Leap Year

Since today is February 29th I decided to make a frog card. So even though we have one more day of winter this year....I'm not complaining. The past two days it has been 52 degrees, and sunny. I even got to ride my bike! WOW! Today temp going up to 50 but there will be rain, so I guess I'll be staying in.

Punch art frog: large oval punch for head and legs
1 3/4, and 1 3/8 circle punch for body
1/2, 1/4, and punch pack used for eyes
boho punch for feet

Lily pad made with 1 3/8 circle punch. Flower made with boho punch.

Stamping trails
Karen

Sadness in Ohio

Yesterday morning there was a shooting at Chardon High School. Four teens were shot, one has since died and one has been pronounced brain dead. I'm still in shock. My heart goes out to the families, and the children. You can see the full story on Fox 8 News.

More tomorrow.

Stamping trails
Karen

Birthday Stuff

Skip was happy with his little surprise birthday party yesterday. Sarah got the ice cream cake from Dairy Queen.

Blowing out the candles. I only lit 5 of them. Any more and I would have had to call the fire dept to put out the flames ( I can joke about his age, love when his birthday get here then I can say he is 4 years older than I am)

Hubby and me.

Jason and grandma.

Sarah and Burbank.

Skip and the birthday gift he bought for himself. Ford van.

Drivers view.

This this is so big it has three bench seats in the back, and just wait when I tell you what he is planning to use it for this summer. More to come......


Stamping trails
Karen

He is a Classic

Happy Birthday wishes to my hubby Skip. He is celebrating his 55th birthday. I have a small surprise party planned for him this afternoon, and making his favorite dish lasagna.

For the card I used Classic Pick Ups. Stamped the truck on designer paper with basic black ink. Then I used Baja Breeze, Rose Red, and Daffodil Delight re-inkers and watered colored the truck with a blender pen.

For the inside I used Collage Alphabet (retired SU), and a money stamp set that I found at Hollo's paper store.

So happy double nickle to my hubby. He bought himself a present earlier in the week. I'll share pics of that tomorrow.

Stamping trails
Karen

Keys

The house that my family lived in many years ago had skeleton keys for all the inside doors and the back door. My mom sold the house several years ago, and she gave me these keys. I wanted to display them so started playing around with a layout. I'm sure I could have done better than this, but after working with it for the past 3 days I've decided that this is it! I used retired Collage Alphabet to stamp the house number. The keyhole I made with Tim Holtz Sizzix die. The background paper came from a pack of Tattered Time by DCWV. I had forgotten all about this designer paper. I came across it while looking for something else. I'm amazed at how many things I have in my stamping studio that I don't know I have. LOL

All that is left to do is decide where I'll be hanging the 12x12 frame. I also want to use the Cricut and vinyl to add a word over the frame. So not finished yet, but getting there.

Stamping trails
Karen

Tutorial Thursday

Welcome to Tutorial Thursday. Today I'm going to show you coffee filter pounce technique. First select three colors of dye based ink. For my sample I used Pear Pizzazz, Tangerine Tango, and Tempting Turquoise. Next you will need three crumbled up coffee filters.

You'll want to use a larger background stamp that has some detail to it. I used Hello Doily. (love this background stamp!) Start with one ink color, pounce the crumbled up filter in the ink. Lay the stamp rubber side up, and pounce the ink on the stamp randomly, but you will want to cover at least 1/3 of the stamp. Then use a clean crumbled up filter with the second ink color, repeat with the colors till all of the stamp is covered.

Next step is to "huff" on the stamp to moisten the ink. Then stamp on a piece of cardstock. I used white cardstock. You can adjust the color coverage as you like. For the sample on the left you can see I didn't ink the entire stamp. I left some areas un-inked. I think it softens the look. The one on the right I had full coverage ink on the stamp.

Layer as desired. Base card on my sample Pear Pizzazz, layer Soft Suede. I also used this technique and stamped a doily from the Delicate Doilies stamp set on the large scallop punch. Scallop was also stamped with bird cage, and bird from the Nature Walk stamp set. The bird was inked with Soft Suede, the wing was gone over with Chocolate Chip then stamped on Crumb Cake cardstock. I cut the bird out (without the legs) then used pop dots to attach it to the scallop.

Hope you like today's "Tut"

Stamping trails
Karen

Cards by Kat

I've received some great cards from my friend Kat. Just wanted to share them with you.

I myself didn't do any stamping yesterday, but I am working on a picture frame. I'll share that when its completed.

The rest of the week is suppose to be in the 40's. Doing the happy dance about that. I'll be able to get off the treadmill and take a real walk.

Stamping trails
Karen

Clean and Simple....Fat Tuesday

I love how simple this card is. Sometimes I forget just how elegant plain old black ink on white cardstock can be. Stamp set Red Des Fleurs. Layer is popped with pop dots.

So what are you giving up for Lent? Today is Fat Tuesday. I'll be eating this Magic Dessert. I got it from the Weight Watchers site. Of course I had made this before and it was much better than this one. Silly me relied on my memory to make it instead of checking the recipe. Big mistake on my part. I'm posting the recipe, but don't be like me....follow it:)

Magic Saltine Dessert

1 small box fat free sugar free instant chocolate pudding made with 1 cup fat free milk
1 small box fat free sugar free instant vanilla (or white chocolate) pudding made with 1 cup fat free milk
1 sleeve saltines
1 large (12 oz) container fat free cool whip

Mix puddings with milk. To each pudding add about 1/3 of the thawed cool whip. Reserve remaining cool whip for top.

Layer 8" square pan with crackers. Add layer of pudding, another layer of crackers, the other pudding, and top with a 3rd layer of crackers.

Refrigerate 6 hours or more.

Remove from refrigerator at least an hour before serving and top the pie with cool whip. You can also drizzle the top with fat free fudge topping. Return to refrigerator until ready to serve.

So what I did (according to my memory which was a bad idea) I mixed both puddings together, and only used one cup of fat free milk. It turned out very thick and I had trouble mixing it. Still tastes good, but next time I'll review the recipe!

Stamping trails
Karen

Top of the Morning to You

I was feeling green yesterday...no really I wasn't feeling to well in my tummy. So later in the day when I felt a bit better I made this card. Spellbinders, large oval,large scallop oval, and scallop hearts used to make the card. Base card is white finished size 4 1/4 square.

Suppose to be 40 today. Thank goodness for that. Skip is taking me to see Ghost Rider II this afternoon. Can't wait! I really liked the first one....Love Nick!

Stamping trails
Karen

Delicate Doily Flowers

Trying to think outside of the box with this card. I used Delicate Doilies stamp set and inked the smallest one with crumb cake, then inked it again around the edges with concord crush. Word stamp from Perfectly Penned stamp set. I also used the new Edgelits Adorning Accents to cut the Wisteria Wonder cardstock. Stems were hand drawn with old olive marker. Leaves were made with bird builder punch.

Didn't do to much yesterday. We went out to lunch, then went to Gale's Garden center. I wanted to check out the plants. Really I just wanted to walk through the green house. It was nice and warm in there!

Stamping trails
Karen

Silly Bunny Do Over

What can I say? I liked the silly bunny card I posted yesterday, but decided to try again, and came up with this easel card. I changed the bunny from white cardstock to a textured cream cardstock, and found some purple checked ribbon in my ribbon stash to add a little bow under his chin. I have to say I'm happier with this card.

I took a trip to Pat Catan's yesterday and am so glad I did! Guess what I found? If you have been following along with my 5" dolls you'll know I've been hoping the store would get more dolls in. Well they did, and I found the two different facial expressions I wanted. So I bought more dolls. I'll be posting them with outfits as I make them.

Stamping trails
Karen

Silly Bunny

I saw a bunny card on Pinterest that I had to case. This one is different from the one I saw, as I didn't have all the supplies used. I think the crafter used Spellbinder dies. My card uses, 2 1/2 circle punch for the bunny body, modern label for feet, 3/4 circle tail, small oval (retired SU) for ears, and large oval for face. Big Shot dies used for base card color Wisteria Wonder. Little heart nose from owl builder punch. Face hand drawn. Largest doily from Delicate Doilies set used on So Saffron layer.

I didn't do a lot yesterday. Just couldn't get motivated. It rained most of the day and the sky was gray. So gloomy! I swear winter just sucks the life right out of me. Hurry up Spring and get here!!!!

Stamping trails
Karen

Odds and Ends

Today's project is pretty much just odds and ends from my bins. The ribbon bobbins were made with an empty gift wrapping paper tube that was cut to different sizes. Top and bottoms were made with SU Pennant die. I first glued designer paper to light weight cardboard then ran it through the die. End pieces were glued to the tube using Tombo Liquid glue. Flowers are odds and ends of Prima Flowers that I still had. Misc brads used for flower centers.

This would be a great way to do some recycling, and dress up your craft space by showcasing some of your favorite ribbon!

Stamping trails
Karen

Crafty Things

When Sarah was over on Monday she brought the Halloween handbag she made. She used a pattern but altered it to fit her needs. The patchwork panel in the front is her own design, and the bag called for a snap closure but she used a zipper instead. I should have taken a pic of the inside bag also as she added two large pockets.

Close up of the detail. She used her sewing machine with silver thread for the embroidery stitches, and rhinestones for the spider web.

I finished another 5" doll outfit. This one uses fingering yarn instead of thread. I added a "knot" of DMC cotton thread to center of each button that is in the center of the crocheted flower.

I think she is too cute!

Stamping trails
Karen

Happy V Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your "sweetie" gets you something really nice, or does something really nice for you today!

I didn't do any crafting yesterday. Sarah came over at noon. I made her lunch then we went out shopping all afternoon. Stopped by and visited with Skip's mom Kate since we were by her house. Sarah and John hadn't seen her since Christmas time, so we all enjoyed the visit. After that it was back home for dinner. Sarah enjoyed having "mom" make her two home cooked meals in one day.

Just wanted to share some Valentines that I received with you. Above card was made by Connie. I like the shade of kraft cardstock used for this. Connie is that a Hollo's cardstock?

And this card was made by Kat. I love the embossing folder used for this card. Also like the fact that just part of the circle layers were cut.
Thanks for the cards girls!

Skip is working day shift the next two days to cover for a co-worker. I plan to start some of my Spring cleaning today, and hit the grocery store. Skip asked me yesterday what I wanted for Valentines Day. I told him to surprise me so we will see what he comes up with.

Stamping trails
Karen

G. I. Baby

I just love this camouflage outfit. Had to search several stores before finding the Aspen thread by Aunt Lidia. Well worth the hunt. I did have a stand by website to order the thread that Kat found for me. Thanks for hunting with me Kat.

The little black lace up boots are so adorable. Was a bit tricky getting the pant bottoms to fit into the high top boots, but I got them to work.

Back view

All he needs is a little American flag. Lisa I'm assigning you to find that.

Stamping trails
Karen

Hello

Happy Sunday! We received just a bit over 6 inches of snow yesterday. Temps are chilly in the lower 20's. Hubby and me had to go out around 3 pm and run the snowblower and shovel the walkways. BRRRR. Shouldn't complain much as this has been a very mild winter for us.

Since it was really cold out I spent time at the kitchen table soaking in as much sun as I could and working on a new outfit for my 5" doll. I did venture down to the stamping studio and made this card. Stamp set Posy Punch. This is first time I've used this Hostess set. I hadn't even put it together yet and I've had it for months. Shame on me.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Stamping trails
Karen

Just Peachy Birthday

Just a quick and easy card to share today. Base card is Peach Parfait. Circle layer, Soft Suede, scallop, and ribbon layer cream. Stamp set Flower Fest, and Perfectly Penned. As silly me made the card before I checked the ribbon stash....you know where this is going....at first I didn't see ribbon I could use, then I checked the Big Jar

My friend Connie decorated this big glass jar, then filled it with ribbon for me as a birthday gift several years ago. I reach for it when I don't see the ribbon I need in my ribbon bins. Thanks again Connie!

I spent yesterday cleaning the house. It sure needed it. Yesterday was also a day for phone calls. Several of my friends, my sister, and Sarah called me. I was feeling the love!

Stamping trails
Karen

Color Booking

I did it! I got over my fear of that large detail bird image from the Take it to Heart stamp set. I think what was bothering me was all that open space in the heart. This time after the image was colored I ran the heart through an embossing folder. Colors used: Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, and Early Espresso. Tiny Tags stamp set used for the words.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Take it to Heart

I must first say that the large bird from the stamp set Take it to Heart scared me. Wasn't sure how I wanted to add color to this large detailed image. So I took the cowards approach....shabby chic. I love shabby chic for me its a non perfect art form.

First I inked the stamp with basic black ink then stamped on a coffee filter. For the color I used Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, and Baja Breeze watercolor crayons. I applied these directly to the image then softened them by going over them with an aqua painter. While the image was still wet I threw on (yes I did just throw it on) some clear embossing powder, then heat set. I wanted a little more shimmer so I spritzed on some Tattered Angels iridescent gold glimmer mist. Filter was then crumbled up and glued on a heart shape piece of white cardstock. Last step was to sponge Chocolate Chip ink around the outside edges of the heart.

Here you can see a closer look at the bird image.

Sorry no post yesterday. Still feeling a bit under the weather. Hoping I'll perk up soon.

Stamping trails
Karen

Romantic Lolly Holders

I found the idea for the lolly holders while surfing some blogs. They remind me of vintage romance with the cream, red and kraft cardstock colors. stamp set Forever Young. I used heart lolly pops I found at the dollar store for this project. If you'd like to make some holders here are the measurements.

Cut cardstock 6 1/2 x 2 1/4. Then score this piece at 2 1/2 and again at 4". Designer paper layer on front is cut 2 1/4 x 2. After decorating the front run a line of red line tape at the inside top of the holder. Remove tape and stick the lolly stick to the center then stick the back and front together. Super easy.

Well I have to jot off to the grocery store. I'm just about out of fresh veggies. One of my least favorite tasks is food shopping. Since the stores are close maybe I'll stop at Hallo's. I need more cardstock (sure I do!) No really I need some more cream....honest.

Stamping trails
Karen

Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 207

I'm so glad I started playing along again with Mary Jo's Monday lunchtime sketch challenges. They are so much fun and the layouts give me much needed inspiration!

For this challenge I started with basic gray cardstock for the base. Top layer is vanilla, and designer paper used for the lower layer. Hearts, lace ribbon and word are layered on a strip of black. I think the black cardstock really makes the heart and other elements pop! Stamp sets used Take it to Heart, and word "love" is from Tiny Tags.

You can play along with Mary Jo's challenge also visit her site here.

Sorry no post yesterday. I was feeling a bit under the weather. Pretty much just rested. We did catch the Super Bowl, and my nephews stop by to watch it with us. I just knew the Giants would win. It was a great game.

Stamping trails
Karen

Sun Suit

I've been doing pretty good with keeping up with my New Years Resolution. I've been averaging 1 doll dress a week. I found a little doll stand for the 5" baby, but hubby had to alter it for me as it was a bit to tall for the doll. Her feet still don't touch the bottom of the stand, but its not to bad.

Back view shows the little ruffles going across her bottom.

I like how full the legs are. Really roomie just like a real crawler would be for a baby.

We will be going out to the Home and Garden show today so I should have pictures of that to share on tomorrows post.

Stamping trails

Happy Birthday Mom

Today would have been my mom's (Gladys) 80th birthday. She died this past May. I was going through some old family pictures trying to find just the right one to post today. To me this photo captures her spirit. She loved to laugh. I know she made the circle skirt she is wearing in this photo. Since her passing is still recent to me I find it still hard to talk about mom, and remember things. I plan to put a remembrance scrapbook together about her life, but not just yet. Hopefully later this year I'll be able to start.


Miss you mom.

Stamping trails
Karen

Happy Ground Hog Day

Since I'm writing this up Tuesday night I have no idea if the groundhog will see his shadow or not today. I've been tossing around an idea for a card to celebrate the little furry guy so I found time to play around in the stamping studio yesterday afternoon. This is what I came up with. Large oval punch for his body and 3/8 circle punch for the ears. The rest is drawn in with a black marker. I did make his shadow a bit thinner to make it fit on the card. Inspired by Nature used to make the grass. Lattice Square embossing folder for the hill. Chocolate Chip cardstock used for his burrow. Words were printed out on the computer.

Inside card.

It was warmer again yesterday. Got up to 53 in my neck of the woods. Oh and speaking of woods....I saw a deer in the backyard yesterday morning. Since the first one we saw last May they having been coming back more often. I bet they are just waiting for me to plant sweet potatoes again so they can munch away. LOL

Stamping trails
Karen