Julie Nutting Easter Themed ATC

Happy last day of February! Spring is getting

that much closer folks. 

My friend Kym has been posting lots of Easter stuff so

I thought I would make some too. 

This is a Julie Nutting Easter themed artist trading card I made

for the Swappers Corner group. 

The dolls are a bit big for the 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 size artist trading card, but

I got her to fit even though she extends over the card a little. 

Didn't really want to cover up the fence in the background as

much as I did, but I thought the girls legs looked funny with the feet

cut off so I hid them behind the eggs. The fence still shows so you 

get the idea. 

She turned out so cute I don't want to mail her out, but I will today. 

Here is another sure sign of Spring. The front lawn is covered with

crocuses. 

So pretty showing through the brown grass. 

It was in the 50's yesterday so I went for a nice long walk in the morning. 

Later hubby went to Brunswick lake to go walking with me, and I found, 

another decorated rock. It is hid again, so I'm sure someone will find it. 

I'm going back to drinking my coffee before it gets cold. 

Have a great day! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday #227

Happy birthday to my hubby Joel. 

We had a nice little pizza party for him yesterday at the house.

Pizza, cake, beer, wine, and peanut butter cookies....does

it get any better than that? 

Em tell your mom thanks for baking the cookies. Peanut butter

is hubby's favorite. 

The kids got him lots of gift cards to his favorite food places. So that was a hit.

 

The card was made using Guy Greetings (SU). Pattered paper from Making Memories. 

Here is an inside view. 

Sending a shout out to my dear friend Betty who is getting a knee replacement today. 

Hang in there Betty it will be worth it in the end. To be able to walk with

out pain is amazing! 

Speaking of walking it is suppose to be warm and dry today so

we will be walking around the lake sometime today. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Escape on a Bike

Wishing for Spring, and warmth! 

Till then I'm making some cards that will feel warm to me. 

The greeting on the front of the card says it all....Escape! 

Wish I could escape winter! 

The base card is white, and stamped with Crumb Cake ink using

Tim Holtz script stamp. 

The tree die was sent to me from my friend Ceil. I love how

this tree has a border going around it. 

Flowers were punched from yellow, and pink Basic Gray patterned paper. 

First thing I did was crumple up the paper in my hands. Then I used the punch

to get the shapes. I tried punching first then crumpling the paper, but it was harder

working with such tiny pieces. The punch is from SU. 

The bike is also a die cut that was sent to me this time from my friend Kathleen. 

I wanted to pop it over the card so I had to cut narrow pieces of foam tape to get

it to fit without it showing on the front. Added some small pearls to the flowers in the basket. 

We are celebrating hubby's birthday today since the kids will be able to come over. 

Pizza, and cake. What a combo! Oh did I say that it white cake with white icing? YUCK, but

that is the kind of cake hubby likes. Me and him are so different. I like chocolate, and he likes

vanilla. Well you know what they say about opposites and attraction. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Wish Card

I just love, love, love how this sweet card turned out. 

Only stamping I added to it was the greeting. 

The doll reminds me of the Campbell Kids. Remember those? 

Okay showing my age once again. 

Someone gave me this doll die cut in a swap. It has been in my stash collecting

vintage dust, so I wanted to put her on a card. To cute to stay in a box. 

I added some wink of Stella to the dress, hat, and shoes. 

Left the inside blank for now, but I'm thinking birthday card. 

Of course now that she is sitting on my desk so pretty I may just

keep her. I know, I know should send her to someone. 

 

It got up to 60 yesterday, so me and hubby went for a walk then visited 

 

the library, and did some reading. 

 

After that we went to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. 

 

Today I'll be getting some much needed cleaning done, and

 

baking a cake. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Easy Thank You Card

Well this thank you card was made in 2 minutes flat. 

The folded flower Kym had sent me, and the lattice layer is a die

cut that Kathleen sent me. Only thing I had to do was glue it down, 

and add the greeting. 

Love fast cards!

Thanks girls! 

Went to Pat Catan's. They have a ton of stuff on clearance, but I was

 

good got out of the store with only spending 8 dollars. That must be a new record low 

 

for me! LOL 

 

Woke up to some snow the trees were so pretty, but it melted off 

 

pretty fast. Hubby has a birthday coming up next week so I stopped and

 

got cake mix to bake him a cake. Kids are coming over Sunday for a pizza party for him. 

 

Guess I should clean the house this weekend. JOY! 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Round Robin ATC

I've received several round robin artist trading cards this week. 

This one is finished. When I got it there was only the stamped

clover in the center and the strip of patterned paper and ric rack

across the bottom. I first colored in the clover with Prisma pencils. 

Next I added the little girl....isn't she cute!!!! 

Added the pot of gold sticker, glittered green heart, and button. I think

the other players will be happy with this one. 

This one I added everything in the center. The seahorse, fish, background coral, and

under the sea strip. 

This one is still in the process of being completed. 

The patterned paper was on the card along with an unattached die cut bird. 

I stamped the tree, grass, and the greeting. The bird looks like a cardinal so

every time I see one in my yard I think it is loved one sending me a message. 

That is why I used the thinking of you greeting. Kym this one will be on the

way to you. Have fun! 

Went to Costco yesterday. Got some new pillows, and some food. They

had really good samples yesterday so I bought more than what I went for, but

isn't that always the way it goes? 

Stamping trails

Karen

Time to make Easter Cards

It was 73 glorious degrees here yesterday. Ah warmth!!!!!

Nothing better! 

Of course it will be in the 30th today. Oh bother! 

We did get out and walk yesterday before we got some rain. 

I even saw some crocus in bloom in the yard. Should have taken a

photo to post, but didn't have my camera with me, and was to lazy to 

go to the craft room and get it. 

Started making some Easter cards. Stamp set by SU called Flower Shop. 

Used one of the flower stamps on different color designer paper then

punched them out with the matching punch. 

 

Not much planned for today. Need to hit the library, and take back some books. 

 

May also pick up a rotisserie  chicken for dinner cause I just don't feel like

cooking today. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Bless Your Heart Mason Jar Card

I did find some time to stamp yesterday. 

This card was made using a stamp set I picked up on

the shopping trip Betty, and I went on. Set from Stampabilities called

Mason Jar/Banner. The set was on clearance, and I got it for a whopping

.75 cents. Just can't pass up a deal like that! 

Don't know who the little girl is holding the baby doll. It is from 

the stash of my mom's black and white photos. I thought

she was so cute with the baby doll so she got incorporated on the card. 

Hearts were made with different sized punches. 

The background was stamped with a script stamp. 

and here is an inside view. 

 I did have fun shopping with Betty yesterday. We got caught in the rain

every time we came out of a store, but at least it wasn't too cold out. 

Speaking of cold....today it will not be, as the forecast calls for temps in 

the lower 70's. Can you believe that one? Hope it doesn't trick the 

flowers to start poking their heads out, as I'm sure it won't last. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday # 226

Happy Monday!

Today's card features an embellishment that

my friend Kym sent me. 

The iris folded flower. 

She also sent me some sequins, and

stitched artist trading cards. Thanks Kym! What a nice surprise!

I was going through, and organizing my ready made cards, and

discovered that I only had two thank you cards! 

Now how on earth did that happen? Well I gave out a ton

of cards this past Christmas for gifts, so my stock is running way low. 

You may see me post thank you cards in the days ahead as

I replenish my supply. 

Base is kraft cardstock. After stamping one side with a script stamp I

added a strip of navy cardstock. 

After I stamped thank you I added the folded iris flower with 

a large glue dot. Since this is Mailable Monday I didn't want to 

add any ribbon to the tag so I opted to use the Tim Holtz mini stapler to

the eyelet. 

Today I'll be going to Joann's with Betty, then later we will be going to lunch. 

Looking forward to hanging out with Betty. We have fun together. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Fun with Envelopes

I found some neglected 8x8 paper pads in my stash, and

 

thought hey I can make some envelopes with the envelope punch board. 

 

Wouldn't even have to cut paper! 

 

Couldn't help but get creative with some of the designs. 

 

This was an easy one. Red, yellow, orange and purple circles. 

 

Break out the balloon die. After cutting it out I glued it to the 

 

front and drew the balloon string with a fine tip Sharpie marker. 

 

I can use the balloon space to write in the name, and address. 

 

 

For the mason jar I added the lines around the lid, and added a bow on the 

side again using the marker.

Next came a star with stitched lines. I was on a roll now!

Love the world map. Again I used a die to cut the spot for the address. Since

 

it was the world I also stamped a little compass to the left of the address space. 

 

 

I'll have to go back and revisit this one. The background I stamped with

a script stamp was to dark to allow the type writer to show up to well. 

This one I just stamped on with script, and flower stamp. 

Really like the postage stamp paper. I added a piece of air mail

washi tape across the bottom. 

and I did a few with just the fine line marker. I took

a tag and traced around it. This one was done on a cream envelope.

This one on white. 

Just some free hand drawing. The address can be written in the 

space between the doodle! 

Okay go ahead and laugh at the name...Lick & Stick. I know I did! LOL

But this is great for making your own envelopes. 

You put the glue on the flap and allow it to dry. 

When you want to seal the envelope just moisten the glue with a damp

paper towel and seal. Works great.

Had fun stamping with Betty yesterday. I'll be back tomorrow and show

you the Easter cards I made. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Family Shaker ATC

Well I'm back today to share what I am doing

with black and white photos.

I have about 75 of these photos that I just don't know who

the family members are. So I decided to make some artist trading cards

with them, and some other upcoming projects. 

This one I turned into a shaker using some gold glass beads, and mixed color small

seed beads. 

Lets start with some basic info on how I used the Fuse Tool to make shakers. 

Very important to let the tool heat up for 30 minutes. 

Next thing to remember never use glitter in the shakers. Why you ask?

Because the glitter will stick to the inside plastic due to the static. 

Now this is a way that cut down on the static. I use a new dryer sheet, and

 

rub it on the inside of the pocket. I also used it to wipe down the photo. This trick

 

works well with the small beads, and sequins, but not with the glitter. 

 

The dresses on the girls I colored with dye markers. The rest of the photo I left natural. 

 

The plastic frame was white, but I wanted it to look more vintage so I sponged on 

 

some brown ink. The frame was attached to the outside of the shaker using Glossy Accents. 

 

I might add that Glossy Accents works so well as glue! 

 

The greeting is from my favorite word set by See-D's called A Word of Two. 

 

I thought forever young was perfect for the young ladies in the photo. 

 

 

Now I shouldn't say that I don't know any of the girls as I do know

one of them. The girl on the far right is my Aunt Sarah. Her nickname was Toots. 

Given to her by her dad....who I think had a good sense of humor. 

Was my daughter Sarah named after my Aunt? Why yes part of her name came

from her. The middle name of Jane was from my middle name along with

my Grandmother Lucy Jane. But please don't tell my daughter, as she was

really named after my favorite Dr. Who companion...Sarah Jane Smith.

Here is the stack of black and white photos. Love working with black and

white photos as they have a glossy finish, and are easy to color using dye based markers. 

 

Heading over to Betty's today to do some stamping.

 

Have a great weekend! 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Send in the Clown,and Elephant

Send in the clowns, and in this case elephants too! 

This is a round robin artist trading card I received this week. 

I added the elephant, and quote to the card. 

Turning the card so you can read the quote, by P.T. Barnum. 

And I have two more ATC shares. This sweet little Valentine bear was 

made by Sue. 

and this one by Jennifer. 

It came in the pink pocket that is behind the card with

the little Valentine envelope. 

I've been going through my mom's photos. Happy to say that they

are all sorted and filed now along with the names of the family members

on the back of them. There were a ton of black and white photos that I 

didn't know who they were. Instead of discarding them I've decided to use

them in craft projects. I'll be back tomorrow to show you one of them. 

It was warmer yesterday, so I did get to take a walk around the neighborhood. 

Later in the day me and hubby went to the library. It started pouring while we were

there. Had to make a dash for the van. Needless to say hubby ran faster than me,

and I was the one who got soaked! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Valentines from Friend

Happy Valentine's Day to all! 

Just wanted to share some cards I received from friends this month. 

This adorable hedgehog stitched card was made by Kym. 

So cute!!!!!!!

This shining black, and pink beauty was made by Kat. 

Next up is a card made by Betty. Love the greeting, and the lacy 

thinlit she used. 

XOXO made by Lisa. SMAK!!! 

Not sure what me and hubby are doing today. I know I would love

to walk around the lake as it is suppose to be 50 today, but with rain, so

if we can get out and walk between the raindrops it might work! 

XOXOXOX trails!

Karen

Mailable Monday #225

Well this card actually made itself. Took

2 minutes to put together. Thanks to Ceil!

All of the pieces to the card were made with

pre-cut, and stamped cardstock that Ceil sent in 

the package that arrived on Saturday. 

Only thing I had to do was cut the base card, and trim

the greeting a bit. 

Yesterday was busy for us. 

Sarah came over and cleared out the remained of everything she

left at the house in storage. Lots of stuff going to goodwill, some in the trash, 

and clear tubbies that she filled to keep. 

She also took her hope chest that has been in my sewing room. 

Happy about that as I have more room now. 

Made pot roast and veggies in the pressure cooker. That

came out fantastic! I think the pressure cooker is growing on me. Didn't

think I'd ever want to trade in my crockpot in favor of using it. 

Today I'll be heading out to stamp with Betty. I'm also going to finish

weeding through some stuff to put in the June yard sale. Busy, busy! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Goodie Box from Ceil

Well my desk is once again a mess, but this time it is happy mess, 

and it is not my fault......the fault belongs with Ceil. 

She surprised me yesterday with a box full of goodies in my mailbox! 

Lots of die cut, and ephemra to play with. 

There are just so many cello bags stuffed full of die cuts! 

It would take me forever to take them all out of the bags to take photos of. 

Cute little pink elephants. She knows me so well.

Lots of word die cuts. If you haven't figured it out by now....

Ceil is the queen of dies, thinlits, and framlits. 

So thanks bunches Ceil! I'll be sure to make good use of all the

stuff you sent. Must have taken you forever to cut and emboss! 

Stamping trails

Karen