Critter Sketch #46 & OWH Stars & Stripes Challenges

I used the sketch at Critter Sketch as my inspiration for this card, and it is a Thinking of You card which is what OWH Stars & Stripes Challenge theme is this week. I loved the brick and floral stamps I got recently from Mark's Finest Papers and decided to pair them up with the brick Tim Holtz embossing folder from Sizzix. The paper is Core'dinations so I was able to sand it and get an "old brick" look. I used my nesties for the circle and sentiment piece and added a ribbon and floral stickers for the finishing touches.

Stamping smiles, Karen

Creative Sketches & Speedy the Cat #36 Challenges

The challenge this week at Creative Sketches was "Anything Goes" and at Speedy the Cat they challenged us to use something new. I have been having so much fun playing with all the great new items I have received lately so this was perfect for me. The gorgeous stamps are from Prickley Pear and the embossing and cutting folder is a new one from Cuttlebug. I love the CAS but elegant look.

Stamoing smiles, Karen

Repeat Impressions D2910 & Friday Mashup Challenges

I really liked the sketch at Repeat Impressions this week and combined that with the challenge at
Friday Mashups #25 - Sweet on Hearts, to inspire me on this card for a wedding or Valentine's Day. I used my new heart stamp from Mark's Finest Papers- isn't it beautiful? The two side hearts were cut with my nesties and embossed with a Sizzix folder. I punched a couple more hearts on the sides and drew two lines with my Scor-Pal to complete the card. Love how it turned out! Stamping smiles, Karen 

Create with Connie & Mary CCMC131

"Let it Snow" was the theme at Create with Connie and Mary this week. Appropriate for Central Wisconsin- we've had plenty! I like snowmen and snowflakes on my cards and in my house (huge snowman collection now out), but not on the roads to drive in... I used my new Martha Stewart snowflake punch on glossy blue paper, put acetate behind the punched out snowflakes and raised that above some patterned paper. I added some gems, punched the side (Fiskars) and added some ribbon for a fun winter hello card.

Stamping smiles, Karen

C4C #68 & Stampin' B's #91 Celebrate Challenges

The challenges at Crazy 4 Challenges and Stampin' B's this week were to create and post a Celebrate Card and I have just that card. I used the Brick Wall technique to make this card and while I am very proud of how it turned out, I decided this is one technique that is for Very Special People only to receive... Time consuming but beautiful. I stamped the focal point, then cut out and sponged each "brick" and then put back together. I used only black, grey and white for colors but do love the look. Sorry- not sure of stamp credits...

Stamping smiles, Karen

Southern Girls Challenge Anything Goes

Anything goes is the theme at Southern Girls Challenge this week and I have this card that features some punches I was playing with one day so works for this challenge. I used my MS snowflake border and also large snowflake (which I punched twice and slipped the edges of the red one under the white one for a different look.) The love is a Tim Holtz die and works well in the black over the white for a wish for everyone.

Stamping smiles, Karen

My Time to Craft Challenge

"Brand Spanking New" was the theme at My Time to Craft this week- kinda like today is a Brand Spanking New Year! Hope 2011 is a great one for you and yours! I got gift cards from my DH for the local Stamp Shoppe and JoAnns and had fun spending them- what a perfect present! This card showcases the new diecut (Sizzix), border punch (ek success), heart punch (Martha Stewart) and a sticker from a set I also bought. CAS and fun to play with my new stuff:)

Stamping New Year smiles, Karen