Monday, March 30, 2015

Color Challenge at The Kraft Journal

There was a time when Color Challenges would really stress me out, and I would feel tortured to include all the colors in some intricate way on my project.  It took time, but I finally learned to enjoy color challenges by learning to take what inspires me or speaks to my own personal sense of style, and leaving the rest. The idea is to HAVE FUN!  And if it's fun you're looking for, then The Kraft Journal is the place to be.  We have a great challenge every week, and you could be the lucky winner of a $15 gift certificate to the Kraft Outlet.
For my card for this week's Color Challenge, I started with a Brown Kraft Notecard and to that I added a base cut from Light Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock and adhered that to the front of the Brown Kraft Notecard.  Once that base was set, I used a square punch to make squares from purple, yellow and green patterned paper that I inked on their edges.  I spaced them apart (somewhat) evenly, attached a Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment to a scrap of Light Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock using my Bone Folder Tool.  I added a few coordinating buttons here and there, and tied either Light Green Baker's Twine or Natural Hemp Cord to the center of each one.  I really do hope you'll play along in this week's challenge.
 
Have an awesome week!
Karen

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Stamping and Mixing Patterns

I had a little bit of extra time this evening, and was very happy that I was able to create another fun card for a particular challenge that; although I love, I have never won, and doubt I ever will.  It's one of my favorite companies, Papertrey Ink.  I've played along there for years, but the odds of winning are......well, let's just say not in my favor.  LOL
I created this card using some October Afternoon patterned papers and an October Afternoon stamp.  I also used SEVERAL fun Papertrey Ink products including their Limeade Ice Wool Felt and Hawaiian Shores Wool Felt, their Heart Border Die, Cream Cotton Baker's Twine and a sentiment from their Heart 2 Heart #4 Stamp Set.
 
I am entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Nichole Heady/Papertrey Ink Blog - Make It Monday #206 - Stamping and Mixing Patterns - I love this idea, and I often combine mixed background patterns.  I used no less than five (5) Papertrey Ink products which are all listed and linked above.  Have I mentioned that I absolutely LOVE Papertrey Ink?
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Crafty Calendar Challenge Blog - March Challenge - Add Some Metal - I absolutely LOVE adding metal embellishments.  They make such a statement.  For this card, I attached a tiny Tim Holtz rusty paper clip to my sentiment.

Little Scrap Pieces - Saturday Linky Party
 
Thank you for visiting me today, and please know that I am very grateful for the comments you leave.  I will do my best to stop by and leave you some love in return.  Have fun creating, and thanks for being wonderfully you!
 
Karen

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

A Winning Combination

It's Wednesday again, and time for another GREAT challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  This week we have an AMAZING combination of sponsors.  They really are a WINNING COMBINATION!  Our physical sponsor is the WONDERFUL Really Reasonable Ribbon, and our digital sponsor is the GORGEOUS My Artistic Adventures.  I used items from BOTH of these awesome shops on my card for this week.
First, you will notice my sentiment - this week's FREE scripture/word art file.  You can have this beautiful file for free by visiting the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog.  You are never required to use it on your card in order to play along and be eligible for our amazing prizes; but it is there for you, nonetheless.  The scripture is printed on a colored background, and was placed on a digital tag from the Romantic Victorian Vintage Tags Set from My Artistic Adventures.  Aren't they gorgeous?  You will find so many lovely images in this sweet Etsy Shop.  I hope you will take time to do some browsing.  One lucky person will win some of these sweet images to enjoy, so be sure to link up in our challenge.
I also used LOTS of great products from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Aren't those bows and ribbons lovely?  I used their sweet Pink Burlap String, Pink Aster Seam Binding, the GORGEOUS Wide Natural Burlap With Parrot Green and White Striped Edge, Natural Burlap String, a Brown Paper Leaf, 20 mm Open Roses in Pink and Green Open Roses.  It's true!  Really Reasonable Ribbon not only carries the most lovely ribbons, laces and trims; but they also carry hair-bow accessories, crafty bags, flowers, and SO much more.  One very lucky entrant will win a $15 Gift Certificate to Really Reasonable Ribbon.
 
WOW!  That's why I say "It's a Winning Combination" -  Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog where ANYTHING GOES (family friendly) and you can share up to 5 projects per week, Really Reasonable Ribbon where you can find the sweetest ribbons and craft supplies, and My Artistic Adventures where you can get the sweetest digital images to enhance your projects.  What are you waiting for?  Hop on over to Word Art Wednesday and play along with us.  We LOVE having you share your talents with us, and YOU could be the lucky winner of one of these awesome prizes.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a blessed week.
 
Karen

P.S.  I'm sharing this card in the following challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - This Week, Simon Says "Anything Goes"

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

For My Dear Mom

Today I'm sharing a card that I made for my Mom.  It's not for any Design Team assignment, but just for love of creating (with her in mind).  It's simply a card that I made for fun, and that I plan to give to my Mom to let her know I'm thinking of her.  I get to go see my Mom next month and spend a week or so with her.  I'm looking forward to those special moments in the early morning, sipping our coffee and chatting around the kitchen table; or the late nights eating ice cream and talking - just spending time together watching our favorite shows.  I can't wait!
I created this card using lots of great October Afternoon supplies.  I started with a Bazzill base (deep gold) and attached some October Afternoon patterned papers that I machine stitched together.  I added a Maya Road kraft envelope to which I machine stitching some litters letters to spell mom.  I even stamped an October Afternoon floral stamp onto it in red.  There's a bit of vintage lace at the bottom.  I die-cut several flowers from October Afternoon patterned paper using a Papertrey Ink floral die set.  I tied several lengths of Natural Burlap String around my buttons and underneath my flowers.  The buttons are also from October Afternoon.  I feel SO blessed to get to attend their annual warehouse sale, and I have more of it than I will ever use; but that's ok.  I'm not complaining at all. It's still one of most favorite companies of all time.  The inspiration for this card came from the October Afternoon Blog, and I totally lifted someone else's original idea on this one.
 
Even though this card was just for fun, I will still enter it in this fun challenge:
 
Scrapping Everyday Miracles Challenge Blog - Welcome to Almost Spring Challenge - Card Layout - I don't get to play along here very often (although I'd like to do so much more).  I created this card so that I could play along.  While I definitely "flipped" the sketch, I did use it to inspire me.
 


Monday, March 23, 2015

CAS/Easter at The Kraft Journal

I've always been the first to admit that I struggle with CAS cards; but I always give it my best effort.  This is a great challenge, and you really should stop by and join us for your chance to win a $15 gift certificate to The Kraft Outlet.  This isn't really "CAS", but it's an effort.  LOL
For this week's CAS/Easter Challenge at The Kraft Journal, I used a Small Buff Ivory Note Card as my base.  To that, I adhered a piece of Buff Ivory Cover Weight Cardstock; and then attached a couple of different Crate Paper (Little Bo Peep) patterned papers.  I ran several lengths of Pink Baker's Twine around the patterned papers.
Next, I attached a Grungy Prim Shipping Tag, and covered that with a bunny journaling card from the Crate Paper Little Bo Peep collection, and added a piece of sweet Pink & White Striped Washi Tape to its side.  I made a bow using Butter Hand-Stained Bias Tape and Vintage Winter White Hand-Stained Bias Tape, and then added an "Easter Joy" sentiment by using her Bone Folder Tool to place tiny Doodlebug rub-on letters on a tiny tag cut from a scrap of Buff Ivory Cover Weight Cardstock that is secured with an ink-stained Tiny Wooden Clothespin.
 
We would really love to have you stop by and play along with us.  Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.  I appreciate your visit and your comments, and I look forward to visiting your blogs as well.

I'm sharing my card here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says..."Spring Pinterest Inspiration Challenge" - How fun to celebrate Easter with all these great Pinterest photos!

Craftin' Desert Divas Challenge Blog - Easter Linky Party - I absolutely LOVE Crafin' Desert Diva Stamps, and would LOVE to win some.  Thanks for another fun challenge!

Blessings to you,
Karen 

Sunday, March 22, 2015

50 Shades of Gray RIBBONS

Don't let your mind go there!  I'm talking about RIBBONS, of course.  Who knew that Really Reasonable Ribbon had so many luscious ribbons in gray (or silver, charcoal, and SO much more), and they all blend together SO beautifully.  Just take a look.
I created this card with LOTS of terrific gray ribbons from the shop including their luscious Wide Gray Netting, gorgeous Seam Binding in Charcoal Gray, Delicate Stitched Satin Silver, Striped Grosgrain Gray, Baker's Twine in Oyster, and the beautiful Metallic String in Silver.  But that's not it!  There's more.
Really Reasonable Ribbon carries SO MUCH MORE than just ribbon.  While ribbon is definitely our specialty, we carry so many gorgeous accents for your cards. As you can see from these photos, there are accents PERFECT for every project.  Look at how nicely these embellishments work with the ribbons.  This can be done with any color scheme.  I used the GORGEOUS Open Roses in Black, and the Open Roses in Ivory (I used a spray to make them gray).  These beautiful flowers come in three different sizes, and I used the 10mm and 15mm sized flowers on this card.
You will also notice that I used a new FAVORITE of mine, which are our LOVELY Spiral Stamens.  I used the Wild Orchid Craft Spiral Stamens in Silver.  This particular color is VERY popular, and tends to sell out quickly.  They've been recently restocked, so now is a great time to get some for yourself.  The silver will blend with almost ANY color scheme, but just in case.....they also come in SIX other amazing and vibrant colors.  I really hope you will take time to browse through the Really Reasonable Ribbon Store today, and treat yourself to some of these GORGEOUS products.

Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello, and to take a peek at my card for Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Don't forget that we have a FUN CHALLENGE going on right now on the RRR Blog (our theme this time is Bright Spring Colors With Ribbon/Trim).  You can find that challenge here:  Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge

Have a blessed week, and thanks for visiting.
Karen

P.S.  I'm sharing my card in this challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Pinterest Inspiration Challenge - I took my inspiration from the photo of the bird, and the photo of the bird's nest.  In the bottom right of my card, I have a sweet little Maya Road Wire Bird, and the netting trim is like a "nest".  This was a really cool challenge!

Crafty Calendar Challenge Blog - March Challenge:  Add Some Metal - I added a Maya Road METAL/WIRE Bird at the bottom right of my card.
 

Friday, March 20, 2015

Bright Spring Colors at Really Reasonable Ribbon

It's time for another AWESOME challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and our theme this time is Bright Spring Colors.  Really Reasonable Ribbon has SO many gorgeous ribbons, trims, laces, flowers and more to help you find just the right touches for ALL your bright Spring projects.  I hope you will treat yourself to some new goodies, and come play along with us.  I have created TWO cards for this fun challenge.
For this first bright, fun card I used several gorgeous products from Really Reasonable Ribbon including their lovely Silky Crush Teal Ribbon, Pink Burlap String and Pink Aster Seam Binding.  I also incorporated several of their amazing floral products including the sweet Two-Toned Baby Pink Sweetheart Blossoms by Wild Orchid Crafts, a 10 mm Open Rose in Deep Ivory and a stunning Pink Spiral Stamen by Wild Orchid Crafts (which are SUCH a gorgeous touch to any card).  They have been recently restocked, and this is a great time to stock up on all the gorgeous colors while they're readily available.
For my second card, I used some bright Simple Stories papers, and more of Really Reasonable Ribbon's GOREOUS trims and flowers.  I used the Seam Binding in Mimosa Yellow (SO pretty), and Turquoise Organza.  I also tucked in a Wild Orchid Crafts Spiral Stamen in White (also recently restocked), a 10 mm Deep Ivory Open Rose and two 20 mm Open Roses in Pink.  Aren't they gorgeous?  Here's a close-up shot of the bow.
We really hope that you will join us for this fun challenge.  Really Reasonable Ribbon is SUCH a great place to get all your beautiful ribbons, floral accents, and more.  We looking forward to having YOU join us soon!
 
Have a blessed week,
Karen

P.S.  I'm sharing my FIRST CARD (at top) in the following challenge:
Crafty Calendar Challenge Blog - March Challenge - Add Some Metal - I added a METAL FLOWER CHARM to my first card (at the top of this post) - it's a small metal flower, and it is hanging from my bow.  This challenge helped me to remember to pull out these sweet little embellishments.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Spring at The Kraft Journal

For this week's Spring/Anything Goes Challenge at The Kraft Journal, I decided to do something fun with a Lunch Bag Kraft No. 10 Open End Policy Envelope.  I used some cardstock and patterned papers to make a large flag, and to add a Grungy Prim Shipping Tag #2 (the smaller of the two sizes carried at the Kraft Outlet).  This can be used for journaling, or just for decoration.  Next, I added some fun flowers, sequins, wide lace, and a bow made from Rose Beige Hand-Stained Bias Tape and Winter White Bias Tape.  I also tucked a small scrap of Vintage Sheet Music under the Small Grungy Prim Shipping Tag. 
These Lunch Bag Kraft No. 10 Open End Policy Envelopes are AWESOME for implementing into a scrapbook page because you can tuck A LOT inside of them.  They can also be used to create a mini album.  They're an item that may get overlooked, but they're really a lot of fun.  Oh, and don't forget that they cost ONLY $0.35 each!!!
The vintage image is a sticker from my stash.  I couldn't honestly tell you where I got, or how long I've had it.  Unfortunately, there's a bit too much of that in my craft room; so I've really been trying to use some of it.  I also thought I'd mention my new watermarks.  I got this watermark (seen in my photos above) made several different ways for each of the Design Teams I'm on currently.  I highly recommend the gal who made them for me.  Her name is Nikki Adshead, and you can find her blog here:  Watermarks by Nikki.
 
Have a blessed week, and thanks so much for stopping by.
Karen

Friday, March 13, 2015

It's Blog Hop Time at RRR

Hurray!  It's time for another SUPER FUN Blog Hop at Really Reasonable Ribbon, and we hope that you will hop along with us.  There's LOTS of great inspiration with cards and projects using all of Really Reasonable Ribbons' FABULOUS Ribbon of The Month Club collection for March.  Wait until you see these GORGEOUS colors!  You should have arrived here from the talented Bonnie Garby's Blog.  Wow, wasn't that fantastic?  She really knows how to ROCK THE RIBBONS, and Really Reasonable Ribbon makes it all possible.  It's the best place to find ALL the ribbons, trims and more that a crafter could ever want.  If you didn't come here from Bonnie's Blog, you can get started at the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.
Just look at those luscious colors.  There are wide ribbons, textured ribbons, colorful choices, lace, prints, solids, and.....where do I start?  Just lovely, and so perfect for Spring!  If you're not yet part of Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ribbon of The Month Club, you can get signed up here:  Ribbon Club
 
I created this card using two of the ribbons from the March Ribbon Collection.  You can see the lovely Sharon White Crochet Lace and the sweet Delicate Stitched Satin Tropic trim.  Yes, only two of the ribbons on my card.  But just wait until you see my bow!
I also want to share this sweet hair bow with you.  It uses ALL the ribbons from this month's Ribbon Club Assortment.  In the photo below, you will see the Funky Flowers on Coral Rose Grosgrain (which is very hard to see, but is in there), the Delicate Stitched Satin Light Coral, the 5/8" Satin Swirls Daffodil, the Delicate Stitched Satin Tropic, the Paisley Print on Aqua Grosgrain, the Shell Print on Turquoise Satin, and finally, the Hyacinth Double-Faced Satin.  The center of the bow is secured with the 3/8" Grosgrain Fun Dots on Hot Pink, and soft finishing touches of little bows made with the sweet Sharon White Crochet Lace.  The bow has a French Clip on the back, and they come in every size to accommodate different lengths and hair thickness.
Your next stop on the Blog Hop is at the talented Heather Hudson's Blog, and I know she is going to have the sweetest things to show you all.  I know she always inspires me to use ribbons in new and creative ways.  Really Reasonable Ribbon is an AMAZING shop where you are sure to find LOTS of great ribbons, laces, trims, flowers, and SO much more. Treat yourself this month, you deserve it!  They also have fun challenges for everyone, and we'd LOVE having YOU join us.  ROCK THE RIBBONS!

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy hopping to all, and have a blessed week!
Karen

I'm sharing my card here:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Things That Fly - There is a sweet little butterfly on the tag on my card (above).  He can fly!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Thank You Card for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello to everyone!  I'm posting today for my Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Post.  I want to share a sweet Thank You card I created using LOTS of fabulous ribbons and trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I started this card with an ivory base, and attached some pretty October Afternoon patterned papers.  Next, I added a length of 1.5" Natural Jute Ribbon, some Moss Green Seam Binding, some Ivory Pom Pom Trim, and the lovely Burlap With Green Center Stitch Natural Ribbon.
I even took a close-up photo of the gorgeous Really Reasonable Ribbons to clearly show you just how beautiful they are and how well they work together and accent one another.  I used a few Crate Paper embellishments (3-D camera and ticket) to accent them all.  At the top, I added some of Really Reasonable Ribbons mulberry flowers in Ivory/Pale Pink Wild Orchid Open Roses as well as some green to accent the colors on my card.  Really Reasonable Ribbon obviously sells LOTS of great ribbons and trims, but their mulberry flowers and other sweet embellishments are also AMAZING!  You will want to check out ALL their wonderful products available in the store.  You really won't want to miss a single thing!
We hope you will pick out some new supplies, and then come play along in our current challenge.  Thanks so much for visiting  me today; as I really do appreciate it.
 
Happy crafting!
Karen

Taylored Expressions Visits Word Art Wednesday

Every Wednesday is the start of a brand new challenge at Word Art Wednesday, and this week we have two AWESOME sponsors.  Our physical sponsor this week is Taylored Expressions, and one lucky person will win a $25 gift certificate to their store filled with the sweetest stamps, die-cuts, and SO much more.  Our digital sponsor is Bugaboo Stamps and a second lucky person will win three images of choice.  What great fun!  We hope you will stop by and share (up to five) projects in our Anything Goes challenge this week.
The scripture file for this week is Hebrews 13:5, and it can be yours for free by visiting the Word Art Wednesday Blog and downloading/saving it to your computer.  You are not required to use it in order to play along, but it's yours if you want it.  In addition to the scripture, I used Taylored Expressions sweet A La Carte sized stamp called You've Got Mail, Valentine.  I colored the stamped image with my Copics, and die cut it onto a larger green mat.  I added some green ribbon at the top.  Very simple, indeed.
 
We sure would love to have you join us, and YOU could be this week's lucky winner.

Before I run off, I'm going to link up this card to the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says..."Things That Fly" - My card uses a sweet stamp with little birdies, and although they are perched on a mailbox here, I'm sure they could fly if they wanted to - LOL

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says...."B is for.....Birds"

Little Scrap Pieces - Saturday Linky Party
 
Have a blessed week,
Karen

Monday, March 9, 2015

Take Your Pick at The Kraft Journal

I really enjoy showcasing some of the lesser-known (yet FABULOUS) products sold at the Kraft Outlet.  So this week, I chose to share a project using an ADORABLE Cotton Drawstring Bag.  I can't believe that these sweet little bags cost JUST $0.35 each.  What a bargain!  They make an adorable gift, and can be used as a keepsake bag.
I actually picked more than just three items from the challenge list for my project.  In fact, I managed to incorporate a bunny, yellow, white, green, a die-cut, and a button; but you only need to pick three from the list to play along.  I die-cut my Top Dog Dies bunny and some Papertrey Ink flowers from wool felt, and added a Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment (Some Bunny Loves You) using my Bone Folder Tool that's adhered to a Round Metal-Edged Grungy Prim Tag. I also used a Grungy Prim Shipping Tag to die-cut a second hang tag with yet another Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment (Eggstravaganza), again applied using my Bone Folder Tool.  The bunny's whiskers were made from pieces of Natural Hemp Cord, and the background behind the scene is a piece of Burlap.  There's also a lovely bow made from Pink Blush Bias Tape and Light Green Baker's Twine.  The pink striped wooden button is Prima.
The Kraft Outlet has MANY wonderful and inspiring products, and I would like to encourage you to do some browsing to find yourself something new.  You're also welcome to share in this week's "Take Your Pick" Challenge for a chance to win a $15 gift certificate to The Kraft Outlet.  It's always more fun when everyone plays along with us.

I'm linking it up here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says...."For a Special Lady/Girly" - This is going to my sweet little niece for Easter!  She's as special as they come.

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says....."B is For.....Bunny"

Have a blessed week!
Karen

Friday, March 6, 2015

Flowers & Ribbons at Really Reasonable Ribbon

It's time for another AWESOME challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon; and this time our theme is Flowers & Ribbons!!  Who doesn't love BOTH flowers and ribbons?  What a beautiful combination.  We can't wait to see what you will create to share with us.  And who knows.....YOU could be the lucky winner of this challenge.  So, grab some Really Reasonable Ribbon, Flowers, and create something to link up with us.
For this card, I used a kraft card base and attached a piece of Prima (hot pink) and October Afternoon (green polka dot) patterned papers, a half of a vintage cream doily, and a journaling card that I wrapped a length of 2 1/2 Inch Cotton Blend Vintage Floral Ribbon around.  I actually cut the width of this ribbon in half to make it a tad smaller for the card.  At the top left, I created another bow made with two leaves from the Moss Green Leaves Trim, Ivory Burlap String and Natural Burlap String.  It is embellished with some of Really Reasonable Ribbon's DARLING Mulberry Flowers including their gorgeous Deep Ivory Roses.  The sentiment is a Melissa Frances rub-on that's placed on a scrap of kraft paper.  You can really find everything you need to create gorgeous cards by shopping at Really Reasonable Ribbon. Why not treat yourself today, and then come play along in our Flowers & Ribbons Challenge?  We'd LOVE to have you join us.

I'm sharing my card here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Special Lady/Girly
 
Have a blessed week!
Karen

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Wonderful Word Art Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, and time for another great challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  As always, we have two amazing sponsors for our challenge - a sponsor with a physical prize, and a digital sponsor.  Our sponsor for the physical prize is the AMAZING and adorable Shoppe 3130.  They carry all sorts of sweet items for wedding receptions, crafting projects and more.  One lucky person will win a special prize (description on Word Art Wednesday blog).  It's certainly a fabulous prize worth playing for, and it will be a real treat to whomever is lucky enough to win it.  Our digital sponsor is The Cutting Café, and this is one SUPER FUN shop as well.  They carry the sweetest SVG files and digital stamps; and SO many unique items that you don't find at your average digi shop.  It's SO unique, and well worth checking out.  Both prizes are amazing, so it's another great week to play along.  You can share any projects (up to five per week) as long as they're family friendly and meet our challenge guidelines.  We look forward to having you play along with us, and seeing your art.
I made several cards for this week's challenge because I wanted to showcase these darling Berry Baskets from Shoppe 3130.  They look like the old-fashioned berry baskets from days gone by, and they're just adorable.  This particular berry basket is a teal colored quart-sized basket, and it can be used in so many different ways.  I filled mine with a variety of hand-made cards that I tucked inside.   This first card (below) is the card I created using this week's word art/scripture file that I printed onto cream paper and cut into a tag shape, inked, and added a button, some baker's twine, seam binding, and flowers.
My next card (below) was made for a friend's daughter who is soon turning 4 years old.  It uses primarily Crate Paper Pretty Party supplies.  I also used some sweet ribbons from Really Reasonable Ribbon.
I also made a card for a friend in Minnesota who just had her first grand-daughter who is named Aurora.  I added her name to a tab on the right side with rub-ons, and I know she will cherish it.  It uses a Prima flair, lace, seam binding, and rub-on sentiments.  She loves personalized items, so I know this will be a special gift for her.
And I didn't stop there.  I have even more!  I made this next card using some Carta Bella Sew Lovely papers, ribbons, a rub-on sentiment, a wooden heart with glitter, and machine stitching.  I love how the colors match the Berry Basket.   That was kind of the theme I was going for here.
And finally, last but not least, I create this last card based on the inspiration challenge at Classy Cards 'N Such.  I love using banners, the seam binding bow, a rub-on sentiment, machine stitching, and got to implement lots of fun October Afternoon patterned papers.
I hope you've enjoyed my little collection of cards that I created to fill this lovely Berry Basket, and I really hope that you will stop by to play along with us in this week's challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  I'm always SO grateful for the art you share with us, and this is a great week to play along for the chance to win some fantastic prizes.
 
I'm sharing some of my cards in these challenges:
Classy Cards 'N Such Challenge #74 - Be Inspired - I was inspired by the quilt look, the banners, and I enjoyed using White Seam Binding and Blue Baker's Twine as found at Classy Cards 'N Such.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Girly/Special Lady
 
Blessings,
Karen

Monday, March 2, 2015

Crafty Secrets March Linky Party

It's time for Crafty Secrets March Linky Party, and I was honored to be invited as their Guest Designer for March.  The theme for this month is: GO GREEN!   Spring, Gardening/Botanical theme with a "upcycling" twist. Everyone is ready for a dose of springtime by this time of the year.  Have fun creating with flowers, green, growing things, garden journals or farm images in your projects this month.  Easter banners, Easter baskets, or home décor would also be great ideas!   And here’s the twist:  Use an “upcycled” item in your project: a bit of corrugated cardboard, packaging material, paper bag, twist ties, jars and bottles or anything that would normally go to the landfill.  For instance, you could create these little wire hangers (as seen below) out of old wire hangers or even craft wire.  Just get creative!

Now.....as I mentioned above, I was absolutely DELIGHTED to be invited as a Guest Designer at Crafty Secrets this month.  I really enjoy playing and creating with their sweet digital images and other products.  They are high-quality, bright, vibrant, and OH SO DARLING!  I made a little wire hanger decoration using an image from the Crafty Secrets Feathered Friends collection along with a  darling little wire hanger.  These can be found on Ebay, or on-line at different craft shops.
I printed the Feathered Friends image onto ivory linen paper, cut it, and matted it onto patterned paper.  Next, I attached the image to the wire hanger using ink-stained miniature clothespins.  Once I had my image secured, I embellished the wire hanger just a bit.  I literally used only a few simple items (paper leaves, painted berries, and a jute bow) to finish my project.  I really wanted the lovely Crafty Secrets image to be the focal point.
I've used these sweet Tiny Wooden Clothespins to secure my image/paper to the wire hanger.  While you can buy them ink-stained (for a higher price), I'd like to share with you how you can make them yourself and save money.  It's SUPER easy, and I will show you how I do it.  First of course, you need to buy your Tiny Wooden Clothespins - the Kraft Outlet sells them for $1.49 for a pkg. of 24 pieces.  I use Tsukineko Walnut Ink from Michaels (of course, using a 40-50% off coupon), and place the Tiny Wooden Clothespins on a protected surface (I use a paper towel).  I simply spray them, and then roll them over a couple of times to ensure that every part has been covered with the ink.  I let them dry on the paper towel, and.....there you have it!  Aren't they adorable?  And they look antique or aged which is really cool.  I hope this is helpful, but if you have any questions, I sure don't mind answering them.
The very first step is just to lay out the plain Clothespins onto a dry paper towel, place mat, or waxed paper a few inches apart.
Spray the Clothespins thoroughly with Walnut Ink, and then turn them over to ensure both sides are completely covered with the ink.
The final step is to simply let your inked Clothespins dry completely.  That's it!
This next card uses some fun Friends & Flowers Heartmarming Vintage Cuts that I placed on patterned paper, vintage sheet music, a kraft "best friends" ticket (from my stash), some vintage lace, a Melissa Frances resin oval with a mini pearl sticker (pink heart) in center; as well as some paper flowers and an ink-stained miniature clothespin (as shown in the tutorial above).  I just love how the Crafty Secrets images remain the focal point because of how they just POP right off the page.
Now it’s your turn to create a NEW project, featuring any Crafty Secrets goodies, and link it up on the Crafty Secrets BLOG by Sunday, March 15 at Midnight Pacific Time.  To thank you for playing along, you’ll find a  FREE gardening digital paper and printable over on the Heartwarming Vintage Blog that you can download and use in your project. Or use any Crafty Secrets goodies you might have in your stash to play along.  They also have dozens of FREE DOWNLOADS that you can use in your project.  You do NOT have to follow the theme in order to play along, but it’s always fun when you do.
 
THE PRIZE:
One lucky participant will be randomly selected to win this lovely prize package from Crafty Secrets valued at more than $25.  Here are all the YUMMY prizes you could win: 
Digital Garden Papers: 18 sheets of designer paper including 2 collage sheets of gardening seed packets, vintage gardening text sheets, a garden maze and beautiful botanical papers.  Digital Garden Printables: 16 images, ready to print in a resizable format.  Garden Girls Digital Art Stamps: 18 digital stamps taken from vintage etchings featuring 3 sweet garden girls, images for building scenes and sentiments.  Bunny Gift Bag and Tag Set: Printable Bunny Bunny Kids Bag with Gift Tag can be re-printed to make adorable mini purses to hold greetings, money, gift cards and small gifts.  WOW!
 
We really hope you will play along!  Grab a free image, or do some shopping in the darling Crafty Secrets Store.  We can’t wait to see what you will bring to the Heartwarming Vintage/Crafty Secrets March Linky Party!  Your next stop on the Blog Hop is at Kathy Clement's Blog, and I know she will have something WONERFUL to share with you all.

Thanks for visiting my blog!
Karen

I'm linking my project here:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

P.S.  Here is the entire Blog Hop List in case you get lost along the way:
Special Guest Designer: Karen Letchworth - You're Here!
Kathy Clement
Darlene Pavlick
Diane Hover
Elizabeth Lincoln
Ginny Nemchak
Gloria Stengel
Melody Clement
Michele Kovack
Shanti Fowler
Sheila Rumney
Vicki Chrisman