Mojo Challenge

Hi Everyone!

My second post today, since there will not be one tomorrow. Here is the sketch...

Here is the card...

The background has some texture and I did a moonlight scene in the circle...Enjoy your evening tonight or morning if it's tomorrow!

Details-Paper:JoAnn's, Texture Plate: Fiskars, Stamp: $1.99 Hot Spot at Archiver's, Rhinestones:Hero Arts, Ribbon: my stuff

Halloween Cuties

Hello all...

It seems like everyone is in an Autumn like mood since it's pretty much back to school time. I actually saw a house that had started putting up Halloween decorations last week! Gimme a break, it's still August! Sheesh!

Well, in honor of those crazies, I mean, very enthusiastic people, here are a couple of Halloween cards for your viewing pleasure.

I used this paper called Core'dinations for the the embossed (and debossed in the case of the second card) background. The cool thing about this paper is, the core of it is a coordinating color, so it really shows up when it's distressed. (I used a sanding block.)

I used my Crop-o-dial to make the holes in the corners of both of these cards, sort of a faux brad look I guess. I do this occasionally because I know there will be no lumps or bumps from brads, and that makes them easy to mail.

Don't ya just love that little cutie pie ghost?? Thanks for the visit today!


Details- Stamps: Hero Arts, Katie & Co, Ink: Stampin Up, Nestibilities, Cuttlebug, Ribbon from my stuff.

More Wine Tags

Hi !


I thought I would show you a better photo of a couple more Wine Tags with more specific information. It wasn't clear in the post a couple of days ago about how the tags slipped over the neck of the bottle. The tags are 4 1/2" X 11", with the score line at 2 3/4". The 2 3/4" portion has the hole punched in the center using a 1 1/4" punch and then decorated using a scallop punch.

The top part of the tag has the corners rounded too. Then just decorate as desired!

Thanks for dropping in today...


Details-Stamps: Stampin Up, Studio G, MSE, Ink: Stampin Up, Accessories: Nesties, ribbon and rhinestones from my stuff...

Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bread

My aunt and uncle were stopping by yesterday afternoon, so I made some Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Bread with a cream cheese frosting on the side...Mmmmm...so yummy! Normally I would wait to make this in late September or October, but it was cool and rainy here in northeastern Ohio, it seemed like an autumnal sort of day.









Do you like what you see? Want the secret recipe? Well, if you promise not to tell anyone I know, scroll down and I will share it...

I promise, it's as good as homemade and no one will ever know. For $10.50 it better be, right? The other secret...

Buy it AFTER Thanksgiving for $1.99 and save it for the following year...Sshh...

Have a great weekend!

Wine Tag

Good Morning everyone!





This is an example of of the Wine Tags I am making for the fall craft fairs. An excellent alternative to the typical bag, they simply slip over the neck of the bottle. Being that they were big sellers last year, I am once again making a variety, including Thanksgiving and Christmas themed tags. Thanks for looking and hope you have a happy day!





Details: Stamps: Studio G, MSE!, Stampin UP!, Paper: Joann's, Ink: Stampin Up!, Ribbon: from my stash of supplies

Another Challenge

Well, I did a second challenge this week. This was a Clean and Simple challenge over at SCS, with the inspiration coming from Anthropologie Shoes and Bags. These shoes were my choice and the following is my card. I have to say I like this card SOOOO much better than the previous one. I am over the moon with how well it fits the inspiration piece, not to mention being very "clean and simple." The cream and black color scheme is so crisp, and the brown bow is an awesome surprise. I brought in the dots on the shoe, by punching out the scallops on the border I punch I used. Then to finish it off, I rounded all the corners of the card to mimic the round toe of the inspiration shoes.

A complete success in my book! What's even better? I already know who is getting this card...

I always say purses and shoes are my favorite things to buy, because no matter how fat you feel...you are always the same size in them!

Card Details- Stamps: Inkadinkado, Rubber Stampede, Punch: Martha Stewart, Paper: JoAnn's, Ribbon: my stash of stuff

Mojo Monday on Tuesday

Hi ! Today I have another try at a Mojo Monday sketch challenge. I'm not sure how I feel about these challenges yet. Do I like being told what kind of layout to use? Maybe... it does get you out of a stamping rut. Sometimes I don't like the end result, and think if I was doing it on my own, I might like it better. I guess I am kinda lukewarm about this one...(should I even post it then??? Should I make another??? I can't, I have a life with other stuff to do! AAAhhhh!) LOL!




Anyhow, here is the sketch... This is my card...I think it needs a sentiment, but since I'm not sure what I want to do with it I'll leave it blank until I need a thank you or thinking of you card. If you scroll down, there is a close up shot.

The flower was colored in with a watercolor brush and an ink pad...there is also a rhinestone in the center. I also used some brownish pastel chalks on the image and square behind it...I was trying to make them look tea stained to match the patterned paper. I am warming up to it, a mild success I suppose.

Have a good day and see ya tomorrow!


P.S. Stamp: Hero Arts, Paper:Paper Adventures, Ink: Stazon-Timber Brown, Stampin Up-Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink, Chalk: Stampin Up-Close to Coco

Masculine Card

Happy Monday!

Today my offering is that of a masculine card. The paisley paper, combined with the paisley embossing, paired well with my image of horses. Sort of a western theme I guess. Scrolling down... You can see the matching embossing here....And...

Since it was pretty plain, I decided to stamp the inside too. I have said before, it always ties a card together very well.

Thanks for dropping in today!

Card details: Patterned paper: Matamore Swirl from Pixie Press, Stamp: Stampabilities, Ink: Stampin Up, Cuttlebug, Nestibilities, ribbon from my stash ;)

Kreativ Blogger Award!

Many, many thanks to Mary G. for nominating me for the Kreativ Blogger Award! I am truly HONORED that you would have selected me for your list of people! To visit Mary, and see what creative things she is making just click HERE....

So, to accept this award, I must do the following things:

1. Thank the person who nominated me.

2. Include a link to her blog.

3. List 7 interesting things about myself.

4. Nominate 7 Kreative Bloggers

5. Post links to their blogs.

6. Leave comments on their blogs and let them know they have been nominated.

Well, here are my 7 Things... which are kinda quirky and random!

1. I have, on more than a few occasions, had strangers say to me, "Has anyone ever told you, you look like Leann Rimes?" Frankly, I don't see it...(Well, maybe her older sister! LOL!)

2. My dream is to own my own Bed & Breakfast.

3. I have shaken hands with Oscar Award winning actress Eva Marie Saint.

4. I secretly wish I could have the super powers of Sabrina from Bewitched.

5. My picture was in the local paper shaking hands with Democratic Presidential candidate Jerry Brown. (Yeah, it was awhile ago!)

6. I think rubber stamp images of snowmen without hats are weird.

7. Back in college, I acted opposite Tony award winner Rodger Robinson in Othello.

Now, the next thing I have to do is nominate seven of my own fellow bloggers. I must confess, I find this an impossible thing to do. I have been inspired by soooo many talented people, many of whom have already received this award and others like it...I just cannot narrow it down. So, if you don't have this award and wish to display it on your blog, just leave me a comment and it is yours to pass on. Or, if you would like me to visit your blog, just leave me a comment and I will drop in.


Thanks again for choosing me Mary! And thank you to all the bloggers out there for sharing and continuing to inspire others with your creativity...I am thrilled to be part of this fabulous community!


Happy Sunday everyone!

A Summer Time Thank You

I adore patterned papers...I think they really "make" a project what it is, but I struggle to use them effectively on a consistent basis. It's probably because my papers are always a mish mash of things I have bought here and there on sale, and it would be much easier for matching purposes if the paper and ink came from the same company. Maybe someday I won't be so cheap and will try that! LOL!



These papers were on clearance at JoAnn's and the ribbon and button came from my stash of stuff. (Most of my buttons come from a big jar that my grandma...Oma in German...had collected a LONG time ago!) The image is from Hero Arts and it is colored in with chalk from Stampin Up. If you scroll down to the next picture, here you can see I used the Nesties for layering the image and then popped it up for a little extra oomph!

I must confess, I am playing around with my camera too, and I wanted to see how the pictures posted here once I re sized them. Gosh, there is so much to learn. I am WAY behind the times...the way I see it, I'm at about 1998-2000 right about now!

My Very Own Tea Box

Hi all!

I was So excited when I came up with this idea of making a tea box to hold the Celestial Seasoning tea packets...I came up with the dimensions myself (Woo Hoo!) and decorated the box. Isn't it cute??!

I know it's not fancy, but I really liked the simplicity and gift giving/craft fair potential. Then it hit me, and I realized Stampin Up sells a die for the Big Shot that makes a box that looks like this! (Called Box #2) So much for my original idea! Oh well, I still like it. I am not sure exactly how large the Box #2 ends up being when assembled, but mine is made from a 12x12 piece of card stock. The approximate finished dimensions are 5 1/2 L. by 2 1/2 w., by 3 1/4 H.

Here it is with the tea bags inside. If you would be interested in a tutorial, leave me a comment and I will try and make one if there is enough interest. (That would be another first for me!)

Once again, thanks for visiting and for all the kind words from everyone. Have a great weekend!

On the Couch Again

I realize I have shown this set before, but I made these cards a couple of weeks ago for the birthday of a friend and for my aunt who had knee surgery. I love the sentiments that come with this set...so versatile! (Named On My Couch from PTI.) I thought this patterned paper makes a great "floor" and the chair rail behind the chairs is a piece of ribbon.

This just adds a small amount of texture to the card. I also love the different add ons that come with this set...different pictures, the kitty cat... Oops! I just realize I never colored in the feet of the chair like I did in the next card...hopefully the person didn't notice!

Well, thanks for stoppin' by, and I hope you have time for a catnap today!

Big Bold Medallion

Hi Everyone!

I purchased just a couple of things from the new Stampin Up catty and my demo dropped them off this week. (If you are reading this, Hi Gayle!) I wish I could properly expound on how AWESOME I think this Medallion stamp is. (Sheesh, that makes me seem old and lame...;)) But, it's pure genius I tell ya!

It's fabulous when you can ink up a stamp and produce a luscious looking card like this in about five minutes!!! That rarely happens for me. The only thing I did, that was extra on this card, was punch out the center from a second stamped image. I then embossed it with rainbow embossing powder and popped it up in the center and added a rhinestone.

Ta-da! Here is a close up of the sparkle...

Thanks for the visit today!

Three Little Mini's

Today's offering is that of a mini note card. I am packaging them in sets of eight for the craft fairs. I made these clean and simple to prove a striking card isn't all about tons of layers and embellishments. One embellishment (rhinestone here)...

or even none, can still have visual impact. These are perfect for gift giving as a set, or...
attached to a gift at Christmas time! Thanks for visiting today, and since it is still summer (not that you can tell by my fall/Xmas cards!) I will leave you with...

some pretty flowers from down is Amish Country...Have a good one!

PS. All stamps used today are Stampin Up, except for the filigree tree, that was from Carlton Cards.

Your Next Stamp 1st Design Team

These are my submissions for the "Your Next Stamp" design team...They asked specifically for images that were colored in, so these two cards use different mediums for the coloring process. This first card, with cute animal images from Hero Arts, was colored in using Bic Mark-Its permanent markers. I love that this gives the images a nice, bold color that is very even. The only other coloring medium I used on this card, were pastels or chalk from Stampin Up. I used a small, subtle amount to shade the ground area around the bottom of the images. I felt that it gave the darling animal scene a little bit of depth. Now, on to the next one... This teacher thank you card was made with a retired stamp from Stampin Up. I used woodless colored pencils from Koh-H-Noor and a blender pen to shade this sweet bucket of apples. This technique of using a blender pen to soften the colors first put down, gives a realistic look to the image. See how I used two colors on the apples to make them look like the Macintosh variety? I also used a black and a grey on the bucket and blended those as well. I adore these colored pencils for their excellent laydown and blending properties. I encourage you to stamp out a couple of images from the same stamp, and then color them in using two or three different mediums...You will get such different looks and great versatility out of a stamp that you thought could only be used in one way! If you are part of the Your Next Stamp selection committee and want to see more of my coloring, (or you just want to see more coloring :) ) click on Cupcakes or Sunflowers under "Find an Item" on the side. Thanks for spending a small part of your day with me...

Mmmm...makes me think of fall, pie, turnovers, crisp, carmel dipped ones...ahhh!

Clean and Simple

Ok, so I was going to make a one layer card. Easy, right? I mean, no cutting or measuring or referring to sketches, etc...Who thought making a clean and simple one layer card could be so maddening?? I am still considering this a success for me even though it's 2 layers and one small embellishment. It was really difficult leaving the hearts alone too...I was reaching for the Stickles, crystal effects...aahhh! Love these kid saying from Inkadinkado...Really get to the point... Thanks for visiting friends!

Birthday Pop Up

This is the first card I made with this Cuttlebug embossing folder. I love the row of bold candles, and the Stickles glitter glue on them gives the card a festive pop. I even embossed the "Make a Wish" sentiment with some glittery powder, to complete the look. However, when I stamped the inside with "Happy Birthday", it seemed like a let down compared to the fun exterior. Sooo...

I decided to make it into a pop-up card that could hold a gift card! (How about a lottery ticket for someone???) Loooove It! Now the inside is better than the outside! Oh, another idea...make a few of these into Christmas cards; And instead of gift cards in the slot, add a photo.
Endless possibilities!!!

Thanks for dropping by...Even if it's not your birthday today, may you celebrate the day just because!

Back to School

I can't believe it's almost that time again...Where does the summer go??? I made two of these cards, one for each of my nieces. My oldest niece is actually starting her sophomore year in college (so unbelievable!) but she claims to like getting my cards in the mail. When I went to visit her, she had a special spot with my latest card on display in her dorm. I'm not totally buying it...I think maybe it went something like..."Where's that card Aunt Karin sent?? She's on her way...I gotta put it out!" LOL!




This stamp was from the $1.99 "hot spot" at Archiver's...I think it is from Stampology. This card doesn't have any bling, but it doesn't need it. Just a sweet reminder to hit the books... Thanks for lookin'!

Trendy Trees

I found this patterned paper at JoAnn's and thought it would go well with my stamp set. (Trendy Trees from Stampin Up) When I got home, I realized it was even more perfect than I had imagined in the store! All I had to do was rough up some edges and add a bit of ribbon and the card was complete. Super easy and super cute! Take a moment today and let someone know you are thinking of them...

My First Challenge

This is my first attempt at a Mojo Monday challenge...I had scraps left over from making a couple of cards with this set and color combination, so I thought I would use it for this challenge as well. I feel like the card was a success, now let's see how the posting/linking thing goes! LOL!

Dry Erase Tile

These are a few examples of my dry erase tiles that I am making for the fall craft fair season. They really are the perfect thing to sit on the kitchen counter for your ongoing grocery list of the week, Honey Do list, phone messages, etc... You get the idea!

This one is my favorite...I love this little guy!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the day!

Serene Sunset

Are you familiar with Michelle Zindorf??? She doesn't know me, (and I really only know her cards) but I feel like I know her because I adore her blog. She has this fab, unique style all her own. She is a true artist, using a brayer and post-it notes to create these lavish sunsets and nature scenes. Really, really amazing stuff. This is a small, humble tribute to her wonderful work...If you have time, google her and see her gorgeous cards.

Another Sunflower

Can you stand another sunflower??? This is a great late summer/early fall card with the sunflower as a focal point. I popped up the "face" of the flower to give it more dimension and used pencils to color the image. They always give a nice, soft look to a project. The sunflower is from Stampin Up and the background is the same cuttlebug folder in the post yesterday... Thanks for dropping in and have a wonderful weekend!