Sunday, January 30, 2011

Today's the day for 'Crafty Storage'

Hi crafters!  Today is the day that my craft space, and blog are featured on "Crafty Storage" website.  I am super excited, and thankful!!  Thank you Paula and team for allowing my space to be featured on your site.  I'm over joyed.  If any of you don't know what "Crafty Storage" is, it is a wonderful place where you can go and get ideas, and inspiration for your own space, and ideas on how to storage various crafting tools and supplies.  It is one of my favorite blogs that I follow, because I enjoy seeing other creative spaces.  Thanks again so much Crafty Storage!!  God Bless!

www.craftystorage.blogspot.com



For those of you that might follow me already- I will have some updated photos soon.  My room has changed slightly from the original posting.  Also- I will be posting some new cards I have made, and I am working on some other craft projects that are out of the card making realm for me, so be on the look out for those.  Thank you all for being my readers, and craft friends. 

As Always!
Stay Inspired!!,

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Keep your friends close...

Hi crafters and blog readers!- I'm back late this evening with a new card share.  I have a friend that is also my co- worker that is transferring dept. and I wanted to make her a card just to let her know that I will miss her, but I'm happy for her new venture.  Like most of the cards I make- I make on a whim.  Sometimes I have an idea, but most of the time I just randomly grab my paper, inks, and other supplies and see what comes of it.  I like most of all the cards I make, but this one, feels some what different for me. Not sure why, but I like it!!  I'm glad that we are half way in the week, and looking to the weekend.  It is suppose to be warmer temps here.  I hope so, for my hubby's sake.  He has been wanting to play golf, and it is so much harder during the winter months.
Anyway- back to my card- I kind got off track there, didn't I?  So sorry- here is tonight's card.

 

 






















It was time to use some more scraps.  I am trying so hard to use things that haven't been used yet, before I get into new paper.  I have many die cuts, and other embellishments, not to mention a lot of scrap card stock that needs to be used.  I am sure I am not telling you paper crafters anything new when it comes to scraps.  The only thing new I used for this card is the embossing folder that looks like buttons at the bottom, other than that the butterfly and the handmade flower I have been meaning to use for a long while, but felt I didn't have a place for them, till now! Hope you all like this card as I do.  I need to wrap up this post for tonight.  I'm gonna get something to calm my sweet tooth and then head to bed.  Night my friends!!

Stay Inspired!!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

New craft storage

Hi crafters!- I just wanted to share with you my new storage cubes I purchased yesterday at Michael's.  They were having an awesome sale on just about everything.  I had printed out some 40% off coupons, but did not need them, because they already had these jet max cubes for 40% off.  I was so happy.  I am just starting out with 6 cubes, which is good for me for now.  I have of course seen them everywhere and just hoped one day I could have these clean looking storage cubes for my craft room too.  So- here is my set up..what do you all think??


I am super proud to have these cubes.  It was a good trade.  My hubby got my old storage 7 drawer plastic containers, so he could do some organizing of his own in the back bedroom where all of his computer parts, and supplies are.  I am glad that I am rubbing off on him with this organizing thing.  :o)  Well- just wanted to share that with you.  I will be back tomorrow or the next with another card share.  Hope everyone's weekend has been great.  Until then, stay safe out there if you have snow or ice around in your area.  Bye for now!

 
Stay Inspired!!,












Friday, January 21, 2011

Happy it is the weekend!

Hi Blog readers! I haven't been here posting a lot in the last week or so.  I have actually missed it.  I have been super busy with work, and then things I have to do after work, that it leaves VERY little time to relax, unwind, and eat supper, much less do a blog post and do any crafting.  I have been promising a new card to post, and well, I try to fulfill my promises.  I made this for my friend Stacie at work.  She helped me do something I needed done at work, and I wanted to acknowledge her for it.   So- here it is....


























I wanted to use my Top Note Die from Stampin' Up.  It is one of my favorite dies.  I also used an embossing folder from Stampin' Up.  I believe it is called Fifth Ave Rose.  I could be mistaken on that.  On the embossed image where the raised parts are, I took a finger nail file and sanded on that image to expose some of the white underneath, and then took different shades of Distress Inks and applied the ink to the white portions.  Then I just added some baker's twine, and a couple of buttons for some interest.  So sorry guys it has taken me a while to post anything.  I will try to get back into the swing of things.  I wanted to quickly mention that I will be featured on the blog "Crafty Storage" on the 30th of Jan.  If any of you read that blog- it is great if you love discovering new storage ideas for your crafts.  I will post more about that when it is available.  I also thought about trying my hand at a You Tube video this weekend.  We will see how it turns out!  Have a nice weekend everyone!  Till then...


Stay Inspired!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

I'm still here...

Hi blog readers!  I am just popping in to say that I am still here.  I just have been busy with work, trying to find the time to unwind from work, among other things.  I also haven't felt all that great the last few days, so no energy really to do anything.  I have also decided FOR REAL to get my act together and start eating better, healthier, and try and shed a few pounds.  I tell ya- it is hard, but as my mom as always said to me, when I put my mind to something and when I am determined, then I usually see/get results.  So- with that said- I am going to do this for me first and fore most, but also I need to do this so I can be healthy for when I hopefully get pregnant one day.   I am not getting any younger, and so I need to do this now! 

Anyway- just wanted to say hi, and that yes I am still among the living- just been busy with LIFE.  I will post a new card very soon, I promise!  Stay tuned!!  :o)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Craft Space

 **Addendum**- I have since updated my space a little bit since I purchased the jet max cubes.  I will take updated picks soon.  Not much has changed, but wanted to update this post.   - Kari 1-25-11


Hi blog readers!- I thought it would be fun to share some photos of my craft space.  I haven't officially done this, and thought you all might be interested to see where my crafting takes place. SO- without further or do....







This is the main view when you enter into my room.  It is a small room- but I am blessed to have this space.  My hubby was sad at first when I really was serious in started crafting- and "took" away his computer desk, but he is fine with it now.








The next two photos are just closer shots at where I store my punches, and my ink tools for distress inks.  Then you see my embellishment center.














In the three tiered  basket is where I store my distress inks, and my cat eye inks, and Smooch brush inks.  Then to the right in the pink organizers is where I have my clear blocks for clear stamps, pop up dots, other adhesives, and lots of other little loose things and tools.  Then, to the right of those is my turntable caddy that I purchased from Michael's with a 40% off coupon.  LOVE, LOVE this thing.  I would be lost without it.  It houses my Glue Glider Pro, the only Copic Markers I own ( which is slow growing), my We are Memory Keepers Corner Chomper, glitter/gel pens, brayers, paint brushes, etc.






This is directly behind me, and this is where I store/keep all of my paper.  I also have a BYGEL rail in the middle of the wall there and I made my own "Clip it UP".  This has most of my clear stamps, letters, and other stickers, and embellishments. Then, on the shelf above it is my mat stacks, and 8 1/2 X 11 card stock, and on the tables are my 12 X 12 papers, and my inspirational magazines.  And last but not least....








This is where I store my embossing folders, and my dies.  I bought this at Pier One many moons ago, and I used it for my CD's, but now I have only ways of storing those, and put this to good use for my folders and dies.


Well- that is an overview of my craft space.  I love it mostly.  I have areas in the room, but it is just the places where I store my stamps, and ink pads, etc, and they are in the Sterilite 7 drawer plastic containers that you can get just about anywhere.  Maybe I will do a video walk through, but for now, this will have to do!  Thanks for checking it out!  Later my friends....

Stay Inspired,

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Sat ( night) is alright...

Hi blog readers!! - I will jump right in and do my card share for today.  I hadn't colored with my Copic markers in a while, and thought I might do that.  There are also some stamp sets that I hadn't used yet since purchasing them, and thought I would break one out.  I used the "Because I care" stamp set from Stampin' Up.  This set drew to me because of the beautiful hydrangea image in it.  Of course, the color comes to mind is purple, which is one of my favorite colors.  So- I got out some of my Copic Markers, and the purples that chose, and really only have since I have a limited choice in my Copics are BV01, V15, and V17, and for the leaves I colored with the greens in G21, G24 and YG67.  I won't claim to be a great artist when it comes to coloring with Copics, but these colors actually make it easy, because they blend so well.  So- here is that beautiful hydrangea I mentioned....



















On a side note- I purchased today some storage solutions for my Copic Markers, and other pens/markers.  These have already been mentioned widely on the web, and You Tube from crafters alike, but these little cubbies have received rave reviews.  I am anxious to get mine.  It was one of the things I asked for for Christmas, but did not receive them, which is perfectly fine.  Anyway- since I mentioned Copic markers- thought I would share with you my new storage that I will be getting for them for easier access.  Well- that is it from me this evening.  Till we meet again-

Stay Inspired!,

Friday, January 7, 2011

So glad its Friday!

Hi blog readers!- I wanted to pop in and share this card I just finished with you all.  First- hope everyone's week was good.  Mine, it never changes- meaning it continues to stay busy, busy like a bee!  Lots of new changes happening in my dept. right now.  Sometimes, change is good.  I am still trying to get back in my groove.  I feel like I am not there yet, but I still crank out a card or two.  So- let me go ahead and show you the one I made this evening.



















I mentioned  before in a previous post that I like to make cards for my co- workers for who ever gets the Employee of the Month award each month- well- this one was made for a special lady who received the highest honor- Employee of the Year, and I wanted to make her a special card as well.  She has to love it, because it has green it in!  She loves green!!  ** Love ya Jess**.  Anyway, the "dimensions" on the card with the circles is a different thing for me.  I literally just saw some scraps that I needed to use in my scrap pile, and did what I could with some of them, and this is what it turned out to be.  Not bad.  So- have any of you check out my first You Tube video from my previous post before this one?  It was mainly a test, and me just having fun with my girl Daisy.  She loves the attention.  I will have an "official" card related video up soon!  I promise!  Well- I'm going to get back to surfing the web and see more ideas of how I can improve my craft space.  There are still so many things I would like to do.  I have a touch of OCD I think!!  UGH!  :o)

Night readers!

Stay Inspired!,

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Daisy on camera!

Well- everyone, here is my first submission for You Tube, and the subject- none other than my cat! I was just having fun.  You got to know- my cats are my "children"- so I don't sound "professional" on this video- just me talking to Daisy like I always do!  She's a baby ya know! **wink**.  Well check it out- see what you think!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Good Tues. Eve

Back again with another post this evening- Hope all of you are well this evening.  I wanted to get in a post for you all before heading to bed.  It seems I have a pattern lately.  I am posting before heading off to bed.  I tell ya- it seems that is the only time right now that I have to do it- **oh**, but it brings me so much joy.  I am not sure who all follows me on here regularly- but I always wanted to post fresh new things, regardless if it is one, or 100 people reading this blog.  I would like to revisit a previous post I did around the holidays- because I didn't get any feedback good or bad on "Who's my audience".  I am still curious to know who all of you are, and who reads and follows my blog.  I will leave that for another night though.  I did a few "tests" if you will on my camcorder this afternoon, and my hope is I will have a full complete video to share with you in the next two weeks.  I need to get some conversion lenses for my Creative Vado HD camcorder so I may do videos that I have to focus real close so you can see my cards, and if I do haul videos, you would be able to see what I get from time to time, and the details of the haul.  I have to get a macro lens for that, so I am looking into that.  OK- enough of the blabbing on- how about a colorful card!!























I don't know if you all will notice, but there is something a little bit different in my photos.....YES- I finally have a watermark now!!  I am so happy!!  It is the little things that make me happy.  I am lucky to have a husband that is a genius in computers.  Bless his heart- I have been asking for weeks now, and finally I have one!  OH!  back to the card at hand.  I made this card for a co-worker of mine- as she got a "employee of the month" nomination and pin for the month we were closing out of.  I try and make cards for my co- workers, that something special and unexpected to have from me and they can look at it and it reminds them of why they deserved the recognition.  I took a page out of Tim Holtz, who taught Jennifer McGuire, who taught her audience in her "Thinking Inking" online "class" on YouTube.  The background of this card is using the Distress Inks and water.  I just made a "pool" of ink on my craft sheet from Ranger, and then spritzed water and then inked up my flourish background stamp, and this is what it comes out looking like- watercolor sort of effect.  Pretty neat.  I love those online classes- you all should check them out on YouTube.    She is a wonderful teacher!!- Well that is enough out of me tonight!!  Till next time we meet!!  :o)

Stay Inspired!!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Here's to new things...

Hi all!- Things should return back to normal pace now.  The holidays are over for another year!  Some are glad, some are not, but I for one am glad!  I haven't made a card in about two weeks!!  That is crazy!  Believe it or not time did not really allow me to, because I was catching up on rest, and the creative juices were not there.  Hopefully- they are returning!  I have had the want to make cards- I always do- but feel sometimes and go through periods where I just need to take a slight break and gather my thoughts.  Hope everyone's holiday season was happy!!  With my first card of 2011, I needed to get in the birthday mode as my hubby's birthday is coming up on the 17th!  I would disclose his age but, for one I just won't, and two- let us say he has a baby face for his age!!  :o)  How I love my sweet husband!  - OK- so, here is a birthday card I "whipped up" for today's post.  Seriously, I made this in a matter of 30 or so minutes so I could get posting cards for you all again!!  This is what I came up with.  What do you think??





I just love these felt stickers!  They are so adorable, and you can use them in so many ways, AND- it really makes a card pop if you need to make one fast!!  It is my new addiction for sure right now.  I also used some of paper from the 6 x 6 pad- Restoration collection by Crate Paper.  These 6 x 6 pads are great for card makers!  I also used some Distress Ink in Worn Lipstick.  I hadn't used this color yet, and I like it, like all the Distress Inks!  They are great for stamping, water coloring, you name it.  These inks are very versatile.

On the YouTube video front- I am still in the works of putting up my first video.  I finally got my pocket camcorder in.  Now- I just need to dive in and make a video.  I need all the encouragement I can get, because I really want to get a broader audience, and I feel this will help me to get there!!  I will keep you updated!!  Stay tuned!!  AND- don't forget that I have cards and some post it note holders for sale at my Etsy Shop!

Well- It is getting late- I need to "close up shop" and head to bed, as I do have a day job that supports my "habit" :o)  Night all!!

Stay Inspired!!