Be what you want to BE

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Have you ever tried mirror image stamping??  I had not ... until I made this card for the So Suzy Stamp Mirror Image event.   I can see this will be a technique I will use more in the future... You definitely need a good silhouette stamp or solid image for this to work well. 

 

Products used from So Suzy Stamps:

 Girl With Balloon

Be

 

I first took my sun stencil and made my background.  I blended out the inks to make a more vibrant look using Tiki Torch and Orange Twist from Catherine Pooler.

 

I then held my breath and had Justine Hovey's YouTube video playing while I gave it a try.  Believe it or not, this was my first try.  After I did it, I said geez.. why didn't I practice on a scrap piece of paper first.  Anyways, thank goodness it turned out great the first try.

 

I love this technique and I'm so glad So Suzy Stamps hosted the challenge.  I love to try to things and this will be one I keep in my think tank.

 

 

This card is entered into the challenge:

Simon Says Stamp - Transportation Monday Challenge



Give Thanks

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Kara here from Create By Kara

 

Today I would love to show you a simple card created with a digital stamp called Scarecrow with a fence and can be found here.   When using a digital stamp, do not be intimidated!  I use a Brother Laser Printer for my digi stamps.  They are fun to use as you can make them any size you need. 

1.  I printed the Scarecrow with a Fence digi and colored with Spectrum Noir markers
2.  Next I used the Brother Scan N Cut to trim around the edge.  Don't think you need this device to use a digi.  You could simply use a die from the Fancy Frames selection and cut a frame or base.  You do not need to cut to be able to use these.
3.  I then took the Fancy Frame die set and cut a rectangle on white card stock. 
4.  Using the Outdoor Landscape die set, I took the hill die and cut to use as a mask.  I then laid the mask down and with the Clarity Stencil Brushes I brushed on the blue for the sky.  After the sky I used the other half of the mask and proceeded to brush on the grass color.  I set this aside while I compiled the other parts of my card.
5.  I then took brown card stock and cut 6.25 x 4 and embossed with an embossing folder.  I took brown ink and edged around the sides.  Let this dry completely.. I did not.. so learn from my lesson, LOL!
6.  I then took orange card stock and  trimmed 5.75 x 2.5.  Edged this in orange ink. 
7.  Using the Give Thanks from Thankful Squeaks stamp set and my MISTI.. I stamped the bottom right corner.
8.  I then layered the brown and orange as I wanted and added brown ribbon for a bit of interest.  I attach my ribbon using tape on the back of my card stock.  I then added the white hill piece and glued down my digi scarecrow.
9.  Finally, I added spectrum noir sparkle glitter pen on the pumpkins and sunflower.  The photo may not catch the sparkle.  Also adding a few sprinkles from Dooglebug to the bottom left corner to add the final touches. 

 

Products used
Scarecrow with a fence:   http://craftindesertdivas.com/scarecrow-with-a-fence-digital-stamp/

Outdoor Landscape: http://craftindesertdivas.com/outdoor-landscape-dies/

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

Thankful Squeaks:  http://craftindesertdivas.com/thankful-squeaks/
Bon Bon Sprinkles:  http://craftindesertdivas.com/bon-bon-sprinkles-adhesive-glitter-enamel-embellishments/

 



Be careful what you wish for....

Hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by

 

About a month ago, Suzy from So Suzy Stamps asked if I'd be interested in being a Snark Ambassador... and I said YES!  Through out the months I'll be making cards to show Snarky stamps from her line.  You can check out her line of Snarky here 

 

I started to make my card and quickly that turned into 2 cards in different colors and shapes. 

 

I started off stamping the Spray stamps in random pattern and colors.  I came up with two combo of colors that I just love.  I used all So Suzy Ink Bites for my cards. 

 

My first card, I knew what I wanted in my head.  I used a 5.5 x 5.5 card base and cut a panel from white card stock.  I then took the inside out circle die from My Favorite things and centered to cut.  I stamped my sentiment and placed foam tape on the back of my panel to make it pop.

 

 

My 2nd card was pretty basic.  I loved the sentiment and wanted a different color card.  I used the inside out rectangle die from My Favorite things and foam tape to pop that up.  It was a super simple and quick card.

 

 

So Suzy Stamps products used:

 

Spray (regular and Mini:  here

Be Careful What you wish for:  here

Ink Bites:  here

 

 

 

Affiliate links are used in this blog.  This does not cost you extra.  It let me keep blogging and sharing. 

 

 

 

 

 



17th of the Month blog hop reminder

 

 

Hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Today is the 17th of the month and that brings a reminder for YOU to do a self breast check or schedule your mammogram if needed.   Don't stop there... remind a friend or family member to do the same!

 

Michele the owner of Cas-ual Fridays Stamps started this blog hop as a reminder to all women.  Today as you read this.. she goes for her year ONE appointment after fighting breast cancer.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers today!

 

This is a blog hop for ALL to participate in.  Hop along with us and you have a chance to win the ENTIRE new Cas-ual Fridays release!  Comments must be made by 12:00am EST on October 19th, 2016 to qualify.

 

It would be absolutely incredible if YOU could participate in the monthly bog hop as a card maker!  All you need to use is ONE Cas-ual Fridays Stamp or die to participate.  Please join the Facebook group for more info https://www.facebook.com/groups/1015868698493563/

 

 The more we get to participate, the more people we reach.. the more lives we can save by early detection!

 

Thank you for hoping along.  If you should get lost along the way, please refer back to the Cas-ual Fridays Stamps blog .  Your next stop on the hop if the talented Kelly Griglione

 

Here is the card I created for this month. I was wanting to do a different, but simple kind of card and I had done a collar fold card in the past and it turned out cute.  So this style is a collar fold card. 
 

I used Dream Then Do stamp set for my card. 

 

Here is my card to remind a friend "You've got This"

 

 

Your next stop is Kelly!  Thanks so much for stopping by and remind a friend to do a self check as well!

 

 

Cas-ual Fridays Stamps

Jeanne Jachna

Julia Altermann

Kara Stainbrook  ---- You are here
Kelly Griglione  ----- Next stop on the hop

Kimberly Rendino

Laurel Beard

Lisa Lahiff

Lori Kobular

Lydia Evans

Nora Noll

Penny Ward

Rahmat Gouse

Sandi Pressley

Shona Chambers

Sue Nagata

Vicki Dutcher

Heather North

 

 

 

 



I'm here for you

Today I'd like to showcase the Nesting Flower die set!  This is a staple in any collection.  There is so much you can do with this die.  I have shown before that you can also make clouds as well.  I do apologize, but this die is currently out of stock, but check out the other nesting dies available here

 

Today I used the die set as flowers.. the way it was intended to be.  I cut multiple layers from different purples and simply glued my flower together. 

 

For my background, I created using distress inks and placed some purple ribbon behind my flowers for added eye candy.

I used the stamp from Cas-ual Fridays - I'm here for you.  For the light purple background I used the background stamp from a stamp of approval box by Catherine Pooler and heat embossed.  This is from the Lovely Notes collection.

This is a super simple card with lots of possibilities..  You could dress it up even more or keep it simple.  Sometimes simple is best.

Have a great day!!
 

Thankful for you

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I want to share a super quick card I created using a digital file from Craftin Desert Divas called Delightful Daisy.  I used Zig Clean Color Markers on Bristol watercolor paper to achieve the look I was going for.

I print my images using a Brother laser printer.  I have found this printer is great with all mediums and paper. 




I cut two colors of greens for my grass using the Landscape die set.  I then took the Stitched Scallop die to make a cloud in the sky.  To cut my digital flower I used the Brother Scan N Cut.  I never was good with scissors, so this machine for me was a life saver. 

I then pieces it all together for this quick card and stamped Thankful for you from the Thankful Squeaks stamp set.  Added a few sequins and a few dots with a white gel pen..  and complete! 

CDD Products used:
Delightful Daisy - http://craftindesertdivas.com/delightful-daisy-digital-stamp/
Landscape dies - http://craftindesertdivas.com/outdoor-landscape-dies/
Stitched Scallop Dies - http://craftindesertdivas.com/stitched-scallop-dies/
Thankful Squeaks - http://craftindesertdivas.com/thankful-squeaks/
Pastel Paradise sequins -   http://craftindesertdivas.com/pastel-paradise-sequins/




Butterfly Birthday - Stamp of Approval

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Have you purchased your Stamp of Approval box yet??  I hear it is almost sold out.  I absolutely loved this box and yes, I was privileged to win one.

 

A few days back Catherine posted a butterfly card and asked what color you would make yours... Naturally, I said purple.  Then I couldn't stop thinking about it.. so I made one.  My sister in law likes purple and I needed a birthday card.. so it worked so perfect. 

 

I used Altenew inks and the Lovely Notes Stamp of Approval.  I also used Dylusions spray to flick a bit of purple on the card.  I popped up the top layer with foam with a layer of purple behind.. It looks gorgeous in person! 

 

Happy Crafting!

~Kara

 



Grateful

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

I have a wonderful card to show today!  Simple and easy (which I normally don't think to do).  I love to enter the Color Throwdown Challenge weekly when I can.. So I decided to do both my first MFT sketch and color throwdown in one card.

 

Here is the sketch and color chart I had to work with.

  

 

 

I used My Favorite Things:

Blueprints 24

Grateful 4 U

 

The sketch challenge fit right into the blueprints I happen to have (#24).  I simply used the blueprint to create my entire card.  I decided to use the word grateful for the main part of my card.  I used brown fun foam for both grateful and the stars (which are a part of the blueprints 24).

 

I then stamped to have you in my life at the bottom to complete the card.

 

The Color Throwdown Challenge can be found here

My Favorite Things challenges can be found here  

 

 

Happy Crafting!

~Kara

 



Just Believe

Hello! Thanks for stopping by today . I'd love to showcase from the Whispers collection .. Dragonfly at Die-Versions

 

 

I started out by die cutting the Dragonfly in gold foil paper.  It is a very thick paper and the die has some intricate cuts so I placed a piece of cardstock folded under my plate for some extra thickness.  It cut perfectly the first time.  I just received my Vagabond 2, so I wasn't sure how thick I would need.

 

My card is 4 x 5.5 in size and I played with my gelatos for this card... Ok, well my purple gelato!  I used watercolor paper and gesso to place a layer over the paper (let this dry).  I then scribbled some gelato and with my spray bottle spritzed and moved the gelato until I was happy with it.  I wanted this card to be simple .. but let me tell you.. it looks stunning in person.

 

I wanted the dragonfly to really be raised, so I placed two layers of adhesive foam .. it was so high that you could see the foam.  I took out  a gold marker and colored it so it would blend in. You can leave the wings as is or I bent them slightly giving them some curve.

 

   

 

I then stamped my sentiment (from My Creative Time)  and embossed in Brutus Monroe gold.  Placed the dragon fly on the card and added a few rhinestone embellishments for the final touch.

 

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  When shopping at Die-Versions be sure to use the code kara15 to save 15% from your order.   This can not be combine with any other sales or promotions.

 

Happy Crafting!

Kara

 

 

 

 

 

Red, White and Blue

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Welcome to week 1 of the Red, White and Blue linky challenge at Craftin Desert Divas.

 

Red, White and Blue!!  Home of the Brave is what those colors represent to me.  I started off by printing the July Bear digital image from the Craftin Desert Divas store.  I then colored with Spectrum Noir markers and cut with my Brother Scan N Cut. 

 

With the party die set, I cut two balloons in patriotic paper I purchased at Walmart.    I used the Flag Banner die set to stop and emboss Home of the Brave (from Celebrate Freedom).  These banner dies have become a staple in my crafting.  To create some layers in the card I used the brand new Crazy Stitched Frames, Picture Frame and Stitched Circles.

 

Be sure to link up your Red, White and blue card here at Craftin Desert Divas .



Craftin Desert Divas products used:

July digi Bear: http://craftindesertdivas.com/july-bear-digital-stamp/
Picture Frame:
http://craftindesertdivas.com/picture-frame-die/...
Flag Banner: http://craftindesertdivas.com/flag-banner-dies/
Stitched Circles: http://craftindesertdivas.com/stitched-in-circle-dies/
Celebrate Freedom: http://craftindesertdivas.com/celebrate-freedom/
Party Dies: http://craftindesertdivas.com/party-dies/
Crazy Stitched Frames: http://craftindesertdivas.com/crazy-stitched-frame-dies/

 

Prayers

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I've love to show you a snippet of a card box I am creating for a gift. 

 

I used Concord & 9th 'You are Enough' and Simon Says Stamp 'Prayers' stamp sets.  To make the process so easy I highly recommend MISTI.. This tool will make your life so easy to create cards.. especially in quantities..  I then added some tiny rhinestones.  I had matching colors for all except the blue.  I took my spectrum noir pens and made my own color using a clear rhinestone.

 

I used Altenew ink for my layering stamps.  I love the ink as the guess work for what colors go well together when layering is out..

 

   

 

I wanted to use my gorgeous pots of flowers for props and while it is pretty, it is tough to have them perfect for a photo opp. 

 

 

I hope this has inspired you to be crafty! 

Happy crafting!

 

 

 



Die-Versions, Joy Clair and DL.ART CELEBRATIONS blog hop

We here at Die-Versions have collaborated with two awesome companies:  Joy Clair Stamps and DL.ART  to come up with a fun and festive Celebration Blog Hop. We want to showcase how well our three companies products work together.  Die-Versions makes very intricate and lovely dies; Joy Clair makes high quality clear stamps; and DL.ART makes gorgeous rayon hand dyed crinkle ribbon and also carries bakers twine and other hand crafted seasonal supplies.

The Celebration Blog Hop will take place on Wednesday, May 18th, Thursday, May 19th and Friday, May 20th.  Over the three days all Design Team Members will be sharing with you projects they have made for all the many upcoming Celebrations that come around this time of year, ie....Weddings, Baby Showers, Baby Births, Graduations, Father's Day, and of course Birthdays!  All Design Team Members will be using supplies from all three companies to make their projects so you can see for yourself how lovely these products work together and how dies, stamps and ribbons are the perfect combination!!

There will be prizes for those who comment on all the blogs over the three days and who become followers of all the blogs. Die-Versions is giving away a $50.00 Gift Certificate to the Die-Versions store. Joy Clair is giving away 3 $25.00 Gift Certificates to the Joy Clair store, one each day  and DL.ART is giving away a $10.00 Gift Code to the DL.ART store to one lucky winner!!  The prizes will be announced on all three of the companies  Die-Versions, Joy Clair and DL.ART blogs on Sunday, May 22nd.

DL.ART is running a 3 day Special during the Blog Hop for all of the Design Team Followers ~ 12% off your entire order at DL.ART by using code:  DJDHOPS this code will only be valid on the 3 days of the Celebration Blog Hop.

 

You should have come here from Kathy Ota's blog, if not, then please start at the beginning of the at Die-Versions Blog.   The entire list of Designers for the entire Celebration Blog Hop is listed on the Die-Versions Blog.

I started off by prepping my Baby Girl Bootie.  I used double sided tape when die cutting the bootie so I could make it a sparkly with glitter. 

 

 

I then took my stamp set from Joy Clair Oh Baby and combine It's a and Girl to fit in the window of my shaker card.  I placed my frame and drew with a pencil so I knew where my opening was to be.

 



 

I then erased all of my pencil marks and placed my frame with foamie (I purchase this in the kids section at my craft store).  It gives the dimension for the shakers to shake.

 

 

I then placed the Baby Girl Bootie on the card base and used pink crinkle ribbon from DL.ART for the bootie tie. 

The final product came out so full of cuteness!  I hope that you will take time to visit each of the 3 companies collaborating together.. They all have wonderful items to offer.  Happy Crafting!

 

 

 

 Your next stop on the blog hop is Crystal

 If you should get lost along the way please go back to the Die-Versions Blog and the whole list for each day will be listed there.
I hope you have enjoyed the Celebration Blog Hop!! Be sure to
leave comments on on all the blogs for a chance at winning one of the many
prizes!

Color Throwdown #ctd392

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

I love to participate in Color Throwdown challenges.  It gives you a GREAT challenge!

 

I used Altenew Vintage Rose collection for my project.  It is Pinterest inspired.

 

The colors to work with are here

 

 

You can participate in the Color Throwdown here

 



Ladybug Girl

Hello!   Thanks so much for stopping by

 

It's ladybug season here in PA!  This little cutie is called Ladybug Girl from Craftin Desert Divas.  She is a digi stamp that is super fun to color!   Don't let digi stamps intimidate you..   I'd start with what colors best with the ink type you use in the printer.  I see many people wanting to use digi stamps, but do not know how.  I have a Brother laser printer and most of time use Spectrum Noir to color.  Just do a bit of research and dive in.  Craftin Desert Divas almost regularly has a freebie.. so try it out!

 

First I printed out the Digi Stamp Ladybug Girl and colored with Spectrum Noir markers.  After I had her all colored in, I cut with my Brother Scan N Cut.  I'll forever say that machine is a life saver.. I'm not a great scissor user so this does it for you!

 

Here are the Spectrum Noir markers I used for her hair and skin.  I found this combo on Pinterest and love how it turned out.

 

 

 

I then found paper I'd be using for my card.  I may or may not have a paper hoarding issue.. And then when it comes time to use it.... I cringe because what if.. LOL  tell me I'm not alone..

 

I cut a white strip and took out some twine and became to wrap  to the left.  I then used the Stitched Circles from Craftin Desert Divas and did several layers. 

 

Using the Wishful thoughts dies.. I cut the word BIG out of glitter paper.  That tiny dot for the I is a pain to keep track of.. I think I cut 3 separate dots lol. I took a small tag from the Pocket Pieces Hi die set and HUGS from Wishful Thoughts ... embossed that in Alabaster from Brutus Monroe.

 

I popped up the Ladybug girl with foam dots.. and then started to place the black stitched look with my black gelly roll pen.. the first time it started to leak.. I should have stopped, but I kept going and it turned bad..   I then had to cut hearts from the Heart of Heart die to place over the mistakes..

 

 

 

 

This is a super cute card!  Who doesn't need a BIG HUG with a cutie pie LadyBug?? 

 

 

CDD products used:

Ladybug Girl: http://craftindesertdivas.com/ladybug-girl-digital-stamp/

Stitched Circles: http://craftindesertdivas.com/stitched-in-circle-dies/

Wishful Thoughts word Dies: http://craftindesertdivas.com/wishful-thought-word-dies/

Wishful Thoughts: http://craftindesertdivas.com/wishful-thoughts/

Pocket Pieces Hi dies: http://craftindesertdivas.com/pocket-pieces-hi-dies/

Heart of Heart dies: http://craftindesertdivas.com/heart-of-heart-dies/



MFT Stamps - Thank you

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

I'm fairly certain I have a MFT Stamps (My Favorite Things Stamps) issue.. LOL  I love their releases as there is always something .. something you just 'need'.

 

This vertical stars die is from the February release!! I'm not sure why I waited to use it, but it's gorgeous..

 

1.  I took the die and a 5 x 6.5 piece of cardstock and die cut the vertical star twice.  There is also a horizontal star die.. that's why I keep saying vertical.. so you know what I used.

 

2.  I then took the Homespun lines and made a decorative edge to my cardstock.  

 

3.  Using my Brutus Monroe ink (Zest) I used the Tim Holtz ink blending tool and edged the cardstock.

 

4.  I cut my yellow cardstock 5 x 6.5 to lay under the white. 

 

5.  Where my stars met were kind of wonky, so it worked perfect to take a scrap piece of yellow cardstock and stamp with the Brutus Monroe Zest.  I used the star from Count the Stars.  I then took Thank you from Kind Thank you and embossed with Brutus Monroe Alabaster. 

 

6.  I then adhered foam tape for some dimension and placed that right where my starts were wonky.

 

Today was a gorgeous unexpected beautiful weather day (the weatherman was wrong.. I love when he is wrong for the right reason. .LOL)  So this card matched the beautiful bright sunny day!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!