Simply Sketched

Hello my crafty peeps!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I spent most of the weekend cleaning house, visiting with family and napping, but did manage to work on a few cards.

I'm always in need of Sympathy and Thank you cards, so I made several of today's card with different sentiments, which features the Simply Sketched stamp set.  It was a really simple card to make, no fancy tools required, and as an added bonus it's very flat perfect for mailing.

The images were stamped onto Whisper White Card Stock with Black Stazon Ink. They overlapped slightly, so I stamped the holly a second time and then fussy cut and layered it on top as a mask before stamping the flowers. Everything was colored in with ink pads and a blender pen.

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do! 

P.S. Please share. with your friends and leave me a comment below. I read them ALL!

Hugs,

Colour your world

Hello my crafty peeps!

Today I thought I would talk about something my ladies are loving ...  Colouring with alchol markers.  I am a bit of a marker hoarder having Letraset Promarkers as my very first, then moved onto collecting Copics (140 to be exact) and now back to loving my Promarkers.  The promarkers are less expensive than the copics so my ladies are investing in them.  

Marie has been using the Hey Girl and Skater Boy by Stampin' Up! 

You can get a really professional look on your cards using the Letraset Promarkers. These high quality alchol based inks blend together seemlessly for a vibrant finish every time.  They come with two (2) nibs, a bullet tip for detailed work and a chisel tip for larger areas (such as backgrounds) By overlaying two colours you can create a third hue for hundreds of exciting combinations with no messy streaks.

Stay tuned for more fun cards done with Copics or Promarkers, along with hints and tips!

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do! 

P.S. Please share. with your friends and leave me a comment below. I read them ALL!

Hugs,

"Another Thank You" Photopolymer Stamp Set

Hello my crafty peeps!

Today I am thinking about the stamp set "Another Thank You" it is an old one from 2013 which I have admired from afar but think I might just have to order.  I received a 3x3 Thank You card from my friends daughter Kaitlyn made with this set and loved it!

How many ways can you say thank you? At least seven, in different sizes and fonts. You'll find the perfect thank you for your projects in this set.

Another Thank You (item #133454) $20 is an exclusive, versatile set for any occasion that calls for a thank you. What makes Photopolymer Stamp Sets so great?

• They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time! 
• They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last. 
• Can you say sticky? (Don't worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks (sold separately).
• They're age tested. They won't yellow or cloud up over time. 
• They are affordable!

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do! 

P.S. Please share. with your friends and leave me a comment below. I read them ALL!

Hugs,

Easter Bunny basket tutorial - updated

Hello my crafty peeps!

I wanted to make a Easter Basket for last weeks Tea and Crafting and this is my third attempt and finally happy with the outcome.  This was orifinally posted on the 11th.  I had looked at several on Pinterest and wanted to take the bits I liked from each one as well as throw in a few of mine and Marie's ideas.  

Here are the instructions:

• Cut a 1/2" strip off the long side of an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of Crumb Cake card stock. Save the strip for the handle of the basket. (You can also use the extra strips from the Berry Basket die, but I wanted a longer handle.) Cut the remaining piece of card stock in half to 8" x 5-1/2". This is just big enough for the Berry Basket die. (made in 3 colours Whisper White, Smoky Slate and Crumb Cake)

• Die cut each 8" x 5-1/2" piece of card stock with the Berry Basket die. I cut out one extra piece out of DSP for some contrast. You will use either the scalloped strips or the straight strips for the top edge of the basket; you can use one of the remaining strips as a handle (if you didn't cut the extra strip in Step 1) or set them aside for another project.  

• Use the second-smallest oval from the Ovals Collection Framelits dies to cut out three (3) Crumb Cake ovals.   

• Use the Sweetheart punch and cut off the bottom to form the mouth/cheeks of the bunny.  Pop with Dimensionals

• Use the Itty Bitty Accents punch pack to punch a heart out of Pink Pirouette card stock. Use Glue Dots to adhere the heart to the top of the cheeks. Add two white circles from the Owl Punch for eyes. (I also added small google eyes)

• Use a black marker to draw three whiskers on each side. You can use a ruler or draw them freehand. Also add freckles with the Blushing Bride Stampin' Write marker

• Use the extra-large oval punch to punch out two Crumb Cake ovals and then the large oval punch to cut two Pink Pirouette ovals (we changed and used shimmery pink paper). Glue the smaller ovals onto the larger ones, aligning them near the bottom, to make the ears.  I decided to try him in Whisper White and add more dimension to his nose. (Bunny update to below)

• With a bone folder, use a motion similar to curling ribbon to slightly curl up the tops of the ears. 

• Glue the ears to the large oval behind the face. Use your own judgement to align for the spacing of the ears; I centered each ear. Punch out one more extra-large oval and adhere vertically to the back of the large oval, to give yourself something to adhere the face to back inside of basket.  Once you have attached this take the extra oval from step 3 and adhere to the back to hide where you attached the ears. I used a pink marker for the cheeks.

• With the last second-smallest oval from the Ovals Collection adhere a cotton ball or in my case a fur pom pom to the top portion of the oval for a tail.  Then use the extra-large oval punch to punch out two Crumb Cake ovals and then the large oval punch to cut two Pink Pirouette ovals. Glue the smaller ovals onto the larger ones, aligning them in the center for the feet.  Attach to the sides of the Oval on either side of the tail.

• Assemble the Berry Basket. I used Tombow Multi liquid glue, but you could also use a strong, permanent tape, such as Sticky Strip, or a mini stapler.   

 

• Punch a 1/16" hole in each end of the handle and near the top of the left and right sides of the basket. (I stapled mine on in the end)

• Use mini silver brads to attach the handle to the basket. If you do not want the handle to be moveable, you can attach it with strong adhesive or a mini stapler instead of using brads.

That's it! I added some green or white Easter grass to my basket that I bought at Dollarama. I will be filling my baskets with a few chocolate eggs. 

For heavier items, you could make your baskets with coaster board or chipboard so they are sturdier.

 Hope you like it!

Remember throughout Sale-A-Bration with every $60 spent with Stampin' Up! you will earn yourself a FREE product from the SAB Catalogue.

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do!

Hugs,

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy Friday

Happy Friday everyone!!

Been super busy with a Tea and Crafting on Wednesday and then today made 10 easter bunny baskets with a few friends for their grandkids.  Love all the different styles people are coming up with using the berry basket.

Here are some photos of what we have been up to the last few days.

Hope you like them!

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do! P.S. Please share. with your friends and leave me a comment below. I read them ALL!

Hugs,

Pedal Pusher

Hello my crafty Peeps!

Hope your week has been going great!  Today I thought I would showcase one of the NEW stamp sets available in the SAB brochure "Pedal Pusher".   The Sentiment and puppy are from an old set I have from Papertreyink

Hope you can see where I used Wink of Stella on the bike to make it shimmer.

Remember throughout Sale-A-Bration with every $60 spent with Stampin' Up! you will earn yourself a FREE product from the SAB Catalogue.

VERY IMPORTANT - page 2 very bottom - Product availability may be limited towards the end of the promotional sales period.

SO ... 
a. the limited release products are temporarily extended
b. Don't take anything for granted as we head into the last 6 weeks as ANYthing in the brochure may become unavailable.

If you want it - get it... 

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do! 

P.S. Please share. with your friends and leave me a comment below. I read them ALL! 

Hugs,

Wonderous Wreath

Hello my crafty peeps!

Marie and I are working on Christmas cards for a craft fair in November and I had borrowed this bundle back in December from a friend and since I had not returned yet (bad bad Karen); thought I would actually try it out. (borowed for the Santa Fry box) 

I had watched Brandy Cox's video tutorial and LOVED her card so had to try it out for myself.

1. Cut a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ piece of Whisper White Cardstock and fold it in half. This is your base.

2. Cut a 1″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Old Olive Cardstock and tear it down the middle. Set aside.

3. Cut a 1″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Cherry Cobbler Cardstock and tear it down the middle. Set aside.

4. Cut a 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Whisper White Cardstock. Tear this piece at 3-3/4″ along the 5-1/2″ in side (Vertical).

5. Glue the torn Cherry Cobbler Cardstock piece to the top of the torn Old Olive Cardstock. Then add the torn Whisper White Cardstock to the top of the torn Cherry Cobbler Strip.

6. Turn the entire piece over and to add adhesive and adhere it to the top of your Whisper White Base.

Remember throughout Sale-A-Bration with every $60 spent with Stampin' Up! you will earn yourself a FREE product from the SAB Catalogue.

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do!

Hugs,

Grateful Bunch

Hello my crafty peeps!

Today I have used the stamp set Grateful Bunch and Timeless Textures Stamp Set from the Stampin' Up! Occasions catalog to make this clean and simple card that can be used for any occasion.

Inside, sorry reflection of the screen showing

Sometimes we need a card in a hurry and this card can be made very quickly, but looks amazing by adding Wink of Stella Shimmer on the flowers.

​I used a colour combination of Smoky Slate, Rose Red and Whisper White by using the Wink of Stella like a watercolour brush on the flowers it has given some added definition, you can never have too much glitter.

Remember throughout Sale-A-Bration with every $60 spent with Stampin' Up! you will earn yourself a FREE product from the SAB Catalogue.

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do!

Hugs,

WTH!! What the Heck you doing Karen!!

Happy Valentines Day!

As many of you know I have committed myself to some health and crafting goals for 2016!  Besides my health goals, I am prepping to do my very first craft fair this winter, to add to this I have also written down that I want to have minimum of 3 blog posts a week on both my blogs YIKES!!  So this means I should try to make a card a day - or other small and quick project a day (quick and easy cards will be my new best friend!)

I have cut back on the amount of classes I do each month compared to the fall/Christmas season but I really need this break to work on myself.  Since crafting is awesome therapy, I will try to do more challenges well at least one each week which helps me with the above goal.

Yesterday, I was quite productive making cards I can't share yet. Hee hee! Soon! But in the meantime I can share this card in the spirit of Valentine's Day.

A few things I've learned so far...

1. Trying new things is fun. (Seems pretty logical but still was leery) but seriously. You don't know unless you try.
2. Cards add up quickly if made with no intentions to clear them out. Adding that to my to-do list.
3. Simplicity isn't scary anymore. I used to think if a card took less than 30 minutes to make it wouldn't be worth giving. No. False. Wrong. I still made it and crafted it with my hands, therefore it is totally worthy. Really. You invested the time, money, and efforts to make something. Way better than something mass produced at the store that has zero meaning.

Remember throughout Sale-A-Bration with every $60 spent with Stampin' Up! you will earn yourself a FREE product from the SAB Catalogue.

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do!

Hugs,

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Traveler

Hello my crafty peeps!

For today's card, I'm using a stamp set called "Traveler".  I love the sketched images which are great for masculine cards.  I received a card similar from a fellow demo as a "Thank you" and always wanted to try it.  Unfortunately I do not have the postage stamp punch so I just cut the squares.

It was a very easy card to make.  Hope you like it!

Remember throughout Sale-A-Bration with every $60 spent with Stampin' Up! you will earn yourself a FREE product from the SAB Catalogue.

If I can give you just a little inspiration, where you can look at one of my cards and think I can do that, or I could tweak that and put my own spin on it, then I am achieving what I have set out to do!

Hugs, 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Sympathy - Swallowtail Butterfly

Hello peeps!

I needed another Sympathy card this week, just to much sadness. I think these can be the hardest cards to make especially if it is close to your heart.  Marie had made a bunch using the Swallowtail Butterfly stamp and I loved them. Check out her card below:

I just love this card!!  Below is a close up of the butterfly.

I believe that she followed this video by Brandy Cox

Hope you like it!  Have a great day

Hugs, 

Bloom with Hope

Hello my crafty friends!

I found the Bloom with Hope stamp set to be perfect for alchol markers because the varied flowers and verses can create a myriad of cards.  I was playing around with some different types of cards for a Sunday class and decided to do repetitive flower panels made using the Square Collection framelits. 

I used the new Brick Wall embossing folder for the background and in the center of the one flower used some Crystal Effects with gold beads.

Hope you like it!
Hugs,

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Reflection Technique

This is a great technique, I always thought it would be hard or to complicated to try but I bit the bullet today!  It is so easy but makes a card look so awesome! All you need to do this project is a window sheet (like an overhead transparency). Stamp your image on your cardstock in a dark color . Then stamp the image again on the window sheet , flip it over and line it up with the original image on your cardstock and then gently rub the back of the window sheet so it transfers to your cardstock. Sponge over the center of the images where they overlap and voila, you now have a reflection.  The great thing too is it works GREAT with two of my FAVORITE sets "Lovely as a Tree" and "Wetlands".

Here is one of the card I made today with Step by Step Instructions:

1. Ink your image and stamp onto your cardstock.
2. Ink your image with the same ink and stamp it on your piece of acetate
3. Flip your piece of acetate over so your stamped image is facing down. Line it up with your first image to create your reflection. Place acetate on cardstock.
4. Gently rub over your acetate. It will transfer the image from the acetate to your cardstock. 
5. Doodle, sponge or paint ground underneath your image.
6. Add water or ice looking background around your reflected image

Hugs, 

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NEW Favorite Watercolouring Stamp!

Good morning all my crafty peeps and Happy Friday! 

I spent yesterday morning making a few cards with the "In the Meadow" stamp set. It is my new watercolouring FAVORITE stamp set in the 2016 Occasions mini!

As well as the above Wilderness Awaits and the Wetlands are one of my favorites for water colouring as you can make masculine or feminine and they are just soooo beautiful. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Hugs, 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

The Sky is the Limit! - New Sale-a-bration

Create It All—The Sky Is the Limit!

What do you think of when you see an airplane? Travel? Adventure? Well, Sale-A-Bration’s Sky Is the Limit Stamp Set offers that and more. The rustic plane image and versatile greetings lend themselves to all kinds of life milestones from babies to birthdays. Get creative and see where this stamp set takes you—the sky is the limit!  (only available till February 15th!)

Stampin' Up! is putting more into the second half of Sale-A-Bration with NEW ITEMS to earn for free! We're excited about it, and we know you will be excited too.  The new Sale-A-Bration items go live February 16th and you can earn them for free.

*Product availability may be limited towards the end of Sale-A-Bration since these new Sale-A-Bration items are while supplies last (as are all Sale-A-Bration items). Remind your customers so they don't miss out!

Hugs,

Don't Worry Bee Happy!

Happy Wednesday!!!!  I hope you are enjoying your week thus far.  Just remember, only two more days until the weekend (wink).  

"Most of us always create a New Year's Resolution at the beginning of the New Year.  For 2016 try your hand at making something with your New Year's Resolution in mind"

I was told by my life coach to set some goals for 2016 and to write them down in my Art journal, (taking me awhile as already February) this was a super fun challenge for me, as it got me thinking about what my hopes were for the this year, and while I did NOT make any new years resolutions, I did come up with a couple things I would like to work on.......... (besides my weight & fitness)

1. Stop and smell the roses: I tend to take on way more than I should and then completely stress myself out.  While I will continue my usual load, I have had to limit my time with friends or being out and about.  I think this will be a huge help, and will allow me more time to do things I enjoy.
2. Spread love and gratitude: The world tends to be a cruel place most days, just watch the news or the sad commercials about Animal Cruelty. People are stressed out, sick, fatigued and full of worries, so I have decided that each and every day I will ensure that I do at LEAST one nice thing for someone.  This one nice thing may be as simple as shoveling the neighbours sidewalk, sending a friend a card or someone I know who needs some Happy Mail, or just smile at people and say Hi as they walk by.
3. A better me: Most importantly, I am going to work on a better me. I am going to work on not letting little issues or negative people have an affect on my life.  My life is important and I will not allow what precious good days I have to be wasted on negative or ungrateful people or things that have a negative impact on me.  
   

So, with these three things in mind, I made a card for this weeks challenge using the Bee and Bee Happy saying from the Sweet Stuff Clear-Mount Stamp Set. (I love Bees) Card cased from Patty Bennett

So, with that in mind.... Remember, Don't worry, Bee happy!!!! 

Hugs,