VC Rocks Blog Hop Anything Retired

Welcome to the first VC Rock Blog Hop of the season. We are celebrating 

15 years of FUN! VC stands for virtual convention. It was created for

people who love Stampin'Up! products, but couldn't attend the yearly SU convention. 

The group is for demo's and anyone who likes SU. 

The hop this weekend is all about retired SU products. There wasn't any

limit on how retired the items were so I dug deep into my retired stash

and came out with a stamp set called Jar of Fun. This set dates back to 1994. 

I think I pulled it cause I have Sarah's wedding on my mind and her theme

for the wedding is sunflowers. Which is perfect for a Fall wedding. 

I stamped the flowers and stems first with memento black ink. 

Then I colored the flowers with: So Saffron, Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, 

and Wild Wasabi stamp'n write markers. 

The mason jar was inked with Jet Black StazOn ink then stamped on cardstock

weight velum. After fussy cutting out the mason jar it was glued over the stems using

Tombo liquid glue. This glue is perfect for adhering velum as it dries clear. 

The greeting is from this years sale-a-bration set Lotus Blossom.

 

I finished off the card with a bow from the in color accessory pack which

 

was another sale-a-bration item. 

 

The completed panel was layered on Hello Honey cardstock. 

 

I'm thinking I may be making these up for Sarah's thank you cards. It 

 

is a lot of coloring but it goes pretty fast with the markers. 

 

Don't forget to checkout the VC Rocks official blog to see all the 

 

other great things that the group has made. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Sketch Frenzy Friday 052215

I used a Hostess set from the new SU catalog. 

Its called Floral Wings. 

Also used some new designer paper Neutrals. Its a great

 

collection pack featuring all the neutrals with different designs. 

 

Colors: Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Vanilla, and Pear Pizzazz.

 

 

 

Here is a view of the inside. 

 

Don't forget to check out the Sketch Frenzy Friday blog to 

 

see other great cards using this sketch

Stamping trails

Karen

My Kitty Plays with my Trims

Picture is a little blurry cause Cherokee moved. 

She loves attacking all my ribbon, and trims. 

Loves the little pom pom trim. 

No artwork today. I had a long day at the clinic yesterday. 

I had the post op with the ortho doctor. He said I'm doing well, 

and he doesn't want to temp fate with doing the other knee so soon. 

I'm relieved. I dreaded to go through that again. Going back to 

see him in another 2 months then we will set a date for the other surgery, but

it will be after Sarah's wedding in September. 

I also had the last appt with out patient therapy. 

I can bend the knee to 133 degrees. Which is a personal best for me.

He told me that a lot of people can't get that with a new knee. 

I still need to work on getting it straighter, but its getting better. 

Had to get blood work done also. Family doctor wants to check my 

hemoglobin. I'm looking forward to staying home today. 

I have two blog hops. Sketch Frenzy Friday, and one from the VC Rockers group. 

That one will be on Saturday. So don't forget to check back. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Bohemian Box with Matching Notes, and Tags

This would make a great quick and easy gift idea. 

I used a 1/2 wood mount case, and added a stamped image and 

designer paper. Stamp set Bohemian Borders, and matching Bohemian paper. 

To fill the case I made several gift tags, and a few note cards. 

I also added matching washi tape that has been wrapped around a playing card. 

Matching ribbon, and trim. Also added some additional matching cardstock, and 

designer paper just in case the recipient wishes to add her own touch to the 

gift tags and note cards. 

On two of the tags I created a pocket with an insert that slides inside. 

I was very pleased with how this little gift turned out. 

 

I'll be going to see the ortho doctor later this morning. I have 

 

to have a post-op check up. I'm sure it will go well. I've been moving 

 

around much better. I still need to get the other knee done. I'm sure he

 

will give me info on that. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Pocket Letter Swap

I got happy mail yesterday! I received my pocket letter swap

from my dear friend Marianne. 

Big thanks! Made my day. 

This was in one of the pockets. Plastic pouch that was sewn all the 

way around filled with beads, flowers, and bling. Gotta have the bling! 

More bling with my monogram.

Fibers with bee stickers. Nice of Marianne to remember how I love bumble bees. 

Washi tap wrapped around a playing card. That way I can pull it off and 

use it in a project.

She had other things in the pockets as well. Cute little pinwheels, 

some die cuts, a package of tea, and a dark chocolate Ghirardelli

Sea Salt Soiree. Of course that didn't last long! 

Thanks again Marianne! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Bohemian Borders Miss You Card

This card features new products from SU!

Stamp set Bohemian Borders. There is 9 stamps in the set.

It has 6 border strips, and 3 accent stamps. 

Oh and the matching designer paper is so rich in color! 

I wasn't going to add the piece of matching washi tape, but

I had a little boo-boo with an ink smudge so I had to cover that up. 

Speaking of washi tape....I've been keeping my tape corralled by putting

them on jump rings. 

We went to the drive in last night, and saw the new Avengers movie. 

It was pretty good. We didn't stay for the second movie. I get cramped up

if I sit to long, and I didn't want to walk around the lot on the gravel. 

We had deer in our front lawn we got home. So nice and unexpected to see them. 

Wish I would have had my camera. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Sprinkles of Life Apple Tree

I can see how the new Sprinkles of Life set is going 

to be my favorite one from the new catalog. 

I used Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, and Cherry Cobbler ink. 

After stamping the apples I colored them in with an aqua painter. 

Designer paper from Cherry on Top paper stack. 

I masked the area below the tree and sponged the color in with Crumb Cake ink. 

Base card Chocolate Chip. 

I wasn't going to tear one edge of the white layer, but I got some ink on it that

was to much to sand off. I like the look anyway even though I had an 

ink accident! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Sketch Frenzy Friday 051515

Stamp set Sprinkles of Life. 

Designer paper stack "Cherry on Top"

New in line color Watermelon Wonder. 

I like this stamp set as it has a matching tree builder punch. Lots

of different things you can do with it. I really like

having stamp sets that have multiple uses.

 

Check out the other great designs using this sketch on the 

 

Sketch Frenzy Friday blog 

 

 

We had a freeze warning Wednesday night. Skip had to find

 

lots of things to cover up his seedlings. He used pots, garbage cans, and anything

 

else he could find. The plants made it through the night okay but he

 

lost a cucumber plant. 

 

I had therapy yesterday afternoon. I was pretty score after that was over. 

 

I took it easy the rest of the day and just iced the knee. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

 

 

Goodies from UPS

I got some new goodies in the mail yesterday. 

I haven't had to much time to play with them yet. 

I'm still going through the new Stampin'Up! catalog. 

I don't have any plans for today so I should be able to 

get some stamping done. 

It got really cold last night. I'm afraid hubby may have lost 

some of the things he planted in the garden. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Lace Doily Card

I found some battenburg lace doilies in a drawer. 

Thought I could use them on a card. 

Base card is Gray, layer Blushing Bride.

I stamped the butterfly in the center of the doily using 

Jet Black StazOn ink. 

Added the greeting, little flower trim, and rhinestones. 

I just got back from doing some wedding planning with Sarah. 

Lots to do!!!! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Pinwheel Fun Fold Card

I have a fun fold to share today. 

Love this pinwheel folded card. 

Uses a 8x8 piece of designer paper. I used Birthday Bash.

Here is what it looks like as it begins to open. 

And here you have the inside. 

I used Celebrate Today stamp set. 

Colors: Tangelo Twist, and Night of Navy.

What to make one? Here is a link to the tutorial I used. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRFVj3C6pn4

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday # 107

I heard the sounds of all the lovely little songbirds this morning as

I woke up so I was inspired to make this card. 

Stamp set World of Dreams.

Colors: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, and Crushed Curry. 

Thanks is a thinlit die. 

Did I tell you that the next door neighbors sold there house, moved out

and took the chickens with them? I was so happy!!!! I couldn't 

stand chickens clucking in the morning. I'm also happy that the very

loud barking dogs are gone. As well an there 4 outside cats. 

Its so nice and peaceful now. A new family has already 

moved in. I haven't met them yet but I'm sure with the weather being warm we

well be outside as some point to met and greet. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all those wonderful mothers out there!

My mom has been gone 4 years this week. I still miss her. 

Card was made with Painted Petals stamp set, and greeting from Crazy About You

stamp set. Hello Thinlits also used for the card. 

Colors, Mossy Meadow, Lost Lagoon, and Tangelo Twist. 

Here is a side view of the card. The Hello is popped up. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VppbjxhAdjI

In memory of my mom I've been listening to one of her favorite 

country singers Pasty Cline. 

Sarah is on her way over and we are going to do Chinese take out today. 

Wish John could be here with us but he had to work today. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Wedding Invites

Could these be the ones? 

I've been playing around with wedding invites for Sarah's upcoming 

wedding. 

Her flowers will be sunflowers. Her and Jason are growing them in there yard. 

So I thought the invites should also feature sunflowers. 

Card size is 5 1/2x 5 1/2. 

I used Crumb Cake and Night of Navy. Not sure which color she

will prefer. Going to find out on Sunday when she comes over for Mother's Day. 

I used burlap ribbon for the belly band and Delicate Designs embossing folder

for the front edges. 

I found this little stamp years ago. I stamped it on the 

back of the cards. 

The sunflowers are from Spellbinders. My first idea was to use silk flowers...

 

however I went to Pat Catan's yesterday to pick some up and they didn't have any!!!!

 

I couldn't believe that with all the silk flowers they stock. So I had to come 

 

up with plan B. I'm glad I remembered that I had the sunflower die. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Sketch Frenzy Friday 050715

Okay so since Sarah is getting married this year I have

wedding on the brain. To me this looks like a lace 

garter that a bride would wear. I did like today's

Sketch Frenzy Friday. Be sure to check out the blog to 

see other designs.

I used Serene Silhouettes stamp set. 

Colors: Blushing Bride, Vanilla, and Basic Gray. 

I also added a bit of Sahara Sand lace. Love this lace so glad it

will also be in the new upcoming catalog in June. 

Background Lovely Lace embossing folder. 

Other things used 2 inch circle punch, and 2 3/8 scallop circle punch. 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Shabby Chic Butterfly Basics Card

Stamp set Butterfly Basics. 

Colors: Sahara Sand, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, and black.

I used Sahara Sand lace, burlap ribbon, and Victoria trim for embellishments. 

I also used the Butterfly thinlits die in Island Indigo cardstock. 

I just love the look of Shabby Chic. 

Weather has been beautiful here! In the 80's. So nice! 

I had PT on Tuesday that really kicked my butt, or should I say

was very challenging. Either way it left me sore for a day. 

I'm happy to find out that I don't have PT tomorrow. I don't go again

till this coming Tuesday. YAY. I'm still doing my workouts at home. 

We have some issues in the house to take care of. The seal on the upstairs toilet 

has begun to leak, so Skip will have to replace that asap! He also 

has to get the screens back in the windows so I can open them and air

out the house. He mowed the grass this morning, and it looks great. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Note Card with Box

I used the Lotus Blossom stamp set to crate these cute little 

note cards. Ink is from the in line colors: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow, 

Tangerine Tango, Hello Honey, and Lost Lagoon. 

And here is the box that holds the note cards. 

The bottom is BlackBerry Bliss cardstock and 

the top was created using cardstock weight vellum. 

I have a busy morning. PT at 10:30, then off to the hospital to pick 

up a prescription, and finally to southern Medina to take back the 

 

transfer bench that I borrowed to take showers with. I don't need it now. 

 

I will be using a bath chair. I can raise my leg safely to get into the tub, but

 

still need a chair to sit in. 

 

I'm still working on Sarah's wedding invites. Which means I need to plan a 

 

trip to Pat Catan's and Hollo's to pick up supplies, but I think that is going to 

 

wait till Wednesday. Busy, Busy!!!! 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Mailable Monday # 106

Happy Monday. Well we had a great weekend. Nice 

and warm! YAY! I needed a break from the cold 

temps. 

Today's card uses An Open Heart and Butterfly Basics stamp sets. 

I used simple masking to make the ferns look like they are behind the bird. 

Bird was stamped with black ink then colored with So Saffron, Sahara Sand, and Crumb

Cake markers. I also added some white using a gel pen. 

Base card Soft Suede, and layer Very Vanilla. Sponging done with Soft Suede and 

Crumb Cake ink. 

Sarah came over yesterday afternoon. We came up with the invitation design. 

So I'll be getting those made this week. Big job but we aren't done any

stamping on them, just using a tri-fold card with an embossing folder, burlap belly band, 

and a silk sunflower. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Pocket Letters

I finished off my first Pocket Letter yesterday afternoon. 

What is a pocket letter you ask? 

Well you start by getting a trading card page protector sheet. The kind

that holds nine cards. 

Then you make little pieces of stamped art to fit inside the pockets. 

You can also add little gifts. Let me show you.

I used the envelope punch board to create nine envelopes using Painted Blooms 

designer paper. In one of the envelops I added a little sheet of self stick bling dots. 

Here is another pocket filled with little sheets of designer vellum. 

Close up view of two of the envelopes. 

The cool thing about the pocket letter is that you can fold it into thirds and 

it fits perfectly in a business size envelope. Of course you have to decorate the 

envelope too! I still need to do that and finish filling the little pockets. 

To create the envelopes using the punch board start with

a 5 x 5 piece of designer paper or cardstock. 

Line that up at the 2 1/8 mark. Punch then score. 

Then just complete the punches and scores like you would for any envelope made

with the punch board. 

I would love to do a swap with these. Anybody interested? Let me know. 

Stamping trails

Karen

No Sew T-Shirt Shoulder Bag

I have a very quick and easy no sew bag project for you today. 

All you need is a t-shirt and pair of scissors. That's it! 

I got the t-shirt from my son John. Since he has lost so 

much weight he has lots of shirts that are way to big for him now. 

I started by cutting the sleeves off. With the right side of the shirt facing you

just cut the sleeves off on each side just a little bit beyond the stitched line. 

Next cut the neck the same way make the cut just beyond the stitching line. 

Cut the bottom of the t-shirt along the entire edge just above the stitched line. 

Turn the shirt inside out and use the bottom of the shirt that you just cut to gather 

and tie the shirt at the bottom. 

This is what the bottom will look like after it is cut, gathered and tied 

together. Turn the shirt right side out again. 

And there you have it. A bag made from a t-shirt in about 10 minutes. 

I think I'll use this to take to the hospital with me when I get the other knee

replaced. It's large enough to hold what I'll need. 

So before you throw out a t-shirt turn it into a bag! 

Great project for a teen or pre-teen. Got to love no sewing. 

I'm a little bit stiff and sore today. It was from the PT I did yesterday. 

I'm glad that it will be warm this weekend. Suppose to have temps in the 70's. 

I need some warm weather!

Oh and I'm just tickled pink that Kate had a little girl! The royal family needed 

to have a little princess! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Sketch Frenzy Friday 050115

I'm very late posting today. 

I had PT today and Jim my PT person really worked me out. 

I came home and iced the knee, but the other knee which also needs to 

be replaced was the problem today. Since I whacked it yesterday on the side of

my desk it was pretty darn sore today. 

Colors: Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Rich Razzleberry, and Old Olive

Stamp set Crazy About You

Designer paper is from SAB. I colored in part of it using a sponge and 

So Saffron. Inside of the card just reads Hello. 

Stop by and visit the Sketch Frenzy Blog to see

more great ideas using this card sketch. 

Stamping trails

Karen