Beach Canvas

Thanks so much for stopping by! I have a project here to show you.  I can not claim to be the creator of this canvas.  

 

I was on a week long vacation to Myrtle Beach and we had ONE bad rainy day, so what do we do??  We go craft shopping :)  The unfortunate part was, we flew in so there wasn't much shopping to be done that we could take home.  It was a grand time (who doesn't like craft shopping).

 

As I left the Hobby Lobby in Myrtle Beach, I noticed a canvas with a beach scene.  We still had a day left on the beach, so I knew I could grab some Myrtle sand and broken shells (how many people really scoop up broken shells, LOL).

 

I bagged up sand and found all the broken shells I'd need to complete the project.  I had no instructions, just a visual to go by, so I really wasn't sure what all I'd need.

 

I started with an 8x8 canvas.  I apologize deeply for my photo quality in this post.  I was doing this in the evening in the living room, so the lighting quality isn't the best.  I wasn't even sure it would turn out... good enough to share anyways!  But hey, if this can inspire one person.. then I've succeeded!

 

 

During the 60% off an item sale at Joann's, I picked up some acrylic paint.  It had a nice little variety for what I was going to use it for.  I never claim to be a professional painter (I just like to have fun and try new things)

 

 

I painted the water with the blue (if I were to do this again, I would add some white in it to make it look lighter in color).  The only blue water I've seen like this is in the Cayman Islands, LOL!

 

I had no instructions to follow and I couldn't find anything on the internet about adhering real sand.. I decided to go with my favorite mod podge.  Again, if I were to do this again, I do not know what I'd use, but by the end you can see how the sand reacted to the mod podge.. It doesn't really look 'natural'.

Next learning process came when I did the sand in sections.  I would not do this again.. I would mod podge the entire canvas area and then spread the sand.  Mod Podge doesn't dry quite that quick, so doing the entire canvas you want covered would be my suggestion.

 

I layered the sand and had to fill in several spots several times.  I believe this was from me doing 'patchy' areas and not the entire canvas.

 

I added the fencing, star fish, sandals and broken shells from the beach.

 

 

 

It didn't look quite right with the straight line of shells.  So I went back and scattered some to make it less uniform looking. 

 

I think it turned out GREAT!  Of course, with any project you have learning periods.  I would make another and change up a few different ways.  It definitely isn't going to be hung in an art museum, but for me and to remember Myrtle Beach 2015.. it turned out perfect!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope this can inspire you to do a project like this! 

 

~Kara

Thank you box card

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by today.  When I said before, that box cards would be my go to.. I wasn't joking!

 

My Dad and Step Mom had over 10 Monarch Butterflies hatch this year.  This was a childhood event we always did as I grew up.  I was thrilled to hear my Dad found some caterpillars this year.  If you have never experienced this part of life, it's amazing and I definitely recommend you do this some fall.

 

So, when I created this card I knew I wanted Monarch Butterflies and I also needed to send them a Thank you for everything they do for me.

 

I started off going through my collection and my go to sets are always from Heartfelt Creations.  I adore these sets (any of them) and low and behold.. the Butterfly Medley was PERFECT!.

 

I started my box card following the directions I previously had followed.  I found a stellar tutorial on YouTube and wrote all of her exact measurements down.  It comes out perfectly each time I make this style of card.

 

As I assembled this card, the paper was way to plain for my liking.  I took a large stamp from a collection and stamped white on what I wanted to show.  Since I already had the cardstock glued down, I had to lay the section and press on the stamp to give it the stamped image.  I was ok with whatever came out.  I really didn't want a 'perfect' image..  It turned out fabulous!!  I stamped the large back panel as well.  I was still able to write my sentiment as I made this stamped image as light as I could.

 

 

 

I stamped the butterfly medley (using the MISTI tool) and embossed with clear powder. It was then time to color my butterflies to resemble Monarch's.  I used my Zig Brush markers.  I absolutely love these markers.  I never claim to be a color professional, but I do like the outcome with these markers.

 

Behind all of these beautiful butterflies, I wanted some sort of flower to be in the background.  When all of the butterflies were hatching, I was away and so my Dad sent me pictures of each butterfly on a flower.  So I wanted to incorporate a flower of some sort.

 

I used the perfect stamp and colored again with my Zig Brush Markers.  I tried my best to use the ink where I wanted it most.  I then embossed to make the coloring a bit easier.

 

 

I attached the butterflies using transparency film.  I wanted them to 'sway' a little so this works perfect.  I put dabs of liquid pearls (Opal White) on the wings of the butterflies to resemble Monarchs.

 

This card turned out incredible.  Purple is my favorite color, so of course I thought it was near perfection. LOL!  I used some liquid pearls for the buds in the flowers.  The purple I had colored with mixed with the white opal I put down.  It turned out ok, however I'd wait longer for the Zig's to dry next time. 

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed this Monarch Butterfly card.

 

~Kara

 

 



Happy Birthday Box Card

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by

 

I have had a box card on my wish list for quite some time.  I've seen so many extravagant box cards and also some simple cards.

 

I study up on how I want to go about a card via Youtube, Pinterest and Google.  How do you get inspiration or instructions?

 

I found the exact size I wanted and rolled with it.  It truly is not that hard to make.  I found the hardest part deciding how I wanted to place the embellishments.

 

I started out with the 12x12 white base I wanted.  Using my scoring board and cutter, I cut and scored where needed.  Ending with the box base to be decorated. 

 

 

I then cut all of my panels needed.  I knew I wanted the card to be bright and fun for a 7th birthday card.

 

 

 

After I had all of my panels cut,  I used scor tape for a secure hold .

 

 

I assembled placed all of the panels onto the box base before I made the final box.  After reading several tutorials, I came to the conclusion that placing the panels on flat would be easiest.  I agree, it would have been tough to do with the box already in box formation.

 

 

Next step was to place the dividers into the center.  I used glue for this.  I wanted a tiny bit of leeway to move it around if need be.

 

Next task was to decide what embellishments I was going to use.  I decided on the Die-Versions stamp set, Make-a-Wish-Stamps and Make-a-Wish-Dies.  I colored in each embellishment with colored pencils and used stickles to accent the confetti. I also added some twine to the balloon strings.

 

Placing these embellishments seemed to be my hardest task of the entire project.  I used transparency film to hold the embellishments.  I knew I wanted a few to be higher than the first layers.  Here is a look from the top.  I ended up covering the original white dividers I had in there.  Using the colorful cardstock from the panels.

 

 

 

It turned out so gorgeous and I am so happy with it.  I can see this style will become my go to and additive card.

 

The celebrate banner came from craftindesertdivas and the banner die cut came from Simon Says Stamp.

 

What kiddo doesn't like a personalized item.. Especially, names you can never find.  Karleigh came from the beautiful set from Studiol2e - Wuwu set

 

The back panel can be used for more embellishments or for your note to the person receiving.  It was 1 am when I was finishing this, so I went with a simple note on the back with some stamps from Craftin' Desert Divas

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I'd love to hear your feedback..

 

 

When stopping by Die-Versions, be sure to use the code kara15 for 15% off your order.  Not valid with sales or discounts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



September is Prostrate Cancer Awareness month!

Hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by!  I am honored and thankful to be on the DT team for Die-Versions.  I thought for my first project that I would share a card I made.  September is Prostrate Awareness Month and what a way to honor my ahhhhmazing Dad (Prostate Cancer SURVIVOR).  He lights up a room with is whistle and smile! 

 

I started off using the Awareness-Heart from the Whispers Collection and knew I wanted to make it light blue for the Prostrate Awareness. 

 

 

 

 

I took Versa Magic Brilliance ink and inked away.  The brilliance line doesn't always photograph nice, but in person I assure you it gives a gorgeous shine and shimmer.

 

 

 

I knew I wanted to make this a shaker card (who doesn't love a shaker card).  So I then took transparency film and attached it to the heart. 

 

 

Added some foam to make it stand away from the cardstock.  I then added some random blue glitter, sequins and microbeads.  I purposely added a few pink hearts because after all my Dad was the first guy to ever have my heart.

 

 

I used the stamp set 408 Pink Ribbon Background from Sparkle N Sprinkle.  Stamped the background using the MISTI (seriously this tool is amazing).  I then embossed with Hero Arts Clear.

Also, on that stamp set comes a survivor stamp.  I stamped this 2 times along each side and again embossed with clear.

 

 

I decided the hearts on the background stamp needed to be blue.  So I took a colored pencil and lightly colored in the hearts.

 

 

I then pieced everything together and attached my shaker portion to the main card.  I absolutely love how this turned out and what a way to honor my Dad.  Cheers to him being a survivor!

Thank so much for taking time to read my blog post!  I'd love to hear any feedback you may have.   Please be sure to check out the other blog posts for the Die-Versions amazing design team here.

 

Stop by and shop, shop, shop at Die-Versions.  If you love to save money, be sure to use coupon code: kara15 to save 15% (not valid with any other discounts or sales).

 ~Kara



Die Versions creative design team announcement

Hello!  Thank you for stopping by Create By Kara

 

I have some amazing news that I'd love to share with you.  I have been chosen to be on the Die Versions design team.  I am over the moon excited to share my creations and I hope to inspire you!

 

I have a special coupon code that will be just for YOU!  (keep reading to the end)

 

I have been a scrapbooker for YEARS and this will be an outlet for me to share.  I love the craft community, because one person can inspire many.  There are so many beautiful ideas on the internet and I am thrilled to be sharing mine with you.

 

If you love working with dies, this blog will be for you.  If you have never worked with dies, this blog is for you.. tricky, huh!  I'd love to answer any questions you have, if you are just starting out.  I never claim to be a professional, but I do claim to love crafting.

 

The link to check out and purchase from Die Versions is Die-versions  .  ANY purchase you make will give you 15% off your total purchase.  ** Code not valid with other discounts/sales **  Enter code:  kara15

 

 

~Kara