A friend is a present you give yourself

Happy Wednesday!

The Graphic 45 October challenge is to make a project using their Typography collection.  A great excuse to play with my new paper pad!

I chose the main focus to be the three ladies with the sentiment "A friend is a present you give yourself".  I wanted to give the card a playful vintage type theme so I added a pinwheel with a wind flourish and used the circle from JustRite Spellbinders die Lacey Tiers.  The idea behind using the circle was to make it look like the front of an old time bicycle with the large front wheel.  Flowers were placed along the bottom for the subtle appearance of riding through a garden.  Perhaps that is totally missed on the card but that is what I was trying for!

Also used on the card was Spellbinders Radiant Rectangles for the base and Sizzix Flourishes for the wind.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a happy Wednesday!

Hugs,
Kathy Jo

This card is entered into the following Challenges:
Graphic 45, October Challenge
Craftin Desert Divas, AG
Word Art Wednesday, AG

Thanks Moroccan background card

Hi all!

On Sunday I made a bright, cheerful and golden Thanks card.  Sometimes I just have to make a card embossed with gold and this was one of those times.  :)

JustRite Moroccan Background in Gold on Broken China paper

The layout is from the current sketch challenge at JustRite Inspiration.  (Thanks for the sketch!  That definitely made the layout easy!)  The background is TH Broken China with JR Moroccan Background stamp embossed in gold.  Next is a white doily from Couture Creations with embossed edges (as per Inspired by Stamping's challenge Embossed Edges).  The flower image is JustRite's Grateful Heart Vintage Labels Two embossed in gold.  It was colored using TH Victorian Velvet, Barn Door, Broken China, Crushed Olive and Peeled Paint.  Stickles was applied to the flower petals.  The JustRite banner from Vintage Labels and Banner Dies was edge embossed and "Thanks" from Grateful Heart was gold embossed.  The ribbon was colored using TH Crushed Olive.  Background papers were stained in Crushed Olive and Barn Door.  All cut edges were outlined in gold.

I hope wherever you are, that you are having a bright  and cheerful day!

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Kathy Jo

This card is entered into the following challenges:
JustRite Sketch
Inspired by Stamping, Embossed Edges
Craftin Desert Divas, AG
Word Art Wednesday, AG

Black and White CAS Christmas card

Hello again!

My good friend Rebecca kindly reminded me that tomorrow is the last day to submit a black and white card at Stamp n Doodle challenge blog.  Thanks, Rebecca!  It is handy having a good friend as one of their design team members.  :)  You know what else is cool about this friendly reminder?  The challenge at Cuttlebugmania is also black and white!  Woo-who!  Great timing between those two challenge blogs! 

As I mentioned, the challenge is to only use black and white.  I decided to go the clean and simple route and also use a some product I have not used before.  First, white card stock was dry embossed using a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  Instead of running it through as is, I also used Tim Holtz's Embossing Diffuser.  I am not sure if you all have used this before but it only embosses within the template chosen.  You can see the plate on the photo below.  You can do the same with other materials such as a cut rubber mat, too.

The stamp is a Michaels purchase: Stampendous' Merriest Wish wooden stamp.  I just love the fonts on the stamp: they are classic and timeless.  I finished it off with black card stock to produce a small border, added satin black ribbon and used a Recollections bling on the bow.  It was an easy card but it also has a crisp, clean, yet elegant look.  (at least I hope!)

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a good one!
Hugs,
Kathy Jo

This card is entered into the following challenges:
Stamp n Doodle, Black and White
Cuttlebugmania, Black and White
Craftin Desert Divas, AG
Word Art Wednesday, AG
Christmas Card Challenges, Bows

Craftin' Desert Divas Challenge- Anything Goes!!

Hello Crafters!

Craftin' Desert Divas has probably everyone's favorite challenge theme for the next two weeks: Anything Goes!  Woot-woot!  The sponsors this challenge are providing some awesome prizes:

Cardz TV - Set of CTV stamps

Designs on Cloud 9 - $20 giftcard

My Scrap Chick - $10 giftcard

Are those prizes fantastic or what?

For my Anything Goes project, I decided to share the birthday card I made for my wonderful Ma-in-law.  I used the gorgeous Graphic 45 Secret Garden paper.  (It definitely is one of my favorite Graphic 45 paper collections!)  The card base was made using ivory paper die cut with Spellbinders Timeless Rectangles.  The next size smaller die was also from Timeless Rectangles.  The ivory oval was die cut using Opulent Ovals.  The butterflies were scraps of Secret Garden punched with Martha Stewart butterfly punches.  Gold was applied to the edges of the butterflies and on the antennae.  

For the back I applied more Secret Garden paper and fussy cut a bird's nest.  (Isn't is cute?) The inside was more G45 paper and a personal birthday sentiment to her.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see your AG project at Craftin' Desert Divas!  Don't forget to stop by the CDD team member's blogs...their projects are amazing!

Hugs,

Kathy Jo

Thankful for you card

Happy Sunday Crafteteers!

It has been a trying week in the craft room.  Friday's Totally Gorjuss card took way too long for me to make and I have been struggling to get cards made.  I never realized a little vacation can throw me off so much!  Last night I dropped the project I was doing and made a card for the Kraft Journal challenge this week.  Come to find out, it was just what I needed to get back into the swing of things!  I finished the Kraft Journal card and finished the other card I was working on.  Woo-who!

A tidbit about this card: before I went on vacation I wrote down the list of upcoming Kraft Journal challenges.  This list was my "excuse list" to buy crafty goodies.  :)  While in the States, I went to Hobby Lobby and saw the leaf flourishes embossing folder from Darice...I bought it to use in the Kraft Journal challenge.  What a great background!  I am very happy with the purchase and that list.  (Just had to share that with you all.) So, onto the card details...

The leaf flourishes folder dry embossed Kraft paper.  I flipped the embossed paper over and applied TH distress ink, Broken China.  A burgundy Copic marker was applied along the edge.  The paper was misted using Art Co's gold glitter mist.  Another piece of Kraft paper was cut and TH Spice Marmalade was applied.  Inkadinkado's So Thankful for You stamp was heat embossed in burgundy then die cut using Spellbinders Assorted Leaves (S4-076).  Cream twine was applied on the card, the die cut foam taped on top then I added gems in blue, burgundy and pale orange.  Voila!  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you all have a happy Sunday.
Hugs,
Kathy Jo

This card is entered into the following challenges:
Kraft Journal, Colors
613 Ave, AG
Paper Crafting Journey, AG
Sister Act Challenge, AG
Stamp and Create, Fall or Halloween
Just B Creative, AG
TTCRD, AG
Word Art Wednesday, AG
D.L Art, October Linky
Simon Says Stamp, Halloween Colors
Little Scrap Pieces, Fun Friday Linky

Totally Gorjuss Challenge 207- Spooky Colors

Hello Crafters!

Guess what time it is?  Totally Gorjuss Challenge time!  This week's challenge theme is Spooky Colors.

This is the first card made since I returned from vacation. :) I told myself that I would not use Graphic 45 paper again since I used it on my last several cards...but I could not help myself!  The star paper just called out to me and said "Kathy Jo!  Use me for your card base".  (Star paper seems to be intelligent paper so I did as it asked.)  The paper was cut using Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight and Labels Eight dies.

The stamped image is from Recollections cling set Haunted.  It was heat embossed, windows chalked in and Stickled.  The moon was also chalked as was the background. 

The owl in the corner was fussy cut from G45 paper.  All patterned paper was G45.  

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see your spooky projects at Totally Gorjuss!

Hugs,
K-Jo

This card is entered into the Crafting Desert Divas Halloween Linky Party.

Totally Gorjuss Challenge 206 card

Hellllooooo Everyone!

Another challenge has started at Totally Gorjuss: String.  There are so many ways to use string on a project and I cannot wait to see what everyone shares!

For my card I used another LaBlanche stamp.  (There is quite a bit of pretty detail in the stamp image so I made the photo of the card larger for your viewing ease.)  This is also a stamp that I have never used but this one will definitely be used again.  What a lovely image!  I stamped it on watercolor paper and used TH inks to color in the image.  For the sky I used two different blue chalks.  The image was then die cut using Spellbinders die Decorative Labels Twenty Eight.  Two Cheery Lynn French Pastry doilies were laced under the image.  Graphic 45 French Country paper was cut using Spellbinders 5x7 Enchanted Labels and another sheet of French Country (stripes) was placed under the die cut.  All of the paper was assembled to a Kraft paper base.  

Crinkle ribbon and blue string were wrapped around the card front as shown.  I picked three twigs from my evergreen tree and glued it under my bow.  A metal button and more blue string was adhered to the bow.

I hope to see your string card at Totally Gorjuss!  Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs,
Kathy Jo 

Craftin' Desert Divas Challenge- Halloween

Hello Crafters!

Today starts a new challenge at Craftin' Desert Divas: Halloween!  Yay!  This challenge is too fun and I look forward to seeing all your Halloween projects!

For the design team card I went to my Graphic 45 paper again and made this card.  You may think I am going a little overboard with the Graphic 45 collections lately.  Well, I rearranged my craft room for better work flow and to better access my most often used or favorite product.  My Graphic 45 treasures were so difficult to get to before the rearrangement and now it is super easy.  I am making up for lost time and just going full steam ahead with Graphic 45 cards.  :)

Here is a close up of the candle that I fussy cut and popped using cut pieces of foam tape:

On the original G45 sheet, the candle's flame was straight up.  I wanted to capture the gasp of the gentleman by leaning the image and also leaning the candle flame towards the gasp.

I really like the two pumpkins and had to fussy cut them to add to the card.  They look too nice! 

I am still travelling so I probably am not responding to your comments or visiting the blogs I follow.  I will return soon and will be visiting your cool crafty blogs!

Hope to see your Halloween projects on Craftin' Desert Divas!

Thanks for stopping by!
Halloween Hugs,
Kathy Jo

Totally Gorjuss Challenge Card, AG with Wings

Don't you just love the weekend?  There are so many great things about weekends: sleeping in a bit, no rushing to get out the door, to get home, to get stuff done.  Another thing I like about weekends is that a new challenge is introduced at Totally Gorjuss.  This week's new challenge is Wings and Things.  

For the challenge card I used a LaBlanche stamp that I have owned for over a year now and never used.  (That is one of many things about challenges that I enjoy: excuses to use my crafty items.)  I wanted the card to look like an old print from the 50s/60s so I chose colors accordingly.  The image I colored to look like the simple one color printing style from that time.  (I am not sure of the name of this style but I love seeing old cookbooks that use it!  If you know the name, feel free to tell me.)  The paper is from Graphic 45 collections French Country and Bird Song.  The paper matched the image perfectly.  The black ornate border on the bottom of the image is die cut from Spellbinders Ironworks.  Spellbinders A2 Matting Basics die cut the image.

The inside is a continuation from the front.  More G45 paper and a die cut doily (Sizzix 657996).

I did not add sentiment to the card.  I plan on using this card as a just because or an emergency card for an unknown or last minute occasion.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Enjoy your weekend and I hope to see your wing project at Totally Gorjuss!

Hugs,

Kathy Jo

Please pardon my absence!

Hello Crafters!

I just want to apologize for my absence in responding to every one's kind comments and for not visiting blog posts in the past week or so.  I am travelling soon and trying to get all my design team cards and posts completed before I head out.  When I return, I will definitely visit your blogs and see all of your fabulous work!  (How lucky am I to follow so many talented crafters?!)

Will visit you all soon!  Until then, have fun playing with paper...and stamps...and inks...and ribbon...and dies...

Hugs,
Kathy Jo

My Card Is Featured on the Graphic 45 Blog!!!!!!

Hello everyone!

Great news: my card is featured on the Graphic 45 blog today!  Woo-who!!!!!!!!  I was totally surprised and happy to see it on the blog!

Here is the link if you want to pop over!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great night.  :)

Kraft Thank You Card

Happy Sunday!

Today I would like to share a Thank You card I made for one of my family members.  She lives in Illinois and has visited me a few times.  She loves the Atlantic Coast- especially light houses!  Well, she is doing a huge favor for me and I wanted to make a card to show my appreciation.  I hope she likes it!

The base is made from Kraft card stock.  I die cut a doily using Cheery Lynn Die- French Pastry.The light house is from JustRite's Oceanside Oval Medallion Labels and it was die cut using Nested Oval Medallion Labels die.  The Thank You sentiment is from JustRite's Fancy Frames.  The button is actually made from a sea shell so I had to use it!  :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Have a wonderful week!
Kathy Jo

This card is entered into the following challenges:
Kraft Journal, Sketch
Craftin' Desert Divas, Sentiment
Word Art Wednesday, AG
TTCRD, AG
Sister Act Card Challenge, AG

Totally Gorjuss Challenge card- Stars

 Hello Crafters!

Last week's challenge at Totally Gorjuss was amazing!  You would not believe all the gorgeous Christmas cards posted.  There will be a lot of happy Christmas card recipients this year!

Starting today is a new Totally Gorjuss challenge: stars.  There are so many fun ways to make paper projects with stars and I cannot wait to see all the entries!

For my DT card I thought I would do something different for me: a Halloween card.  Earlier this week I made my first wedding card and now my first Halloween card.  Call me a daredevil.  ;)

The background paper came from various sheets of Graphic 45 paper pads: Place in Time, Steampunk Spells, Happy Haunting and Christmas Past.  The purple background with stars came from the Christmas Past pad...so cute!  The cat and spider stamps are Graphic 45's Halloween stamp set SC0579.  (The spider stamp was too cool to not use!  Fussy cutting was kinda tricky but well worth it!)

Black paper was die cut using Spellbinders Branching out for the base.  Shimmer black card stock was die cut from Opulent Ovals to make the frame around the scared kitty.  I applied Stickles as shown and made purple highlights on the cat as a reflection of the night sky.

On the bottom left corner I made a ribbon jumble and added a Halloween paper stamp.

This inside is a continuation of the outside with more Halloween delights!

Hope to see your star creation at Totally Gorjuss!

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comments!  I really do appreciate them!
Hugs,
Kathy Jo

This card is also entered in the following challenges:
Craftin' Desert Divas, AG with Sentiment
Card Making Mamas- Halloween
2 Creative Chicks, Halloween
Cuttin' and Stampin', Halloween
Really Reasonable Ribbon, Halloween
V's Sweet Ideas, Halloween
Sister Act Card Challenge, AG
TTCRD, AG
Word Art Wednesday, AG

Merry Christmas card for Crafting Musketeers October challenge

Hello Crafteteers!

It is October 2...and a new challenge at Crafting Musketeers.  The challenge this month is my all time favorite card type: Christmas!

I thought the focus of the card should be the Merry Christmas postcard stamp by Inkadinkado- which is available at Michaels.  I stamped the image with Ranger archival ink and then applied TH antique linen distress ink on the entire image.  Vintage photo and walnut stain was also added along the edges.  The tree scene was colored using TH distress markers.  Stickles in Candy Cane was applied on the Merry Christmas.  I distressed the edges and mounted it on black card stock.  I die cut red paper using the exquisite Spellbinders die Locking Loops.  I added black gems in each of the interlocking loops.   All of that was mounted on green card stock.  To finish the outside I added the dark red bow with a Recollections antique metal flower with a gem in the center.

The inside was easy: white paper stamped with JustRite's Christmas Inner Thoughts.  Distress stains in antique linen, vintage photo and walnut stain were applied as shown.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope to see your Christmas Creation at the Crafting Musketeers this month!

Hugs,

Kathy Jo

This card is entered into the following challenges:

Crafthazelnut Christmas Challenge, Christmas

Gem of a challenge, Use Black

Just B Creative, Linky Party

Loves Rubber Stamps, AG

Fussy and Fancy, Dies

Papertake Weekly, AG

Word Art Wednesday, AG

Sweet Stamps, Borders

Christmas Card Challenge Blogspot, Christmas

Creative Craft Challenges, AG