Throwback Thursday for January

Hello Everyone!
Hope everyone is doing well!  I have been busy taking care of household things, but today I am back with a fun post.  I am participating in Bibiana's Throwback Thursday!  See all the details on Stamping with Bibiana.  You can link up through Feb 12.
I selected a card made for Valentine's Day made with Stampsmith Stamps.

I did take some new photos of the card.  You can check out  the original post from January 2011.  Love these fun Lucy stamps!

I stamped on white glossy paper and added distress inks.  I Hand Cut the hearts--oh my!  I hand cut and did not use a die.  Well, this was made in 2011.  LOL.  I added some glitter glue around the edge of the heart.  

What a blast from the past!   I still have this card in my design team projects box.  Maybe I should send it to someone!
Hope you are  having a great day!!  I will be back tomorrow with more of my vintage lady cards.  And, I have some Lost Coast Design projects too.  See you then.  Love ya.
Karen

Happy Halloween!

Hello Dreamers,
Happy Halloween!  We should be having lots of Trick or Treaters here tonight.  Unfortunately, the weather is not all that great.  But, that should not get between  kids and the chance at all the treats.
I made a few special treat bags for my neighbors.  I wanted to make something a little special.  So, I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies-half with milk chocolate chips and half with white chocolate chips.  After the cookies were baked and cooled, I dipped one end in melted chips and added sprinkles.  The cookies look pretty festive!

Now, on to the cards for today.  Halloween cards made with a super fun stamp from The Stampsmith.

Card One

Materials:

Stamp: "Those Were The Days" from the Stampsmith

CS: Glossy white, orange, purple, and green

DP: Halloween papers

Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento: Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink

Stickles

Rick Rack

Crazy Mesh

Tulle

Ribbon

Instructions:

• Make cards from the orange CS and layer with DP
• Stamp the image on glossy white CS and distress edges and background with distress ink
• Layer image and add to card
• Add the fibers and Stickles

Very easy and quick! Here is a second version:

Challenges for Scary Halloween Lady:
It's All about the Vintage: anything goes
DL Art Linky: Halloween
4 Crafty Chicks: anything goes
Simon's Wednesday: anything goes
Left of Center:Halloween
Brown Sugar: anything goes
Chocolate, Coffee, cards: Halloween
Crafty Catz Weekly: anything goes

Well, that's all for now.  I have a cute birthday card-- I think I will show you that next.  Also have something with Lost Coast Designs coming up.  So, see you next time for more crafty goodness.  Love ya
Karen

Stampsmith September Challenge: Inspired by a Song

Hi Dreamers!
Happy September!!  You know what the first of the month always brings!!---A new Stampsmith Challenge!! The Theme this month is:

Inspired by a Song

Any song you like--you pick your song and make a project using at least one Stampsmith stamp.   Link up on the challenge blog.

I was inspired by the song "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John.  I used a soft color palette of greens and grays. Take a look at my project.

Materials:
Stamp: Ballerina  # 1 by The Stampsmith
Ink: Slate Pigment from A Muse Studios
CS: glossy white; gray and green from Bazzill
DP: K & Company
Ribbon
Pearls
Corner Rounder
Edge Punch

Instructions:

• Stamp the ballerina on glossy white CS with Slate ink
• Heat set the ink
• Round corners and layer with gray CS

• Make a card base from light gray CS
• Punch one edge of DP
• Layer card front with green CS and DP
• Add the Ballerina, ribbon, and pearls

********A Few fun Challenges for my Tiny Dancer Inspired card:
365 Cards: soft but rough around the edges
613 Avenue: Anything goes
ART Challenge: ribbon and pearls
Rhedd and Rosie: something for the ladies
Simon's Wednesday Challenge: anything goes
Mark's Finest: frame it


Can't wait to see what you come up with!!  We are having a Holiday weekend here in the US.  So, hope your weekend is going great--for everyone all over the world.  Love ya.
Karen

Regal Birthday Card With Majestic Cat!

Hi Dreamers!
Let's have a bit of humor today!  I made this fun birthday card using a photo stamp from The Stampsmith called "Princess".  But, I think she looks more like a Queen.  LOL

Size: 5.5 x 7.25

Materials:

Stamps: The Stampsmith – Princess 

Queen Sentiment-Victorine Originals; Happy Birthday-

Gina K. Designs.

Card Stock: Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip –Stampin’ Up;

Glossy White- Kromekote; Glossy Black.

Inks: Tuxedo Black - Memento; Vintage Photo and Black

Soot Distress Ink –Ranger.

DP: Free Bird Passion Robin’s Eggs (PL1066) My Mind’s Eye.

Other: Turquoise/ Brown Ribbon-Ribbon FX Hobby Lobby;

Fabri-Tac Glue-Beacon Adhesives.

Instructions:

•  Make a card from Baja Breeze CS and layer with Glossy Black CS.  
• Tear edges of DP and distress with Vintage Photo ink.  Add to card front.  
• Stamp cat image (The Stampsmith) on Glossy White CS with Tuxedo Black ink and tear the edges. 
• Layer with Chocolate Chip CS that has been torn.  
• Add this piece to card front. 

• Stamp Sentiments on Baja Breeze CS with Black Soot ink.  
• Cut out  sentiments and layer with Glossy Black CS.  
• Add to lower edge of card.  
• Tie ribbon in bow and add to upper corner of card using Fabri-Tac Glue

This would be a great card for all the cat lovers on your card giving list.  Or, just those who you feel deserve such a regal card!  LOL.

********Challenges for My Regal Cat Birthday Card:
Papertake Weekly: anything goes with optional vintage
Loves Rubber Stamping: anything goes
Through the Craft room door: anything goes
Creatalicious Challenge: Pets
Oozak: anything funny
Crafters Cafe: anything goes
One Crazy Stamper: birthday


How was your weekend??  Great, I hope!  Mine was quite good.  My husband's band concert was really good.  The band (Dearborn Big Band) sounded great.  And, the weather was perfect.   See you tomorrow with "something"--not sure what yet.  Maybe more of the watercolor scarp cards--there are three more of those.  See you then.  Love ya.
Karen

The Stampsmith August Challenge--Trip to Paris

Hi Dreamers,
First of the month already!  My, isn't this summer flying by?!!  Time for a new Challenge on The Stampsmith Blog!  The theme for the month of August is:

World Traveler

......With at least one Stampsmith Stamp please.  Link up your project on the Stampsmith Challenge Blog for a chance to win a $21 gift certificate.

For my Design Team project, I used the Paris Full Sheet to create a Travel Collage.  I went with  a Black/White color scheme with a pop of Teal.

Instructions:

• Stamp three different  stamps (I stamped one twice) from the Paris set with black dye ink on four separate pieces of glossy white CS to make four images.  
• Position the stamped images on a white CS base in a collage manner overlapping the images.  
• Once happy with the arrangement, glue them down and trim all the edges that  hang over the CS base. 
• Tie sheer black ribbon around collage
•  Layer with Black CS.

• Stamp the sentiment on Vellum with black Stazon ink.  
• Attached the vellum with black brads
• Layer onto a card made from Teal CS (This is Taken With Teal from Stampin' Up.)

I hope you will join in with our World Traveler Challenge!!  Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Hope your week is going  well.  See you soon for more of the Watercolor scraps cards!!  (See the first two samples of the Watercolor Scrap cards here)  Love ya!
Karen

Stampsmith July Challenge--Tea Gal

Hi Dreamers!
Time for a new Stampsmith Challenge!!  The Challenge for the month of July is to make a project that is ---
Vintage, shabby, or grunge.  And, please use at least one Stampsmith Stamp.


I used one of my favorite Stampsmith stamps, Coffee Gal.  But, for this project, Coffee Gal is "Tea Gal".  I used lots of papers in brown shades for a vintage look.  I painted several of the die cut pieces with Distress Crackle paint to make the project even more shabby.

• Make a folded card from Kraft CS
• Add a layer of torn brown polka dot paper (  K & Company)
• Die cut a frame from dark brown DP and punch a scallop square
• Paint both with Rock Candy Crackle Paint---let dry

• Stamp Tea Gal (aka Coffee Gal) with black dye ink on white glossy CS
• Layer all the pieces together, distressing each with Vintage Photo ink

• Die cut the teapot and cups (My Favorite Things dies) from DP (My Mind's Eye-Sunshine Pad)
• Distress with Vintage Photo and add to card
• Using a hole punch, punch out some small circles from the same DP and glue to card
• Tie a knot in cotton ribbon (Stampin' Up) and add a piece of brown lace

I would like to enter my Tea Gal in the following fun Challenges:
A Random Thursday Challenge: anything goes
Crafting with Dragonflies: vintage with layers and lace
Through the craftroom door: anything goes
Cheerful Stamp pad: from the past
Lady Annes: monochromatic
Love to Scrap: anything goes
Simon Says Stamp and show: anything goes vintage


So, that's it for me today.  Hope you will join us over on the Stampsmith Challenge blog.  Have a great day! Love ya
Karen

June Stampsmith Challenge: Alter It!

Hi Dreamers!
I am happily cool today!  The new air conditioner is all installed and humming along nicely!  Hooray!
And, today is my 28th wedding Anniversary!  Going to go out for dinner tonight to celebrate.

As it is the first of the month, it is time for a new Stampsmith Challenge.   This month we are challenging you to Alter a box, bag, or book using at least one Stampsmith Stamp.   The prize is a $21 gift certificate!

Here is my Design Team Altered project:

I altered a 4 1/2" Paper Mache box (photo below).  I like the way the paper mache takes the ink.   I did try to stamp directly onto the lid---which did not work well at all.  LOL. I was able to "fix" that by covering the lid with Kraft CS after I did all the stamping.

Before

Materials:

Stamps: Botanica Full Sheet from The Stampsmith

Cardstock: glossy white, Kraft, dark green

Ink: Red Pepper and Butterscotch Adirondack; Mustard Seed and Vintage Photo Distress, Black Dye

Buttons

Fabri-Tac Glue

Die Cuts: Fence from My Favorite Things, Grass from AMuse Studios

Ribbon

Instructions:

• Stamp the Sunflower on Glossy white CS by applying Butterscotch ink on the center of the stamp and then Red Pepper over the rest of the stamp.  
• Heat set ink
• Cut out Sunflower and Distress lightly with Mustard Seed and Vintage Photo ink
• Stamp "Botanica" sentiment and bees with Black dye ink
• Cut a circle from Kraft CS the same size as the lid.  (Use the lid to draw the circle on the CS.)  
• Apply Red Pepper and Butterscotch ink to the Kraft CS circle.
• Glue the cut out Sunflower onto the Kraft CS circle

• Apply Red Pepper and Mustard Seed inks to the box--cover completely with inks.  I used a Ranger applicator tool and it worked great.  
• Glue the Sunflower and Kraft CS piece to the top of the lid
• Glue assorted brown and cream buttons to the lid.  I used Fabri-Tac glue.
• Tie a bow and glue to top of lid

• Glue a piece of ribbon to the lip of the lid
• Tie another bow and glue to lip of lid
• Die Cut fence from Kraft CS and make faux wood by distressing  with Red Pepper and Vintage Photo inks
• Glue to side of box

• Die cut grass from dark green CS and glue to box over the fence

There!  Wasn't that fun??!!  Now, I can fill my little box with all kinds of things.  If I need a quick gift, I can fill it with chocolates.  Or, I could use my box to store buttons, or paper clips, or trinkets.  A very useful thing, my little box.  I hope you will give altering a try and link up your project on the Stampsmith Challenge blog.  And, check out our Guest Designer Paula Tidman's altered book.  

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******I would like to enter my Botanica box in the Fashionable Stampers Alter It Challenge.

And,

Simon Says Stamp and Show: wood--my fence is made of wood

Rogue Redhead Designs: flowers***********

Well, I guess that is all for now.  I have some fun things planned for Sunday and may not have time to post.  So, for sure I will be back on Monday with a few fun ways to use ribbon!!  Doesn't that sound fun?!! 

I hope you have a great weekend!!  Love ya.

Karen

Lovely Ophelia in Kraft Cardstock with The Stampsmith

Hi Dreamers!
Oh, boy!  My air conditioner died on Wednesday.  Spent the whole day waiting for the repairman yesterday only to find out that a new system was required.  Installers are supposed to come later today.  Trying hard to stay cool.  Fortunately, it is not too hot, but very high humidity.  I should have air by tonight!!  Well, enough about the weather and these housekeeping things!

Let's look at a card.  Today, I have a project made with the Medium Ophelia stamp by The Stampsmith.  I used Kraft CS and Kraft decorative papers for my backdrop.

• The image was stamped with black dye ink on smooth white CS and cut with a die.  

• Three different DP's were used for the background--the Kraft are from Basic Grey, the blue from 7 Gypsies.  
• The Kraft CS is from The Paper Company.

• A brown ribbon was tied in a bow and tiny ecru pearls were added for embellishments
• Repeat the papers on the inside

I did not add a sentiment yet.  I will add one when the card is sent.  That way I have a nice selection of blank cards already when I need one in a hurry.  I store them in decorative boxes.  

And, how about a few fun Challenges for the lovely Ophelia!

Charisma Cardz: divas

Crafty Ribbons: anything goes with ribbon

Crafting by Design: anything goes

Simon Says Stamp: anything goes

On Saturday, a new Stampsmith Challenge will begin!  I have something already to show you--but, you have to wait until tomorrow......  I hope you are having a great day!  Love ya.

Karen

Lovely Lady in Rust with The Stampsmith

Hi Dreamers!
I have about 45 minutes this morning and thought you would enjoy seeing this Lovely Lady in rust card I made using a stamp from the Belinda and Friends Full Sheet by The Stampsmith.  I love this set and have used it over and over to make dreamy romantic cards!

I used a surprising color to stamp with--Siena Archival Ink.  Love the effect on this vintage style stamp.  Then I repeated that dark rusty shade in the papers.

I had this yellow ribbon laying out on my work table and decided that I wanted to work that into this card.  I love the contrast between the strong colors in the ink and papers with this soft touch of yellow in the ribbon and one layer of CS.   I was thinking that these would be great colors for a romantic boudoir.

I would like to enter my Lovely Lady in the following fun challenges:
As you like it: 2 favorite color combos----rust and yellow
Simon Says Stamp and show: favorite ink--Siena


Well, I have to run.  I hope you day is filled with laughter, joy, and some time to stamp!  Love ya.
PS: posted pics of my studio room re-do yesterday here.

Karen

Audrey Hepburn is a Star with The Stampsmith

Hi Dreamers,
Worked on my studio room re-do long into the wee hours last night.  I have most things put in a place, but I will need to fine tune everything as I begin working again in there.  I really wanted to have my ink pads on my desk, but haven't figure out a good way to store them there.  I will have photos when I get everything put away.  There are still a few things that don't have a home and I will probably remove them from the room.

I do have a new project to share with you today.  I made this project before I tore my room all apart.  My card uses one of the stamps  from the Audrey Hepburn Sheet by The Stampsmith. 

• Stamp the image on glossy white CS with black dye ink
• Color the background with blue dye ink

• Layer onto a yellow card base with two DP's from Authentique Papers.

• Add two yellow ribbons, one satin, one sheer
• Add some footlights at the bottom of the image--AKA yellow rhinestones

Well, today I am off to the nursery with my friend, Reem.  We are going to pick up lots of plants and flowers for our gardens.  This is a yearly event for us--LOL.  We always have a blast!  I have the pick-up truck today, so we can load it up!!  See you tomorrow with a Hippy Birthday card with My Favorite Things--Peace Man.  Love ya

Karen

Mother's Day Card with Stampsmith Stamps

Hi Dreamers!
Since Mother's Day is this Sunday (already!!) here in the US, I thought I would take a few minuets to share a Mother's Day Card.  I made this card for a friend and the card is already in the mail!  I used a pretty little girl photo stamp from the set called "Thank Heaven for Little Girls #1" from The Stampsmith.

• Stamp the Pretty little girl with black dye ink on Glossy White CS
• Layer onto Real Read CS (Stampin' Up).

• Add some pretty Mother's day paper (Karen Foster)

• Add a polka dot ribbon
• Color the Flowers with Stickles glitter glue
• Add some dots of Stickles to the background area

Challenges for my pretty little girl Mother's Day Card:
365 Cards: Mother
Aud Sentiments: mother, child, baby
Paper Crafting Journey: anything goes
Divas by Design: anything goes
Celebrate the Occasion: Mother's day
Creative Card Crew: bling/glitter
Created with Love: Mother' day
Eureka Stamps: mother's day
Love to Scrap: anything goes
Pink Elephant: mother's day

I am still working on my studio re-do.  All I have done so far is make a bigger mess!  LOL  I cleared the spot for the new bookcase (which I pick up tonight) and vacuumed.  I decided to wait on putting the new desk and hutch together until I had the bookcase.  I can move the supplies from the old table to the bookcase and then fold up the table.  Makes a lot more sense than moving everything twice.  So, for today, I am going to put up some new blinds.  And, I really should mow the lawn.  Mowing the lawn is not craft related, but someone has to do it.  LOL    I have several cards that I finished before dismantling my studio.  So, I can keep you supplied with fun projects over the next week while I work behind the scenes on my room.  I hope you are having a great day!!  Love ya.
Karen

May Stampsmith Challenge--Tic Tac Toe

Hi Dreamers!
Happy May Day!!  Since it is the first of the month, that always means a new Stampsmith Challenge!!  this month we have a Tic Tac Toe challenge!!  How fun is that!!  There is a prize too--a $21  gift certificate to a random winner!!

I choose to use Ribbon, Pattern Paper, and Pink for my Design Team Card:

This stamp is called Ophelia (Large, Facing Right).  And, doesn't she look lovely all in pink!!??  I stamped Ophelia with Versa Fine Onyx Black ink on smooth pink CS (Blush Blossom from Stampin' Up).
There are three pattern papers from K & Company.

 I added  a die cut frame (Sizzix)--- cut from the pattern paper.  I covered the frame with Rock Candy Crackle Paint (Ranger) and let that dry. 

The bird is die cut (Tim Holtz die) from a pale yellow Pattern paper.  I added lots of pink buttons and some tiny pearls around the frame

And, lastly, a great big bow tied with wide Sheer pink ribbon.    Can't wait to see what you come up with for the challenge.  The Tic Tac Toe gives you lots of scope.  All you have to do is use one Stampsmith stamp.   I hope you join us for all the fun!

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A few Fun Challenges for my Ophelia in the Pink!!

Simon Says Stamp: happy mail

the sisterhood of crafters: free for all

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I had a nice weekend.  We celebrated my brothers  birthday.  I will share the masculine birthday card I made for him with you tomorrow.  Hope you are having a great day!  Love ya.
Karen

Paris in the Spring with Stampsmith stamps

Hi Dreamers!
Oh, we are back to rainy weather, so no work in the garden today.  Perfect time to get in some blogging and share a Spring theme card.  I made this card with an Eiffel Tower stamp from  Paris Full Sheet by The Stampsmith.   

• The image was stamped with Blue Breeze Kaleidacolor Pad from Tsukineko on white glossy CS.  
• Go over the image with Versa Mark ink and add UTTE; heat emboss.
• Add to a Navy card base layered with DP from DCWV

• Die cut birds.  I used a die from A Muse Studios and a pale blue CS

I love the high gloss that you get with the UTTE.  Reminds me of my decoupaging days!  LOL.

• Add a blue bow and a few blue rhinestones for embellishments

Just a reminder that the Stampsmith Challenge is still open and runs thru the end of the month.  The theme for April is Black/white with a pop of color.  There a $21 gift certificate up for grabs!!  

Challenges for my  Paris in the Spring card!
Simon Says Stamp: travel or city scape
365 Cards: Spring


Well, let's see what do I have for you next?  How about a funky Pink Steampunk tag?!  Sounds crazy doesn't it?  I will be back next time with that--so see you then!  Hope your day is filled with good things.  Love ya.
Karen

Folded Tag Card with Lovely Sampsmith Lady

Hi Dreamers!
Enjoying a nice rainy day here in Michigan.  Hoping to get a walk in between the raindrops.  And, what a perfect time to do a bit a of blogging and say hello to everyone.  Today's project is an elegant lady pictured on a Folded Tag card.  I used a die cut to cut the card (more on that below).

• Begin by cutting a folded card with the large tag die.
• Place the folded edge of the card 1/4 inch away from the bottom cutting line on the die.

                             Cutting edge      Fold of card

• Stamp the lovely lady---From the full sheet called Belinda and Friends by The Stampsmith on glossy white CS with Coffee Archival ink.
• Cut an arch on the top of the stamped image.
• Add it to the folded tag card.

• Distress the edges with Vintage Photo Distress ink
• Add some tiny pearls

• On the inside stamp the sentiment from the Say It Like It Is full sheet from The Stampsmith with Coffee ink and distress edges.

• Make the tie: the die will cut the hole in the top of the arch.
• Place a large button on the front and the backside of the front.
• Thread a narrow ribbon in a large eye needle and loosely sew the buttons to the card. 
• Thread a long piece of sheer ribbon through the hole in the back of the card and tie in a knot.
• Add large beads to the ends of the ribbon.
• This ribbon will wrap around the buttons to close the card.

View of the inside -card unfolded

View of outside - card unfolded

What a fun card to make!  I think it would be fun to do a set of the these and use each one of the images from The Belinda and Friends set.   That would be a nice gift to put in a little gift bag for someone special.


Challenges for my lovely lady Folded Tag Card:
Crafty creations: anything but a square
Papercraft Star: use a stamp
Rhedd and rosie: monochromatic
word art Wednesday: anything with an uplifting sentiment

So, let's see.  What will have for you next??  Oh, how about some funky Lost Coast Designs projects??!!  Okay!  Stay tuned for that.  Hope you are having a great day!  Love ya.
Karen