Top Dog Dies Cherish Doily

With each new release, I just keep falling more and more in love with Top Dog Dies and all they have to offer.  It's Friday again, and time for me to share another card I created using some dies from Top Dog Dies' most recent release.  During June, we will be revisiting some of Top Dog Dies old favorites.  There is always something fun to see, and you can visit the Top Dog Dies Blog any time to take a look at what's new, hear about special deals, and grab some great inspiration.

This card was made using patterned papers and a sticker from Cosmo Cricket's Tea for Two collection, a vintage paper doily, a bottle cap from American Crafts (purchased at Michaels), a Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment (happy birthday), and Top Dog Dies Decorative Corners Die (used twice - once in cream/yellow and once in red), as well as the Top Dog Dies Cherish Doily Tag Die Set (in pink - large circle under paper doily).  The tag was made by rubbing my Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment onto coordinating patterned paper and backing it with a darker green paper, then I made it into a banner by adding a toothpick.  Be sure to stop by the Top Dog Dies Blog to keep up with all our special offers and what's new at Top Dog Dies!

I'm sharing this card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Classy Cards 'N Such Challenges - Challenge #34 - Happy Birthday - For this card, I used a couple products from the Classy Cards 'N Such Store including a Tim Holtz Faded Jeans Distress Ink Marker and also their awesome Scor-Tape which is a MUST-HAVE product!

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

Have a blessed weekend!

Karen

I Hear Wedding Bells

Summer seems to upon us, and means it's time for LOTS of weddings.  We have our first "Summer Wedding" coming up this weekend.  A young lady from our church is marrying the man of her dreams, and we couldn't be happier for her.  She is a sweet girl who suffered from kidney disease and other medical issues that nearly took her life shortly after high school graduation.  We praise God for her recovery, and she is now managing her medical issues.  What a blessing to share in this happy time in her life!

I made this card using cardstock, vintage sheet music, part (one quarter) of a vintage cream doily, a seam binding bow, a "diamond" from my vintage button stash, a Maya Road stick pin, some black tulle, and the sentiment is from a set of silver rub-ons.  It turned out really lovely, and was very easy to make.  The only thing missing is the black machine stitching, but I was too lazy last night when I made this to change out the color of thread currently in my machine.  I may still add the stitching before I actually give away the card at the wedding this weekend.

I'm sharing my Wedding Card in the following challenges this week:

My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #139 - Wedding - Have you seen the GORGEOUS wedding stamp set being offered as this week's prize from My Craft Spot?  Their stamps are SO worth taking the time to browse.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes" this week - Grab some goodies at Simon Says Stamp, and come play along!

Creative Card Crew - Shabby Chic/Vintage - I used LOTS of vintage items on this card, and LOVE the shabby chic look!

Rhedd & Rosie's Challenge Blog - Challenge #33 - No Flowers/No Floral Theme

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today to say hello!  I always appreciate your sweet comments, and hope you will stop by again soon.

Blessings to you,

Karen

Thou Alone Art Lord, O God

It's time for another great challenge this week at Word Art Wednesday, and this week we have THREE AMAZING sponsors with us.  We have The Frantic Stamper and Cheery Lynn Designs each giving away one of their own lovely and unique custom die-cuts.  We also Daydream Designs as our digital sponsor, and they're giving away THREE SETS of choice to a third winner.  You are allowed to share anything as long as it is encouraging/uplifting and meets challenge guidelines.  You can share up to five projects per week.  Now, that's a challenge worth playing for, wouldn't you say?  Stop by Word Art Wednesday this week to play along!

My card was created using the Carta Bella Sew Lovely Collection (patterned papers and stickers) from one of this week's sponsors, Frantic Stamper.  It's SUCH an adorable line. Frantic Stamper carries LOTS of BIG NAME scrapping brands that you know, love, and trust.  Fran also keeps shipping rates low.  It's one of my favorite "go-to" shops that usually carries what I'm looking for.  I also used Old Fashioned Pink Baker's Twine, machine stitching, and Tim Holtz ink.  The scripture/word art file is free this week at Word Art Wednesday. 

I'm sharing my card in the following challenges:

 

 

Faith, Hope and Love Scripture Challenge - I used scripture from Nehemiah 9:6

 

Just B Creative Crazy - May's Just Because Linky Challenge

Creative Card Crew Challenge Blog - Challenge #62 - Shabby Chic/Vintage

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says Anything Goes

Beyond Grey Challenge Blog - Challenge #52 - Bingo - I used a BINGO straight across the top - Adhesive Stone (on the top left in dark blue), Lace (faux lace border sticker also in dark blue), white and polka dots.  SO cute!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed week!
Karen

Clean & Simple at TKJ

For this week's fun CAS (Clean and Simple) Challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog, I made a quick little encouragement card, and the Kraft Outlet made it easy to do!  I started with a Small Lunch Bag Kraft Notecard as my base, and to that I added some yellow card stock and a floral patterned paper.  Next, I ran a length of Tape Measure Washi Tape across the card and machine stitched the edges.  I added a soft sweet bow made of Oatmeal Cream and Aqua Mist Hand-Stained Bias Tape and some Yellow Baker's Twine.  The finishing touch was an encouraging Verve sentiment that I stamped onto a Tim Holtz Journaling Ticket.

Karen Letchworth for The Kraft Journal

The Kraft Outlet makes it SO easy.  I've been SO incredibly busy these past couple of weeks, and I know that it took me FAR less time (and money) to create this card I needed for myself than it would have taken me to drive all the way to the store and purchase one.  By simply stocking up on some of the great supplies from The Kraft Outlet, I can always be prepared and have the items on hand to make a very special card to suit any occasion.  I warmly invite you to grab some new Kraft Outlet items and play along in this week's Clean and Simple Challenge.

Have a blessed week!
Karen

5-Minute Card for Top Dog Dies

Hello, crafty friends!  Today I'd like to share with you how Top Dog Dies can make card-making and crafting a breeze with all the great wafer-thin dies they offer.  This month's new release was filled with GORGEOUS border dies and pretty petals.  Each month offers exciting new dies for every crafter, and yet....there are LOADS of "oldies but goodies" that will suit your every crafting need.  There are honestly dies that are perfect for EVERY crafter.  You will be amazed at all Top Dog Dies has to offer, and how much their lovely wafer-thin dies will spice up your projects with that special touch.

As many of you know, I've got a lot on my plate lately.  My Dad has late stage 4 colon cancer (along with all his other health issues) and is failing quickly.  I've been travelling back and forth, trying to finish homeschooling with my son, Andrew, taking care of my family, had surgery last week, WHEW!  That's a lot, and it doesn't even cover it all.  However busy we may get, there are still those times we want (or need) to create a card for someone.  Whether it's a sympathy card, birthday card, or any other occasion that finds you "under the gun" to create something in a hurry, Top Dog Dies has the perfect dies to help you create something special.....something truly beautiful, and it can be done quickly when needed.

For this sweet card, I simply took the lovely new Top Dog Dies Alaina Lace Border Die and cut it six times from a beautiful light turquoise blue card stock. I layered the six lengths cut from the Top Dog Dies Alaina Lace Border Die onto a cream base.  This quickly created a lovely background with great dimension and texture.  Next, I added some embellishments - this can literally be ANYTHING you have on hand.  For this card, I added a printed floral image from Crafty Secrets that I printed onto canvas, and a seam binding bow with a flower and pearls.  As I said, it was a 5-minute card, and yet it has such an elegant feel.  When I need that last-minute card, I can quickly add a sentiment (i.e. Sympathy, Birthday, etc.).  Because Top Dog Dies offers such high-quality dies that are truly wafer-thin and SO easy to work with, card-making becomes a breeze.  The Top Dog Dies Alaina Lace Border Die is just one of many gorgeous border dies we offer. We also have the gorgeous new Top Dog Dies Laurel Lace Border Die that gives a similar effect; yet has different cuts.  They're both just as lovely as can be, and will add SUCH a delightful accent to any card or project.

Just B Creative Crazy Challenge Blog - May's Just Because Linky Party

Be sure to check the Top Dog Dies Blog regularly.  There are great ideas and tutorials shared all the time, and you won't want to miss a thing.  We appreciate your support, and Top Dog Dies is offering a WONDERFUL Memorial Day special just for you so that you can stock up on your favorite Top Dog Dies.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed Memorial Day weekend.

Karen

Sew Lovely

As some of you may know, I spent the weekend (Friday - Monday night) in Duluth, Minnesota with my brother as we shared some difficult news with our Dad.  He has late Stage 4 Colon Cancer, and he is failing quickly.  I poured my heart out to him; telling him how much I love him, how much I know he has always loved me, singing him songs and hymns, reading him scripture, and just letting him know that there is nothing to fear because God is with him always, and Dad has a bright future awaiting him in Heaven.  It was a difficult weekend, but a good one.  My Dad will turn 76 on May 26, and we really hope he has a good day on his birthday - whether it's a good day here on earth, or a GREAT DAY with Jesus in Heaven.

We did a lot of hand holding.  I didn't ever want to let go.  I really hope that I can get back to Duluth one more time before Dad goes....if time allows.  I really appreciate your prayers and sweet words of encouragement.  You all mean SO MUCH to me, and I praise God for you.  I didn't really have time for a whole lot of "fun stuff" while I was away, but I did get to run in to Hobby Lobby for about 15 minutes on our way to the airport.  Oh, and I also got a Bridgeman's ice cream cone.  At Hobby Lobby, I used a 40% off coupon to buy the Carta Bella Sew Lovely package with all the sweet patterned papers and stickers.  It's a lovely set - "sew lovely", in fact.  I made this card this afternoon while Andrew was at P.E. with his Dad.  Those few quiet minutes today were much appreciated, and much needed.  I needed a Get Well card for a friend, so this is it.  It uses all Carta Bella Sew Lovely products expect for the Maya Road stick pin, Top Dog Dies mini tag, and Kraft Outlet seam binding.

The "Feel Better Soon" sentiment is a Verve stamp. The border at the top was made with a Martha Stewart border punch.  I did some machine stitching, inking, and used a Prima flower.  It's really pretty simple.  Here's a close-up shot.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I am SO very grateful for your support, and I appreciate your encouragement.

I'm sharing my card here:

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

Have a blessed week!

Karen

Top Dog Dies are GORGEOUS!

How lucky am I?  Really!!  I feel SO blessed that I get to Design for such amazing companies.  Top Dog Dies keeps coming out with the most GORGEOUS dies with each new month's release.  Not to mention, the store is stocked FULL of amazing dies from releases gone by, and yet....they continue to knock our socks off with each new release.  This month, they released some amazing corner accents, darling flowers, and two delicate and lovely borders that I just can't seem to put down.  I love them all, and I feel SO lucky to be a part of this amazing team.

As you read this post, I will be away in Minnesota helping my brothers to deal with some medical issues with our dear ole' Dad.  Dad has been hospitalized for over a week now.  He acts like he had a stroke, although signs don't indicate a stroke.  He's gone through extensive testing, and they have determined that he has colon cancer.  I (like you) hate the "C word".  But it's part of life, and we have to deal with the situation at hand.  The decisions that must be made are never easy, and nobody can tell us that our decisions are right or wrong.  They are decisions that we have prayed about, and that we feel are the right ones for our Dad.  We have decided, together, that Dad isn't strong enough (physically or emotionally) for the surgery. That means we are giving it to God.  We will make Dad comfortable, let him know how VERY much we love him, and then....we have to step back and let God do what God does.  He handles things, and we trust Him.  The road ahead isn't going to be easy for Dad, for us, or really for anyone.  We don't know WHAT the future holds, but we do know WHO holds the future.  We also have the assurance of knowing FOR CERTAIN that our Dad is going to Heaven when he dies.  Not because he was a perfect Dad or a great person, but because Dad placed his faith in the sacrifice that Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, made for us when He gave Himself as a sacrifice for his (and all of mankinds') sins.  I really appreciate your prayers.  I've had a rough week.  But I know that I am a very blessed girl, and I can only be grateful for my family, my life, for my precious Savior, and for Dad.  May God bless his days and give him the strength he needs during his final journey here on earth - however long that may be.

OK, before I start get all teary-eyed, here is my card for this week's Top Dog Dies post.  I used some of the Echo Park patterned papers I had left over from a blog hop we did a while back.  I used the pink printed patterned paper to create the base of my card which was cut using the Top Dog Dies Signature Antique Die.  I just LOVE the shape of this die, and it makes a lovely card base or a great mini album.  It can also be mixed and matched with our many other shaped dies to create mini albums with various shapes.  They're all the same basic size so that they can be used together if desired.  Next, I used the brand new Top Dog Dies Alaina Border Die to create a garden gate.  Under that, I used green rick-rack to create stems/leaves for my flowers; and the flowers themselves were cut with the new Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Die Set and I placed gem stickers in the centers of my flowers.  The sentiment is just a little sticker from the Echo Park set.  Top Dog Dies really has some AMAZING dies.  You can see them all here in the Top Dog Dies Store. 

Thanks for stopping by to say hello and take a peek.  I will be back in town on Monday night (rather late), so I don't know when I will be posting again.  Sometimes life takes us for a loop, but I will get back in the swing of things just as soon as possible.  I hope you're all having a great week.  I appreciate your friendships, and I look forward to visiting your blogs soon.

Hugs,

Karen

It Is God Which Worketh In You

I am SO BLESSED in so many ways; but one of the best ways I'm blessed is by God's precious Word.  I love to read it, study it, meditate on it, and let it guide my heart in every move I make.  In this scripture, Philippians 2:13, the Lord tells us that He works in our lives to will and to do of His good pleasure.  That means that when we purpose in our hearts to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, He is pleased with us.  But it also means that we, in turn, will also be blessed by those actions.  True Christian joy comes when we finally allow God to control us.

You can find this free word art/scripture file at Word Art Wednesday, and can play along with us for a chance to win one of two AMAZING prizes up for grabs this week.  Our generous sponsors are Your Next Stamp offering a $20 gift certificate to one lucky winner, and also The Flying Unicorn Store offering a $50 gift certificate to their lovely store.  Great prizes!  I really hope that you will stop by to share your art with us.

I made my card using the word art file, and based on a lovely card sketch found at Scrapping Everyday Miracles.  I love to play along in Christian challenges whenever possible.  I've never won there, but it's still fun to join in their challenges.

Here are the links to the challenges I'm entering:

Scrapping Everyday Miracles Challenge Blog - May 1st Challenges - I'm entering the card challenge, and my card was created based on their lovely card sketch.  I pieces my word art to make it fit in with the sketch.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - "M Challenge" - I took DT Member, Andrea Ockey's lead, and made my card using "Masking Tape" and/or washi tapes.  You can find many lovely varieties of washi tape at Simon Says Stamp.

Virginia's View - Challenge #3 - Stitching - YES!  One of my favorite touches.  I enjoy stitching (real, faux, or any style).  I machine stitched the edges of my card.  I love the look it gives, and I REALLY enjoy this great challenge.   And, my dear Aunt Virginia who is no longer with us, is one of my relatives who taught me how to stitch/sew.  What a perfect fit!

I hope to see your beautiful art shared in the challenges where they fit.  Share your God-given talents wherever you are able.  You never know how it might bless someone.  I look forward to seeing your sweet creations!

God bless you,

Karen

TKJ Using Journaling Cards

Hello, friends of The Kraft Journal.  Today I'm sharing  some JOURNALING TAG projects with you as part of our Watch Us Wednesday segment.  Ever since I began designing for The Kraft Journal, one of my (many) favorite embellishments from the Kraft Outlet are their fun JOURNALING TAGS.  They carry several different styles of journaling tags, and I just LOVE them all.  I've found many creative ways to use them, and today I'd like to share some of those ideas with you.

I made a tiny album using Grungy Prim Shipping Tags and joined them together with a jump ring and a length of Hand-Stained Bias Tape in Cameo Beige.  To each of the Grungy Prim Shipping Tags, I adhered a Vintage Mini Deck Basic Journaling Card on one side, and a photo on the other.  I also put a strip of several of the different styles of Decorative Washi Tape on each card.  The front page also has a Hodge Podge Magpie Sticker Tab and a Jenni Bowlin Chipboard Button tied with a length of Natural Hemp Cord.

Journaling Tags are a wonderful addition to mini albums like this because they're perfect for writing on to document information about the photos you've used.  I used some photos of my children at different stages of their lives. 

I also tucked some of the smaller Grungy Prim Shipping Tags #2 in between the layers for additional journaling space.  The Kraft Outlet is just FILLED with all kinds of great items to help you save those precious memories.

You can also use Journaling Tags/Vintage Mini Deck Cards as a backdrop for stamping or sentiments on your cards (as seen above).  Or, you can use them on your scrapbook pages to do your journaling.  I've even used the Jenni Bowlin Memo Book and cut the journaling cards into little strips for adding a word here and there on cards or projects.  Below, you will see another card I made (which I've shared before) where I used a Family Tree Journaling Card.

There really is no end to the ways you can use JOURNALING CARDS on your projects.  I hope that you will stop by the Kraft Outlet to check out all the journaling cards and other great items offered there.  Just let your imagination run wild and HAVE FUN playing with all the great supplies found at The Kraft Outlet.  We also have a super fun sketch challenge taking place this week on our blog, and we hope that you will join us.

Have a blessed week!
Karen

Something Tattered For You

I was recently asked to be a part of the Something Tattered Design Team.  And while I'm not an accomplished stamper by ANY means whatsoever, I decided to take on this new position to help me push myself into learning new techniques and discovering my potential.  In addition to that, these are LOVELY shabby-chic stamps.  They're soft, elegant, and just downright BEAUTIFUL.  You can check out their delightful store here at Something Tattered.

For my first project, I created this card using cream cardstock that I used an embossing folder on to give it texture.  I added some patterned paper to the top and bottom that's punched using a Martha Stewart lace border punch.  Then, I added a vintage cream doily.  I found two packaged of these sweet cream vintage doilies at an antique store in Pomona, California.  I used the Something Tattered Frieze Stamp Set to create the heart in the center of the doily.  In the middle of that, I added a small flower die-cut and a resin flower.  I added a seam binding bow at the top, and a strip of the matching patterned paper with vellum on top of that where I stamped the word "Amour" from the Something Tattered Nest Amour Stamp Set.  I placed a small Tim Holtz paper clip on that.

For my next project, I made this sweet little tag using pink cardstock to which I stamped a background in black ink using the gorgeous Something Tattered Study Damask Wallpaper Stamp.  Next, I added black and pink tulle to the top where I also placed a silver diamond button.  I added two layers of lace - one black mini rosettes and the other is a vintage pink lace.  I die-cut a journalling spot out of black cardstock and topped with vellum.  To that, I added a rub-on sentiment (dream) and at the top of the sentiment, I added a small swirl using the Something Tattered Cards Bunting Stamp Set.  There are SO many sweet little stamps in each set that add that little something special to your projects.  I hope you will stop by to see for yourself how lovely these stamps are.

I'm sharing my projects in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Spring Flowers - I used lovely Prima flowers which can be found at Simon Says Stamp

Just B Creative Crazy - May Just Because Linky Party

Lawnscaping Challenge - Create a Background Using Stamps.  I used a stamp to create the background on my tag (bottom project).  I am just learning how to do this, so I appreciated the challenge.  While I've never won at this challenge, I enjoy playing along in them when I can.

My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #137 - Inking Technique - I'm not the most experienced stamper, but I'm learning.  For these cards, I pulled out my inks and got busy with my new stamps.  I love using ink, and had a lot of fun making these so I thought it was a good fit for this week's challenge at My Craft Spot.

Have a blessed week!
Karen

Top Dogs & The Twinery BLOG HOP FUN!

Today is the first day of our SUPER FUN Blog Hop between Top Dog Dies and The Twinery.  If you are new to either of these wonderful companies, you will surely want to familiarize yourself with them both.  Top Dog Dies carries many of the top brands in die-cuts that you know and love, and they also have their very own line of high-quality wafer-thin dies in many different styles and shapes that will fit in perfectly to all your crafting projects.  You can click here to visit Top Dog Dies to look around, and click here to visit Top Dog Dies Blog to enter the give-away of $50 in wafer-thin dies using the Rafflecopter widget.  In addition, The Twinery will be giving away a twine prize pack with $25 worth of their GORGEOUS 100% cotton twine.  Check out The Twinery Blog Tuesday and Wednesday for even more fun!

As you can see, The Twinery has many different types of twine.  It's much more than just baker's twine.   Well, don't get me wrong....they have LOVELY baker's twine in every beautiful color you can imagine; but they also have this solid twine that works great on all sorts of projects and gives a completely different look.  I used my twine (on this first project) to thread my Top Dog Dies Heart Doily Die, to make a bow that wraps around the doily, and to hang my sentiment using the Top Dog Dies Mini Tags Die Set.  On the doily, you will see my flowers that I cut using the new Top Dog Dies Pretty Petal Dies Set.

My second project is another glassine bag that I decorated using more of the gorgeous baker's twine from The Twinery to wrap around my bag at the top, and as the centers of my flowers that were cut using the brand new Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Die Set.  I also added a sentiment tag hanging from the twine with a miniature clothespin using a tag from the Top Dog Dies Mini Tags Die Set.  Then, down in the bottom corners, I added matching corner accents using the Top Dog Dies Decorative Corners Die Set.  I love using glassine bags for gift-giving, and Top Dog Dies makes it easy and fun to decorate them.

Here's the Blog Hop line up to get you started:

The Twinery Blog

Top Dog Dies Blog

Amy Tsuruta
Amy Wanford
Giovana Smith

Katie Brooks

Karen Letchworth

Renee Robbins

Stacey Schafer

Nicole Picadura

Wendy Sue Anderson

Good luck, and have fun!  There are some really great prizes and LOTS of inspiration for fun ways to use the fabulous dies from Top Dog Dies and the fun twine from The Twinery!

I'm sharing these projects here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says Spring Flowers - My Spring Flowers are cut from the new Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Dies

Little Scrap Pieces - Saturday Linky Party

Have a blessed week,

Karen

Brand New Die Release at Top Dog Dies

Hurray!  It's that wonderful time of the month again when Top Dog Dies releases another LOVELY new collection of wafer-thin dies.  I'm excited to share with you all the first project I made using some of these lovely new die-cuts. There are so many great things going on at Top Dog Dies.  You can also stop by their blog for more information on all the latest news.

This particular card uses just ONE of the FOUR beautiful new sets (the Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Die Set), so rest assured that there is a WHOLE LOT MORE to see!  All four of our newest die sets are available in the Top Dog Dies Store STARTING TODAY.  And....our Design Team is participating in a SUPER FUN Blog Hop starting this Monday, May 12, along with The Twinery.  One lucky person will win $50 worth of Top Dog Dies' wafer-thin metal dies.  And, The Twinery will also offer prizes during the hop.  I hope that you'll stop by on Monday to take part in all the fun, have your chance at winning, and see more of the wonderful new dies available in this month's release.  There are some truly GORGEOUS dies again this month.  You won't want to miss a thing, OR the opportunity to win.

For this card, in addition to the Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Die Set, I used some very old Chatterbox patterned paper, vellum, and brown cardstock which I used to cut the Top Dog Dies Madison Doily Die.  On top of that, I placed a cute little Maya Road brown kraft envelope tied with baker's twine.  From the baker's twine, you can see the sweet little circle tag from the Top Dog Dies Mini Tag Set.  Next, I added two flowers that were cut from the BRAND NEW Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Die Set.  I added a rub-on sentiment at the bottom, did some machine stitching, inking, and placed a resin flower in the center of the flower from the Top Dog Dies Pretty Petals Die Set.

As I said, this is just a "sneak peek" at the wonderful new dies available in the brand new Top Dog Dies Release this month.  You will get to see LOTS more by participating in next week's Blog Hop.  We really hope to see you there!

Just B Creative Crazy - May's Just Because Linky Party

Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Spring Flowers - I used the Pretty Petals die-cuts from Top Dog Dies.

Blessings,

Karen

Precious Is The Word of God

Life is filled with blessings.  And on the other extreme, life has its share of valleys as well.  But, there is something SO incredibly wonderful and absolutely PRECIOUS about the Word of God.  We all enjoy the blessings a whole lot more than the valleys, and sometimes....we're just waiting around for a blessing to help us forget about some of the woes that come our way.  But truth be told, there are so many blessings just waiting for us.  And all we have to do to receive these precious blessings is to simply open the Word of God, and let those blessings pour out on us.  Each verse from God's Word can bless us; especially when we take the time to study what it means.  It's meaning will benefit us and bless our hearts.  If you want a real blessing this week, I encourage you to stop by Word Art Wednesday and read the devotional that Design Team Member, Diane Noble, has shared on the blog in reference to this week's scripture, Micah 7:8 - it's such a heart-felt and personal experience of what this verse means to Diane, and I'm sure it will be a blessing to YOU, as well.  While you are there, you can also link up your art for a chance to win one of our fabulous prizes being offered again this week.

For this card, I used the beautiful colored version of this week's word art which was provided by Diane Noble of Daydream Designs.  I printed it onto a piece of Authentique patterned paper, and then attached some Simple Stories patterned papers that I machine stitched together.  I added some sequins and mini pearl stickers, some Twinery twine, and Tim Holtz ink.  I had received several new packages of Twinery twine in the mail a few weeks ago (much to my surprise) that is for a blog hop starting this Monday, May 12, between The Twinery and Top Dog Dies.  I hope you will stop by for that as well.  There will be some really great prizes and lots of great inspiration.

By the way, since I'm talking about precious things and blessings in our lives, I thought I'd share a photo with you of one more of my blessings.  This is my "baby", Andrew.  He's 14 (almost 15 now) and he is such an awesome kid.  He's seeking God, being obedient, and is doing everything he can to please us and to please God.  Don't get me wrong, he's a teenager in every way, and he makes mistakes, but we just feel SO BLESSED that he (like our other kids) has chosen to walk with God and put Him first in his life.  We know that God has great things planned for him, and we trust that by continuing to walk with God, Andrew will have a truly blessed life.  I praise God for him, and.....he's kinda cute, huh?

These are the challenges where I'm sharing my scripture card:

Faith, Hope and Love Scripture Challenge - Challenge #7 - I used Micah 7:8 for my card this week

Just B Creative Crazy - May's Just Because Linky Party

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says "Anything Goes" (with sequins)

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'm so glad you're here, and I appreciate your visit.

Blessings,

Karen

The Kraft Journal "Just For Her"

It's Monday again, and time for another wonderful and fun challenge at The Kraft Journal Challenge Blog.  This week, we're celebrating Moms with a "Just For Her" challenge.  Most of you will be making a card for a Mother or other special woman in your life, and we'd love to have you share your creations with us.  It can also be a baby girl card, etc.  We look forward to seeing what you will create!  If you need any supplies, be sure to stop by The Kraft Outlet to pick up some of the supplies seen here, or many of the other wonderful crafting products you'll find there.

For this week's "Just For Her" Challenge, I chose to make a Mother's Day for my dear Mom.  I started my project with a favorite Kraft Outlet product - a fifty cent Kraft Open End Catalog Envelope.  I made this Open End Catalog Envelope into a Mother's Day card by simply folding it in half and covering it with patterned papers and embellishments.

The reason that I LOVE using these amazing envelopes as cards is because you can open the flap and tuck photos or hand-written notes and keepsakes inside; yet it's a perfect card that fits into our Kraft Lunch Bag Envelopes for mailing.  I used both Carta Bella and Crate Paper patterned papers and stickers, added some machine stitching, stickers and several darling Kraft Outlet goodies to decorate the card to make it super special for my Mom.  Some special touches include the big bow I put on the front of the card made with Oatmeal Cream Stained Seam Binding, Rose Petal Cupcake Seam Binding, Aqua Mist Seam Binding, Strawberry Shortcake Seam Binding, and placing a button in the center with Pink Pastel Hemp Cord in the center.  I also used a tiny Tim Holtz paper clip.

The inside is all decorated as well, I used a sweet little twenty cent Mini Kraft Polka Dot Merchandise Bag where I tucked in a couple of gift cards for my Mom.  The Kraft Outlet sells LOTS of great little bags for tucking in gift cards - which makes gift-giving so easy to implement into your crafting.  The Happy Mother's Day sentiment on the inside is from Eureka Stamps.

I absolutely LOVE my Mom - she has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I just PRAISE GOD for giving me a wise and loving mother, a true Proverbs 31 woman, to guide me in my walk with Him, and to encourage me throughout my life to be a good person, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and servant of God.   I will cherish her and thank God for her every day of my life.

I'm sharing my Mother's Day in the following challenges:

Just B Creative Crazy - May's Just Because Linky Party

Eureka Stamps Challenge Blog - Challenge #81 - Mother's Day - My Happy Mother's Day sentiment on the inside of my card is from Eureka Stamps.

Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog - Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Anything Goes (w/Sequins)

Little Scrap Pieces - Show It Off Saturday Linky Party

Classy Cards 'N Such - Challenge #31 - Mother's Day - You can find the Hug Snug Seam Binding I used on this card at Classy Cards 'N Such, along with MANY other lovely products!  Come, play along!

Have a happy Mother's Day, and a blessed week.
Karen