Witchy Shoes

Okay I just had to sneak in more more Halloween card before the day was over. When I wore my Witch costume to the party yesterday I was wearing these striped socks and black Mary Jane shoes. I happened to remember I had a stamp that I brought at Michael's a few years ago of witch shoes, so that is how this card came about
I used cardstock weight vellum with the web embossing folder. I like the use of the vellum because the fibers in the vellum break when going through the Cuttlebug and it makes the web look more "webby" Click on the photo to get a closer look. After I cut the web to size I sponged around it and on it with More Mustard, and Lavender Lace ink. Base card is black but I sponged around the edges with Snow Cap white, and then direct to paper around the edges. Gives it a ghostly look. Finished off with some crochet thread wrapped around the card.

Stamping Trails.
Karen 204

Happy Halloween!

Went to a Halloween party just got home an hour ago. It was at Skip's cousin's house. So a lot of the family was there. Had fun was a good night. I'm tired so I'm off to bed now.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Not Feeling Well

No artwork to share today. Wasn't feeling to good yesterday. Just had a headache. Guess it must be from work. Rough Monday. Feeling a little better this morning. I'll be glad when work is over.

Hope everyone else is doing good. We had some unexpected nice weather over the past few days, and its suppose to be in the 70's today. Looks like we are getting our Indian Summer this year.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Sense of Time

I purchased Sense of Time from SU! last year when it came out and shame on me this is the first time this stamp set has been touched by ink. It is such a beautiful stamp set too. If I had a dollar for every stamp set that I didn't use as soon as it was in my hands well......I'd have more money to buy more stamps. LOL



Okay how did I make it: Base card 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 square cream cardstock and circle on front cut with largest circle from the Large Circle Spellbinders set. Clock face is Old Olive cardstock with Old Olive ink. Layer is Rich Razzleberry. The small second hand clock was stamped on cream and I used a reverse brad in the center (bring the brad from the back to the front and fold over the prongs to make the second hand)that was attached with pop dots and the clock face attached to the layer with yet more pop dots. (I really need to buy stock in pop dots....as I use a ton of them)
Thanks to Connie for punching the sprockets from the SU punch and mailing them to me. Believe it or not Connie this isn't the card design I had in mind when I asked you to mail these to me. Watch for another card to come using them. Okay the sprocket pieces were attached to the lower corner using Tombo liquid adhesive, and on the other side of the front card I attached a shot ball and chain just to give the card some interest. Reminds me of a pocket watch. Oh and one thing I forgot to mention. I used Tim Holtz blending pad an added some Pumpkin Pie ink to outside edges of the card and on the inside lower edge. I thought that cream needed something. Thanks Kat for easing my mind about using Rich Razzleberry with cream cardstock. I was thinking when I was making it that maybe I should have used white as the base card, but I think I'm happier with the cream edged in Pumpkin Pie ink.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Cards and Gifts from Friends

I had a happy mail day yesterday! Connie sent me this cute pumpkin candy dish along with some chocolates. And just look......








At these beautiful cards she made. I love the guitar card!!!! I gave Connie a ring and she said she had to stop at a music store to get the guitar pick. She also made the Halloween card using embossing folders to emboss the circles with different Halloween images. How fun!




And I also received a Halloween pocket card from Marianne. I haven't made a pocket card for a while. You got the wheels churning Marianne. I'll have to make one.

And.....I wanted to share a card that Kat made....another pretty one!!!

Thanks to all my friends for making me and my mailbox happy!

I'm off to take my nephews out to breakfast then on to the slot car show.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

To Marianne

Marianne this is a memory for you if you stop by and visit my blog. Remember in South Carolina when we made "Crazy Clothespins to sell at the flea market? Checkout this site

http://truesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/



Stamping Trails
Karen

Christmas Collage

I truly like this background stamp from SU! Christmas Collage. It is so totally me! This card I think is unique for not only is it a card, but and ornament and gift box tied up all into one! I started with finding a clear lid round tin that would work in the opening where the 25 is on the background stamp. I found a 1 3/8 silver tin at Hollo's that would work. Stamped the skaters from Winter Post also from SU! in Early Espresso on cream cardstock. Used aqua painter and painted clothes with Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil. Punched with 1 3/8 circle punch and sponged edges with Espresso. I used the Cropidile to punch a hole in the tin so there would be a place for the silver cord hanger.



Punched another Cherry Cobbler circle and stamp To/From and glued it on the inside of the tin. This would be a great gift holder for a small gift. The hanger is wrapped around the top of the inside lid the folded into the tin then lid is put back on.

Base card is Crumb cake cut 4 1/4 by 11 then scored at 5 1/2. Inked background stamp with Espresso stamped on card. Edges sponged with more Espresso. Used 1 3/4 punch to punch out circle where the 25 is on the stamp. Punched another Cobbler circle with 1 3/4 punch that it is the layer on the inside of the punched out circle. Wrapped crocheted ribbon around the opening and tied. Ornament/gift box is attached using a small piece of double sided tape.

So that's about it. What do you think? I'm pretty happy with the end result. May tweek it a bit next time around.

Okay it's after 1 am on Saturday morning and this little black duck needs some sleep.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Red Hat Meeting

Had fun at the Red Hat meeting yesterday. I did become an official member buy paying my dues for the year. I think some of the ladies were surprised I came back and joined. Not sure why. I brought Shirley some homemade cards that she can use for members who need some pick me ups, and she was very glad to have them. I got to wear my red cowboy hat as I'm 50 now and its allowed. I still need to glitz it up a bit. I need to get some feathers and some bling to put on the side of it. I had to laugh when I found out the members that don't wear their red hat to the meetings are fined 10 cents for each letter of the alphabet leading up to their first name. Today it was Mary so she had to pay a 1.30 fine. Remind me not to forget my hat. LOL

I won the door prize. They have an attendance sheet that you sign in at. Each line is numbered so they draw a number and if your name is on the number drawn you win. I got 5 bucks. I thought that was kinda cool for the "new" red hat to win.

Sorry no art to share. The upload function for blogspot isn't working. I'll try again tomorrow.

Stamping trails
Karen 204

Vampire or Owl in Costume......You Decide

I started out just playing around last night in the studio and ended up using a ton of different things just to make this tag. Guess I was just feeling playful and in the mood to mess up the desk again. LOL!! You all know how I am. Like to make a mess when I'm creating. Okay lets start with the owl. I used the new Owl punch from SU and turned him into a vamp. Simple to do just cut some little triangles for the vangs and colored the tips with red marker. Wings were a bit of a challenge. I used a 1 3/8 circle punch,cut that in half then used deco scissors to cut the edges and highlighted them with white gel pen. The moon I had left over from the Headless Horseman card. This moon was too large for that card so I'm happy to be able to use it for the tag project. Dislike wasting cardstock. Witches hat is from Eat Drink and be Scary (SU). Notice the little tiny staples on the hat. I got a cool stapler by Tim Holtz that uses very tiny staples.
Check out the picture showing just how tiny they are compared to the standard size staples. For the tag I used Tim Holtz Bingo embossing folder. Centered it so the 31 was in the lower corner. I saw him do this in October's Paper Crafts magazine. Thought it was a cool idea. Inked the tag with Distress ink: Mustard Seed, and Walnut Stain. Next I spritz some cherry red ink on it. Inked the entire tag with VersaMark and embossed with clear embossing powder. Black cord for the tag hanger is from a roll that Lisa sent me some time ago. Pop dots used to attach the vamp to the moon. WHEW! Told you I used lots of stuff on this tag.

Taking 1/2 work today. I have a Red Hat meeting to attend. Looking forward to that!

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Headless Horseman

I had the opportunity yesterday to use some new stamping stuff as well as old favorite tools. Headless die was cut using Cricut machine. Headless horseman is from the new Halloween cartridge that Skip got me for my birthday. Designer paper by Basic Gray "Eerie" It was cool that the paper had trees on it so it looks like the horseman is riding through the forest. Cardstock colors: More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, and black. Now for the tools.


I used a die from the Tim Holtz collection. Has a key, key hole, and vintage looking hinge which is what I put on the card. To make it more worn I used the distressing tools shown from Cuttle bug. I also used them on the moon. Ran my fingernail around the edges of the moon to make it look worn. I tell you there is not a better stamping tool than your fingers! The best product I've found for adhering paper is Tombo multi purpose liquid glue. Works really well on the intricate die cuts. Dries clear and most important dries fast. Other things used on the card, vintage gold brads, upholstery tacks, pop dots (to pop the moon, and hinged piece), stamp set: Carved in Candlelight, and word from Best Fiends.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Simple Punch Flower Card

Just a simple card for today. I just got back from visiting my mom. Got a late start as I stayed up a bit late last night watching movies. I could have kicked myself yesterday. I was going to take some pics of the fall leaves at the park but I neglected to put the chip back into the camera. I really dislike when I do that. Must be because I'm over 50 now and having those "senior" moments. LOL We did have a nice bike ride we did 10 miles.

Okay back to the card. Started with a base card of cream, then use the 5 petal punch from SU and punched the flower. Sponged the edges of the open flower space with Marina Mist. I used the cream punched out flower and two flowers from the Boho punch using Perfect Plum. Sponged edges on all the flowers. The littlest flower in the center I cut a slit into that and folded the edges around to make the petal into a cone shape used a glue dot to keep it in place. Layered the flowers together and glued on the card at a angle so you can see the opening of the flower below. Side layer is Rose Red stamped with Riot of Petal background stamp.

Another beautiful fall day here in Ohio. Temp is in the lower 60's but the sun is shining making it blissfully warm. Only thing bringing it down is the Brown's are losing again! Oh well.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Side Step Dresser

I've been seeing these side steps cards a lot lately, so I wanted to try my hand at making one. Base card Soft Suede, other colors Regal Rose, So Saffron, and cream. Stamp set by See Dee'..Victorian Dressmaker. Just love these stamps! I'll be making more of these cards. I have some other ideas for them turning in my brain. Just have to get them out of the knoggin and onto the cardstock.

Skip and I are getting ready to load the bikes in the truck. Going to drive down to the park and take the bike trail through the woods and see all the pretty leaves. Will be fun to ride the bikes through all those crunchy leaves!

More later

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Over The Garden Wall

This was fun to make. Not so sure I like the card that much. I think the next one I do will be better. Base card from Crumb cardstock cut with Top Note die. The lattice work is done with 1/8 inch strips and the top part of the wall is 1/2 wide strip. Strips are woven together. Simple easy to do. Base of bird is Cajun Craze, belly is vanilla sponged with More Mustard. I did get to use the little tiny pearls that I got from SU. They are so tiny! I can see myself ordering more of these as I haven't found pearls that small anywhere else.

Only 12 more working days. Hope I can hold out that long

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

In Memory of Binx

To my friend Lisa who had to say good bye to her pet cat Binx yesterday...I'm so sorry for your loss. Wish I was there just to give you a big hug. I know Binx was a dear member of your family. I'm here if you need me as I know how hard it is to lose a cat. We lost our furry friend Iris several years ago and it does hurt....it will get better. Hang in there. Love you!



Four Feet in Heaven

Your favorite chair is vacant now...
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding.
I've put away your bowl, and all
The things you won't be needing;
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow...

by Alice E. Chase

Card: Colors...Perfect Plum, Old Olive, More Mustard, Really Rust
Stamp set by Ink-a-dink-do called Fall Fields.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

One Eyed Monster

Well this was fun to make! First time I ever used an embossing folder on a paper bag. Worked great. I used web folder by Cuttlebug, on a small lunch sack I got at Hollo's. After running the bag though machine I used Eerrie designer paper by Basic Grey for the bottom of the bag as the folder wouldn't fit the entire length of the bag. Used my new ribbon punch from SU. Totally cool! Love this new punch. Now for the one eyed monster he was made with scallop circle punch, circle punches, and window punch for the legs and shoes. Eyelid was popped, and the completed monster was popped also on the bag. Mouth was just drawn free hand with black marker. Punched some holes in the top of the bag and weaved blacked cording though and attached word made from tag punches. Haven't used those for awhile.

Well I'm running a bit late this morning. Gotta go to work. ACK!!!!! But not for too much longer!

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Here We Go Brownies......

Here we go.......I figured the Browns would lose to the Falcons but I was still cheering for them. It was a great day to be at the field. Temps in the upper 70's but not to hot as the stadium is right off Lake Erie. Couldn't have asked for a better day. We had enthusiastic fans all around us. Guys are so much fun to watch at a game. They stand up and high 5 everyone around them when there is a good play. The guys in front of us brought in some whiskey in a container that was made to look like binoculars. Too funny! I thought there might be some tension as a man and his teenage son were sitting on my left and they were Falcon fans. But our fans were giving them high 5's as well. Browns have some awesome fans!




I am enjoying my day off work. Been cleaning the stamp room out....and I didn't even need a shovel for it like I thought I would a few days ago when I shared some messy stamp room photos with you! I even had some time to stamp. Love that milk carton die. It's small but so cute! Base is Pumpkin Pie cardstock. I masked off the top and bottom of the cut piece and used Textured jumbo wheel with Pumpkin Pie ink then stamped the pumpkin faces from Carved and Candlelit stamp set. Top is Old Olive cardstock again punched with scallop circle punch. I used the Texture wheel and then sponged around it with more ink. And the little leaf at the top.....used the bird wing from the bird punch. Love it when I can get "out of the box" uses from my punches! If anyone can use the jumbo texture wheel let me know. I have two of them. Remember that large order I put into to SU for my birthday gift to me? I got this wheel in error. I tried to get it exchanged but the demo that I went though said she would check into it but never got back to me. Really still mad about that order. I spent over 500 and I didn't even get a thank you card. Won't be going through that demo again.

Stamping Trails
Karen 204

Autumn Card

I was inspired to make this card when I was putting up fall flowers around the mail box. Nice bunch of colorful mums with pussy willows tucked in. I remembered I had Inspired by Nature stamp set by SU! and thought I could use that for the grass stems. I also wanted some texture for the willow heads. Started out free handing the willow part but then smacked my hand on my head.....yes I really did smack myself then grabbed the window punch. WOW how great that worked. Decided to use very thin cork board which cut fine with the punch.



See the photo of how I made the willow heads to fit as they needed to be smaller. First cut the normal size that the punch makes. Then put that cut piece back in the punch just a bit away from the center and punch again. Couldn't be easier! The little swirls at the bottom are Grunge Board by Tim Hotlz. I love this stuff!!! So much nicer to work with than chip board. It's soft and flexible. You can use just about anything to color it. With this one I used Always Artichoke ink pad and pushed the board directly on the pad. Good tip.....either wear gloves (unless you really like inky fingers), or put your hand inside a sandwich bag. Works great, and less expensive than rubber gloves.

75 Degrees Out!

WOW! What a beautiful day out! Got up to 75 which is Indian Summer for Ohio. Suppose to be 77 tomorrow. Which is a good thing since me and hubby are going to the Brown's game. Hope they win but I'm not holding my breath!

Sarah came over after I got off work yesterday. We went biking then to Subway for dinner. Also went into Medina and did some shopping. She wasn't ready to go home till mid-night and me and Skip convinced her to just spend the night. Enjoyed having her home. We made pumpkin spice muffins this morning and she helped me dig out my crafting desk. Still needs work but I can see it again!

The house is finished as you can see by the photo. Still debating on if we need to get shutters for the windows. The house had shutters, and all the houses in this area have shutters so now it looks off from the rest of houses.

The gourds in the basket are the ones that grew in our garden this season. Skip was convinced that the plant the grew up on its own was a cantaloupe. I kept telling him it was a squash of some kind. He didn't believe me so he let it take over a good part of the garden. When the gourds grew we picked them and pulled the vines out to give the peppers a chance to grow as the gourd vine just took over! But they do look good in my basket out by the front door.



Well I am off to get some stamping time in. I have some great new toys to play with. And since I can see my desk again its time to mess it up again.


Happy Birthday to John Lennon....who would have been 70 today. One of my favorite quotes from him....."Life is what happens to you while your busy making other plans"
and "We All Shine On"


Stamping Trails
Karen 204

What a Mess......Siding is Finished

Hi Everyone! Still flying high after having a majorly fun birthday last week. Thanks again to all my friends for making it such a special day.

The siding is done. They put the gutters on today, and are coming back tomorrow to pick up all the garbage. The house looks wonderful! So glad it's finished. Now I can put all the stuff back and get it cleaned up. Looking forward to decorating outside for fall. Need to do some major yard work also. Thank goodness the rain is gone it's going to be an awesome weekend with lots of sunshine and in the mid 70's. YAY!

I wanted to do some stamping today but that is a no go. I can't find my desk. In order for me to stamp I'll need to clean it up and after working out today I just don't have it in me to clean it up. Did some shopping this weekend with birthday money and got me some new stamp stuff. I know....I know...I don't need more new stuff, the mind says no, but the eyes say YES!!! I got some new folders by Tim Holtz and also a new Christmas stamp set by him. Love his stuff!!!!

I won sales associate for the month of September. Sold over 19 thousand in parts and over 14 thousand in complete machines. No money bonus but I get to park in the "special sales person of the month" spot for the month of October. So I'll end my job there on a high note. I'm pretty darn proud of that.

Well that is it for now. I'll get some stamping done tomorrow. Plan to come home and clean out....no...no....shovel out the stamp room then I'll be all set to stamp!

Stamping Trails
Karen 203

Tubsy Gets a New Dress

My Tubsy doll got a brand new outfit thanks to my friend Connie. This was part of my birthday gift from her. Isn't she just the cutest thing!!! Big thanks Connie! Love the hat and best of all she matches my new going red quilt that I posted yesterday.


I'm running really late for work so I'll post more pictures of birthday goodies later.

Stamping Trials
Karen 205