Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Stamp of Approval box - Thank you

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by
 
 
I'd love to show you a card I made using the Stamp of Approval box.  You may see it called SOA as well.  This is a box of handpicked stamps/dies by Catherine Pooler.  The release is quarterly.  This is my second box and have been blown away both times.  Items in the box are all stamps/dies from popular companies that you may know.  If you do not purchase the box, the products separately can be purchased months later.
 
For my card I started out with Kraft cardstock.   I purchased my kraft from Amazon, Neenah brand 80#.  I cut all of my cards to 4x5.5 inches.  I purchase the card bases at Michaels and that is the size, so it is pretty standard that I use 4x5.5.
 
 I then took the stamp set from Gina K and versamark to the craft paper. I used the flourish stamp in this set.  I embossed with Wow! Pink Perfection.  What a gorgeous powder.  I then took a die from Reverse Confetti (not in this SOA box) and die cut my edge.   To add a little more interest in between the flourish stamps I used the tiny flower in the Enchanted Garden set from the box. I used Alabaster from Brutus Monroe.
 
 On my base I used Thank you from SugarPea DEsigns - Enchanted Garden.  Embossing that with Brutus Monroe Alabaster powder. 
 
Also in the box is a butterfly from SuarPea Designs.. I cut that cutie and took an embossing pen to coat the butterfly and then embossed that in Pink Perfection.
 
I added a few sequins and glued down the butterfly.  I absolutely love this card and the SOA box.  I am so please to have purchased the box.
 
I hope this sparks some creativeness!  Happy Crafting
~Kara
 


Monday, April 25, 2016

Wildflowers in the Wind - CDT#389

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by!
 
The colors for this weeks Color Throwdown Challenge were gorgeous..   I just happened to purchase a new Rubbernecker Stamp called Wildflowers in the Wind and so I adapted that stamp to the color challenge.
 
 
Here is the color pallet you have to work with
 
I used Stampin Up ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Tangelo Twist
So Suzy Stamps ink bite Thistle Thicket
 
Rubbernecker Stamps:  Wildflowers in the Wind, Freehand Frame and The Garden
 
The Frugal Crafter has an awesome video on how to stamp this particular stamp, Wildflowers in the Wind.  I found it a HUGE help to hear the tip lay your stamp on the photo of the stamp.  Because it is red rubber you can not see to line it up perfectly.  Honestly, Flowers in the wind would never be perfect, so however you get them lined up works.  For me I laid my stamp on the photo and then knew where to place it using my misti to stamp.
 
To add the finishing touch, I took my clarity brushes from So Suzy Stamps and just brushed some Pumpkin Pie over lightly.  Then I stamped my sentiment using Versafine Black onyx.
 
The weekly challenge can be found here.
 
I'm so glad you stopped by.  I hope this inspires you to be crafty.
~Kara
 
 





Sunday, April 17, 2016

Color Throwdown #388

 
Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by!  I absolutely loved the colors in the Color Throwdown #388 challenge that I had to participate. 
 
I used Rose Bloom from So Suzy Stamps, LOVE from Die-Versions, Picture Frame Die from Craftin Desert Divas  , Alabaster embossing powder from Brutus Monroe and Zig Clean Brush markers for my water coloring.
 
I started off stamping the Rose Bloom on Strathmore Water color paper and embossed that with Alabaster powder .  I then took my zigs using 050 Yellow, 030 Blue and 048 Emerald Green with my waterbrush and adding color where needed.  
 
I then took the picture frame die with the blue zig and water brush to create a fading color effect.  I cut the word love and adhered it and then my rose bloom panel.  I then finished it off with some sequins and twine.   For my background I simply took the yellow zig and water brush and colored around the edges. 
 
These colors together turned out gorgeous.  It is a gorgeous mix .  I challenge you to participate in the Color Throwdown Challenge
 
Happy Crafting!
~Kara 
 
 
 


Monday, April 11, 2016

Happy Birthday - SVG

Think outside the box for your projects!! This little gal is the freebie digi stamp for the week at Craftin Desert Divas. Shop Cutie Milk Carton can can also purcahsed in the SVG file format.

I had a black gift bag and knew I could dress it up!  Craftin Desert Divas now offers SVG files for purchase in their store!  If you kiddo loves Shopkins.. they will love what you can do with the Shop Cuties! 
 
...
Other Craftin Desert Divas products used:
Fancy Stitched Lable Dies - http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-stitched-label-dies/
Bring on the Cake - http://craftindesertdivas.com/bring-on-the-cake/
Pizazz sequins - http://craftindesertdivas.com/pizazz-sequins/

 
 
 

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Fun in the Garden

 
Hello!  Today I want to share the Linky Party at Craftin Desert Divas.  The theme is one of my FAVORITES... Shake it up!!  Yes, that means crank up those shaker crafty juices and get to crafting!  Shaker cards are so fun to make and not to mention you can just shake, shake, shake!!



Every other Monday will mark the beginning of a new semi-weekly Linky Party over at the CDD blog. We hope you will share your projects with us! And don't forget about the prizes! Every Linky Party will have a winner and a Top 3! The more times you link up...the more chances you have to win!!

 
Our Sponsors for this Linky Party are:
 
 
I absolutely LOVE this linky challenge!!  For digi images, I use Word to position my images and print. I start off by printing my flower pot bear.   I use a Brother Laser Printer and Brutus Monroe cardstock to print my digi images.    Using my Spectrum Noir pens I color in the image until I love it!  My final touches for the bear is a bit of Glossy Accents to her eyes.
 
I then went to Too Cute By Jessica and purchased the files that match this digi stamp.  There was a 95% off sale and I love a good sale!
 
From those files I took the flowers an SVG file and imported it to my Cricut.  I cut out a few different sizes.. I wanted these as accents for my card.  I wanted a sweet sentiment for my card so I also programed my Cricut to write instead of cut "Fun in the Garden". 
 
I wanted my sequins to appear to be coming out of the flower pot so I chose the Fancy Stitched Label Dies for my shaker portion.  I cut a foam layer, transparency film, and cardstock layer.  I adhered them all together and let that sit over night with a little weight (usually I use a container of my ink cubes).  I am sure you don't need to let it set that long and I don't always. 
 
My background is simply Zest from Brutus Monroe.  I love to make my own color backgrounds and Brutus Monroe inks can do just about anything.
 
I then took my Fancy Frames die and cut two different shapes from that.  I wanted a fun bright color for my card and I believe I achieved that!  I filled my shaker in with Pizazz sequins (which currently I am obsessing over). 
 
I hope you enjoy this shaker card as much as I LOVED making it!
 



Craftin Desert Divas products used:


 
Linky parties are from Monday at 12AM Arizona MST thru Sunday 12PM Arizona MST.
Any projects you submit must be linked to your blog or online gallery. 
Projects must be NEW, no back linking, please.
Number of entries for this linky party is unlimited.
You may link up ANY type of craft project (layout, card, altered item, tag (etc) as long as it goes with the theme of the party.
Please link your project back to Craftin Desert Divas Linky Party.


Winners will be randomly chosen by random.org

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Simple Cancer Cannot card

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by
 
Today I want to share a very simple card I made.  The verse is called Cancer Cannot....
 
I first inked up my background using Pink Ribbon Background from Sparkle N Sprinkle.   I used the Thistle Thicket ink bite from So Suzy Stamps.   I then took my Wink of Stella pink pen and clear pen to color in the hearts.  A photo does not show the glitter, but it adds a special touch to the card.
 
I then took my stamp Cancer Cannot from Verses Rubber Stamps and used my favorite white ink of all time from Brutus Monroe Alabaster.  Stamping this with my Mini Misti (LIFESAVER if you are a new or seasoned stamper) in case my print did not come out good the first time.  I took my heat gun to set the ink.. I didn't want to take any chances on it smearing. 
 
I love kraft paper.. It mixed with anything makes a gorgeous mix.  So I took a Kraft card base (I get mine at Michaels) layers my card and then decided to make a layer under the verse.  Adding some faux stitched lines with my gelly pen and a few dots around the corners of the verse... made the final touch!
 
I added a little stamp on the inside.  I normally do not stamp so there is more writing room, but I felt it was fitting to place the stamp today.  This is also from Sparkle N Sprinkle.
 
 
Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope this has inspired you to be crafty.  We all have someone in our life who needs some inspiration.  Inspire someone today!
~Kara
 

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Love with butterflies

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Today I want to showcase the new Love from the Curly Words collection.  I absolutely love this new release from Die-Versions.
 
 
 
I have seen a few cards using the collar fold and of course I wanted to try one.  I assembled my card in a 5.5 x 5.5 fashion.  Most collar fold cards I have seen were to the right side, but I knew I wanted to use my word LOVE in some fashion.  So I decided to do a top fold collar style. I simply cut in about 1.5 inches and folded the edges of the cut line down.  It is helpful to use the point of your corners to make the fold.  I used my scor buddy to get a straight line.   I used the MFT Stamps border dies to make the edges on the folded card.  I had to do a partial for the edges on each side since I only wanted it on the edges.

Butterflies to me.. are a sign of hope and life.. The gorgeous butterflies are all from Crafters Companion, Sara Davies collection (an HSN purchase from Craft Day :) )  Along with the butterfly embossing folder.  This collection is stunning in person! 
 
I cut the Love die from Die-Versions Curly word collection in coordinating purple and adhered it to the top.    I then placed some Tonic Nuvo Crystal drops all over.  I got carried away, but I'm in love with these new drops.  I used some of the embossing folder for the pattern and added several that were not on the folder.
 
I hope this has inspired you to be crafty!  As always, when shopping at Die-Versions be sure to use kara15 for 15% off of your order.  This can not be combine with any other sales or promotions. 
 
 
~Kara
 
 

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Imagine

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by
 
Today I want to show off the new So Suzy Stamps April release!!  If you love flowers... you must check out the release here
 
For my card I cut a base 4 x 5.5 inches.  I use the folded cards from Michaels for my actual card, so I try to always have bases cut.  I ended up going to the larger card size for this card in the final stages.
 
I then took two stamps .. Spray and Mini Spray and randomly place using the Ink Bits collection Highland Spring.   After I had enough sprays all over I stamped and embossed the new Imagine stamp (which I absolutely love).   I used Brutus Monroe embossing powder in Alabaster.   I used the stitched rectangle from MFT Stamps and raised this with foam tape (although it may be hard to see in the photo).
 
Then comes the Nuvo Crystal Drops... I need intervention on these.. once you start making dots.. it is tough to stop.  I do need to pre-make these drops because if you mess up on a card/project .. it is too late!!  I did mess up and I also tried to layer purple over white.. Just a word to the wise.. pre-drop these babies on acetate.
 
I then decided to layer some matching cardstock behind my stamped spray. My final card is 5 x 6.5 and gorgeous!!!  I love fun colors and this combo is just that.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope this has sparked some creativity
~Kara
 


Friday, April 1, 2016

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!