Pull yourself together!

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

 

When I have ideas for a card, generally I have an idea of who it will be for.   I need to definitely get better at mailing cards, but when I had the idea for this card... I just knew it would be going to one of my girlfriends.  I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up on her desk at work.. She has an amazing sense of humor.

 

I started with the Sizzix Elegant Stand ups for my base.  These give such a gorgeous base (and I may have many of Stephanie's dies).  I also cut the strip along the bottom while cutting the base.  I later added pearls along that strip to dress it up.

 

I then took the stamp Pour Yourself a Drink from So Suzy Stamps and heat embossed in Brutus Monroe gold.  Added some foam dots to raise the panel and a few flat back pearls.

 

Finally, I tied a bow and glued it down.. and a gorgeous stand up card is the end product.

 

 

This card is entered into the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge:  Link

 

 

Affiliate links may be used in my blog.  This does not cost you anything to purchase. 

 



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.



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/

 

 

 



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

 

 

 

 

 



You are a sweetheart!

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I want to share a card I made.  Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but this style could be used for any time.

 

I used the Heart Background from Die - Versions and cut a solid pink layer behind.  I then took a scrap piece of paper with Brutus Monroe wagon ink and a blender tool.  I wanted the edges to have the bold edged look.  I then took You are a Sweetheart stamp from the Simon Says Stamp Hello, Beautiful and embossed that in scarlet from Brutus Monroe.  Adding some red/white twine and a few sequins from Craftin Desert Divas Sweetness mix.

 

I then placed foam squares on the back of my scrap piece of paper for some dimension.. Added some kraft paper to the background and poof a perfect card!

 

 

This card entered in a challenge at:

Simon Says Stamp - Monday Challenge

DL ART  - Valentine 

Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes Wednesday Challenge



Heartfelt Creations using a glass block

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I want to share an idea I had brewing in my mind.  Using a glass block and Heartfelt Creations I created this masterpiece 3d decoration.  Pictures do NOT capture the true beauty.  It is stunning in person.    Warning this is photo heavy!

 

Products Used:

Enchanted Mum Bouquet stamp

Enchanted Mum Bouquet die

Enchanted Mum stamp

Enchanted Mum die

Enchanted Mum paper collection

Glass Block

Tulle

Mod Podge

Brilliance Pearlescent Orchid

Brilliance Pearlescent Lime

 

From the Enchanted Mum paper collection choose what pattern you will want for the background.  You will want to do this part first as it needs to dry.  Measure the back of your glass block and cut the same size from your paper.    I chose to attach the paper with mod podge.  You will need ample time for this to dry if you choose this route.  I am sure you could hot glue, but I wanted it flush with the glass block.  Paint a layer of mod podge on your glass block and lay your paper.  Smooth this out entirely working any and all air bubbles out.  Once that is semi dry apply a layer of mod podge and allow this to sit until completely dry.  I did this before I went to bed and it was dry for the next day.

Take the Enchanted Mum Bouquet stamp the flower with the stem and leaves (We will use one on the inside) .  Stamp three times the stems with the dragon flies (we will use this on the outside and two on the top).  Cut out all stamped imaged with the Enchanted Mum Bouquet die.  Color as you choose matching the paper you chose for the background. 

For some added dimension we are going to use the Enchanted Mum stamp set and stamp/cut a total of 4 sets.  We will place a Mum on the outside.. inside and two on the top of the glass block.  You will have some dragonflies left over or you can use them all as you choose.  We need some for the front, side and top.

 Color all of the pieces in any color you choose.  For this glass block to color I used the small dabber and brilliance chalk ink for the sparkle.  After you have it all colored shape the flowers and give the dragonflies some shape as well.

First we will do the inside of the block so we can seal it up and move on.  Attach a Mum to the Mum Bouquet and gently place that into the glass block using your favorite glue.  You will want to choose glue that has a spectacular hold.  As I was placing it in, I used  my shaping tool to help hold it to the glass while it dried.  I then put some dragon flies on the other corner.

 Place the top on the glass block.  Add some tulle (this is totally optional).  Place a stem with dragon flies on each side of the tulle and glue down.  Place a Mum relatively close to the tulle.  Add dragon flies to your liking.

 

Place the front left place a stem with dragon flies in the lower left corner.   And then place a Mum over that stem .  Add dragon flies to your liking again.

 Congratulations on completing a glass block creation!

 

This project is entered into:
2 Creative Chicks - Anything Goes



Thinking of You

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I wanted to share a card I fell in love with.  I always joke PURPLE everything, but purple and gold make the most beautiful combo ever!!

 

Using the Sun Kissed Fleur Border & Corner (from Heartfelt Creations) stamped with distress embossing ink.. I took my gold embossing powder and then the magic formed. Wowza does it look beautiful.   I did a corner stamp on each side.  I then I took my card and Dusty Concord distress ink and inked up mostly the outsides making it lighter towards the center.

 

I adore butterflies, so I took the Botanical Wings stamp set out to make my butterfly.  Using the clear embossing and gold powder she took form.  Then I took my dabber and dusty concord and made near the body a darker purple.. fading to a lighter purple.  I put a little glossy accents on the body to make it shine.

 

I then took my stamp set from Altenew Painted Greetings (brand new release) and stamped thinking of you.

 

Adding a few sequins made this card one of my all time favorites.  It is so gorgeous in person.

 

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

~Kara

 

This card is entered into the challenge:
Sparkle N Sprinkle - Anything Goes

Get Well Soon

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by

 

Life can change in the blink of an eye.  My friend from school was in a horrible car accident with her family.  She was in ICU for a few days and was not allowed flowers.. etc.. So I had in my mind to make a flower card.

 

Luckily, she is a fighter and no longer in ICU, but I will still be giving her this card in hopes it can bring a smile to her.

 

I LOVE box cards.. What I didn't love about them is the long labor it took to mark, measure, cut, score..  On Black Friday The Stamps of Life had a NEW die set over half off for the sale and I JUMPED!!  It's a box card die!  How genius .. it does all the world for you!!  Cuts and scores and all you need to do is fold and assemble one little piece!!  Easy Peasy!!!

 

I chose to use the flowers that come with the die set.  There are TONS of dies that come in this and will get so much use out of this purchase.  The possibilities are endless with box cards.  They can lay flat to mail as well.

 

 

Close up of the center portion of the box card

 

 

The back of the card.  You can leave these blank or decorate as you wish.

 

Thank so much for stopping by!  I hope that you were inspired to craft from my post. 

Happy Crafting

~Kara



Gingerbread shaker card using a digital image

Hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by!  Today I wanted to share a fear I conquered, LOL.  That is using a digital image!!!  Sounds craziness, but I just wasn't sure how to.. if I'm being quite honest.  I can't be alone in that.

 

To top it off, I was almost boycotting digital images because I like the physical aspect of stamping to paper.  I have been scrapbooking for years and refuse to go digital.. To me scrapbooking is the art of placing paper to paper.  Maybe I am alone in this, but I guess it's how I feel.

 

The first thing I noticed about the digital image.. you can make it how large or small you'd like.. so the possibilities are endless in that aspect. 

 

I used the digi image from Craftin Desert Divas.  Not only are her digi's super cute, but her stamps are full of adorableness.

 

I also used the Brutus Monroe cardstock for my base.  It's super important to have a good cardstock and his cardstock is        AHHHH-MAZING!

 

I then used the Lawn Fawn Lets Bokeh set.  I am obsessing with the bokeh look right now.

I wanted a simple stamp and I really didn't want it to be Christmas.. So I used the word Joy from the Stamps of Life set.  I stamped it with black versa fine and used clear embossing.  I love clear embossing.  It adds that shine and crispness.. A picture may not show, but I love it.

 

Adding in my shaker elements added the final touches to this shaker card.   I'm on a mission to find a way to not have my elements stick to my transparency film.. It always seems to stick in the wrong places.. aka her nose in this one..

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope this has sparked some creativity!  Happy Crafting

~Kara

I entered this card into the Monthly creative challenge at Sparkle N Sprinkle anything goes.



Howdy

Howdy!  Thanks so much for stopping by. 
 

There are so many different options for many of these new dies.  I took out the Western Boot and just had this idea of adding a lasso to my card in some fashion.

 

It all came together just perfectly.  I used the Western Boot from the November release.  Once I die cut the boot I knew I wanted a solid background.  I traced the die with a pencil and fussy cut.  I then erased any lines left over.  I glued the boot die cut onto my solid white and perfecto!  Just the look I was going for.

Using my Cricut, I then cut out the word howdy and boy oh boy did it make the card.  I wanted to some how frame the word howdy .. I tried a few different options and then it dawned on me.. use the jute .. So I lined the rectangle and glued it all down.

I formed the lasso and glued it down. That jute was a little wild, so I did have to put a few books over it for the night.

I love this and love how it turned out!  Masculine cards are sometimes tough to come up with. This is a great idea for you to use.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  When shopping with Die-Versions be sure to use kara15 to save 15% off.  This is not valid with any other sales or promotions.

 

Camo Wedding Card

 

Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I wanted to show a card I made for a wedding.  I absolutely love how it turned out.

 

I took my embossing folders out to choose the look I was thinking. I embossed a background panel and also paper for the white heart.  I then cut out the hearts using my Darice heart die.

 

I had made enamel dots from perler beads, so this was the perfect opportunity to add some to the card. I tied a little bow for the white heart..

 

Adding some camo paper behind my white panel added the final touch. 

 

It's a simple card. 

 

Thanks for stopping by

~Kara

 

 

Hello Fall!

Hello!  It's Kara here on the blog.  I reside in Western PA and Fall is usually FREEZING cold, but as I write this.. it is a whopping 70 degrees!  So Hello Fall!

 

I took some watercolor paper and sprayed Starbursts from Lindy's Stamp Gang to create the green background.  For the Hello Fall, I used a mixture of sprays ranging from Lindy's Stamp Gang to the Color Bursts from Ken Oliver to pearlescent sprays.

 

I wanted to make a simple, but beautiful card.  I used the Hello Fall Die from Die-Versions to be my heading.  I love this die as there is so many ways you could display this on a card.    I went simple and do I ever love how it turned out!

 

I then took some twine from Annie's Paper Boutique and wrapped around a few times.  I then used the Blessed stamp (Thankful Squeaks set) from Craftin Desert Divas and the tag die from her Pocket Pieces Die set. I attached the Blessed tag to the twine and gave it a little glue to hold in place.

 

The two small leaves came from Simon Says Stamp die set Maple Leaf Corner.  I used the Dylusions orange paint to add some fall color.

 

I adhered the main green background to my Kraft Brown (oohhh I love Kraft Brown, LOL) and just like that the card was complete!  I love love how it turned out.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

 

As always, when purchasing goodies from the Die-Versions shop use kara15 to save 15% (can not use with other sales or discounts)

 

~Kara

 

 

Tim Holtz Crazy Bird gone Halloween

 

 

 

Calling all Crazy Bird lovers!!  I just can not get enough of these little guys from Tim Holtz.  They all have their own personalities.  The accessories make them! Versatile and can be used for any holiday or occasion!

 

I took the Crazy Bird stamps out and decided which lovely was going to make it to the Halloween card.  Stamped with my Misti and colored with the Spectrum Noir markers.  I just received these alcohol based markers from craft day on HSN, so I wanted to give them a spin.  I need practice for sure, but I love them.  I used the accessory stamps and die sets for the hat and pumpkin.  Trick or Treat is from the sentiment crazy bird set.  Brilliant release Sizzix and Tim Holtz, they are all amazing!

 

I used the tag from Craftin Desert Divas for the Trick or Treat.  Twine came from Annie's Paper Boutique.  I also used Avery Elle Wonky die set for the fun stitched backgrounds.

 

I used Dylusion's paint for the background directly behind the bird.  I just received these paints and are they ever amazing.  I want to paint everything.  I just used my finger tool (lol) to paint the orange and purple.  Under the bird I put some black and let me tell you, black is not easy to cover up or blend with.. Lesson learned!  No fear, cover ups are possible.  Behind my pumpkin is also a disaster.  When I opened the orange paint, it splattered.. thank goodness the pumkin looks awesome right there!

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy crafting <3

~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.