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Saturday, December 24, 2011

HO HO HO.....Merry Christmas

Just stopping by to wish you all a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
and a
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!


KAREN x

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

High Hopes and 2 more tags

Hello everyone....

Well... I am terribly behind this week but
I have been fighting a nasty virus!!!
I think I am on the mend now.....
keeping my fingers crossed!!

It's meet the Diva's over at the
High Hopes Blog this week.

The featured Diva's are
"Anna and Jeanne"

So be sure to pop on over and check
out their bio's!!

I created an easel card candy box to share
with you this week. I just love this adorable
moose..."Hopeful Moose" he's an oldie but
goodie!! I also used the "Merry Kiss-Moose"
sentiment.


I created the box first and then made the
easel card to fit the top. I embossed the image
and sentiment with black and painted the
image with Tombows.

I hope you like it!!!

***********************************

I only managed to get a couple more tags
from Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas finished...
but it is more than last year!!


I might be able to a few more done...
but with the days getting busier before
Christmas that probably won't happen!!
I will post them if I do...lol!!

Thanks so much for stopping by
and
have a fabulous day!!

KAREN x

Thursday, December 1, 2011

12 Tags of Christmas

Hello everyone....

I have good intentions of playing along with
Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas this year.

I managed to get the first one done...so wish
me luck on doing all 12!!

I didn't have some of the products needed so
I did some improvising for this tag.

I stamped the Peace with perfect medium and
embossed it with silver EP. I fussy cut it out
and then covered it with silver glitter. I adhered
a grunge board flourish to the bottom also embossed
with silverEP and covered it with silver glitter.

I needed some pine cones but I didn't have
the die cut for it so I had to resort to my
"pear punch". I punched out the pears from
vintage photo core'dinations that I lightly sanded.
A great tip that I learned today was to glue
the pine cone around a wooden toothpick.
I shaped the pears and one at a time glued them
around the toothpick until it looked full enough.
I used 11 pears for each pine cone.

I'm thinking they look a little like brown
roses more than pine cones but like I said...
I had to improvise....lol!!

This was a lot of fun to make!!
***********************

I was trying out my Rosette die last week
and thought it would make a great ornament!!

I wanted it to be 3D so I made 2 pieces and
adhered them together and running a chain
through the center and adding a Hanger clip
to the top to hang it on the tree.
I stamped the Noel onto 2 small pieces of metal
and adhered them together front and back
of the hanger.


This is the side view.

I was pleased with the way it turned out.
I hope you like it!!


Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

High Hopes Challenge #123

Good morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!
This weeks challenge is ...

"Numbers"

All you need to do is add a number to your card!!!

The adorable image I am using on my card is

"Shelbert"

As you can see I added my number to his balloon.
I embossed the image and painted it with
Tombows. I also embossed the sentiment.
I added some flat backed pearls and some
corners. The paper is from Basic Grey.

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this week and be sure to check out the
High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some fabulous creations
to inspire you this week!!!!


*****************
I have one more card to share with you today!!

I always pull out one of my all time favorite
High Hopes stamps when winter is
just around the corner......

"Stackable Stanley"

He is an interactive little fella and you can
use him all by himself or pile him up like I
did for my card!!

I stamped the Stanley's with black Stazon and
colored their bodies with Heavenly H2o's.
The rest of the coloring was done with
Tombows including the background. Before
I painted the background I stuck peel off
snowflake stickers onto the watercolor paper
and painted around them. When it was dry I
took the stickers off which left the white
snowflake outlines. I also added some
frosted lace stickles, little gems and
flat backed pearls.


Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

High Hopes Challenge #122

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
This weeks challenge is ...

"Snowflakes"

The fabulous image I am using today is...

"Hope for Peace Snowy"

by artist Laurie Furnell

I embossed the image with black and painted
it with Tombows. I used heavenly H20's for
the snowman and dove. I added some
Diamond Dust for the snow. The papers
are from Basic Grey.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
and check out the awesome creations
the Diva's have for you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play
along with us this week and remember you
must use a High Hope image on your
card to qualify for the fabulous prize!!!!

I also want to share a card I created using
a tutorial by "Beate Johns" over at SCS.

"Telescoping Card"

I used the adorable High Hopes
"Snowy Portrait"
and
"Merry Christmas, Eh"
sentiment


This is how it looks folded up

How cute is this when it's open!!!

I embossed the image and sentiment with
black and painted the image with
Tombows. I used my nesties for the
circles. The papers are fromBasic Grey.

This was so much fun to make....here is the
tutorial if you want to give it a try.

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Happy Holidays Pop-up card

Hello everyone.....

I have been enjoying playing along with
"Penny Black's" weekly challenges and today
I am sharing my card for this weeks challenge.

This weeks challenge is
"Penny Black Faves"

I am using the awesome set
"Candy Cane Wishes"
....which is my favorite!!!

I used 4 of the images from the set for my pop-up card.

This is the front.
This is also my all time favorite pop-up card!!

I have added lots of pic's from different angles
so you can see the dimension.


I embossed the images with black and painted them
with Tombows. I cut out all the images. The fabulous
DP is from First Edition "Festive Wishes" paper pad.


I used small green brads to hold the wreaths.

I used the adorable gingerbread garland
on top of the mantle.

Be sure to click on the pic's to get a better view.

I hope you like it!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

High Hopes Challenge #121

Good morning everyone.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!!

This weeks challenge is

"Anything High Hopes"

If you are wanting to add some fabulous
High Hopes Stamps to your collection
now is the time to get them!!!!

The November special is up over on
the High Hopes Blog and you can get
20% off the Fairytale collection!!!!

For my card this week I am using one of
my all time favorite HH's images
the gorgeous......

"Lg. Lion and Lamb"

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. I cut the circle and oval frames
with my nesties. The DP is from Graphic 45.

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some awesome creations to
share with you!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

High Hopes Tutorial Week

Hello everyone......

It's tutorial week over at the
High Hopes Blog.

This week Andrea is showing us...
"How to Mount and Store your stamps"

Be sure to pop on over and check
her tutorials out!!!!

This week I am sharing the cards I made for
"KARDS FOR KIDS"

Our friend Bela created this card
drive for the children at Hospital for Sick Kids
in Toronto Ontario Canada.
If you would like more info or are
interested in donating cards please check
the link HERE.

This is such a wonderful cause!!
In September she delivered 243 cards..
"Bravo, Bela"!!


Bela accepts cards for all occasions and
my cards are for Halloween!!




I just love these Halloween images
from High Hopes by their
amazing artist...
Laurie Furnell!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Shinhan Touch Twin Marker Challenge

Hello everyone....

I have a card to share with you today
that I created for the

"Touch Twin Marker Challenge"
"Florals"

Link
They have a fabulous challenge going on
with a fabulous marker giveaway!!!


I don't have any Touch Twin markers yet but
for the time being we are allowed to use any
coloring medium.
So you guessed it....I have used my Tombows.

I have been trying to use some of my older
stamps for projects as they are sitting
on my shelf collecting dust!!!
This is a stamp by Sunshine Designs.

I hope you like it!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by...

KAREN x

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

High Hopes Challenge #120

Hello everyone.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by Lacey
and she is asking us to use.....

"Ribbons, Lace or Twine"


I designed a tag for this challenge and the
adorable images I am using are.....

"Snowy Portrait"
"Cute Mitten Border"
and
"Cold Hands Script"
"To and From"
sentiments

I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows. I cut out the
mitten border and attached it to the flap of
the tag. I also added some stickles.

This is the inside of the tag.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some fabulous creations
to share with you today!!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this week!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Tangles.....

Good morning everyone.....

I have been busy and having loads of fun
lately with an awesome art form....

"ZENTANGLE"

What is that...you ask!

From the "Tangle Patterns "
website here is their explanation.

"Zentangles" are miniature pieces of black and
white art that are not only exquisitely beautiful,
they are fun and relaxing to create."

"The process of creating a Zentangle® is a form of
“artistic meditation”, as you become completely
engrossed in making each pattern, deliberately
focusing on “one stroke at a time”®.
The creativity options and pattern combinations
are boundless."

The Zentangle® art form and method was
created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I started with the small 3 1/2" tiles and
practiced the different patterns. Once I
was confident I created a few pieces that I
want to share with you today.

I drew this butterfly outline and then proceeded
to add the patterns inside. The first one I did I
made a mistake and ruined the background.

So here is the one that turned out ok.

It's hard to see the shading in the pic's
so if you click on them it is easier to see.

Now I didn't want to throw the first one out so I
decided to cut out the butterfly and use it
for another project. This is what I came up with....


I created a base with a tangle pattern
and added some flat backed pearls to it also.
It looks great sitting on a shelf above my desk!

I traced my hand for this next project and
then added tangle patterns to the inside.

I have always been a "doodler" and am really enjoying
this amazing art form. I am learning a lot about
how to curve lines and add the dimension
with the shading.

I am working on a "Tangle Journal" to keep
all my creations in and more projects to
share with you soon.

The Zentangle website is a fabulous place
to start if you are interested in giving it a try.

There are a ton of free patterns and information
so check it out here.....
"Tangle Patterns.com"

Have a great day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

High Hopes Challenge #119

Good Morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"LACEY"
and she has chosen

"Party Favors"

I am doing a Halloween theme for my
projects and for my first one I am using...

"Batty Boo"
&

"Zig Zag Pumpkin Moon Frame
"

I started with a mini kraft shopping bag and
distressed the edges with walnut stain ink.
I cut out the front adding a piece of acetate to
the inside. I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows, cut them out and
glued the frame to the front. I cut the bat off the
boo and glued the bat to a clip which holds the
handles together.

For my second project I used the adorable
"Angel Bear Pumpkin Costume"

I embossed the image and painted it with
Tombows. I used fine glitter for his wings.
I cut off his legs and made him some new longer
legs with two 1" x 8" clear bags filled with
Smarties. (M&M's are also a perfect fit.)
I attached the bags to the back of the image.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some amazing
creations to share with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
this weeks challenge and remember you must
use a High Hopes image to join in the challenge!!!

ALSO......
The first week of each month, High Hopes
is having a special sale on certain stamps.
You can check out all the details
on the
High Hopes Blog!!!


Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

High Hopes Holiday Decor

Hello everyone....

This week over at the High Hopes Blog
we are showcasing how you can use your
stamps to decorate your house for the holidays!!

I created a table setting for Thanksgiving!!

I decorated a flower pot, made a menu, napkin ring,
flower pick and a treat box. I could have kept
going and going with all the wonderful
High Hopes images but had to draw the line
for the sake of fitting it all into a picture...lol!!


For my centerpiece I chose these beautiful
purple Asters and decorated the flower pot with

"Angel Bear Scarecrow"
"Single potted Daisy"
"Corn Stalk"
and a few extra crows.

The flower pick is
"We're all Ears"
and
"Happy Thanksgiving"
sentiment.

My menu is a gate fold card with the menu
printed onto parchment paper.
I used the beautiful
"Bountiful Harvest" stamp.

For my napkin ring I used
"Chubby Pumpkins" stamp.

I made this treat box using
"Sm. Turkey stamp"

I couldn't resist these chocolate
and caramel pumpkin candies...yummy!!

The pot is a wooden paper covered pot and I just
recovered it with cardstock and layered
the images with foam tape.

Here is a close up of the flower pick using
"We're all Ears" stamp.

I hope I have given you some ideas for
your holiday table setting.

Be sure to pop on over to the High Hopes Blog
as Tanya has created an absolutely gorgeous
"Winter Wonderland" table setting to inspire you!!

Have a great day
and
Thanks for stopping by...

KAREN x

Thursday, September 22, 2011

High Hopes Christmas Release

Good morning everyone.....

It's time for he
High Hopes Christmas Release
and
Blog Hop!!!!!

If you have arrived here from Tanya's Blog
you are going in the right direction.
If not you will want to start over at the
High Hopes Blog.

I am using the gorgeous
for my card today
by artist
Laurie Furnell


Now.... as you hop along be sure to
comment on all the Diva's posts for a
chance to win a fabulous prize!!

Your next stop is Andrea

The new release stamps are now available
for purchase...so check the
High Hopes Blog
for links to a store near you!!

Have a great day!!!

KAREN x

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Sneak Peek Day 2

Hello everyone....

I'm back today with another "Sneak Peek"
from High Hopes Christmas release!!!

For my project I am using

"Gingerbread Girl"

by artist
Dustin Pike.


I found this fabulous large wooden clothespin
at Michaels and thought it would be perfect
for a recipe card holder!!!!

I painted the clothespin with acrylic
paint and added DP onto the front of the pin.
I embossed the image with black and
painted it with Tombows, cut it out and layered it
with foam tape. The frosting is done
with liquid applique. I stamped the sentiment
"Cookies and Cocoa"
onto matte shrink film cut it out
and shrunk it to make the tag. I threaded
some bakers twine through the hole to
attach the tag to the pin.


I hope you are enjoying the sneak peeks!!

Be sure to check out all the Diva's amazing
creations on their blogs and be remember to
pop back tomorrow for our
Blog Hop and Release!!!


The new release stamps will go on sale
at 12:01 EST/5:01 GMT on Thursday night.

Have a great day
and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

High Hopes Challenge and New Release Sneak Peek

Good morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge and
" Sneak Peek"
of a fabulous new release
!!!!

This weeks challenge is
"Home for the Holidays"

For my "New Release sneak peek" I am
using the awesome
"Santa Moon"
by artist
Dustin Pike
and
"Believe"
sentiment.
I also used the small candy cane
and small open holly

I have created an ornament with this
adorable Santa.
He is a perfect fit for the round
nestabilities and the sentiment on the oval
nesties. I embossed the images and sentiment
with black and painted the images with
Tombows. I cut them out and layered them
with foam tape. I used white flocking for his beard
and polar white Flower Soft on his hat. I added a little
white pom pom to his hat and covered it with
diamond stickles. The DP is by Basic Grey.
I use my Uni ball white ink pen for the dots.

Be sure to pop on over to the
High Hopes Blog to see the fabulous
sneak peeks the Diva's have created!!!

I will be back tomorrow with another
sneak peek ....hope you will stop by.....

KAREN x

Friday, September 16, 2011

Papers and Pixels Parchment Card Tutorial

Good morning everyone......

Today I am sharing a card with you that I
created a tutorial for
Papers and Pixels online magazine.

Those of you that subscribe to
Papers and Pixels know what I am talking
about when I say what an amazing magazine it is!!!!
For those of you that don't know about
Papers and Pixels
be sure to go and check it out...
you won't be disappointed!!!

You can also check out their blog here.

You all know how I love parchment craft...
this one was a bit of a challenge with all
the tiny spaces to be cut out without
ripping the parchment paper.

I chose this pattern from Parchment craft Magazine
June 2011 edition and it was designed by
Anneke Oostmeijer.

It is a real challenge taking pictures of parchment
cards because of the white and the light.
I am working on better quality pictures but
for now just click on the picture and you should
get a close up to see more of the detail.

I hope you like it!!

To see my tutorial be sure to go to the
Papers and Pixels magazine.
Click on the link and you can see a sneak peek
of whats inside the magazine this month!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by!!

KAREN x


Tuesday, September 6, 2011

High Hopes Challenge #117

Good Morning everyone.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"Jeanne"
and she has chosen

"BACK TO SCHOOL"

I decided to create some bookmarks
and I have used the adorable images
"School Girl"
and
"School Boy"
from the original High Hopes catalogue
by artist Tony DeMarco

I embossed the images with black and painted
them with Tombows. I used my nesties ovals for
the frames. The white ovals have been embossed
with CB folders. The paper is older and from
Michaels (when they carried fabulous papers!!!)
I created the bookmark so it would flip open...

I used EK Success and MS boarder punches for
the edges. The sentiment is from High Hopes also.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog and
check out the fabulous creations the Diva's have
created this week to inspire you!!!!

We have a nice new look on the High Hopes Blog
and Lacey has added some great tabs for easier
access to the fabulous tutorials, publications,
specials etc!!

There is also a "Monthly Special" for stamps
and this months special is....

"Meljen's designs in rubber"
@ 20% off !!!


Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

High Hopes Challenge #116

Good Morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
Niki
and she has chosen

"Autumn Colors"

The gorgeous image I am using for my
card is
"Aunt Marge's Garden"

I just love images that fill the whole card!!!

I embossed the images with black and painted
it with Tombows. I cut out and layered the
daisies, part of the bow tail, sunflowers,
leaves and shovel handle. I used my MS punch for
the border. I added the white dots to the
border with Ranger white enamel accents.

Here is a close up for you to see
the dimension on my card.


Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
and check out the fabulous creations
the Diva's have to share with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this week.

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

High Hopes Tutorial week

Hello everyone....

It's tutorial week over at the High Hopes Blog!!

The fabulous ANNA is sharing with us
how to create.....

"FAUX STITCHING"

Now this is one you are not going to want to miss!!!

I have been wanting to ink up this little dragon for a
while now and have finally gotten to it,
this guy just cracks me up...

"Dragon's Finger"

It comes in a 4 piece set with the 2 sentiments,
the hilarious little dragon and a flame...which
I totally forgot to add...darn!!
Oh well... I am sure you get the drift of it...lol!!

It fits perfectly in this tri-fold card.

I used my nesties to cut the ovals and hand cut the
corners adding the dots with my white ink pen. I made the
brad with my i-top tool.


I embossed the dragon with black and painted
it with Tombows. The DP paper is from Magenta.
I also used my white ink pen for the dots around
the scallops.

I hope you like it!!

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog
for this weeks tutorial and there is still time
to play the challenge....

"Anything High Hopes"

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks for stopping by...

KAREN x