CCEE1101 & Crafty Ho's Challenges

The challenge this week at CCEE was to use checks in our card and at Crafty Ho's it was to make a monochromatic card. This is one of those cards that look better in person- the checked DP under the acetate in the diecut (swirl by Sizzix) holes and under the "live life" sticker is much more distinctive in real life. I had seen a card that used this idea and loved the look- cut out an opening with a punch or diecut, attach acetate behind the holes, raise this piece above the patterned paper below with several layers of mounting tape. I added some jewels at the corners and in the acetate hearts to complete the card.

Stamping smiles, Karen

Paperplay and Speedy the Cat #37 Challenges

I am entering Paperplay's challenge again today because they let us have two entries and their CAS theme is my favorite. I also emboss on almost all of my cards and that is the theme of Speedy the Cat's challenge at Mark's Finest Papers. In this case I embossed the ovals and oval frame on my nestie before stamping that lovely saying by A Muse. I love the snowflake DP mostly because the colors are so unique- isn't there a law that snowflakes need to be on blue or silver paper? Guess not... I used the Martha Stewart snowflake border punch on the top and added some pearls. But my favorite part of this card doesn't show up that well when photographed. I wanted icicles and tried the MS punch sold at Halloween time for blob borders- layered two and loaded with glitter glue and they turned out great!

Stamping smiles, Karen

Craft Your Days Away and Paperplay Challenges

The challenge this week at Craft Your Days Away was Anything Goes (my favorite) and Paperplay Challenges was CAS (my favorite style) so I had fun with this card. The side is a new Tim Holtz border diecut- love the look over the white paper. The background is embossed with a Tim Holtz embossing folder (love his stuff:) I cut and embossed the oval with my nesties and while the oval was still on, sponged the blue. Then stamped a beautiful single tree from a rented set from Raisin Boat and my CAS card was done.

Stamping smiles (and welcome to my Feline Playful friends!),
Karen

Color Throwdown #123 and Mojo Monday Challenges

I used the colors from Color Throwdown and the sketch from Mojo Monday to make this fun card. The great hosts of the Color Throwdown even gave us free paper to download using the colors they had chosen! I used a new set of stamps from Raisin Boat, stamping right on the patterned paper and also on an embossed strip. The sentiment strip seemed to need something too, so I punched out a mini-border with my new punch from ek success. My New Year's resolution is to use more patterned paper in my cards. I rarely do, yet have a ton of it:) Course I could pick something like lose weight, but why go there:)

Stamping smiles, Karen

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