THANK  YOU ~

I simply, simply  want to say Thank You! to the new - and now already 'dear-to-me'  friends and acquaintances I've made here in 'the blogging world'  these last few months.
Who could know (unless you try : ) that there is a world, a WORLD!  of people out there with whom you can share so much with!? It may be very familiar to many of you, but for me - - it's like a new & beautiful flower,  growing up unexpectedly and right outside my window!  Maybe even pushing up through the snow~ *smile*
I don't know what all the future holds for me - but my desire is to keep crafting and creating - keep visiting and learning and growing~
It's been a hard year, (loosing my darling man) and I feel overwhelmed sometimes with many difficult challenges and many things being so different for me.  I've met with lots of  'change' - and keeping my creative "mojo" is one of those things I find difficult!    : /   But YOU are an inspiration to me, and YOU are such an encouragement to me!  

So thank you! for being there when I needed you! : )  Wow! And you didn't even know you were doing that!  *smile again*
But, you were.  You are.   So thanks  So much!
I wish you all Gods blessing this week and always~
Karen

LINK  LINK  LINK  LINK!!   I am so happy to be linking this  (click--->) to Wen's wonderful host page AppleApricot's blog   For another Simply Neutrals Tuesday!!  Please look in to see some beautiful "Neutral palette"  works and images shared there.  You will enjoy the visit so much~

http://appleapricot.blogspot.com/

COVERED  IN  WHITE ... & Christmas cards too~

We are snow-covered and frosty here in Colorado, USA!  Though we are known for our many days of sunshine (we usually have about 70% sunny days here) we have no shortage of snow here either!
And it is 'jump-starting' my Christmas motor : )  So, I thought I'd post some 'past' Christmas cards - - till I get to creating some "Current" Christmas gifts to share~   


  Red & white burlap and a 'pic' of berries from the craft store. Corrugated cardboard and some "Gesso" snow which I glittered with Stickles.   The image from a dear friend~



 Sledding at night!!!!  I remember doing this as a child,  Do you?  Who knew how cold it was when you're having so much fun!  I spent my early growing up years in Michigan, and the snow was our source of  entertainment and wonder for many months~

Maja Designs paper http://majadesign.nu/  (from Sweden) and just a few simple embellishments.  Again, corrugated cardboard & Gesso 'snow' ~









 I am an avid Christmas Caroler!  I love to sing the praises of our Saviors' birth~  The Choir card is a bit fuzzy, as I took the photo outside when the weather was bad!  I used Pion Designs' paper http://piondesign.se/ (also from Sweden)  and a snowflake die cut from  http://memoryboxco.com/
The  bell punch is Martha Stewart.            The  JOY  card is paper from Pion, and I love to add bows to almost everything I make : ) so, here is a country checkered one added to the top.  I like the large JOY stamp but I could have 'placed' it better I think! : j    It says "Joy to the world, the Lord is come."




 White corrugated board and white burlap are the foundation of this sledding card.  I also added some machine sewing along the edges; and some distressing.

 Here's a mostly neutral one that is one of my favorite cards~  I found a few white bells in Etsy! and used them sparingly~  I stamped all around the base of the card with Bo Bunny  http://bobunny.com/ Christmas stamps.

 Frosty layers of Pion & Maja papers and that cute image of the girl with umbrella and basket of Christmas greens  is Pion Designs. I added some zig-zag sewing
 

 If you are interested in a tutorial for the Christmas Tag card on the right, please stop in @ (click>)  my friend Beatiz Jennings blog, where you'll find the video for Christmas tags.



Thank you so much for stopping in today!  Enjoy your week ahead and I hope it will include some crafting too.  Many many thanks to you for taking time to peek in~  Blessings to you all,  Karen

For sweet baby Jane ~

Here's a card for my baby sister, Janie.  Though 7 years my junior, she has  so many times been my rock and refuge.  We share a very close friendship along with our 'sisterhood.'  Even for the many years she lived so far away, we were close in heart and on the phone a lot! : )  I've never had a dearer friend than her. 
I am so glad she has lived close; for the last 2 years.  She is a faithful support, and is always pointing me to the Lord. Jane, thank you so much for 'watching out for me', especially this last year when things have been so hard on my heart.  You are a true friend~

I snitched this display idea (vintage ruler) from a friend and creative mentor; Connie Mercer at:   http://www.craftygoodies.com/  
I have followed Connie for a few years now (though I didn't have a blog for most of that time)  and she continually amazes me with fresh ideas, techniques and beautiful paper and crafting designs!  And though our styles are very different, her work is a source of encouragement and inspiration.

This is a paper bag card.  Just take a paper bag and fold it in half : )  Then decorate inside and out.  I covered the front with a piece of white frayed cotton fabric ( from a very thin towel) and topped that with Prima (brand) paper (Romance Novel collection)  At the time, I am quite determined not to spend any  money on crafting supplies!  At least as far as possible : )   So most of what I'm using comes from my 'stash'.
The paper flowers and ribbon rosette's are also Prima.  I like to make my own paper flowers, but was lately gifted with some pre-made; and I'm not going to argue with that! I will gladly use them up~

 

WHEN RUB-ONS WON'T STICK!
I wanted to mention something here about the bird rub-on.  Yes, they are still being used today! LOL!
I have to say though, rub-ons can dry out after a few years and will not 'rub-off' from the sheet, onto your paper.  ULTRA frustrating.  But I've found something that works and wanted to share it with you.
You can coat the paper (where you want the rub-on to go) with a VERY light and thin 'shmear' of glue. ( I used ZIG 2 way glue.)  Let it set for a minute and then add the rub-on like you would normally do.  works great!

Time to say goodbye for now~
Thank you ever so much!! I appreciate your peeking in today!  wishing you a wonderful day of THANKSGIVING! No matter where you are.  Peace be with you,  Karen

With Thoughts Of You~
 To all those in France, who are facing the worst  'storm' (of this sort) ever in their history, we are in prayer for you.  For your healing and strength, for Gods intervention and mercy, and for the grace you need to conquer this senseless tragedy.  Please remember that, though evil comes against, if you trust in the Lord, GOODNESS shall prevail.  [We humans have a way of rallying around each other (near and far) working together to restore and rebuild. I believe that is God-instilled.]  Let's keep lifting them in prayer and do what we can to help make a difference~

I am sitting at my lap top,  looking out the window.  We are in the midst of a winter storm here in Colorado; I can't even leave for work - It is snowing so hard. Visibility is poor.  The wind is bringing down the few lingering Maple leaves and some weak branches from my front tree~  I'm grateful to be tucked up in my home - and not out in that storm!  I heard it will all stop in a few hours - and warm to 40deg's later today,  and perhaps even see a bit of the sun!?  But from what I see right now, that doesn't sound very believable : J  Living butted up against the Rocky Mountains brings a lot of 'guess-work' into predicting the weather!  We shall see~

Thank you so very much! for stopping in to see my contribution for:     (click >)  Aple Apricot's Neutral linky party!     Plese take a few minutes to click over and see what Wen has to share with all us Neutral Lovers!

I made this sweet mitten last year as a birthday gift for my baby sis~  It's about 6" long and was made from a wonderful  PDF Tutorial from Nancy Maxwell James' Etsy Shoppe! > >   Sugarlump Studio's

It was lots of  fun to make! and fairly simple and straightforward too~ Thanks for great instructions Nancy : )
It actually opens at the top (I tucked a small gift inside) and is made of Natural batting.  Covered w/different laces; etc. and vintage buttons from Grandma's jar.  The image is paper and machine zig-zag stitched.  I added some seed beads & such at the bottom.  There's a twill tape loop at the top for hanging. 

I am thankful to all of you in blogland : } who have visited and encouraged me whilst 'getting going' again and blogging.  I appreciate your visits!!
Have a wonderful week~  Karen

A  kind of   'grungy'?  Birthday Card!

 Well, hmmm,  What constitutes grungy anyway?!  Or, do you think this card turned out looking a little - - scary!?! : ) ( I don't even celebrate Halloween, but it kind of fits in that category!)  I don't know,  I had such a fun time making it!  But it is on the grungier side for me~  And just reminded me of a   'spooky' card! 

I'll chalk it up to experience : ) 

How is your week-end turning out?  I was able to get outside and get some yard work done; so that felt great!  But ask my muscles today! I'm a bit sore~

We are being blessed with warm weather today and Sunday.  Blue skies and 60 degrees!

Then, next week, we will see some snow~ YEAH! LOL I'm tryin' : )

Hope you are enjoying your part of the world today?  I know I'm enjoying mine~

Hugs and thanks to all who visit here!  Karen

I used ( > )  Jenni Bowlin  papers, some bits of corrugated board and machine stitching around the edges.

On the left side is some vintage (off white) lace and pleated black seam binding~

There is a cut-out little bird at the top, and some silver teeny seed bead stuff.

Lots of distressing ink from ( > )   Mr. Tim Holtz : )  too.

Here is a  bit 'brighter' shot!

That's it for today!  I thought I would sneak over to Wen's  Apple Apricot's Simply Neutrals Tuesday Linky Party!  

Lets see if there are a few new additions to check out!

 

Wishing you the very best of Gods blessings today!   ~Karen 

Simply Neutrals Tuesday!   (. . . forgiving the pink : )  
A Mini Sewing Kit

I'm so happy you chose to stop in today! 
Are you gearing up to get creative?!  As the colder weather approaches, and the Holidays as well, it's the perfect time to set some (realistic : ) goals for gift giving and card making too.  With as much as I have on my mind,  making 'lists' for myself is invaluable!   I will usually use a calendar and fill in 'goals'  for what I hope to accomplish each day; as the Holidays approach. Remembering  the 'Reason for the Season!' 

Well, here is my offering for  >>>   Wen's linky neutrals party! 

Can I 'sneak' this one in!?  Mostly neutral,  and some people even consider pink to be a 'close neutral', so perhaps it works~ : )     This is a mini sewing kit,  (about 5"X5" when closed ) containing just some of the basic essentials a young girl might need to get started.
         Made from burlap and covered with linen (cut w/pinking shears.)  The burlap is stitched with gold thread (to prevent fraying) and the dress form, pin cushion  and 'sew artsy' sentiment are all stamped on.  The rosette was purchased at a very cool local home décor shoppe.  (I added a button on top.)    The stick pin I made with a corsage pin and some beads. The kit is 'understated'  embellishment wise, since I'm hoping she will really use it on a regular basis!

For the inside:    I made a pocket on the right from a piece of handkerchief.
I have a die that cuts little spools, so I made a few from cardboard and wrapped some thread & seam binding around. 
 The center section has a strip of wide (and durable) twill tape; for needles, etc.     I left a small section un-sewn @ the top to house the little scissors.
The left side is also a pocket, made from a remnant of tablecloth  I think!  This pocket holds a pretty  (die cut) tag with a few necessities~
There are two pieces of twill tape, one on each side, to tie this little kit closed~ 


I will be taking my little sewing kit to the (click >)  SIMPLY NEUTRALS TUESDAY linky party @ AppleApricot's blog!  I hope you will take time to click here and see what Wen has in store!
Always Beautiful; Always Inspiring~

http://appleapricot.blogspot.com/

   Happy crafting! and Thank you EVER SO MUCH for stopping by~    Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.  ~Karen

Your Favorite Places~

 Well, we know what tops the list!  Hooray for grandkids! Pictured here ( several years ago,) Alan  with 4 of our 7 grandchildren.  Know as 'Poppy' to them, they were his crowning jewels~
 

To own the truth, you had many favorite places : )     but your gardens and flower beds were @ the top of the list my love!
  Like Grandpa (Poppy) before you,  you were at home in the dirt! LOL -  among tomatoes and peppers;  coleus and geraniums.  You could grow anything from nothing.  And you did.  I remember you bringing home the discarded plants on the clearance and mark-down shelves @ the greenhouse.
There seemed to be  'no hope in sight'  for these mostly dead, spindly scrawny  off-casts.  But as we can see in the photo, the coleus on the left not only 'recovered'; but was a thriving mini jungle by late summer that year. : )  And as I say goodbye to the summer, and 'give-way' to letting Autumn in,  I think of you.  Well, I'm always thinking of you.~

~A mix of papers, burlap, raffia and embellishments - I created a 7X5" 'lay-out.  This sits perfectly on a small easel in my room~

WISHING YOU A BLESSED DAY!
Karen

for Amanda~

Just a quick post today.  Here is the birthday card I made for my daughter Amanda.
Right now both of my girls are married with families of their own; all living in MT : l
I miss them always, but was blessed to have a visit from them recently~ Whew! : ) does my heart so much good~



I have layered  Maja Design papers (from Sweden); some of them are dry embossed. I've also added
bits of corrugated board,  lace, a charm spoon, (Reneabouquet on Etsy) a smidgen  of silver German glitter glass ( a bit in the spoon and a bit around the corner's edge) - and a white silk bow to tie it all together!
The heart is made from natural  batting and  I've done some blanket stitch around the edge.



I will be sharing this at: >     AppleApricot's   SIMPLY NEUTRALS TUESDAY!  Please join Wen there to see all the lovelies she has to share in her weekly Linky!!  Gorgeous neutral creations in store for you; so inspiring~
Blessings  for a wonderful week!  Karen