7.28.2014

Butterfly Moments (Cornish Heritage Farms) ♥

The butterfly counts not months but moments,
and has time enough.
~Rabindranath Jagore
 

Hi friends ♥
Today's post is celebrating butterflies ~ for two reasons!
Today is the day the Calendar Girls launch our monthly cards
with a chosen theme.  This month, our hostess Linda,
asked us to create a card with butterflies - that's it, just butterflies!
Since that was the theme for my card, and today is also the day
the Cornish Heritage Farms DT post our bi-weekly challenge cards,
I knew the direction I wanted to go with my card ♥
Irit is our hostess this week and gave us this challenge ~
to use 3 different craft/coloring mediums on our cards.
Wow!

 
For my card today, I started with a butterfly digi image from CHF -
they not only carry a delicious variety of rubber stamps but
digital stamps as well, some of them as low as .99c!
I printed the digi on watercolor paper
so the Tattered Angels glimmer mist would stick the best (medium #1)
I colored the butterfly with both primsacolor markers in light shades
and outlined it with a watercolor colored pencil in white (medium #2).
Lastly, I brought my acrylic white paint out and painted over a piece of
corrugated cardboard I had on hand for the background piece (medium #3).
 
I've also added another CHF sentiment to the inside of the card
along with the small section of cardboard that was extra from the front.
I am all about using leftovers in crafting!
This sentiment can be found in the shop, too :)
 

Be sure to stop in and see what the rest of the Calendar Girls
have created with their Butterflies cards - you can find them
in my sidebar ......
 
And be sure to see what the Cornish Heritage Farms DT has made,
and you can find them listed in my sidebar!
That's a lot of inspiration right there!
If you upload your CHF cards using 3 craft mediums to a gallery
like Splitcoaststampers, please use the keyword  CHF58.

Thanks for stopping by today! 
Big Hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly

I'll enter my card into: Make My Monday - Butterflies
Crafting when we can - Make your own background
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

 

7.25.2014

Christmas in July!

Hi friends! 
 
 I hope your weekend is bound to have fun moments and happy memories!
Thank you for the well-wishes ♥
I'm feeling slightly better and moving on forward as we're still
enjoying summer here before the dreaded 'back to school'
in just a couple of weeks! :(
 
Did you know there is 152 days left until Christmas!
I know, hard to fathom!
But it's true -- and although it seems like a lot of days,
we started with 365 ... and almost half of those are gone - WOW!
 
Riley and Company's bi-weekly challenge is Christmas in July.
That's always a fun theme!
 
 
Most of my stash of Rileys actually include winter/Christmas theme :)
They are not only super cute but make adorable holiday cards,
and you can cater them to just about any profession, theme, etc!
For today's card, I used Wreath Riley and paired it with some holiday papers.
You can find this Riley and many, many more right here in the shop!
 
 
Of course, we'd love for you to play along!
If you upload your card/project to Splitcoast Stampers please include the keyword Riley1514.
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Big Hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly
 
Card entered into:  Bloggers - Christmas in July
Deck the Halls
Creative Knockouts - Christmas in July
DL Art #137 - Thankful Link up Christmas in July
Craft your passion - Christmas in July

7.24.2014

Win a $100 Shopping SPREE!

Hi friends!  I've been under the weather - several cards are on the way as soon as I'm well again!
But LOOK AT THIS!
 
Absolutely amazing news from Just for Fun Rubber Stamps!  It's a win/win - $100 in stamps for one lucky winner AND it ships for free!!!  WOW!!!! ♥

 
It's time for a contest! 
 Would you like to win a $100.00 shopping spree 
at Just For Fun Rubber Stamps...
AND 
have it ship for free????
 
 
Right now JFF has 623 followers on our Facebook Page. We'd like to kick that up a notch ~ our goal is 1,000 followers by the ...end of August so here's what we'd like you to do....

Spread the news and tell us about it. Post a link to our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/justforfunrubberstamps and encourage everyone to like JFF Rubber Stamps. Be sure to visit our Facebook page (contest thread) telling us where you posted it so you will be entered (1 entry).   If you post it multiple places, post a second time in the contest thread and send us a link to that post (2nd entry).   AND   If one of your friends likes us and tells us you sent them, we'll give you another entry!! (3rd entry) Remember, they have to like us and post about it right here to count!
 
We'll be keeping track of all the likes and as soon as we hit 1,000 Likes we'll give away a $100.00 shopping spree - and don't forget free shipping too! 

What are you waiting for...
Go spread the word
 and 
remember to come back and tell us about it!!!
 
Good luck!
~Kelly

7.20.2014

The Baker's Dozen! :)

Hi friends!  I hope your weekend was super! 
Ours was busy but fun -- so much to do and see and squeeze in before Summer's end!
  
 
 
Today's post is a fun set of cards for the Baker's Dozen
card group - a sweet bunch of ladies on SCS ♥
Each month, the hostess sends a kit to each of us (13 ladies!)
with a mystery image(s) and papers/embellies along with
instructions of what she would like for us to create.

 
 
 
This kit is from June (I'm late for the party!)
and the hostess was Debby. 
 She sent us a wonderful chalkboard kit!
 She asked us to create
one card that's all black and white and
one card that's black and white with a splash of color!
And much like my cards from last month kit's from Suzy,
I tried to stretch all the wonderment and make as many cards as I could.
I was able to create 4 cards and one ATC ~ Woot, woot!
 
Here are the cards, inside and out!

The challenge card:  B/W with a splash of color!
 Inside of the Be Strong card :)

Card #2 - using little pieces of dsp left on my desk
 
Card #3

Inside of the owl card :)
 
 Card #4 - the challenge black/white card
 
And an ATC :)
 
 
Thanks Debby for a super fun June kit!
(July is on my desk and up next!)
 
I just realized August is quickly upon us and I'm up - WOW! 
Time to get my thinking cap on!
Stay tuned!
 
Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly
 

7.18.2014

Seahorse Stamptangle ~ Oceans of Love!

Happy Friday! 
 
I'm super excited to post my first Just For Fun stamps card ♥
I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I had making this card!
When I first saw this exquisite stamptangle Large Seahorse stamp,
I literally squealed with delight :)  
Most of you who have known me for awhile now know how much
I adore the beach! 
Any trip to the ocean is a day of bliss for me -
I even named my blog after it! ♥
 
 
So!  For my card today, I had a blast with a technique I haven't done since
under-grad college!  I had to take one of those required art classes
where one of the required projects was to create art from art.
This is my spin-off! 
I took some old designer paper in the colors of the ocean
teal/blue/greens as I knew it would 'peek through' and be a nice
contrast to the stark white.
Here is the finished card -
and if you scroll down, I'll list the card supplies and step by step instructions
on how to make this super fun, beachy seahorse card!


 
For today's card, I immediately thought to create a different background
 to showcase this gorgeous stamptangle (think Zentangle, in a stamp form.)
 
 I did a spin off of my old college art :) 
 I used tiny letters (use thickers or any scrapbook letters will do!),
 craft paint and designer paper.
I knew I'd be covering up the paper with paint, so I used one of my oldest
dsp's that had the ocean colors I was aiming for (teal/blue/green).
I found mine years ago at BigLots for $1 a long time ago and found these in my scrap bin - it doesn't matter that they
are all mish-mashed and colorful, they are going to be painted then tossed.

 
Since I was going for an 'earthy' feel to my card, I didn't get out my stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the letters perfectly - the 'fussy' look worked just fine.
I adhered the letters to the cardstock, then gave a generous coat of
crafters paint (white) and let it dry.  It took less than 10 minutes
and while that dried, I stamped out and colored up the seahorse image.
Yes, that's a Starbucks cup :)
Yes, I have an obsession with Starbucks! ♥
I also like to be thrifty and believe in the waste not/want not mantra
so my empty cup (yum!) became my painters cup - washed out :)
Just a small amount of paint goes a long way!
 Once dry, peel the letters back off to reveal the colorful paper underneath.
I took regular sandpaper (from the hubby's man cave!) and gave it a generous
distressing around the edges and center.


Because I have an obsession with burlap *smile!*,
I saw a small swatch on my desk and painted that as well :)
I hung that up to dry on my small card 'clothesline'.
Because burlap is porous, and painted burlap tends to curl up,
I pressed it under my Cuddlebug after drying for a few minutes
in a plastic bag - instantly flat!
The jute was added and curled and the card was pretty much done!


Wasn't that fun!
 
Here is one last look at the completed card:



I hope you enjoyed this lovely beach card using Just For Fun Stamps!
Be sure to stop by the store to see the brand new summer release
of the stamptangle stamps - they are breathtaking!

We also have a challenge blog for you to be inspired,
see projects and cards and more!
And .... for those on social medias, we are on Facebook, too!


 Thanks for stopping by today!
Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly


I'll enter my card into: MAWTT - Color Scheme
Inspiration Emporium - Summer Fun

Just for Fun Rubber stamps used: 
Seahorse: D3791
sentiment: D3675
 

7.15.2014

DDD - Celebrating 4 years together!

*If you are looking for my Cornish Heritage Farms post, please scroll down!*
 
Good Morning!
Today's the 15th of the month which means the Dueling Darlings
post our cards and this is a special post indeed!
 
It's our 4 year anniversary of posting card kits together!
What an incredible, blessed and fabulous journey it's been!
The day I dreamed up the idea for this group, I could not have imagined
how much it would enrich my life in friendship, crafting, laughing and more!
Thank you, each and every DDD member, for making this journey together
as beautiful as it's been ....
and here's to 4 (or lots!) more! ♥
 
Speaking of 4!!!
It just happens that I am the hostess for the Divas this round
and Jeanette is the hostess for the Dazzlers -- which means we chose a
theme for this month: 
 
 Birds of a Feather, Flock together!
 
In honor of the 4 years together, I chose a "Country Chic" theme and sent images, embellishments and papers to reflect that. 
 We challenged the girls to a little extra this month
(and after this, they are all probably leaving! LOL!)
We wanted them to show 4 things on their cards that are the same to mark our anniversary together.
Not ribbon, brads, flowers, paper = 4.
But 4 of the SAME thing.
Not easy to do!
 
I also chose a stamp set I've had for .... more than 4 years :)
It's a use an image that I’ve had for over 4 years as well for a little twist.
 Taylored Expressions “Branching Out”, which is a set from special release w/ partial profits for the Eden Projects. The Eden’s Project’s Slogan is Plant Trees - Save Lives. They fight against deforestation and their organization recreates healthy forest systems not only through replanting/seeding but they also restore hope, alleviate suffering, empower communities and build local economies in impoverished areas}.
 I sent along  a special stamp set to use:  a sheet of burlap - my newest love :)
If you have seen many of my posts, you'll see I have a slight love affair with it!
I asked them to incorporate it somewhere on their cards.
 
Whew, that was a lot to say!  LOL!
Now how 'bout a card!
 
 
 
I paper pieced my tree top on today's card - easy to do,
including if you don't have the actual stamp!
Just place the image into the copier and run your dsp through the printer
rather than copy paper- tada!
I fussy cut the tree and and the sweet birdies -- adding them to the tree.
I stamped onto the card instead of the inside (shocker!!)
to keep the weight of this card down - it will be mailed today :)
 
Did you see my burlap? It's there!
Peeking out as part of the ground - Tami would be so proud of me,
it's cut straight!  I've had lots of practice, lol!
And hopefully my "4" are visible - I just layer dew drops around the card.
 
And be sure to stop off and see what all the DDD
members have created for you today ~
you can find their blogs in my sidebar.
 
Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly

Christmas with Thomas Kinkade!

 *I have two posts today -- for the DDD card, please scroll up!
 
Merry Christmas
 in July! 
 
This is such a fun time of year ...
 Half-way until the most wonderful time of year -- Christmas! 
Yet without all the spending, shopping, wrapping, baking and more ;)
 
The new challenge this week at Cornish Heritage Farms
is brought to us by Ann-Marie:  To create a Christmas card
using a Thomas Kinkade stamp. 
Now there's an admirable artist and his legacy of work is truly a gift.
The deeply etched stamps of CHF give way to color them
so beautifully after stamping.




 
For my first card, I improvised!
My CHF Thomas Kinkade stamps are not Christmas related so
I thought a little outside the box :)
I used the beautiful  stamp "Sunrise" using Crumb Cake ink.
 
To me, the real 'reason for the season' is to celebrate the
blessed birth of Christ ... and the image of the cross represents
 what the true meaning of Christmas
 is all about in our home and hearts ♥

For my second card, I colored it in traditional colors
and added it to a non-traditional colors holiday card:


 
We'd love for you to play along!
You can link up your cards here on the challenge blog
and take a peek at what the rest of the DT has made!
If you add your card to a gallery, please use the keyword CHF57.
 
Thanks for stopping by today!
Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly
 
 

7.13.2014

Rubber Dance Stamps - GDT!

Happy day, friends!
 
There's a new little badge on my blog this month :)
  I'm super excited to be a Guest Designer for Rubber Dance Stamps!



 I applied to the DT and although I wasn't chosen to be on it,
I was thrilled when Bibi, owner and designer of Rubber Dance Stamps,
asked me to showcase a few stamps as a Guest Designer for July.
Thanks, Bibi!
 
Rubber Dance Stamps came all the way from Norway!
And let me just add, they were here in less than a week - WOW! ♥
Bibi is one talented and super kind lady!
 please be sure to visit the store,
find the Rubber Dance Challenge blog, and keep an eye
out for upcoming releases and events!
 


Now, for my card!
I am showcases 3 stamps today ~ Large stamp 'Beach Boy' (BM1-2E-)
and two smaller stamps from the beach set (BM1-67).

The stamped saying is:
 "My eyes are an ocean in which my dreams are reflected."


The possibilities to mix and match with all the stamps is endless!
I went with ocean colors and stamped the image in Crumb Cake,
fussy cut the shells in Creamy Caramel and stamped the alternate
shells inside with Crumb Cake.  A few sequins, twine finished it off :)

(here's the inside of my card)


I'll have a few more cards to share with you this month
but invite you to please stop by and meet the Bibi,
her artistic creations and the new DT!

Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly


I'll enter my card into:  Artistic Inspirations - AG
LunaGirl -- Vintage Beach

7.11.2014

Soccer's *World Cup 2014!*

Hi friends!  Yay for Friday!
 
I have a super simple but festive card to share.
I've been trying to get to this card all week :)
I saw this fun sketch pop up on SCS and my eyes
immediately went towards a flag ♥
 
That could be because I have FIFA World Cup on my brain!
 
We are uber fans!
We eagerly await the return of our teams every 4 years. 
 It's an excruciatingly long wait but luckily,
we have the European Cup in just 2 years ♥
 
Let me just say -  I'm not a sports girl!
I don't follow baseball, I'm not much of a football girl,
and I absolutely do not follow basketball ;)
But for dh (born and raised in Europe)
 and me (grew up there),
Soccer is a BIG DEAL.
In fact, it's HUGE!
 
As you can see from my Riley festive flag card,
I'm *Team Germany*!
I'm Southern by birth,
but a transplant by heart ♥
 

 
For my card, I added each row of cardstock in the coordinating color.
On the inside, I cut them too short to flow horizontally -
vertically, though, it became Belgium, LOL!
Whoops!
 
 
I have my Jersey!
My flag!
My pom-poms!
I'm ready!
 
Yes, I will be a nervous wreck on Sunday.
But I'm sure I won't be the only one at church saying an extra prayer :)
 
Let's hear it for the *Goals!!*
 
Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly


I'll enter my card into:  A Creative Romance:  Colors of the Flag
 Crafts for the Craic: Favourite Colors
As you like it - Animals - Riley the Moose!

7.08.2014

Riley and Company *Celebrate Summertime!*

Good Morning! 
 I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July celebration weekend ♥
 
Summer is full steam ahead here and we are enjoying every bit of it!
I'm also up to my eyeballs in college prep for our dd #2
who is looking forward to an exciting Senior Year soon ~
and with that is a lot of work for mommy with college visits,
applications, summer courses, and scholarship aps and beyond ...
Whew ... I need the beach! :)

It's also time for a new Riley and Company Challenge
Our Challenge this week is brought to us by Sandye!
She asked us to create a card celebrating Summer ...
so here's Hammock Riley, sipping his cool drink by the ocean!
Sounds good to me!

 


I wanted to go for a summer Cabana feel and found these
little scraps in my basket - perfect fit!

If you want to play along, we'd love to have you join
the challenge blog!
If you upload your card to a gallery like SCS,
 please use keyword Riley1414.
 
Big Hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly
 

Card entered into:  Stempelgarten - Sun, Beach, Ocean
Eureka Stamps - Vacation
Come and Get it -- Cool things for Summer!
Gem of a Challenge - Any Animal
HIMCR - Think Summer!
 Creative Corner - Outdoors
THTSB DCC 72 - - Furry or Wings things (Moose = Fur!)

7.01.2014

Exciting news!! ♥





Hi all!
  I'm super excited to share a bit of wonderful news! 
 I've been chosen to be on the Just For Fun Rubber Stamps
Design Team for July-December 2014!
 
 Just For Fun stamps, owned and operated by Rick and Debby,
is delightfully right here in my own home state, Florida!
JFF stamps are unique as well as they are whimsical,
elegance and fun.  They have a lot of things in store for you
in the upcoming months, including the exquisite Stamptangle stamps!
You can find those and many more in the JFF Store

I look forward to the months ahead of creating and designing :)
You can meet the rest of the DT here on the JFF Challenge Blog
as well as see wonderful inspirations and cards in the upcoming months!

You can follow us on Facebook, too!


As Always,
Big Hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly


 

Cornish Heritage Farms #56 ~ Summertime ♥

Good Morning, friends!
 
It's new challenge time at Cornish Heritage Farms Blog!

This time round Kristine has asked us to create a card/project
with a Summer Celebrations theme ...like weddings, birthdays, Fourth of July...any summer celebration.
 
This is my take on the challenge.
My card is a bit unusual for me as it's super CAS!
But I LOVE it this way :)
I actually colored up this image several times,
and each time, it wasn't quite right .....
 
 
In the end, I went with a leave it be approach!
I added a few matching sequins and let the image be the focal point.
I used two images for this card ~
 
 

 Be sure to stop in and see what the rest of the CHF DT
has created and we'd love for you to play along!

Once you have created your card/project, link it up to the CHF blog.
 If you upload your card/project to Splitcoast Stampers,
 please use the keyword CHF56.

As Always,
Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly


I'll enter my card into:  Paths of Positivity - Happiness
Inkspirational 59 - Blue with Cream or white