Easter Centerpiece

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

So normally when something catches my eye, I go for it and make it.  When someone tags me in a post several times on Facebook.. that means game on for a challenge.  I love to challenge myself to see if I can create the viral post. 

 

This past weekend I gathered my supplies. 

Half circle floral styrofoam

Floral pins

Bright colored mesh (10 inch works best)

Bright colors of ribbon

Tubing

Bunny ears

Eggs on a stick

Hot glue gun and refills

 

Anything else you may want to include.  The above list is what I chose to use.  You may not want to use tubing.. or maybe you don't have tons of mesh.. Just do what you want!

 

I started with my half circle styrofoam and placed my bunny ears about where I wanted them.  I stuck them down into the styrofoam and later ended up a bit for more height.

 

I mostly use 21 inch mesh so that is what I had on hand and used.  Once I had my curlie cut, I cut off the ends about 4 inches.  If you have 10 inch you do not need to do this part..

If you have or are buying supplies, I'd use 10 inch .  When you cut the mesh you don't want those mesh stranglers at the ends.. you want the curlies to look nice.. I know I use real technical terms.. LOL.  I rarely measure but if I were guessing cut 4-5 inch wide for your curlie. Then roll the mesh (not making it too tight).  I found it easier to have my pin in the end of my mesh and then Place a bit of hot glue on the styrofoam and then the mesh with the push pin.. You WILL burn your fingers.. so be super careful!  I put one more little dab of glue on top of the pin.  Keep cutting an placing the mesh where you think.  You want it to be pretty full of mesh before you start adding in ribbon or tubing.

 

Once you have the mesh in the places you prefer, stat placing your ribbon and tubing.  This was very random for me and not a method to my madness.  I then took my eggs on a stick and again randomly stuck these in.

 

That's all she wrote for this adorable Easter centerpiece.  It's a very easy decoration.. However it did take me quite a bit of time!

 

Let me know  if you have any questions. 

Happy Crafting!

~KARA

 



Rainy Day

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

I want to share with you an adorable card that I made for the Nature's Wonders Linky Challenge found here with Craftin Desert Divas.  I do hope that you will submit a Nature card or project!  Why not for a chance to win!

 

I first took out my Rain or Shine set (speaking of WIN.. I won this set in a challenge.. so winning is possible).  I stamped what I thought I'd use .. colored in the images using my Spectrum Noir markers.. I colored the images I knew I was using and then I cut on the Brother Scan N Cut my images.  I need to fiddle with this darn machine a bit more.. Some of my cuts are not as clean as they were in the beginning.. Anyways, I cut all of the images.  You will notice there is a the stamped saying When Life Gives You a Rainy Day Play in the puddles.. If you want something to cut on the Scan N Cut, you need to put a closed circle or shape around that image or saying.  Just a little tip!

 

After everything was cut I played around with how I wanted it laid out.  I had an idea of what I wanted.  I just received the new Lawn Fawn paper stack so I flipped through that and there was the perfect colors.. I knew I didn't want tons of paper to show, so I cut 1 1/2 inches and placed them on the outer edge. 

 

For my clouds I used the new Nesting Flower die set from Die-Versions.  Once I had them die cut, I simply cut the flower in half for my clouds. 

I ended up using the When Life Gives you a Rainy Day Play in the puddles stamp on the inside of my card.    I do not tend to stamp the inside of my card, but I thought this looks adorbs in there.

For the photo shoot I used the adorable blue hearts sequins from Craftin Desert Divas to spread around.



Look for the rainbow

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I want to show a water drop stamp set that looks REAL!   In this project, I used Designs by Ryn and My Favorite Things stamps/die.

 

I first started off by water coloring the rainbow.  My water color paper was not the best quality so I will be on the hunt for a better quality paper pad.  I used the $6 water color set I purchased at Michaels.  I love rainbows and I LOVE to use ROY G BIV .. Do you know how hard it is to find Indigo in most color sets??? 

 

After I had my rainbow water colored, I set that aside to dry.  I knew a round about size card I was looking for so I cut down the white strip for my water drops.  I stamped each water drop set in the ROY G BIV color.  These are such an amazing design.. The water drops truly look REAL.  There are some different techniques to use these. Designs by Ryn has a YouTube video on how she explains it.. Definitely look that video up!.  These are the stamps.. They are red rubber and I had to purchase the cling foam to adhere to the back.

 

 

After the water color paper was dry, I took out my dylsusions white spray and took off the sprayer and just flicked some white random.   I then took my stamp set from My Favorite Things when it rains, look for the rainbow (Rainbow Happiness is the set).  I then took RAINBOWS die from Color the Rainbow die set and cut.  I then took my spectrum noir markers and colored each letter to match the rainbow.

 

The white strip with water drops I mounted with foam tape.  I wanted this to be raised for dimension.    I topped off the card with a few sequins to add some flare.

 

I hope you LOVE this card!  It looks ahhhhh-mazing in person. 

Happy Crafting!

 

 

 

Happy Birthday

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I want to share a card made with the Digi image from Craftin Desert Divas Birthday Elephant.  I can not believe I was once afraid to use a digital image.  My friend Tina just did a wonderful tutorial that can be found here.   I think knowing where to start is a step in the right direction to using digital stamps.

 

I have a Brother MFC-9340 laser printer.  I know many print with inkjet, but I've had great success with my laser.

 

After I had her printed out I then colored with spectrum noir markers.  I then cut with my Brother Scan N Cut.  There are a few areas I haven't figured out how to cut, such as the space between the legs and little bow opening.  I simply take my Pen Blade and cut (P.S. these blades are SUPER sharp.. I found that out when doing this card).

 

I created my background layers with the Fancy Frames die set.  If I were to say you need ONE  die set from Craftin Desert Divas.. I'd definitely vote the Fancy Frames.  I use this in just about ever card in some way.

 

The Sending you Tons of Fun was part of this digital stamp.  I took the smallest frame from the Stitched Label die set and cut.  Using distress ink to make it have a bit of color.

 

I wanted my elephant to be standing on something or appear to be.  I took out my watercolors and just put a little puddle underneath her.  I didn't want her to appear as if she was standing in mid air.

 

I topped the balloons and string off with glossy accents and the hat with Wink of Stella.

 

Adding some sequins topped off the card!

 

Happy Crafting

~Kara

 

 

Craftin Desert Divas products used:...
Digi Birthday Elephant: http://craftindesertdivas.com/birthday-elephant-digital-stamp/
Fancy Frames: http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-frame-dies/
Stitched Label: http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-stitched-label-dies/

 



Happy Birthday Scrapbook Layout

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I'd like to share a scrapbook page made for a weekend birthday hop at Craftin Desert Divas.  If you have been wanting to try some digital stamps.. 

 

I took out my 12x12 paper (which felt weird because I have been really just making cards).  I wanted the 'cow' look to my background.  I used distress spray in black.  I suppose I could have just sprayed the bottle, but I chose to take the spray out and flick with the end of the sprayer bottle.  Just a warning that the it could and probably will go just about everywhere.   Set that aside to let dry.

 

I then took out Pocket pieces hello dies and used the banner to cut out 5 for "Emily".  I wanted her name to be front and center since the day was all about her! The letter cut outs are from Sizzix.  I temporarily lay out my scrapbook pages until I know for sure it's the final layout.  One tip that I saw from a card maker was to take a photo of how you want it to be laid out and that gives you a picture to refer back to!  I thought that was clever and genius.

 

Behind the photo I wanted a different look and not just a rectangle.  So I took out my Stitched scallop dies and cut each side of the rectangle for a cute looking edge. 

 

The cow image is a digital image only available this weekend Birthday Cow, so grab that cutie while you can.  I colored her with spectrum noir markers and it was way too busy to just place her on to the cow print paper... So I took out the Fancy frame dies to make the black background.

 

It was Emily's 2nd birthday so I wanted to document that someway.  I used the small tag from the pocket pieces hello dies and 2nd from bring on the cake placing that under the strings on the balloon to make it look attached. 

 

I then used Happy Birthday from Bring on the cake stamped at the top in Black Onyx Versafine.  I love foam mounting tape so the banners and birthday cow are all raised with dimension.

 

I hope this has inspired you to get your craft on.

Happy Crafting

~Kara

 

Craftin Desert Divas products used

http://craftindesertdivas.com/pocket-pieces-hello-dies/

http://craftindesertdivas.com/stitched-scallop-dies/ 

http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-frame-dies/ 

http://craftindesertdivas.com/bring-on-the-cake/ 

http://craftindesertdivas.com/birthday-cow-digital-stamp/

 

 

 



Happy Birthday shaker!

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Happy Birthday cards can be used anytime and all year long!  It never hurts to have a few on hand.   I am showcasing the digital image Happy Birthday Hippo found here from Craftin Desert Divas.   

 

I also used the stamp set Bring on the Cake found here. 

Shaker elements can be found in the sweetness collection

 

I first took Bring on the Cake stamp set and placed Cake Cake Cake and Bring on the Cake to a block and stamped a 6x6 paper.  I wanted a center point for Happy Birthday so I placed that in the middle with a pink color. 

 

I printed the digital hippo, colored and then cut with my Brother Scan N Cut.  I'm impressed with this machine more and more.  It does amazing cuts.

 

 I decided to make my card to a shaker (shaker everything!! LOL).  I went a different route and made it a tiny shaker window highlighting the Happy Birthday sentiment.  To make a shaker you need either fun foam or 3m foam tape.  I use transparency film to make my window.   I hope to start to video my card making soon.  While I'm not a professional shaker maker.. I hope that I can help some who would like to learn. 

 

I can tell the weather makes dry and static filled conditions.. Some of the shaker elements are sticking on the inside of  my shaker window..

 

Once I had all of my elements complete.. I began to layer and assemble the shaker window.  Adding the Hippo and streamers to the top. 

 

I hope this has inspired you to be crafty!

Happy Crafting

~Kara

 



LoVe Cascading Card

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I wanted to show a cascading card that I made.  I'm so in love with this card.  Cascading cards are so adorable in person.  Pictures do them no justice.  The base of the cascade is truly not hard at all.  I followed a YouTube video and they come out perfect every time.  The most time consuming part is measuring for the panels and any embellishments you may add.

 

So to start out make your card base and have your embellishments ready. I used the Tons set from Craftin Desert Divas. This includes the peanuts, elephant and two hearts.

 

 

I knew I wanted TONS of peanuts on my cascading card, so I stamped and cut several.  I used my Scan N Cut to make it easier on the cutting part.

 

After I had all of my peanuts and elephant cut, I went to town coloring with my spectrum noir pens.

 

However you choose to decorate you may want a 2nd color for your side panels.  I always add the panels and the measuring and cutting seem to be what takes the most time.

 

You will also have 4 visible panels on the 'inside' of the card.  You will need to decide what you'd like to do there as well. 

 

 

Now this part, I actually lost sleep over.  LOL  I knew I wanted hearts and peanuts to be 'floating'.  I took out my transparency film and cut small rectangles depending on how high you want them.. This picture is to just show the transparency film.

 

When attaching the film keep in mind that it will 'sway' or move.  You don't want to make it do heavy that they fall over.  You could also stabilize it more if you choose to have a heavier embellishment.

 

This is a close up of the transparency film with the peanuts and hearts.  To just look at a photo, you can not tell the peanuts are on transparency film and 'moving'. 

 

 

The hearts I used from my left over pile that comes from the Heart of Heart die from Craftin Desert Divas.  Never throw away anything!  It can always be used in another project.  I stamped Sending tons of and oh what  cute card!!

 

The word love comes from Crafters Companion the whimsical alphabet.  I triple cut the letters in my Diamond Press from Crafter Companion. 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope this has sparked some creativity... If you have any questions or need help, please do not hesitate to reach out.  I am not a cascading card pro, but it is truly easier than it looks.

 

Happy Crafting

~Kara

 

This card is entered into the challenge

Craftin Desert Divas - Heart Linky Challenge

Fan-Tastic -Sweetheart

DL Art - Valentine

 

 

 

Live Simply Cascading Card

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

The idea for a cascading card came from a group on Facebook.  I saw one posted and my jaw dropped.  Instantly knew I'd be making one.  So I found a great YouTube video tutorial on how to make the cascading part and oh my did it turn out gorgeous (not the base but the entire card, LOL).

 

 

 

I knew in my mind what I wanted to do when I first saw the style of card.  I took out my Heartfelt Creations Vintage Floret collection and went to town making flowers.  I had the pink and brown idea in my mind so to paper it went.  I used Versamagic Pixie Dust and distress ink Vintage photo for my edges.    I stamped out several flowers using my MISTI tool and got to shaping.  I made way more than I needed, but will use them in a project again.

 

I measured and cut each open spot that would be visible using the Vintage Floret paper pad collection.   Once I was to the inside portion of the cascading card I placed small x's in pencil so I'd know which one to stamp.  I took the card apart and stamped the visible spaces with VersaMagic Jumbo Java.  I had to use a scratch piece of paper to cover the cardstock I had already put in place when I stamped. 

 

After I had everything cut and stamped I placed the Live Simply die cut from Die-Versions onto the front.  This cut little die cut fits PERFECTLY on the front.  This die is in the farewell category.. so you'll want to grab this ASAP if interested.

 

I then placed all of my flowers where I thought was perfect.  I started small and went larger to the top and it worked perfect to be able to 'shut' the card.  They do lay flat if you do not had tons of dimension.  I certainly won't be able to use a regular envelope to mail.  I would not want my flowers to smash anyways, so to mail.. it will cost more than a regular stamp.

 

I hope that you enjoyed this cascading card.  I know I LOVED making this. The actual base/style is simple to make.  It's your embellishments that take the time.

Happy Crafting!

~Kara

 

 

 

When shopping at Die-Versions be sure to use kara15 for 15% off.  This can not be combined with any other sales or discounts.

 

 

This card is entered into the challenge

Crafting from the Heart Challenge - #98

 

 

 

 

 



Valentine's Day using Michaels Jar of Hearts

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

 

So after seeing all of the beautiful jars of hearts being shared on Facebook.. I couldn't resist these cuties..   I got an email that there was an additional 20% off your order that day I could go, so off to Michaels I went (I did have other items to pick up, so it wasn't the only reason) .  Valentine's was 50% off and then plus the additional 20% made them close to $5! I love a good sale.

 

I already had the idea brewing in my mind as to how I wanted to make my cards.  I used the new Brutus Monroe ombre ink pads.  Please please check these out if you have not already.  They are the bomb.com !!!

 

I didn't get a super great impression on all of my stamped hearts, but hey it worked for me.  I then took some twine and gave it a few wraps .  I also used the die from Heart of Hearts at Craftin Desert Divas and inked the white paper to match the card.  I also have the mini inks from Brutus Monroe.  Using my round sponge I just dabbed ink on each.

 

 

I hope this has inspired you to get crafty!

Happy Crafting

~Kara

 

 

This post is entered into the challenge:

DL Art - Valentine



Heart of Heart

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I want to share a card I made from the new Craftin Desert Divas January release.  The die is called Heart of Heart .  It come with an amazing 4 dies total.  There is so much you can do with this!

 

I chose to start off with red cardstock and cut the heart die.  I saved all of my left over hearts as I wasn't sure how many I'd be using on this project.  I then knew I wanted to have one heart a different color to stand out.  So I cut the heart die again in white and placed one heart among the red. 

 

I tried a few different ways to lay out this card and you can't go wrong with splattered paint!  I took out my dylusions white paint and Tim Holtz splatter tool and went to town.  I did not splatter the pink layer under the red.  I wanted that straight pink.

 

I always lay paper underneath what I am splattering.. this way I have a masterpiece from the over splash.. On the right panel that worked out perfect from the overspray.  I layered white behind and use 3m foam tape to give it some height.  Then using 2 white hearts from the previous cut. 

 

Love with the arrow is another die cut in the Heart of Heart, so I cut that in white.  I wanted this bold so I left it a solid white. 

 

Using some sequins from Craftin Desert Divas sweetness mix I randomly placed these.  I had made enamel dots from perler beads a while back and so I placed on in each corner..

 

This turned out so incredibly gorgeous.  I'm in love with it and might have a hard time mailing this one out! 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  I do hope this has inspired you to be crafty

Happy crafting

~Kara

 

 

This card is entered into the challenges:

Craftin Desert Divas - Heart Linky Challenge

Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Dl.Art - Valentine