!

Blessings,

Karen

To Follow - Or Not To Follow

I would like to start by saying that I am SO truly grateful for all of my followers.  I also want to say that I am willing to follow anyone's blog, providing they are willing to follow mine.  I think that's fair.  I had to take a good hard look at the list of blogs I was following.  There will literally HUNDREDS, and as you can see, I have less than 200 followers.  Therefore, I did some "weeding out" today.  I want to say that if I "stopped following" you, and I did it in error, I am truly sorry.  Please just leave a comment to let me know about the error, and I will take care of it immediately.  However, as I said, I was following almost 500 blogs, and if those people weren't following me in return, I had to clean house a bit.  I hope that is reasonable to all of you, and I sincerely was NOT trying to hurt anyone's feelings.  I would LOVE to have hundreds of followers, and more importantly, I would love to have people who actually want to come by on a regular basis to see my creations, and by blessed by my posts.  Like I said, I want to follow and to be followed.  I hope this makes sense.  I do not ever desire to hurt anyone.  Thanks for understanding.

Blessings,

Karen

Such a Blessing to Me

Do you have someone in your life who is just "such a blessing to you"?  I know I sure do.  When I made this card last night, there were several people who came to my mind.  I am blessed by people who bless others (including me).  I know I can put this card to good use.

I used the following supplies:  October Afternoon Five & Dime patterned papers, Bazzill cardstock, October Afternoon stickers, Recollections flowers, a Cheery Lynn Designs template to cut the doily, vintage lace and pom-pom trim, and a rub-on sentiment that says, "such a blessing to me".

I am entering this card in two challebges.  I hope you will check out this week's lovely and inspirational post over at http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/ because the blog will also be a BLESSING to you in so many ways.  Their challenge was to create something with the word "BLESSING" or a verse with this idea.  I hope you will visit their inspiring blog and read the post.  You can use the link below to read all about it.

http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-108-john-1633.html - Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge - Blessings
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-183-sketch-time.html - #183 Sketch Time

The blog over at http://www.cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/ posts an exciting and fun new challenge each Thursday.  There are some beautiful creations entered that you will most definitely want to see.  Stop by for a peek.  My card is based on the cute sketch for their challenge this week.  Give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by my blog to take a look.  Don't forget to click on the Floral Frog Give-Away photo at the upper right hand side of my blog and enter to win.  There's still plenty of time.  Have a blessed Lord's Day today, and a great week.

Blessings,

Karen

Friends With You

One of my greatest blessings in life, among many, is the gift of friendship that God gave me over 40 years ago in my friend, Patti Lyn.  We met when we were just 4 years old, and have now been friends for 42 years.  She is such a source of joy and encouragement to me.  We love all the same things - card making, scrapbooking, double solitare, ice cream, reality television, Wheel of Fortune, antiques, and. . . .this list goes on and on.  We enjoy every moment we get to spend together.  She will be visiting me again in early November.  This is a card she sent me the other day that she made for me.  The words on the tag are the chorus/lyrics to an old John Denver song, "Friends With You".  We performed this song as a duet in 11th grade.  All these years later, it is even more endearing to us.

I'm entering this card in the challnges at:
http://mymumscraftshopchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-24-boys-and-girls.html - Boy or Girl
http://citycrafter.blogspot.com/2011/09/city-crafter-challenge-blog-week-75.html - Let's Face the Music
http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-50-anything-goes-at-anything.html - Anything Goes
http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-128.html - Challenge #128

The card base is October Afternoon patterned papers along with vintage sheet music.  The felt flowers are hand cut and machine stitched.  There's a Recollections flower, some pearl swirls, ribbon, and a Tim Holtz Adage Ticket that was run through the printer to add the song lyrics.

I thank God most every day for my precius freind, Patti Lyn.  She has been through a lot in this life (as have many people), but her unfailing faith in God, and the commitment she has made to God to raise her two precious children for Him is what keeps her going.  These lyrics are SO real to us.  "Friend, I will remember you, think of you, and pray for you.  And when another day is through, I'll still be friends with you".

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek.  I appreciate your sweet comments.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Pray Without Ceasing - 1 Thess. 5:17

What does that mean, "pray without ceasing"?  1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to be in prayer ALL the time.  Literally, this is impossible, but I do believe you can have a spirit, or an attitude, of prayer at all times.  Throughout my day, I will just talk with God.  I ask Him to meet my needs, I pray for others, I am in a spirit of closeness and communication with Him.  I think that is what this verse means.  I created this Prayer Journal which has sections in it for writing down prayer requests, keeping track of needed prayers, answered prayers, etc.  It really helps to keep a prayer journal to see the ways God is answering prayer.  NEVER underestimate the power of prayer.  James 5:16 (b) says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much".

I've entered this Prayer Journal into two challenges this week.  First, the new challenge over at http://www.simonsaysstampblog.blogspot.com/ called "Dies to Die For".  I used Papertrey Ink flower dies (which ARE to die for), as well as a Sizzix vine die.  I absolutely LOVE http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/  because they have everything to meet your scrapbooking, card-making and creative needs.  You will want to check out their awesome store.  You can read about, and enter, the challenge here: http://simonsaysstampblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/dies-to-die-for-challenge.html

The other challenge I'm entering with this Prayer Journal is the one over at http://www.riboncarouselchallenge.blogspot.com/  RCC#21 "Fabric of Our Lives".  I used LOTS of fabric on this project including burlap, canvas, wool felt, fleece, tulle, and ribbons.  I love the feeling you get when layering "The Fabric of Our Lives".  What a fun challenge.  You can read all about it by clicking here:  http://ribboncarouselchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/rcc-21-fabric-of-our-lives-with-linda.html

I challenge you to "pray without ceasing", and to kick up your prayer life.  Just be in a constant spirit of prayer/communication with God.  It will bless you beyond your greatest expectations.

Blessings to you all,

Karen

Pile It On - The Colours of Autumn

Although I live in Las Vegas, Nevada, and there's not a whole lot of "autumn" coloring going on around here, I know that in the Midwest it's starting with the beautiful colours of Autumn.  The leaves begin changing colors to bright orange, yellow and red, and the smell of crisp Autumn chill is in the air.  I can still imagine it even though I'm not personally experiencing it.  It's a beautiful time of year.

Pile It On Challenge Blog is a fun blog that compels you to "pile on" your challenges.  This is a really fun challenge.  I had to do some research to find various challenges that would fit into this "Autumn" category for this card I created this evening.

This card is made from primarily October Afternoon products - simply because I ADORE October Afternoon.  The only three little things that are not October Afternoon are the "Autumn Blessings" rub-on, the two little buttons with jute, and the cream lace.  I have four different OA patterned papers, three OA stickers, an OA Wild Card, OA punch-out leaves, and then the rub-on, the buttons with jute, and the cream lace along with plenty of machine stitching in dark brown, and some inking.

I am entering this card in the following challenges.  Take a deep breath. . . . .it's a long list (cuz that's how they roll over at http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ so stop by and check it out by clicking on each of the following links.  You will be amazed by the lovely creations that have been entered in each challenge.

http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/  - #38 - The Colors of Fall
http://www.creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/  - #26 - Anything Goes
http://www.digidoodleshopsbest.blogspot.com/ - Autumn Colors
www.freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/fbc-63-prize-challenge.html - Something New
http://www.alwayssomethingcreative.blogspot.com/ - #14 - Herbst/Autumn
http://www.fridaymashup.com/ - #24 - Autumn is in the Air
http://www.pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/ - #62 - Fall
http://www.wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/ - #63 - Lace
http://www.crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/ - #C4C105 - Pumpkins

Whew.  That's my list and it's the most "piling it on" I've ever done with one card.  I'm crossing my fingers that someone likes my card enough to bless me with a WIN this week.  I'm also applying for Design Team so, I'm just praying for whatever God feels is best for my life because I trust Him completely.  Thanks for taking a peek, and please know that I greatly appreciate your comments.

Blessings,

Karen

Under His Wings Thou Shalt Trust

One of my most favorite Psalms is Psalm 91.  Psalm 91:4 says, "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler".  This is such a comforting thought to me, and it went along so well with this week's challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ.  Their Challenge #107 is based on Isaiah 40:31 and the challege was to create a card using WINGS and a scripture.  When I think of wings, Psalm 91:4 always comes directly to my mind.  I find such a tremendous blessing and great peace in this verse, and in this beautiful chapter of God's Word.

I hope you will visit http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/ and read the beautiful poem that Challenge Hostess, Chris Olsen, shared this week.  It is absolutely beautiful, and will be a blessing to you.  It has to do with waiting on the Lord for His perfect timing.  You can read all about the challenge by clicking on this link: http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-107-isaiah-4031.html and it is sure to challenge and bless your heart this week, as it certainly did for me.

For this challenge, I used a Melissa Frances patterned paper for the base.  Then, I added a scrap of vintage sheet music, machine stitched around the edge, and touched the edges with acrylic paint.  For my "wings", I used a beautiful set of wings that are Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips which I painted, distressed, and glittered.  Next, I used a Melissa Frances journaling tag, topped that with a Verve stamp Bible verse, added some Prima flowers, hand-made scrunched seam binding, and several vintage buttons tied with jute.

I am also entering this little card in the challenge over at Card Cupids Blog where they have an Anything Goes challenge.  But what is really special about this blog is that you are able to send cards to their charity so that homeless and less fortunate children will receive Birthday cards.  They have quite a lovely ministry going at Card Cupids, and you can read all about the challenge, and learn how to get involved by clicking on this link:  www.cardcupids.org/blog  and doing this type of helpful act will be as much of a blessing to YOU as it will be to those who receive the donated cards.

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Don't forget to click on the floral frog photo at the top right of my blog and enter to win it.  May God bless your week.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Precious Little Baby

I just love newborn babies.  What could be sweeter?  They are so small, tender, and helpless; not to mention that they smell SO GOOD.  I would never get tired of holding a newborn baby.  Some day, God will hopefully bless me with Grandchildren.  But until then, I have to get my fill of holding other people's newborns.

The challenge this week over at Creative Card Crew was to make a baby related creation.  I chose to make this sweet little door hanger for a baby's room.  I used Prima patterned paper, Prima flowers, hand cut a lamb out of felt (a design I created with a friend), made the eyes by tying french knots from DMC floss, added a few buttons to the lamb, inked the edges, computer printed the sentiment on Bazzill and adhered it, and then added some hand-made scrunched seam binding.  It looks so cute hanging on the doorknob of baby's nursery.

You can read all about this fun challenge by clicking on this link: http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/2011/09/babies.html and see the other beautiful creations that have been entered.  I also entered this door hanger in the challenge over at Bearly Mine Challenges #19 - Button It Up.  You can read the details of this challenge by clicking right here: http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/2011/09/bearly-mine-challenge-19.html and you won't want to miss out on all the fun.  These are two great challenges for everyone to enter.

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek.  And do me a favor, love on a newborn baby for me.  They are SO yummy and precious gifts from God, aren't they?

God Bless Your Day,

Karen

Blessed Assurance

How do we know that OUR beliefs are the correct beliefs?  There are so many "religions" out there; many of which are actually "cults" because they don't adhere strictly to the teachings of the Holy Bible, as God gave them to us.  I have the blessed assurance of knowing that my beliefs are correct because my faith lies 100% on the KJV Bible which says in Revelation 22:18-19 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book:".  This means that God's Word is complete.  No matter what men may say "God revealed to them", you cannot add to, or take away from, what is written in His Word.  I love having this blessed assurance.

I have entered this card into a few different challenges.  They are as follows:
http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ - Punches (I used the butterfly punch)
http://www.citycrafter.blogspot.com/ - I Heart You (I used a Melissa Frances glitter heart)
http://www.mymumscraftshopchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Happy Birthday
http://www.craftycatzweeklychallange.blogspot.com/ - Time For a Sketch

This card uses a patterned paper base of Girl's Paperie, a strip of Bo Bunny Double Dots, a strip of Melissa Frances (all machine stitched), a doily Glimmer Misted blue, a Martha Stewart doily, a Mellissa Frances glitter heart, some Recollections flowers, punched butterflies with gems, and a Pebbles Happy Birthday rub-on.  I touched the edges with paint and glittered them, and used some Ranger Ink on the edges as well,  I hope you all like it.
Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek.  I appreciate it, and will appreciate any comments you might leave.  It blesses my heart to hear your thoughts.  Also, remember to enter the give-away for the antique floral frog.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

The Proverbs 31 Woman

There are people you will meet in life who will disagree with you.  This is no mystery.  Even amongst those who call themselves "Christians", there will be disagreements.  But what makes me certain that I am living my life in submission to God is when I see the promises of Proverbs 31:10-31 become evident in my life.  Last night, I personally experienced Proverbs 31:28 - what a humbling and blessed occasion.  These verses are the basis for my role as a wife and mother.  When others want to look down on me, I simply keep my eyes fixed on what is truly important, and that is God's precious Word, and I feel badly for them because I can only guess that they are not experiencing these truths in their personal lilves.  It's something we can all strive for; but remaining humble in our endeavors.

This little card was made last night specifically for the fun challenge this week over at Aud Sentiments.  You can read all about the challenge here at http://www.audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/ for Challenge #37 - Get Well Soon.  I am always needing get well cards, and I know that getting a card will lift someone's spirits and help them feel better just to know that someone cared enough to send a card and say a prayer for them.  The other thing is. . . . .when you say "I will pray for you", then DO IT.  Don't just say it - actually take the time to pray for them.  God's power is tremendous, and I know that I appreciate prayers when I need them.  Take that time to really pray for someone when you say you will.

This card was made with papers and stickers from Echo Park's Springtime line.  I picked them up (on clearance even) on my last trip to St. George, Utah.  They are adorable, and I've been able to use them for so many different projects.  My hope is that this card will help its recipient to feel better and to know that someone cares and is praying for them.  Proverbs 17:22 says. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones".

I challenge you to strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman.  These are wonderful verses to read on a regular basis when you're wondering how to be a good wife and mother.  When all else fails, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS as they were given to us in the Bible.

Praying that God will bless you this day,

Karen

Living in a Material World

Well, I certainly find myself "living in a material world" in many ways.  One, because of how so many people are caught up in the material things in life; and second, because of all the "materials" with which I surround myself each day (felt, burlap, ribbons, tulle, etc.).  So, I guess I really am "Living in a Material World", but I am NOT a material girl.  I will forever keep my feet planted in the Word of God, and my eyes fixed firmly upon the ONLY way to Heaven - and that is Jesus Christ, God in human flesh.

This card is being entered into two challenges.  The first is one for a VERY exciting and creative challenge over at Simon Says Stamp Blog.  You can read about it here:   http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/simon-says-sing-it-song-or-film-title.html  The challenge is called "Sing It" (Song or Film Title Inspired).  The song I chose was "Material Girl" by Madonna.  This makes me think of high school when we were dressing in crazy "material girl" outfits.

I used Melissa Frances patterned paper for the base of the card.  I machine stitched it and touched the edges with Buttercream acrylic paint.  I added two strips that were punched with a Martha Stewart punch - one is MME and the other in vintage sheet music.  I adhered several vintage buttons with jute, a Kaiser wooden dress form adorned with "material girl" clothing (in the way of tulle and two laces), it's sitting on a Melissa Frances sticker, then I added a pin, and placed the Material Girl sentiment on the card using a Crafty Secrets stamp set that I bought at the amazing http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/ store.

The second challenge I am entering with this card is the one over at Ribbon Carouselle Blog which you read all about here:  http://www.ribboncarousellechallenge.blogspot.com/ - It is Challenge RCC20 "Getting Punny with Savannah" and the challenge is to make something punny, something cute, or something sassy.  I'm thinking that my card is cute AND sassy.  I hope someone enjoys it.

So, even though we all live "in a material world", let's try not to be "material people".  Take a moment to count your blessings today, and thank God for what is truly important.  Have a great day, everyone.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

Always Look for the Rainbow

Today is one of those days that's a bit gloomy, overcast, and somewhat dark.  The rain comes and goes, and you can feel Autumn in the air.  Whenever it rains, I always try to remember to look for the rainbow.  It's God's promise that He will never again flood the earth.  This type of weather is not typical here in Las Vegas, so it's kind of nice.  It makes me want to put on a crock pot of warm chili, and just sit at my scrapbook table and create.  I hope you are also enjoying this day that God has given us.

I just love My Mind's Eye products.  They offer so many beautiful products, and there's no end to what you can create with their fun and fabulous items.  This little card was made for a new challenge at http://www.mymindseye.typepad.com/blog/ and is based on Card Sketch Challenge #27 that you can learn all about here: http://mymindseye.typepad.com/blog/2011/09/blog-challenge-27-card.html  For this card, I used vintage sheet music for the base of the card, then added three strips of MME patterned papers, machine stitched them together, added a Fancy Pants felt piece which I also machine stitched to the project, I added My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Buttons tied with jute, and used a Papertrey Ink die cut for the word "forever".  It's a fairly simple card, but I like the soft feel to it.

I also entered this card into the challenge at http://www.bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/ for Challenge #19 - Button it Up - where you need to use one or more buttons on your project.  I chose to use these three beautiful My Mind's Eye buttons on my card.  They are so cute that I could never get enough of them.  You will want to pick some up if you haven't already.

I thank you so much for stopping by to take a peek at my card.  I also encourage you to scroll down to my Give-Away post where you can enter to win an antique floral frog.  And, don't forget to "Always Look for the Rainbow".

Blessings,

Karen

May God Bless Your Day

Today is the first day of my give-away.  I will be giving one lucky follower an antique floral frog.  For those of you who don't know what a floral frog is, check out the photo in the post below (posted earlier today).  The photo is there, as well as the give-away details for the drawing.  Good luck to everyone who enters.

I made this little Birthday card for a friend of mine.  It is made with four different October Afternoon patterned papers layered on top of one another and machine stitched together.  I touched the papers' edges with paint.  On top of the four layers of patterned paper, I layered an October Afternoon journaling card and an OA sticker.  I added some buttons with jute, a Kaiser rub-on birthday sentiment, and then attached three different colored ribbons using my Tim Holtz attacher.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ - Layer It
http://www.stamp-n-doodle.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes
http://www.ribboncarouselchallenge.blogspot.com/ - Anything Goes/Ribbon
http://www.craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/- Ribbon

All four of these blogs are amazing, and you will most definitely want to stop by and see the awesome creations by the other entrants.  It's always so much fun to see what other crafters have made and gain inspiration from them.  I want to thank Pile it On, Stamp-n-Doodle, Ribbon Carousel and Crafty Catz for hosting such fun challenges.  I feel honored to participate in each challenge, and hope that YOU will participate as well.

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to check out the give-away in my previous post.

May God bless your day,

Karen

A Scripture Challenge and a Give-Away

This week, I learned of an awesome challenge blog called http://www.stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/ which is a Christ-centered blog where all of the challenges are based on Biblical scriptures.  This is something I try to do with all my posts anyway, so I knew this was something for me.  The challenge this week is centered around the verses Matthew 7:7-8 and requires the use of a door on your project.  What a blessing that Christ has told us he will open the doors of our hearts when we ask Him to come in and speak to us.  I am so excited to be a part of this exciting blog challenge.  You can read more about it here: http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-106-matthew-77-8.html and I hope you will let the Lord, Jesus Christ, speak to you through His precious word.

Front of Card:

Inside of Card (with scripture):

I also want to tell you about an awesome give-away I'm starting today, Monday 9/12, and running through Monday, 10/17.  I'm giving away this beautiful antique floral frog.  I love floral frogs for displaying cards and photographing them for blog posts.  They've become very popular in blogging, and I hope that whoever wins this one will love it and use it to display their own cards and creations.

All you have to do to win this cute little antique floral frog is:

1.  Become a follower of my blog if you are not already following.
2.  Leave a comment on this post, and
3.  Check back at the end of the give-away to see if you are a winner.

It's that easy.  A special word of thanks to Mellisa Bove at http://www.keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/ for mentioning this give-away on her awesome blog.  Good luck to all of you who enter to win, and don't forget to check back to see if you have won.

Blessings to you all,

Karen

God Bless the USA

With 9/11 tomorrow, I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit patriotic.  I am grateful for the policemen, firemen, military personnel, and all those who serve our country and fight/serve each day to keep us safe.  I saw the Fabulous Friday challenge at http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ where the challenge was to make something with Tickets, Stamps and Envelopes.  I thought I would do something completely different from what I would usually make.  I made this card for the son of a friend at church who will be joining the Army soon.  I plan to give it to him before he leaves for boot camp.

I used a very old piece of patterned paper with a map print on it, a Maya Road envelope that I tied shut with jute, a Tim Holtz ticket, some Nostalgiques stickers for the stamp, etc., some MM rub-ons and a Scrappy Dreams rub-on, some Tim Holtz mini paper clips, and paint on the edges.  That's about it.  I am so thankful to all military personnel for their sacrifices.  We are a blessed country.

You can read more about theFrosted Designs challenge by clicking on this link:  http://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/fabulous-friday-challege-tags-stamps.html and you see all the gorgeous entries.

Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

More Vintage/Shabby Chic

I absolutely love creating cards and projects of all kinds.  Most of the time, if I'm not busy with something else, you will find me in my scrap room creating something.  For this reason, I am trying hard to spread my wings and start getting a bit more involved at various blogs and in challenges, etc.  I had alread entered one card into Chellenge #49 - Vintage/Shabby Chic - but I am now entering another.  You can read all about the challenge by clicking here: http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-49-vintageshabby-chic.html  - If you take the time to click on the link, you will be able to view all the beautiful entries for this awesome challenge.

I had forgotten to mention on my first entry that I wanted to be considered for a Guest Designer spot.  So, I'm entering again to let them know how honored I would be to Guest Design for them at Anything Challenges.

Thanks for taking a peek. . . . .again.

Karen

Multiple Blessings

When I stop long enough to really count my blessings, the list is literally endless.  I am so grateful for all the blessings in my life.  My family (husband, kids, extended family), my friends, my church/pastor, and all the things with which I have been blessed.  I really try not to take any of it for granted.  Take time today to count your multiple blessings.

This brings me to my next card.  The photos didn't really capture the folds in this card.  I am entering it in multiple challenges.  I hope you will take the time to stop by these exciting blogs to see the beautiful creations all the participants have entered.  It's also a lot of fun to visit new blogs, leave comments, and follow new blogs if you like what you see.  If any of you choose to "follow" my blog, please let me know, and I will do the same for you.  I'm very grateful for followers.

OK, so the first entry for this little card was the awesome weekly challenge at:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.blogspot.com/ where the challenge was to make a multi-fold creation.  My card has a slanted fold in the front as well as a folded pocket where I stuffed in some vintage trinkets for my photo.  You can read all about this challenge and see the awesome entries by clicking here:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/thanks-for-all-your-fabulous-entries-to.html and don't forget to check out their store here:  http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/ where you can purchase all the hottest items for scrapbooking, stamping, card making and more.

The next challenge I entered this week was at http://mymumscraftshopchallenges.blogspot.com/ where the challenge was LAYERS.  This card has that and more.  I love layering papers and adding dimension to everything.

The other challenge I entered was Challenge #49 Vintage/Shabby Chic theme at the fun blog: http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-49-vintageshabby-chic.html and there are so many beautiful creations.  Stop by and visit them all.  You won't be disappointed.

 

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek.  I appreciate comments and followers, and will always do the same for you.  I hope you get a chance to check out these links for inspiration.

Counting my Multiple Blessings,

Karen

Be Ye Kind One to Another

I'm playing along in a challenge this week that is all about the letter "B".  When I think of B, I think of the Bible, and I think specifically of the verse that starts with the word "Be".  It's Ephesians 4:32 "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you".  Since God was gracious enough to send His only son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, and to forgive us of all our shortcomings, shouldn't we do the same for others when they offend us?  Let's make an effort to "be kind to one another" and to forgive one another.

On to the challengees. . . . . .

First, I am entering this card in the challenge at http://www.pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/ called PIO #36 - B is for Buttons, Bows, Brads and All Things B.  This really intrigued and challenged me to think of things that start with the letter B.  You can learn more about this fun and exciting challenge by going here:  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/pio-36-b-is-for-buttons-bows-brads.html

The items I chose to use that begin with the letter B are:  Buttons, Butterflies, Border punch, Bows and Bling.  The sentiment "Best Wishes" even begins with a B.  I used vintage sheet music, Basic Grey's Lemonade patterned paper, and lots of other goodies.

I also entered this card into the challenge at http://www.citycrafterblogspot.com/ where the challenge was called - It's As Easy As 1-2-3.  We were asked to use:  1 ribbon, 2 or more words, and 3 or more butterflies. I knew right away that this card would fit the bill for both challenges.  This card has 1 bow/ribbon, 2 words, and 3 or more butterflies.  I am so happy when I am able to enter two challenges with the same card, and have it meet all the requirements of both.  I hope you will check out this exciting challenge.  You can read all about it here: http://citycrafter.blogspot.com/2011/09/city-crafter-challenge-blog-week-73.html

And last, it's being entered into the challenge at http://www.audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/ where the challenge is to create a card for a girl.  This comes fairly easy for me, as most of my cards are "girly".  I struggle more with the masculine cards.  There are so many awesome creations entered in this challenge.  Take time to check it out.
Let's all try our best to be kind, forgiving, and understanding toward others.  After all, we are only human.  We need to treat others the way we want to be treated, right?  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Have a blessed day.

My Cup Runneth Over,

Karen

The Righteous Shall Flourish

In Psalm 72:7, the Bible tells us that "In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth".  What a tremendous truth to know that we can have peace and will flourish as long as we live a righteous life before God.

This week at http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ the Fabulous Friday Challenge is all about Flourishes.  We were asked to create something with flourishes on it.  I came up with a card that used up some Making Memories flourishes that I've had in my stash for quite some time.

 

You can read more about the challenge here:  http://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/fabulous-friday-challenge-flourishes.html and you can check out all the gorgeous entries.  The card I made uses two different patterned papers by My Mind's Eye, the Making Memories flourishes, a 7 Gypsies tag, a rub-on sentiment, some Recollections flowers, Ranger ink, and some hand-made scrunched seam binding.

Thanks for taking a peek.  I truly appreciate your comments.

Karen

Happy Saturday

Happy Saturday, everyone.  I hope you're enjoying your weekend as much as I am enjoying mine.  I love the weekends.  It's a time to catch up on laundry, spend time with family, and just relax.

I made this little project this morning for a new challenge at http://www.sewmanychallenges.com/ and if you join in the challenge this week, you can get this darling little digital ghost image FOR FREE to use on your project.  I decided not to make a card, but instead, to use a glassine bag for tucking in Haloween treats for a special child this year.  I know just the little cutie who will get this little lovely.  Her name is Emily, and she is just as cute as a button.

As I said, I used a glassine bag, and I covered it with a piece of canvas which I machine stitched and inked.  Next, I adhered black and yellow Bazzil cardstock and machine stitched them as well.  Then, I put my colored little ghost image on there, added a few buttons with ribbon/string, and a felt die cut tag with the word BOO, and stuck on a little spider for fun.

When it comes time for Halloween, I will simply tuck a few candy treats and a little gift in this bag and give it to my special little friend.  You will want to go to:  http://www.sewmanychallenges.com/ and get this free image, check out all the other adorable new images they're releasing, and see all the other cute projects that have been entered into this challenge.

Thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy your weekend, and happy scrapping.

Karen