a bit of early flutterings of holiday inspiration : )

Hi Friends!  I'm so happy you could peek in today~  And a big Thank You! to those who have recently clicked my "Follow" button! : )  What a blessing you are! you really made my day~

If you have followed for a while; or if you have read a few posts back - you will know I've had a series of 'losses' in my life and I have been trying to "climb out of the rubble" (so to speak) for some time now.
Lots of emotional business going on, and as probably all of you know, it is sometimes hard to be creative when your heart is broken~
My 'Mojo'  has been un-friending me! But I keep trying to woo her back <3   ; )

 I want to take a few minutes and share with you a website that 'feeds' the shabby-chic part of my art-heart~
Her name is Kerryanne and she is found at    https://www.shabbyartboutique.com/
Her tone is soft and feminine, and I find her blog uplifting and interesting.  She is also a woman of generous spirit; offering free patterns and templates; and lots of creative ideas.

A while back I found a free pumpkin template there- and, while her pumpkin was very soft and shabby (and I think perhaps made from fabric?)  I decided to use some (older) Autumn paper from Graphics 45.  (I think it's called School Days)
I simply cut out the 6  pieces from differing papers and attached them to a kraft paper backing.
I added a bit of natural polished hemp that I curled around a pencil~
 This will probably adorn a homemade pie or cookie box for a give-away treat : )
 Soo simple and soo easy, I know~  But that is where I need to be right now.  Simple and easy!!  It's my happy place, while I steady myself and re-connect <3

 I also wanted to share a few package toppers I made for the upcoming Christmas holiday~

 

The hearts I made using a die cutting machine, but the canvas stars were purchased a few years ago.

(Made by Canvas Corp.)

 I added a loop to each one, so it could even be used as a mini ornament.~~
I painted them with some white acrylic paint, added a bit of sparkle along the edges with  micro beads, glitter,  and Ranger brand Stickles.  Then a teeny bit of Winter greenery and a few rusty jingle bells~~

 

 This heart is canvas.  I included some glitter glass and "prills" (little white beads)   The buttons are m.o.p.

Here's a heart made from quilt batting.  I added some machine zig-zag stitching.  Sure love the vintage, home-spun look of a primitive heart~

Thank you!! For stopping in.  Hope you enjoy this week ahead~  Mine will include Verrry Chilllly weather!  Oh my~ How is your weather?  I know many of you look forward to the Fall & Winter.
I'm - - -still acclimating! LOL
Blessings to you,
Karen

Thank you card~

Hi and good day to you!  Autumn greetings from chilly-beautiful Montana USA : )
Our temperatures have been in the  high 50's-mid/high 60's (degrees  Fahrenheit ) during the daytime~  (I'm bracing myself for what's to come : ) LOL)
 Today we have a beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine; so it makes me feel happy. <3

I have the blessing of some wonderful siblings~  And my 'baby sis' is such a dear friend to me.
She is a 'kindred spirit' and I love her so much <3
This card is for her~

I was recently sitting amongst  (Google says that is not a word!)  - OK then, well, hmmm, I was sitting at my craft desk surrounded by some beautiful things- and hoping for inspiration to make this card.  Some of the fabrics and laces below came from a wonderful shop on Etsy that belongs to Suzi~ She is an amazing artist and her blog is a place I can always find encouragement and inspiration.  Here is her blog;   it will also lead you to her ETSY shoppe~
https://suziqusthreadworks.blogspot.com/

I was able to put together a simple Thank You card for my sweet sister~
Though the 'baby' of the family (she is 7 years my junior) she has that wonderful natural ability
to communicate loving care and attention to all of us : )   She recently sent some flowers; so I want to acknowledge her with a small homemade card.

Aren't the laces and Sari (I think) ribbon lovely!? They came from Suzi's Etsy; as well as the image.

I had a left over handmade flower from a previous project - and it found a nice home here : )
I adorned the woman's hair with a few small pearl beads.  There's a little 'thank you' tag peeking out from the ribbon.


I TRULY appreciate your visit today!!  and blessings to you in this week ahead~
Hugs,
Karen

simple; thankful

Hello and welcome <3 
 I  just have a simple card to share with you today~  But I am most grateful for even this! as my mojo is not returning my calls, and I was in great need of a wedding card!

 The paper is from Kaisercraft; their "Romantique" collection.  I made the flowers (my preferred flower is handmade from the project paper whenever I can) and then I simply added the silk ribbon and embellished sentiment tag~

The front of the card says "a door opened" and inside the card it says "and love walked in"

"Below is a pic of the inside of the card - the top section, just above the fold.  I fussy-cut a tree with birds and tucked a sewing card inside.  That will house some $$ or a gift card~

I may be 'teetering' a little bit, again, ; ) but I'm still going to try and enter my card in Wendy's monthly "Simply Neutrals Tuesday" party!
http://appleapricot.blogspot.com/ 
 Since the front of the card is mainly neutral colors I think I'll be fine : ) Oh I wish you would take a moment to stop over there and see the lovely entries she is sharing with us. There is something for everyone~

  Our weather is cooooling way down here in N/W Montana.  High's in the daytime only mid 60's and nights low 40's and high 30's forecast for this week.  Autumn has taken hold.  This "warm weather lover" must brace herself for colder winds and change . . .
May you have a blessed week ahead! With love and hugs <3
Karen