Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!!!

Hi all!! I don't have a project today, but I wanted to pop in real quickly to thank you all for supporting me and my blog in 2011. It was my first full year, and I am thankful to have made some friends through my blog, and paper crafting. I will be having Christmas with my in laws today, since we didn't get to on Christmas, and then Sunday I will be at with my family, including my cousin who is in from Chicago, and I will spend some time with them, eating our black-eyed peas for good luck :)

May all of you have a wonderful 2012 in store, and I will be back for my first post for the New Year!! God Bless!!


Kari

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas!!!

I wanted to take this time before heading to my brother's for Christmas to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!! May the love of being with family, and the joy that you see on children's faces this holiday restore the true meaning of Christmas, and why we celebrate this joyous holiday!! God Bless all of you, and I will be back after Christmas!!!!



- Kari

Sunday, December 18, 2011

'Tis the season!

Hi all!! My posts have been sparse during this holiday season.  So much to do, and so little time to do it!  I am sure everyone knows what I am referring to.  I wanted to share with you another Christmas card I made.  We are one week away from celebrating Jesus' birth, and I honestly I am trying to get in the true meaning of what Christmas is, but it is being masked by having to tend with work, buying presents ( with lack of funds I might add), paying bills, etc.....I know they are all excuses, but I speak the truth! :)  Nonetheless, I have made several Christmas cards this year, and have sent some, and personally given some.  I think all that have received one is appreciative.  This one was given to my nail tech.  She does a great job tending to my nails every 2 to 3 weeks, and I wanted her card to be special.







The stamp I used and embossed in gold is from Hero Arts.  I added some gems to make the "strings" come alive, and added some self adhesive trim I purchased at Hobby Lobby a few months back.  She loved it! :)

Here are a couple of others I made and sent or gave to someone....










My hubby is always telling me that I should do cards during the holidays that are the same, that I don't always have to make different ones, but you know I did do that too, but I also want to give "special" ones too.  He is supportive either way it goes :)


Before I go, I wanted to share with you all that I received my Gina K. Designs cards back from the card swap I was involved in.  A month ago I share with you the cards I made, and now I wanted you to see what cards I received back.  The hostess gets to keep 1 card from each "spot" - so she kept 3 of mine since I signed up for 3 spots, and one of the cards is displayed at work.  It folds into a "Christmas Tree", so that one is not pictured, but here are the rest...




Ok - that is all from me this evening.  I will try to post once more before Christmas, but if I don't Merry Christmas to all my followers, and readers.  I appreciate you all, and interested in seeing my projects that I create.  All of YOU inspire ME!!  :)

~Kari~

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Two weeks away.....

I can't believe that Christmas is almost here.  I would like to say that I am ready and prepared, but I won't kid myself, I'm not!!  I have a bit to go, and will probably come down to the wire before getting into my car with my hubby to drive to my brother's house to travel and celebrate Christmas.  So much to do, so little time.  I am trying to make and finish up my Christmas cards that I want to make for my friends and family that mean the most, and wanted to come and share one of those cards with you today.  It is a relative simple card, but elegant.  I like the simplicity of it, but it packs a beautiful punch too ( if I do say so myself).  I have actually repeated this card a few times because it is so simple, and elegant to send to a couple of friends and family already.  This one I added some mini jingle bells that I bought from SU!, and used the Lost and Found Christmas 6 x 6 paper pad.  The stamp comes from Basic Grey, and the sentiment is from the Holiday Lights set from PTI.







I cut the image using my largest scallop Sizzix Die, and the used my circle cutter to cut out the center.  I inked the edges with both barn door and festive berries Distress Ink.  It is all put on a Vintage Cream card base from PTI.   Hope you all are having success in getting ready for Christmas, and soon to come New Year.  I hope you come back when I share with you another paper craft creation!  :)  Thanks for stopping in!!

~Kari~

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Mini Sanitizer Holders

Good ( late) Evening - I am back in my second post today to share with you what I created this afternoon.  I had bought up some mini hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works a few months ago on a sale they were having, and I saw a video by Stampin' Up Demo Dawn from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts.  She is a very popular SU Demo, and once I saw her video on how to make a holder for these hand sanitizers, I wanted to try my hand at them.  So, I finally made the time to do that.  I immediately thought these would make cute little gifts for the holidays, and little stocking stuffers. 






If you would like to try doing these too, here is the link to the video on this project.  Once you get the measurements down, and all your scoring done, you can do this in a assembly line type way.  I made a template for myself to make it even easier, and it goes faster.  I am not the greatest at measurements on a paper cutter or ruler, and I will be the first to admit that, so with that said, if I can do it, you can too!!  They are fun, and right now online at Bath and Body Works, you can do a "Mix and Match" 5 for $5.00 which that would mean the sanitizers would be $1.00 a piece!!  Hope this gives you a nice idea for a small gift idea during this holiday season!!!
Thanks for stopping by!! 

Busy, Busy!

Hi all!
I wanted to quickly share with all of you where I have been since I haven't posted in a about a week.  This week was a busy one at work, and then I celebrated my birthday yesterday ( Dec 3rd) with my hubby, mom and dad.  We had our local craft fair going on this weekend, so I went to that, and saw all of the wonderful creative people and what they have made. There was everything from ornaments, to jellies and jams, to home decor, to leather works.   One of these days, I would like to have a booth at least once, and see how would do. I know it is very time consuming to even prepare for a craft fair, but I would like to give it a shot at least once.  Today (Sun) I am busy in craft room creating some cards, and little goodies for some co-workers.  Our Secret Santa week is this week at work, so I am preparing my gifts for that as well.  I have posted a new video on my YouTube Channel if you all want to check that out, and I am trying to post a new one.  I have been trying since Friday, if you can believe that, but it is 18 min. long, and it is taking a long time to upload, and it stalls, so I am working on trying to get that posted as well.  It is a big haul video, and some goodies I got from my husband for my birthday that he bought from Simon Says Stamp!! 

Anyhoo, that is what has been going on with me the last week.  Like I said I have been crafty today, so I will share with you what I've made soon!!  Thank you all for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day where ever you are in the world!!!  :)


Kari

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Simon Says Stamp Presents a Product Challenge:Lilly Pad Cards

I'm back!!  Those of you in the States - I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving, and shopped till your hearts content!!  I am back to share with all of you my entry for the latest challenge over at Lily Pad Cards.  All you have to do is make a card featuring buttons.  I love buttons, and I love the sponsor, Simon Says Stamp.  I wanted to make a bright and cheerful card, but rather simple.  I used the cute flower from the stamp set called "Button Buddies" from SU!.  I want to point out, I didn't do that on purpose - :)




I stamped my flowers on Kraft card stock, and added some buttons from PTI, and baker's twine from The Twinery.  The leaves were punched from a Martha Stewart leaf punch, and the patterned paper comes from Echo Park "Holly Jolly Christmas" 6 x 6 pad.  My sentiment comes from Paper Smooches, and I did some paper piercing with my mat stack from SU!.   Hope you all enjoy the simplicity, and the colors as I do. 

See you soon!!
~Kari~

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

Hi everyone!!  I wanted to just stop in and tell you how thankful I am for all of my readers, and followers.  Creativity is important and being able to share with it people that think the same thing, and support you means everything.  Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families!! 










Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!!
-Kari-

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Lawn Fawn Christmas!

Hi Crafters!!
I wanted to share this Sunday evening a card I am submitting into Vicky's giveaway from Clips- N - Cuts, and Lily Pad Cards!  I love watching her videos every Sunday, and she is one of many that I aspire to!!  She is doing a giveaway on her blog for a SSS gift certificate.  She did a "Spotlight on: Lawn Fawn series, and she has given her readers an opportunity to create based on her cards for inspiration.  Below is my card.  I used several different LF stamp sets: Critters in the Forest, Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum, Ornate Ornaments, and Bannerific.  I used a lot of different patterned papers on this card, and it most definitely challenged me!!  I liked out it turned out, and hope Vicky likes it too!!








Even though this card was time consuming, I enjoyed my creation as it went along!!  Thank you Vicky for giving us inspiration, and a chance to win a great prize!!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!



~Kari~

Friday, November 18, 2011

Happy Friday - Just wanted to share!

Hi all!!  I have been absent this week, but I wanted to pop in and share with all of you that one of my cards I made for a Lawnscaping Challenge popped up in today's Fawny Flickr Friday!!  It is exciting to see when the companies or crafty people you look up to the most picks one of YOUR cards to feature on their website!! 



Check it out - Mine is the one with the glasses and polaroid!  Looky Looky!!


I will be back soon to share another card with all of you.  Stay warm if you are in a chilly part of the country!!  See ya soon!

Kari

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Lawnscaping Challenge # 21 - Thank You.

Hi!!

I wanted to share with you my submission for this week's Lawnscaping challenge : Thank You.  For my card I used Critters in Forest.  I just love this owl.  I actually just bought this set, as I am still growing my Lawn Fawn stamp collection.  For this card - I did a "reverse stamping" technique.  I actually learned the technique from Jess Larsen.  I just love her tutorials. I wanted the owls to face one another.  I also wanted to do some paper piecing for the tree stumps, and the belly of the owl.  I used some patterned paper from the We R Memory Keepers collection called Autumn Splendor.  This is one of my favorite 6 X 6 paper pads right now.  I guess it is because of all the beautiful fall colors in the collection.













I added some fall leaves and used my Copics to color them in, and added "grass" from the Critters in the Burbs set.  Hope you all like it.  Speaking of Thank you - Thank YOU for stopping by my blog!!

- Kari


CAS-ual Friday Challenge: Tag, your it!!

**This is my second post today**  Scroll on down if wanted to read my first post for today.

Hi all!  I wanted to share with you my submission for the newest CAS-ual Friday Challenge.  This week you make your project featuring a gift tag.  I used a stamp set that I have only used a couple of times, which I think is super cute.  It is called Button Buddies from SU!  I used the snowman image on my tag, and wanted to color in the little snowman's hat in Christmas colors.  My card base is SU! Lucky Limeade.  I wanted my tag to pop against the green card base - so I used the new Distress Ink, Festive Berries.  I love Distress Ink, and the different things you can do with it.

















I love snowmen!!  They are so cute!!  Thank you for stopping in!!


-Kari

Quick Update to my craft room.

Afternoon all!!  I wanted to quickly share with you a new video I have posted on my YouTube Channel of my craft room, and a few projects I have completed.  If you are a regular reader of mine, some of the projects you have already seen through my blog, but I am trying to populate my name out there in the craft community, and thought I would share some cards and other things with others that have not seen them.

Anyhoo - here is the link to the video!!  Have a great rest of your Sunday!!  Here is also a link to my Channel -  YouTube Channel









See you soon!!


Kari

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Welcome, Baby!!

Good Evening!  I wanted to pop in and share with you real quick a sweet card I've made for a co-worker who is having a baby girl!!  I must admit - since I do not have any children of my own - ( aside from my fur babies ) :o) this puts me in the mood to have a little bundle of joy in the house.  If it is in the God's plan then it will happen - until then, I will enjoy making sweet baby cards for others.  Take a look :)








OK- everyone say - awwwwww!!  hahaha.  I know this is short my blog readers - but I still have some things I need to get done before I call it a day!  See you all soon!  :)



 Kari

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Christmas Card Swap - 18 Cards I made...

Happy Sat!!!  I wanted to share with all of you my finished cards I made for my spot(s) in the StampTV Christmas Card Swap.  I signed up for three spots - each spot you make 6 cards total - one the hostess keeps - and the rest are split up among all the other people that signed up for spots.  This is the second time I have participated in this swap - but it wasn't Christmas themed.  There are no restrictions really, other than you have to use a Gina K. Designs stamp set or one of her designers.   I am VERY limited on the Christmas stamp sets I have of Gina K's, so much in fact, that I had to purchase a couple of sets.  This swap challenged in me in many different ways for sure, but now that they are done - I am so proud of my self, and what I have made!!  I hope the ladies that receive ANY of my cards feel the same way.  OK- so now without further or do - here are a couple of pics of my finished cards!!











Well - off they go in the mail on Monday!!  I am anxious and excited to see what cards I receive!!  Also - I get TWO prizes - one for signing up for a second spot and two for landing on a # 10 spot!  YAY!


Hope you all are well - and able to get some crafting in during the weekend!!  Thanks for stopping in!!

Kari

Friday, November 4, 2011

TODAY IS MY BLOG ANNIVERSARY!! THAT MEANS A WINNER!!!

Today is the day I celebrate one year of my blog - KWCardDesign.  I can't believe it has been a year already!!  It is very exciting!!  Seeing as how I have never had a giveaway before on my blog - it is a new thing to me, and my readers - so I wanted to do the most popular and fair way to pick a winner for the $30 Gift certificate to spend at Simon Says Stamp!!!  I went over to Random.org, and chose the winner that way.  SO- DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!






My winner is :  Comment # 8 - Adrienne!!!

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:
8
 3
 9
 5
 7
10
 4
 2
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 1
Timestamp: 2011-11-04 13:18:15 UTC


Adrienne said...

Happy Blogiversary!! What a great accomplishment. I've only found you recently, but I'm now a fan/reader/follower!! I can't wait to see more. :)



CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
Adrienne - please email me (kikiwebster30@gmail.com)!!

Thank you to those of you that participated!!  I can't thank you enough!!!  I hope to do another giveaway soon!!! 

I am off today from work - so I will be getting crafty, and will be back to share some new creations!!!  Happy Friday!!!!





Tuesday, November 1, 2011

3 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER! WHO WANTS FREE MONEY TO SPEND?!

Hi crafters -

I will make this short.  I will, however will be back soon with a card share.  In the meantime I am reminding those of you that want to enter into my giveaway.  You have until this Friday till midnight to get your name in - then on Sat. I will use Random.org to choose the lucky winner!!  I have 10 comments - I need more!!  Who doesn't want free money to spend on craft goodies!!  Tell your crafty friends, and family!!  I want to say that I do appreciate all my new followers and readers since this began!!  I am humbled, and thrilled to have all of you!!!  I will do one more reminder on Thursday, then the next time you hear from me on this giveaway - I will have my winner!!!!  Thank you to all who have entered!!  This is exciting for me - you have no idea!!  Here is the link to where to enter.






Good Luck!!!!!!!


-Kari

Saturday, October 29, 2011

TIME'S RUNNING OUT - $30 GIVEAWAY WINNER IN ONE WEEK!

Morning!!

I wanted to remind all of my readers, and crafters to get your name in the running for my $30 gift certificate giveway for Simon Says Stamp!  I will be drawing the name on Friday, November 4th!!  Tell your friends!!  I would love to have more people have the chance for this.  It is my one year bloganniversary!!  You can go HERE, and just make a comment about my blog, or me, or whatever you'd like!  IT IS THAT SIMPLE!!

Good luck with those who have entered!!!!

I will be back soon with another card share!

Kari

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Lawnscaping Challenge #20 : Paper Piecing

Good Morning!
I wanted to share with all of you my submission for this week's Lawnscaping Challenge .  What two fun elements for this challenge - for the most obvious is using Lawn Fawn stamps, and the other paper piecing!  I wanted to use one of my favorite sets, "Say Cheese" , and one of the newer sets I have purchased, " Clear to See".  With myself having to wear glasses is a must in order for me to see anything, so that is why I love this set so much, because I relate to it!  HAHA.  The papers I used for my paper piecing come from Authentique : Splendid, and EP: Country Drive.  I think I have mentioned this before, but how I love 6 x 6 pads! They are a card makers best friend, among other things - but it is most certainly at the top of the list!!  Back to my card - here it is:






I added some gem stones to the glasses - and the sentiments come from both of the sets.  I think they work well together!!  I rounded the corners as well on all of my paper with my new Corner Chomper.  I have three different ones now - and they essential to my craft tools!!  Have a nice afternoon crafters and bloggers!!

See ya next time!
Kari

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

In love with Distress Inks!

Good Tues Evening! I am back to share with you a birthday card I made for a good friend of mine, and the gal that got me into card making 2 years ago.  It was her birthday on the 10th of October, and like me she loves purple, and butterflies.  So, I wanted to incorporate both!  I was one of the luck ones that bought and received the Limited Edition Seasonal Distress Inks for fall this year.  These colors are gorgeous and they compliment the rest of the colors of DI so well.  On this card, I used the purple color which is Seedless Preserves, and Wild Honey.  The background stamp is from Hero Arts/Basic Grey.  I did one of my favorite techniques - Emboss resist!  This technique is so much fun and easy!! 



To make my birthday sentiment pop, I die cut a piece of patterned paper from one of my Beaded Circles dies from Spellbinders and punched out a ribbon border from the Lace ribbon punch from SU!.  I didn't have any purple gems to match, so I took one of my Copic markers that was close, and colored some of my clear gemstones from SU!.  This is another great way to use your Copics!  I added some Baker's Twine - who doesn't love this stuff.  It is so easy to work with and it is so versatile!  The "softie" with the butterfly image comes from KI Memories.    My card base is from PTI in Summer Sunrise!  I love PTI for my card bases! 

Another reminder that I have a giveaway going on for a $30 GC from Simon Says Stamp!!  Don't miss your shot at this great prize to celebrate my one year anniversary for my blog!!!  You can leave your comments on THIS post!

Thanks for stopping by!!  I appreciate your comments!!

- Kari

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Don't ya just love Fall?!

Good Sunday afternoon!  It is another beautiful fall day here in SW Missouri!!  A great day to have the windows open ( which I am loving since we have new windows in the house), and to craft your heart away.  Today I wanted to share with you a Fall Thank you card I made for a coworker of mine.  She covered for me while I was out a couple of days a few weeks back, and I wanted to thank her for it.  I had found the cute embossing folder at Hobby Lobby ( Paper Studio) and I couldn't pass it up.  It was only $5!  Not bad.  Since I don't have all the wonderful craft places in my town, I have to drive about an hour and a half to soak up all the wonderful craft goodness at Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  It probably is a good thing I don't live any closer to those places, because I would probably spend money I didn't have! Not a good thing!  Anyhoo - back to my card.  I used that embossing folder, and the patterned paper is from the 6 x 6 pad called Autumn Splendor by We R Memory Keepers.  I just love love this paper!  It has so many beautiful patterns and colors.  It has owls in it too which is quickly becoming something that I like a lot!  They are so cute!!! I adhered everything onto a piece of Hawaiian Shores c.s. by PTI.  My sentiment comes from Stampendous called Happy Messages.  I love how big and bold it is.  I added come "Candy".  These embellishments look like brads, but they take the weight and bulk out of it.  The ribbon is some "cheap" ribbon I bought at a dollar shop in Branson, Missouri. 



To add to shimmer I sprayed some Gold Perfect Pearls Mist.  I Love this stuff too!!  I hope you like as much as I do!

I want to remind everyone to leave your comments on this post to enter your chance to win a $30 dollar gift certificate to Simon Says Stamp by Friday November 4th to celebrate my one year BLOGanniversary!  Don't miss your chance!!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Instead of Where's Waldo - its Where's Kari?

******This giveaway is closed******

Hi all!  I wanted to pop in and give an update to my blog readers as to what has been going on with me, and why the sparse blog posts. So - I am going to ramble on about what has been going on, but something special in store for my BlogAnniversary!! if you keep reading!!

  I am still here, and I haven't fallen off of the face of the earth!  The reason why I have been MIA a lot,  is simply put LIFE has taken over, and there hasn't been a lot of time to do the things that I WANT to do like my paper crafting!  The last few months work has been crazy busy and that is majority of why I haven't posted anything.  When I want to post, I am too tired, just because of trying to fit the everyday things in.  Also, my husband and I had all new windows replaced in our home.  So - with that we had to prepare the house by moving and rearranging things, furniture, etc. that had anything near a window.  We now have 10 new windows, and I am happy about it.  The ones we had were the old wood windows, and not very energy efficent.  Also - I went on a weekend trip to Branson, which I might have mentioned in another post which was a lot of fun!!  Learned new things, and tried new products!  My mom stayed with us the same week of our windows being put in, so we had to work around that too, because we have a small house, and don't have an extra bedroom, so my poor mom had to sleep in the living room on the couch.  She was a trooper though!

In the midst of all this - I was planning a birthday gathering for my mom for her 60th birthday!!  My dad was helping me plan, because my parents and I live an hour apart which isn't bad, but not convenient when your planning an event. Also, he had to go to Colorado for an extra money job that was last minute, and left the "planning" to me. I have to say thought the party was a hit, and I got to see my brother, sis in law, and nephews after a year!!

  I haven't had the chances to craft as I would like, which makes me sad - but hopefully things can slow down a bit and I can make some cards!!  I really have to find and make the time - because I am in a Christmas Card swap, and I have a couple of people that want me to make them some Christmas cards as well!! :) 

In other happier news::::  I am 20 days out of having my BLOGanniversary!!  I can't believe it!! I will be celebrating my ONE year anniversary for my blog - and I want to celebrate in true blog fashion by doing a giveaway!  I don't have the means to do BLOG CANDY, however I do want to giveaway something crafty to whomever reads my blog, SO - I will giveaway a $30 gift certificate/card to Simon Says Stamp!! 




If anyone is not familiar with SSS - then first I would say, where have you been? Then, I would say they are one of the Largest Online Stores for paper crafters.  Let me say that they are not paying me to "endorse" them or anything.  I just love that store, and they have pretty much everything you can imagine for your crafting wish list!  So - with that said - the rules are - IF you are a follower, or read my blog at all- leave a comment on the blog post by Friday - November 4th, and I will use random.org to choose a winner!! Tell your friends, tell your neighbors who are crafters!!

OK- that is my update - so be sure to leave a comment.  You can tell me if you are just a reader, or if you both a reader/follower.  If there are things you would like to see here on KWCardDesign, please let me know!!  I can't wait to read your comments!!!!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Bling Challenge Card # 3

I'm back with card # 3 for the Lily Pad Cards Bling Challenge.  If you would like to see the other two cards, please check out my previous two posts.  The final card is a simple Christmas tree.  It features some Flower Soft, and "Candi".  I love this stuff - especially if you have to mail a card out and want to add the look of a brad to your project - these are lighter, and less bulky. 




Thanks for visiting!!!!

- Kari





Bling Challenge - Card # 2

Back with my second card - the "bling" for this card is represented in the paper which is called Shimmerz Sheets, and the beautiful mosaic tiles.  The embossing just sets off this beautiful paper.






This card wold be one that would be easy to mass produce for sure!!  OK!!  Onto my third and final submission for this challenge.

- Kari

















Lily Pad Cards-Simon Says Stamp presents Bling Challenge

Happy Sunday!! I am submitting some cards for the current monthly challenge over at Lily Pad Cards.  It is all about Bling, and who doesn't like bling!? This is card # 1.  Check out my back to back posts for the other cards. 





We all know that the Holidays are just around the corner - so why not get started on the card making right!!  Onto the next card submissions!!

- Kari














Saturday, September 17, 2011

You're in my thoughts

Happy Sat crafters.  It is a rainy Saturday here in Missouri, but we need the rain.  What a better time than to share another card with my readers.  Today's card features some hand stitched sewing that I have tried for the first time on my cards.  It turned out pretty good.  I had help with my new tool - the We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy tool.  It is actually a little card to use than I thought - and maybe for that reason is because I tried to pierce through two sheets of cardstock, I am not sure, but nonetheless I made it work, and it didn't turn out too badly in my opinion.  I made this for a friend who has been going through a lot of rough times lately in her life, and with her family.  I just wanted to show her that I care! 





The butterfly image comes from Stampendous.  I actually did a haul video and this set was in that video.  If you wanted to see the video here is the link.  I added some Linen twine around the butterfly for something different for the antennae.  I added some pearls for more dimension and interest, and the sentiment comes from HA set called "Friends".  Thanks for visiting me!!  Be back soon with another card or project!!!  :)

- Kari

Sunday, September 11, 2011

I know I keep saying it, but I am sorry...

Hi all!  I'm back in on this day that America remembers 10 yrs. ago, the terror we faced as a nation on 9-11-01.  Most everyone remembers exactly what they were doing, and where they were when they heard about the Twin Towers, and the events that took place after.  We are a strong nation!  I am proud to be an American, and so happy that we have come a long way since that day!!  Let us not forget!!

Onto crafty news:  I know I keep apologizing for my absence from my blog, but I like a lot of us, things in everyday life take over, and it hardly leaves any time to things we really love.  Sometimes you have to MAKE the time.  That is what I am doing today.  In between laundry and resting up for the next work week, I have made a card to share.  I have actually made three cards now this weekend, so things are good!!





I used the new BG/Hero Arts background stamp that coordinates with the Out of Print collection, and embossed it in black embossing powder.   Then I just picked out random Distress Ink colors that struck my eye, and inked my cardstock.  I  placed this onto a A2 size card base using some card stock from Gina K. Designs.  I added black satin ribbon, and a dimensional sticker.  My sentiment comes from TPC Studio called Card Crafting Hello.

I would love to hear feedback!!!  I love getting comments!!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

2nd try! **FOR SALE**

Hi all - I wanted to share with all of my readers that I am selling a couple of craft items that I no longer need or use.  I have a retired set of the "Bold Brights" ink pads from Stampin' Up! that I no longer use.  I bought them from someone else when I started stamping 2 yrs ago, and I have built up my ink supply with others that I like, and have similar colors, and wanted these to go to a good home.  They are all in good condition.  I also have the "First Edition" Cricut for sale.  I do not use this machine, and it is in very good condition.  I am selling it at a AWESOME price!  Anyone interested, please email me at :  kikiwebster30@gmail.com.  I will discuss prices ( which are a steal) in email.

From the "Retired" Bold Brights:
glorious green
green galore
gable green
yoyo yellow
only orange
pink passion
pixie pink
orchid opulence
lovely lilac
brilliant blue


Happy Crafting!

Kari

Saturday, September 3, 2011

**UP FOR SALE** a couple of craft items!

Hi all - I wanted to share with all of my readers that I am selling a couple of craft items that I no longer need or use.  I have a retired set of the "Bold Brights" ink pads from Stampin' Up! that I no longer use.  I bought them from someone else when I started stamping 2 yrs ago, and I have built up my ink supply with others that I like, and have similar colors, and wanted these to go to a good home.  They are all in good condition.  I also have the "First Edition" Cricut for sale.  I do not use this machine, and it is in very good condition.  I am selling it at a AWESOME price!  Anyone interested, please email me at :  kikiwebster30@gmail.com.  I will discuss prices ( which are a steal) in email.

From the "Retired" Bold Brights:
glorious green
green galore
gable green
yoyo yellow
only orange
pink passion
pixie pink
orchid opulence
lovely lilac
brilliant blue


Happy Crafting!

Kari

Monday, August 22, 2011

Lawnscaping Challenge #16: One Layer Magic

I'm back to share with you my card for this week's Lawnscaping Challenge: One Layer Magic.  You know it is hard to NOT "bling" up our cards, and doing just one layer is a challenge to accomplish ( for some of us, anyway).  This week I used Lawn Fawn stamp sets : Hello Friend( sentiment), Say Cheese ( smiley face), and Bannerific ( the bird).  I embossed my clouds for them to stand out on the Kraft card stock from PTI, and then I stamped my bird, and my sentiment.  On the "sending smiles" sentiment - I replaced the airplane on the end, with the smiley face from Say Cheese.  I added some stitched ribbon, to help bring out the red of the smiley faces, and some faux stitching to bring it all together.  I think Kraft card stock and red are very pretty together - like a pair of Khaki's and a red shirt :)

















I will be back later in the week for another card share - until then - be kind to one another and do something that you LOVE!


~Kari~




Lawnscaping Patrol found me! :)

Hi all!  I will tell you that today was NOT a good day.  Very stressful mentally - and I get home and check my email, and I see that my card was found by the Lawnscaping Patrol!  This put a smile on my face that I most certainly needed.   I just wanted to share this bit of information!!  :)  It doesn't take much to make me happy!! 


Sunday, August 21, 2011

CAS-ual Friday Challenge: Embossing

Hi all!  Back with you to share my entry for this week's CAS-ual Friday Challenge: Embossing.  This time we needed to make a card that features any type of embossing - dry embossing, heat-set or embossing folders.  I did two types for my card, heat - set and used an embossing folder.





I heat embossed my Hero Arts image on a piece of patterned paper from the new stack from BG : Indie Bloom. I then added a bit of distress ink to the image to bring it out a bit on the paper and to tone down the "brightness" of the paper.  I wanted COLOR in my project, and this paper was perfect for it.  I, then cut the image up into three segments, and added them to a piece of white card stock from Gina K. Designs.  I die cut the image then with my Top Note Die from SU!  I took a piece of vellum card stock and one of my cuttlebug folders and embossed the vellum.  I didn't want to take away the beautiful card base color of Summer Sunrise card stock from PTI, that is why I thought vellum would be a different choice.  I then adhered all of it to my card base, and I had this cute card stock sticker, and added it for my sentiment.  For the final steps, I added some gemstones color by some Copic markers, and some "faux" stitching on the sides with my white gel pen. 

Until next time!!!  Keep smilin'! and creative!

~ Kari ~




Emboss Resist Sympathy Card

Good Sun. Afternoon!  I wanted to share with you a card I made upon request from the sweet lady that does my nails.  Her family is going thru a difficult time with a family member battling cancer.  She wanted me to make a card to give to her brother ( it is her sis in law).  Card makers would agree that making something serious like a sympathy card is hard, but from time to time, we do have to make them.  I bought a cross stamp set from Michael's a few months back, and this is the first time using it.  I did the emboss resist technique, and used my distress inks.  I used 3 blue colors, chipped sapphire, broken china, and faded jeans.  I die cut my focal image with two scallop dies from my nesties, and for my sentiment, I used one of the tags from fanciful tags.  The patterned paper comes from Authenique called Journey.  I used one of my MS punches to punch the corners to give them a little extra "something".  My card base is from AC's from the cards and envelopes pack. 








Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend.  Thanks for stoppin' in!!  :o)

~ Kari~

Monday, August 8, 2011

CAS-ual Friday Challenge 14: Glitsy Glue Dots( 2nd Entry)

Afternoon - I am back with another card I made for CAS-ual Friday Challenge.  This will be short, sweet and to the point.  I wanted to use some of my new card stock that I purchases from SU!.  It is one of the new In Colors called Calypso Coral.  I used one of my favorite back ground stamps from Hero Arts - with the same ink color.  Then I added my sticky strip, and my greeting comes from Hero Arts as well.  I topped of my card to bring out the black ink with some  black silk ribbon.




Thanks for stopping back in!! :)  










Lawnscaping Challenge #15: Distressing

Hope Monday has been kind to all of you.  I wanted to share with all of you the card I am submitting to the Lawnscaping Challenge.  This is my first time entering into this challenge, and thought it would be fun.  I {heart } Lawn Fawn stamps - and slowly but surely getting my collection going.  On this challenge the objective is to distress your project some how.  This is what I came up with.












I used " Say Cheese" and sentiment from " Hello friend".  It turned out to be an all around happy card.  Hope you like!!!  Hope the rest of your afternoon is a great one. 
~Kari~



Sunday, August 7, 2011

CAS-ual Friday Challenge 14: Glitsy Glue Dots

I'm back to share with you my submission for the CFC14: Glitsy Glue Dots.  I took a little break from CFC among other challenges because I didn't feel very creative.  Since my break - I have been brainstorming again for ideas.  For this challenge the objective Add glitter to your Clean And Simple project using an adhesive Glue Dot or strip. 















 I decided to use sticky strip.  I knew I wanted color, color, color.  I also knew I had two different sizes of sticky strip I could use.  My card base is GKD heavy base weight white card stock.  I took strips of other colored card stock from my scraps and put them to good use.  I cut the ends to a banner shape, and added my sticky strip.  The middle is the 1/2" size, and the other is the 1/4" size.  I added some dazzling diamonds glitter to my strip, and my strips of color card stock comes to life with sparkle.  Then I wanted some kind of medallion in one corner of my card, and took some of my cat eye inks and added the same colors to my medallion.  My sentiment comes from HA - " You inspire me".  I thought it was fitting since this is the first card from my "break" from all the different challenges.  Hope you like it!! 

Friday, August 5, 2011

Getting back in the creative groove

Happy Friday people!!  I know I have already apologized for my recent blogging absence - but things for me have been crazy.  I will spare you all the details - but let us just say - my creative juices and spirit were at zero!!  Hopefully this post will be a start to change all that.  So - we are moving on.......

This evening I want to share with you a card I made for a co -worker about 2 to 3 weeks ago as my appreciation and understanding that things don't always stay the same - and that could be a good thing!  I used some patterned paper from BG - Sweet Threads.  I am really sinking my teeth into all the 6 x 6 paper pads out there on the paper crafting market.  They are so perfect for card makers.  My card base is from PTI and the color is Hawaiian Shores.  I love PTI and the weight of their card stock!  I am also into circles right now for some reason.  Depending on how the arrangement of them are, and the colors - the eye really does go right to them - and it is very appealing.  I also punched out some butterflies using my Martha Stewart 3 in 1 butterfly punch.  I glued some of my circles directly on my card base and some I popped up with dimensionals or pop dots.  My sentiment comes from SU! "Flight of the butterfly".





To finish off my card, I added some bakers twine and a button from BG.  I will be back in a few days if not sooner with another creation.  Thanks for stopping in!!

~Kari~

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Just in a funk...

Hi all!! Just real quickly I wanted to pop in and say that I am sorry for not posting a whole lot lately within the last few weeks.  My inspiration just hasn't been there.  It has been so hot too, and lately all I want to do when getting in from work is relax and stay cool.  My crafting spirit just hasn't been there.  I hope to return soon with a new energy.  I have bought some new products online - so I am hoping that my new goodies brings me out of my funk.  Stay tuned friends!!!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

It's been a while..BUT I'm here :o)

Sorry for my absence lately everyone.  I honestly haven't been the right mood to do a post.  I have been so busy with work, and trying to rest and have some  fun on the weekends - that I just haven't felt like getting my blog at all.  Anyway - with all that said, I am back today on this Sunday to share a card with you that I hope to bring a smile to your face.  The person that received this card sure did like it, and it perked her spirits up and that was the whole intention!!






With this card I used some Kraft card stock from PTI, and paper from the Sweet Nectar 6 X 6 pad from K & Company.  I used one of my favorite new background stamps from Hero Arts called Envelope Pattern.  I inked it up with Colorbox Frost White pigment ink.  I punched the edges of the patterned paper with one of my Fiskars border punches, and layered them on top of one another.  Then I took some of the cute Puffies stickers from KI memories, and adhered them to my card.  My sentiment comes from another Hero Arts stamps set called "Sending Smiles".  I finished off by adding some ribbon from PTI. 


I hope to get back on track with more posts, so bare with me!!! Thanks for stopping in!!

~Kari~

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Flutter By Wednesday Challenge #162

Hi!!  After a few days of absence from blogging - I am back to share with you a card I made for the Flutter By Wednesday Challenge for this week.  This time we have a beautiful picture to be inspired by with sunflowers, and beautiful bright colors.  Here is what I came up with.




I stamped the beautiful Engraved Daisy Cling  stamp from Hero Arts onto some paper from Authentique, and then used my Fiskars craft knife to cut out the image that is so detailed.  I added some color to the middle of the image by coloring with my YR12 Copic marker, and also punched out several flower design pieces using one of the "Itty Bitty punches" from SU!.  I added some pearls and a hemp twine bow, and of course added my butterfly to the top edge of one of the petals.  I thought this would be a beautiful birthday card - and so I stamped the "Happy Birthday" sentiment from the SU! stamp set " Punch Bunch".  My card base is some card stock from Papertrey Ink - Terracotta Tile.  I love their card stock!!! 

Till we meet back here again!!  Thanks for stopping by!


~Kari~

Monday, July 4, 2011

CAS-ual Friday Challenge: Krafts-men (2nd Submission)

Happy 4th, America!!  I am taking advantage today of my freedom by doing some crafting!!  How I love being creative!  I wanted to share with you another card I am submitting for CAS-ual Friday Challenge.  This is the first time I am submitting two cards - but I just had to as I had an awesome idea for a masculine card and putting it on yummy Kraft card stock!!  Check it out dude ( and dude "ettes") teehee.





I had bought this adorable bus stamp at Hobby Lobby in one of the sale bins - and I don't get to use it too often - in fact I think this is twice I have used it.  It is adorable, and I was moving some of my stamps around this morning, and thought I should make another card with this cute thing, and away I went!!  I stamped the image on some patterned paper from the Lauderdale 6x6 pad from Basic Grey.  I cut out my image, and for the windows, I carefully cut the centers out, and added some vellum card stock for the "window" look.  I added two brads to the wheels.  I stamped some clouds, and heat embossed them with white embossing powder, and added some paper from that same stack for the "grass/hill".  I popped up my bus with pop dots, and added my greeting, which I made typed up myself on my computer.  Clean and simple - that's the name of the game!! 

~Kari~

Saturday, July 2, 2011

CAS-ual Friday Challenge: Krafts-men

Helloooo!!  Happy 4th of July weekend! ( U.S.A).  Hope all of you crafty people are doing well and having fun doing some crafting!  I wanted to share with you another submission to the CAS-ual Friday Challenge for this week.  This time we create a masculine card out of Kraft card stock.  Game on!  :)  You wouldn't think making a clean and simple card is hard, but for card makers, sometimes it if very hard - and to add making a masculine card on top of that!  So - this is what I came up with ...drum roll please.....










This card took very minimal supplies - Kraft card stock, black card stock,  nestabilities die, baker's twine, white gel pen,  liquid applique,  and glossy accents.  Not bad.  I would take that cupcake from that cute lil guy anytime with those eyes lookin' at me like that.  *snicker*.   What ever your plans are for the 4th, be safe, and have fun!!!


~Kari~




Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Flutterby Wednesday Challenge # 160 : OPEN

Hello!!!  I  have discovered a new challenge blog - and they love butterflies as much as I do - hench the blog's name - Flutterby Wednesday's.  This week's challenge is an OPEN challenge - you can do whatever kind of card you like as like as an angel, butterfly, or fairy is featured on your card.  Well, of course I am doing a butterfly.  Here is the card I made!!





I started out by taking one of my favorite background stamps - the flourish stamp by Hero Arts, and inking that up with Memento Tuxedo Black ink - and stamped my base card.  I took some purple patterned paper, and a piece of paper from the Naturals stack from DCWV, and cut out two butterflies from the Beautiful Butterflies die from SU!.  I, then cut a piece of vellum cardstock, and put that at the bottom base of my card, to give the Flourish stamp a softer look, and added my butterflies.  I, then added some purple corduroy ribbon and a flower dimensional sticker to the top of my card.  I finished off by adding some gems around the vellum cardstock and the butterfly, and my "Many Thanks" sentiment.


They have a great sponsor for this week! - Through the Craftroom Door.   I love discovered new challenges!!  :)

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

One Year Old Birthday

Hi all!  I'm back to share with you what I created for a special little girl who is turning a year old coming up in July.  One of my co-workers has a granddaughter who is turning a year old, and she saw the Butterfly Chipboard Banner I made a few weeks back, and wanted me to make her granddaughter Cara one.  I also made her a birthday card as well.  Both projects turned out better that I expected - especially the birthday card.  First here is the banner.  Again, her name is Cara.  She wanted it to be very "girly girl".  The best part about the banner is this can stay with her, and be displayed in her room for years to come - and not just for her "First" birthday.






Now here is the birthday card I made her.  I already had in mind that I had some butterfly shaped cards.  I added some pink patterned patter from K & Company from the Sweet Nectar  6x 6 pad. 





I, then took my 1 1/4" circle punch from SU!, and punched out 4 circles  in the middle of the butterfly's wings, and I added two rosettes with buttons, and then, I added two yellow buttons from American Crafts and added some hot pink baker's twine to them.  I attached all these embelly's with Glossy Accents from Ranger - it is my go to adhesive for when I want something to stick for the long haul. :)  Then, I took my word window punch also SU! and punched out two pieces of white card stock, and glued them together to created a longer strip, and I wrapped that same baker's twine around those punched pieces - I eventually created the number "1", to accent that this was for Cara's first birthday. I also added some ribbon for the "antenna".  I didn't take a picture of the inside, but I did some faux stitching with a bright pink gel pen, and really added to the inside of the card with the embellishments, and at the top of the two yellow buttons, I added a "Happy Birthday" sentiment.  There was enough room in the middle for Sandy ( grandma) to add her message if she wanted to.  I think her mom and dad will just love it - and it is something they can treasure for her, and keep in a keepsake book , or scrapbook even. 

I love being challenged with  my crafts!!  This is one of those times where I was so full of pride and joy of how it all turned out - and it makes it all worth it when the recipient loves it too!!!

~~Kari~~