"How Have You Bean?" - My MondayMojo Challenge/Entry & A Video!!!

Before I tell you about my entry for MojoMonday, I'd like to thank all of you for taking the time to view my craft room video on youtube.  It has been so encouraging to get so many views and positive feedback.  I plan on doing more… including a video of how I created this card for this challenge… so check back a little later and I should have this posted!  The video has posted!! See the bottom of this post!

Now on to the challenge…Here's the sketch…

and here are my ingredients….

...And here's the video!!!

I featured a stamp set by Avocado Arts called "Perfect Blend" and a "note paper" die by Papertrey Ink.  My base card paper is also by Papertrey Ink, but the rest of the paper is by DCWV, including adhesive cork…which I forgot to include in the photo!  I embossed the cork using a coffee bean pattern embossing folder by Sizzix… as a coffee lover, I think I'm in love with it! I colored my coffee cup, by the way, with Copic markers R81 and R83.

Thanks for stopping by!

Keep Going!

Hello crafty bloggers! I think we all need a little encouragement each day...so many things on our plates, we wonder if what we are doing is right and if we can ever reach the lofty goals we've set for ourselves. Well let me encourage you today to just keep doing what you are doing, and don't let anything stop you from making your dreams reality. Eventually, you'll get there...trial and error...but you'll get there!

I made this card today (for the challenge mentioned below) by using some of the supplies I just picked up at Joann. I found this beautiful and inspiring paper ensemble by GCD...Melody Ross' "Soulfood." The name really fits the very encouraging quotes that she's printed on some very lovely designs and drawings. I didn't even need to stamp any sentiments...for once!

In addition to Papertrey Ink cardstock and a cuttlebug embossing folder, below is a photo of the supplies I used...

Here's the sketch I used to create the card...

Now, back to my message...
When you get tired and feel like giving up...keep going...you're almost there! The reward of accomplishing your goals is huge...and it inspires others to do the same!

Have a great day!
♥Karen

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope all of you had a wonderful and blessed day sharing with your loved ones...I certainly did! We woke up to presents under the tree and breakfast cooked by my amazing husband. Our children were thrilled to open their gifts! Time quickly flew by, and it was time to go to church. After church, we had to head home so that I could quickly make the little treat bags that you see above. Dinner was going to be served at Mom and Dad's, and I wanted to make sure that I could bring something I created (since I don't cook - LOL!) to share with everyone.

To make these little goodies, I used my Imagine and printed designs from "Mr. Frosty" on address labels. I covered Hershey's Nuggets and then packaged two of them in a 3x5 cello bag. The toppers where cut (4x2) from paper by Reflections and folded in half. Using a Marvy punch, I punched out tags from kraft paper and inked the edges with "festive berries" by Tim Holtz. My favorite part was using a stamp from the "Christmas Love" stamp set by Close to My Heart. I used "seed packet" ink by Jenni Bowlin.

I hope your Christmas was filled with much love!!

Peace and Blessings,
♥Karen

Happy Weekend After Thanksgiving!!

Yes, yes... I know I should have posted this days ago, but I've been busy...you know, Black Friday and all. Well, haven't you?! Nevertheless, I wanted you to see what I created for our Thanksgiving tables...our annual 80+ family member gathering on Thanksgiving Day! Yes, I said over 80 people! So I dared to make one for each...here they are...

Even though it was a lot of work, it really was a pleasure to make these! I used various Autumn paper packs by DCWV and SEI. I featured cuts from Close to My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge (tags, acorns, and tickets), and I used coordinating stamps by Close to My Heart. I embossed some of the cuts with my cuttlebug, using swirls (tags) and swiss dots (acorns). All edges where distressed with Ranger's Walnut Stain ink, and everything was adhered to kraft paper by Papertrey Ink. Oh, and the cute little "blingy" leaves are stickers by Jolee's boutique. Finally, I used Tim Holtz's Tiny Attacher to staple 1/4" ribbon. I thought they were super cute. My family loved them...they really think I'm quite creative...but that's easy to do when you have so many great products to work with! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! ♥Karen

Summer's Over, But...

I just had to post this one! I created this card back in July!! I used a stamp by Cat's Meow and used paper from "Funhouse" collection pack by GCD. For the cut in the center, I added texture by using a Tim Holtz Alterations folder called "Rays." So... did you go to the fair? Hope you had a great summer!