kari kards

just a note

2012-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Now that my desk is clean, I was ready to start creating. Unfortunately, no ideas were coming. So I checked out my card ideas board on Pinterest. This adorable card by Cristina Kowalczyk looked easy enough to start with. I like her colors better than mine, but it's still a fun, simple card.

stamps: Papertrey Ink flowers & "just a note"

ink: A Muse sage, blush, & apricot

papertrey february blog hop

2012-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Let me start of by saying, my cards are never interactive and I never take them to the next level. If anything, I bring them down a notch (or two) and go for über simple. Needless to say, this Papertrey Ink Challenge was challenging for me.

My dear friend Linda Barker, taught me this card trick and it's easy and fun. With a few simple folds of plain copy paper, you can make your cards pop! Then in true Linda fashion, she taught me to use decorative scissors and a hole punch for a lacey look.

{Apologies for the horrible photos. It was late, dark, and there was poor lighting with a poor photographer (me)}.

front

opening

completely open

stamp: Papertrey Ink flowers, "just for you", & "missing you"

ink: A Muse french roast

other: scalloped scissors, circle punch, square punch, Papertrey die cuts

craft space clean up

2012-02-21T18:40:00.002-08:00

My sweet husband wanted to help clean up our office/my craft area and make it more cohesive. He bought two table for the office space and one for my craft space plus he gave me his old office desk. I had lots of surfaces to work on. We undid and redid the room in a weekend. But of course I didn't do any cleaning up or purging. I just moved stuff from one spot to another.

Then came the holidays. I pumped out a bunch of cards to sell. I didn't clean up my stuff. Then I made some Christmas cards and tags. And didn't clean up. Then I made my youngest daughter's birthday invitations. And didn't clean up. Needless to say, my area was A DUMP. It's hard to make cards when there is no where to work. Over the long weekend, I made it my mission to not have that space look like an episode of Hoarders.

Warning these photos make me cringe.

before

after

close up of my work desk

ready to be creative

my side table

this makes me happy

Now you know why I haven't been making any cards lately. {Not that I'm guaranteeing mass production now that it's clean.}

kid & teacher valentines

2012-02-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Pinterest, the kids and I got some fun ideas for this Valentine's Day.

preschool directors, preschool teachers, & student valentines

the valentines my son picked to give
(Glow in the Dark bouncy ball with a note he wrote on back)

the valentines my daughter picked to give
(chocolate coins with student pictures on back)

a Hershey kiss & Rolo pencil for the preschool directors

happy valentine's day

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Carol created this cute number. I just love that little robot and who can resist heart balloons?

I'm not sure on who makes the stamps or what inks we used for this. I was having too much fun creating.

{heart flowers}

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

We made this in our mother-daughter's card group as well. Super simple and fun, plus more punched hearts from cheap velvet ribbon!

stamp: Impress stem pattern

ink: (I can't remember)

other: heart punch, velvet ribbon

you are one of a kind!

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't throw away the chevron scrap from this card, to I adhered it to a pale pink card and made this little valentine. The best is that the chevron is on the back too!

stamp: A Muse gumball machine & "you're one of a kind!"

ink: Impress jet black

other: red marker

eye heart u

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I thought this was cheesey and cute. Not to mention super easy to make.

stamp: (small alphabet set, sold at Impress?)

ink: Impress jet black

other: heart punch, velvet ribbon, googly eye, circle punch

{seattle love}

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

We adore this card that we stole from Impress. Another great card to send from Seattle or to our other Seattle valentines. The best part is that this is one wood block stamp with two great images (the Space Needle and the heart burst)!

stamp: Impress space needle & heart

ink: Impress jet black; VersaColor rose red

other: diamond Stickles

will you be my valentine?

2012-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another fun Valentine card that's great for my fellow Seattle-ites.

stamp: A Muse cloud; Savvy or Impress (I think?) "will you be my valentine?"

ink: Impress jet black

other: white iridescent string; heart punch

{robot love}

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our moms and daughters stamp group got together at the end of January for our Valentine's Night. Our hostesses, Carol and Kelli, wowed us once again with fun games, a delicious dinner, and beautiful cards. I just adore our great group of women!!

I'm not sure where this stamp is from. I tried to "google" him, but no luck (or I didn't try hard enough). The heart was simply punched out of that cheap, fuzzy holiday ribbon. I was surprised at how easily it can be punched!

Sorry for the lack of card details and for being so sporadic with my posts. Thanks for stopping by!

winner

2012-01-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

Using random.org, the winner of the felt hearts is #5 Kelly Spivey! Congratulations!!

Email me your mailing address and I'll get those felt hearts out to you.

studio stampers blog hop

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

If you are participating in the blog hop, you should have come from Lianna Vigil's blog and if not, then you can start at Karen Crisp's blog and hop until you come to my blog.

I'm not the self-proclaimed "copying queen" for nothing. Layouts and color combinations don't come easily to this brain. That's why I love reading blogs and checking out Pinterest. I was able to make two valentine cards that I stole from some very creative ladies for our studio stampers blog hop.

The first card is an adorable clean and simple card by the extremely talented Cristina. My card is a complete joke next to hers, but you get the idea.

I stole the next card from Krystie Hersch. I just love the tree and felt heart combo and wanted to "reuse" for Valentine's Day. Krystie has an amazing eye for color. Mine looks a tad christmasy. I wish I did the tree in french roast.

What is the best Valentine gift you have ever given or received?
Contest is closed.
~~Leave a comment telling me about the gift by January 15th and you'll be entered to win a set of nine A Muse studio felt hearts (3 of each size) to play with.~~

i {heart} u

stamp: A Muse heart, & "i <3 you"
ink: A Muse cherry, orange, buttercup, grass, & ocean
other: twine

hello
stamp: A Muse tree & "hello"
ink: A Muse cherry & grass
other: A Muse heart die cut, tag, random ribbon i had

We hope you enjoyed the hop and found some inspiration!!
Complete list:

Kari Bell <-------you are here

thank you

2011-12-26T16:50:00.000-08:00

Papertrey's Blog Hop challenge this month (thanks for getting me crafting again) is called "Holidays Leftovers". My leftovers include tags, mini chevron envelopes, and ribbon from wrapping presents. I made a little holiday thank you card, just one of the many I need to use for all the amazing gifts my family and I received.

stamp: Papertrey Ink wreath pieces & "thank you"

ink: A Muse grass, french roast, & cherry

other: A Muse die cut

a|s retiring stamp sets

2011-12-01T21:12:00.001-08:00

In preparing for the new a muse studio catalog (in January), there are some sets that a|s will be retiring. If you are at all interested in buying these stamps sets, now is the time. They are limited to the stock on hand. When they are gone, they are gone! You can place an order here.

papertrey ink blog hop

2011-11-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

So it's been awhile since I have actually crafted a card. The holidays, the vacations, and life with three kids under 6 has kept me away from my craft desk (that and the looming pile of ~~junk~~ treasures that need to be put away). I was on Cristina's blog and loved her card and the Papertrey inspiration photo. I noticed that I had precisely 37 minutes to make a card, photograph it, and blog about it. Nothing like procrastinating to get me in gear. I was drawn to the woods and the bright read and came up with this. Plus I have always loved this Maile Belles card. (ugh, my card so needs a button!)

stamp: Papertrey wreath pieces, "happy", & "holidays"

ink: A Muse cranberry & french roast

other: twine, Papertrey Ink die cut

turkey

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

A monochromatic Thanksgiving card.

happy turkey day

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another old card found with the Halloween stash. A fun little table setting.

{blank thanksgiving}

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

In my stash of pictures of Halloween cards, I found a few Thanksgiving cards as well. They are a few years old so forgive the design and photography.

{blank fall}

2011-11-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I made this card at Carol's when we "free reign" over her stamps, paper, and extras. I can't decide if it's a "fall" card or a "Halloween" card. What do you think?

stamp: Memory Box tree

ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: rhinestones

{blank fall}

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Margaret and Kelly also made this card with dry embossing and chalk. Such a fun look and easy enough for your kids to do it too.

{blank fall}

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Margaret and Kelly designed this fall/back to school card. They die cut the apple twice (once in red and once in brown). We just cut off the red stem and placed the whole brown apple behind the red. Too cute!

happy halloween

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the last of the Halloween cards from our Ladies Cards Night. I stole this idea from Kelli too. So simple yet so stunning.

Tonight I'll be out with my little ones. I'm that dorky mom who dresses the family up in a theme. This year we have a zoo theme: tiger, giraffe, monkey, and zoo keepers.

What are you up to tonight? Trick or Treating with little ones? Passing out candy? Turning off the lights and pretending you aren't home?

{blank halloween}

2011-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I copied this card from Kelli (not to be confused with Kelly). I really like the "SOS" look of the web line.

{blank halloween}

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another Halloween card by Margaret and Kelly. Check out the fun ribbon on this one. And try to ignore my crooked application.

{blank halloween}

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Margaret and Kelly embossed the web then rubbed regular old chalk over the top to give it a "barely there" real web feel. Then they die cut spiders and heat embossed them with an iridescent type of embossing powder. So simple, but so cool!!

{blank halloween}

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another great card with all the pieces provided by Margaret and Kelly. Add a simple ghost sticker and it's done.

happy halloween

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

So if all the cute little projects at our Ladies Cards Night wasn't enough, Margaret brought these cards for us to make. She and her daughter, Kelly, designed, dry embossed, heat embossed, die cut, and pre-cut EVERYTHING. All we had to do was glue!

{halloween treats}

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our friend Carol, had us over for another Ladies Cards Night. This month was a Halloween theme. We made these adorable goodies! Now to decide who is worthy of them...

mummy chocolate bars

ghost lollipop

easy box finished with a sticker
(i love this Halloween paper Carol had)

trick treat

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay here's the final card in my series of "oldies". I hope it wasn't too painful. Happy Halloween! I hope ~~you~~ your kids get lots of candy! I'm personally hoping for Snickers, Baby Ruths, and Skittles. What are your favorite Halloween treats?

stamp: Impress witch & ghost, A Muse skeleton

ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: ribbon, stickers, brad

happy halloween

2011-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yet another card I made a couple years ago, but I am unearthing for you. Some of these cards just make me cringe at how basic they are. Other times, I get inspired to revisit a technique or layout. What about you, do your old cards make you recoil in shame or inspire you to go back to those days?

stamp: Savvy ghost, Impress "happy halloween"

ink: VersaMagic persimmon, VersaFine onyx black

other: balsa wood

eek! lil' spooks

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another fun Halloween card from awhile back.

stamp: Stampin' Up! spider tag

ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: sticker, brad, ribbon, Marvy markers

boo to you

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Simple but still fun.

stamp: Savvy ghost

ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: sticker, brad

{blank halloween}

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another card inspired by Linda's great window cards. (I taught elementary school with Linda and she teaches the Halloween classes at Impress. No one has a larger collection of Halloween goodies than her!)

stamp: Impress cirlce, Stampin' Up! bats

ink: Impress jet black & lemon yellow

other: tree punch

trick or treat

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I like the little trio of ghosts. It reminds me of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Halloween where almost all the kids dress up as ghosts.

stamp: Impress ghost; Savvy "trick or treat"
ink: VersaFine onyx black
other: Prisma colored pencils

{blank halloween}

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Linda was also really good at using embellishments that added to the pop of a card. I typically keep my cards flat as I often mail them. This was fun to use the wire. I'll have to get it back out!

stamp: Impress ghost; Savvy circle dots
ink: VersaFine onyx black & VersaMagic persimmon
other: Prismacolor colored pencils, (old) Memory Box window layers

{blank halloween}

2011-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Linda made some cards like these and I had to borrow her pumpkin punch and make some for myself. Unfortunately I photographed it still in the cello bag. Sorry for the glare.

stamp: Impress cirlce, Stampin' Up! bats

ink: Impress jet black & lemon yellow

other: tree punch, pumpkin punch, (old) Memory Box window layers

trick or treat

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

I like the falling candy in this card. Let's face it, I just like candy. What's your favorite Halloween candy?

stamp: Memory Box bag & candy
ink: VersaFine onyx black
other: ric rac ribbon

eek!

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Again, ignore the poor photography.

stamps: Impress background stamp; Stampin' Up! halloween and letters

ink: VersaMagic persimmon; ColorBox parchment

other: white embossing powder, circle punch

{blank halloween}

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I can't take credit for this adorable card. I saw it on display at Impress many years ago. I just love the creativity of putting the jack'o'lantern face on the lantern.

stamp: Memory Box jack'o'lantern face; Impress lantern
ink: VersaFine onyx black; VersaMagic persimmon
other: Marvy marker

may halloween find you in good spirits!

2011-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the second of the old Halloween cards. Forgive the horrible photography.

stamp: Savvy ghost; Impress "may halloween..."
ink: VersaFine onyx black
other: (i either hand cut this tag or borrowed if from a friend, and then trimmed the polka dot paper to match)

trick or treat

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

I found a big stash of Halloween cards that I made and photographed quite some time ago (at least 2 years ago). I'm going to keep you in suspense and drag them out slowly though. What are you (or your kids) dressing up as for Halloween? I personally love any reason to dress up in costume/themes! I'm a nerd.

Past costumes for me have included:

Waldo (from Where's Waldo?)
a Q-Tip
a tacky tourist
black cat
Ernie (my husband was Bert)

Family themes that ~~i have forced my family to do~~ we have done:

Fisherwoman, my catch/net, scuba diver, octopus, & lobster
Fireman, fire dog, & fire hydrant
hot dog, Heinz ketchup, & French's mustard

stamp: Impress witch, ghost, & circle; Savvy "trick or treat"
ink: Impress lemon yellow; VersaFine onyx black
other: pumpkin punch, bat punch, Prismacolor colored pencils

thank you

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the other adorable card that Kelli came up with for our fun Back to School Night. I love the one-layer fun!

(not sure of all the ingredients on this card, I was having too much fun making a handful)

{blank fall}

2011-09-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Our friend Carol had some moms and daughters over for a Back to School Night. We wore clothes from the 50's, letterman's jackets, Senior Class t-shirts, letter sweaters, college sweats, etc. Carol had the evening broken into class periods with just enough passing time between to refill our drinks.

me in my old high school gear

stamp: Memory Box trees

ink: VersaColor pinecone

other: flower soft

aloha

2011-09-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been soaking this up the past week or so. Go ahead, hate me now.

wild about you!

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

The last wild about you card reminded me that I used the same Stampin' Up set to make my daughter's Safari/Jungle invitations for her 1st birthday party. Talk about some one layer goodness!

stamp: all Stampin' Up

ink: ColorBox lime, chestnut, parchment, antique pewter, & evergreen; VersaFine onyx black

ruff day?

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

I found this card in a stash of old cards. I remember making it with my friend Mandy many years ago. I just love the chocolate dots and the twine tied through the middle of the corrugated paper (there is a tiny slit on either side).

all supplies are Stampin' Up!

happy birthday

2011-09-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this clean and simple card on Mary Dawn's blog and just loved how bright and cheery it was without being over the top. I like the muted effect on the kraft. (Have you noticed a slight kraft obsession?)

stamp: Impress dot; Papertrey Ink "happy birthday"

ink: A Muse blueberry, cranberry, & buttercup

other: corner punch

live. laugh. love.

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I was making my sister's birthday card, I thought to use these flowers, but couldn't quite work them into it. I was just forced to create another card, darn.

stamp: Papertrey flowers, banner, & "live. laugh. love"

ink: VersaFine onyx black; ColorBox frost white

other: Memory Box pearl stickers white; Papertrey die cuts

a|s september spotlight

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Muse Studio is doing something amazing for their customers. On the 15th of each month a variety of new, creative projects will be unveiled as the A Muse Studio Spotlight in a fresh, magazine-like style! These projects will feature a selection of stamp sets and products, paired with a lovely color palette, around a central theme. This one will be available from September 15th to October 15th.

Each month a|s will feature 5 stamp sets that will be on sale for 10% off the retail price, plus there will be a corresponding sample pack of paper too!

September/October theme: An Elegant Halloween Bash!

Featured Stamp Sets:
Web Background
Victorian Charm
Celebrate in Style
Foiled Again
If You Dare

Featured Color Palette - Jack-o-Lantern:
Pumpkin
Squash
Onyx
Toffee
Apricot

The Jack-o-Lantern Assorted Cardstock Pack is item number PAST911. Click here if you are ready to shop for some Halloween fun!

it's your day

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

My sister has been wearing fun summer dresses and two of them are solid green and she looks adorable in them. (She's tall and skinny and actually looks good in anything. I hate her for it.) Anyways, it was her birthday and I had some time to make her a card. I added a little green dress inside for fun (it's a long evening dress punch that I shortened with scalloped scissors).

inside

*Not sure why the kraft cardstock looks so drastically different in these photos. It's the same inside & out.

stamp: Papertrey Ink "it's your day" & "wish big"

ink: ColorBox dune & frost white; A Muse french roast

other: Papertrey die cuts; Memory Box pearl stickers white, corner punch, scalloped scissors, Paper Shapers dress punch

happy birthday

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Carla brought this bright and cheery card for our ladies card night. I love the colors and the easy stamping with the separated stem and flower parts. Just ignore my poor sentiment falling off the card.

wild about you, baby

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Katie found this card online and even included a print-out of it in her box for our ladies card night. I love all the fun animals. This is one of those cards that I don't dare "wing it" because my randomness never comes out this pretty!

thank you

2011-09-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Adriene was busy with work and barely had time to put together a card. She says she is embarrassed about her card, but I think it looks great. My camera doesn't show you the great shimmer paper either.

studio stampers blog hop

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm just in love with this simple and easy card. It makes me happy that I can use up scraps and have clean and simple pops of color. I don't own any of the new a|s holiday goodies {gasp!} but I wanted a Halloween card so I just used my papers for the effect. I typically stick to the traditional Halloween colors, but pushed myself to make another card with a different color scheme.

Which do you like better?

The purple/green card is not photographing well, which only encourages my attachment to typical Halloween colors. I think these are still fairly traditional Halloween colors, but maybe more "witchy" colors?

stamp: A Muse "happy halloween"

ink: VersaFine onyx black

paper: A Muse orange, buttercup, heather, blackberry, orange polka dot, onyx polka dot, & grass polka dot

Okay now you're off to check out the goodies at Lisa Wakabayashi's blog (Dragonflies and Cats).

{blank fall}

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Abby and Lydia brought their friend, Nikki to our ladies card night. We just love having new crafters join us! Lydia helped Nikki out and brought this stunning fall card for her to share.

{blank birthday}

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Aimee brought this card for the ladies stamp night. I forget to use my punches more than once on a card. I like the layout of it. The little party hat and cake, get this, those are stickers. I love a quick and simple card!

when life gives you lemons...

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Janet is a stamper but this was the first time she was able to make one of our ladies card nights. Isn't this card just adorable?! I love the little leaf embellishment!

This card makes me want summer to last forever!

wild about you!

2011-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Kerry brought this card for our ladies card night. She had the animals cleverly stacked on each other for a vertical card, but I couldn't seem to manage that. I flipped over the white card stock and just had the animals (and added the zebra) walking in a line. We colored the animals with some Stampin' Up "crayons" that are actually water colors. We colored roughly first and then went over it with a water pen/brush.

thanks

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Abby made this card for our ladies card night. I would never think to use hot pink for the trees, but I love the look. I need to venture out and be more daring in my color choices. Plus the metallic washi tape is super fun too!

birthday wishes

2011-09-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

For our ladies card night, Kim brought this cute birdy card. The best part is... it's a playing card! It's an old card from her grandmother's house that Kim and her cousins used to play with. How special is that?! It had all of us making mental notes to hit up the local thrift stores (and grandma's house) for vintage playing cards.

Being the creative gal that Maureen is, she flipped the king of spades over and used it for a masculine birthday card. So many options with playing cards (not to mention they are super easy)!

thank you

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Maureen is always known for her creative cards. This time she had us punch holes in the sides of a label punch to weave the ribbon through for our ladies card night. It's so simple yet so stunning!

wag more, bark less

2011-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

My friend, Lydia and her family are HUGE dog lovers. Everyone in her family has at least 2 dogs, so it came as no surprise when she brought this fun card for our ladies card night.

ladies card night

2011-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Every other month, my girlfriends and I get together for a shoebox swap style card night. Everyone makes one sample card, precuts the paper, and includes all the supplies in a box. Then we pass the boxes around the room until you make all the cards and you can whip up a bunch of cards in no time. I'll be sharing them all with you but I won't be able to tell you all the supplies exactly since I didn't pay attention while making them.

I hosted the most recent ladies card night about a week ago. It's so fun to see all the different ideas and to pump out a bunch of cards in one night. Here's the card that I made for the event. I completely stole the idea from Krystie Hersch.

stamp: A Muse flowers & "thank you"

ink: A Muse papaya & lemon whip; VersaFine onyx black

other: twine, A Muse twinkle stickers, Copic (chrome orange)

thanks a latte

2011-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to craft very much lately and the new Papertrey Make It Monday challenge (freestyle coloring) seemed quick enough, so I jumped in. I don't have as many copics as I would like, so my brown tones aren't what I would like, but it was fun to play along.

stamp: A Muse latte cup; Memory Box "thanks a latte"

ink: Memento rich cocoa; Impress chocolate

other: A Muse twinkle heart sticker

studio stampers blog hop

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the studio stampers blog hop with my a muse "cousins". We are all lucky to have Krystie as our upline lady. If you are joining the blog hop, you should have arrived from Karen Crisp's blog (My Paper Paradise).

Onto my card, I just adore this layout by Maile Belles, but am in denial about fall being so soon and couldn't bring myself to use "fall" stamps. So here's a more summery take on it.

butterfly close up

stamp: A Muse dots
ink: A Muse heather
paper: A Muse blackberry, heather, amethyst, kraft, & woodgrain
other: A Muse die cut; twine

Okay now you're off to check out the goodies at Lianna Vigil's blog (Llama Tales).

happy birthday

2011-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't pass up this masculine card by Amy Wanford. Just keeping my copying juices flowing!

stamp: Papertrey Ink star, "happy", & "birthday"
ink: VersaColor pinecone
other: Papertrey Ink die cut, twine, button, Imperial scissors

{blank butterfly}

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

My friend, Nicolle, made this fun card a long time ago for one of our shoebox card parties. It's still one of my favorites!

{I'm pretty sure the supplies are all accurate, but I'm working from memory}

stamp: Stampin' Up! butterfly

ink: Fresh Ink melon

other: glitter gel pen, jewel sticker

you are one of a kind!

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Don't pinch yourself. It's really me. With two cards in two days. I completely stole this card from Kasia. I just love the monochromatic look paired with the butterflies. Thanks for keeping me crafting Kasia!

stamps: A Muse "you are one of a kind!"
ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: Memory Box jewel stickers deep lagoon; A Muse butterfly trio die cut, circle punch

{blank ladybug}

2011-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have something to confess. I'm a book-a-holic. I only have a few hours each day completely to myself, so I have to decide what is most important (crafting, ~~cleaning~~, reading, napping, etc) and lately I've been choosing to read, read, and read. Notice I didn't say read quality books, just read books. For those who enjoy books as much as I do, may I suggest goodreads.com. I'm addicted.

It took a special request to get me back at my craft desk. My neighbor's granddaughter is turning three, loves ladybugs, and is going to get this book from her grandma for the big day. So I made this card to go along with it.

front

inside

stamp: Impress single line; Stampin Up "happy birthday"

ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: circle punch, Making Memories wire, Papertrey die cut

Please leave a comment telling me what your favorite book of all time is or what you are reading now or both!

a|s august spotlight

2011-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Muse Studio is doing something amazing for their customers. On the 15th of each month a variety of new, creative projects will be unveiled as the A Muse Studio Spotlight in a fresh, magazine-like style! These projects will feature a selection of stamp sets and products, paired with a lovely color palette, around a central theme. It will be available from August 15th to September 15th.

Each month a|s will feature 5 stamp sets that will be on sale for 10% off the retail price, plus there will be a corresponding sample pack of paper too!

August theme: Back to School

Featured Stamp Sets (10% off):
Rock Star
The Mighty Jungle
Past Due
Personal Stationery
School Days

Featured Color Palette: Collegiate Assortment Pack (4 sheets each)
Cranberry
Buttercup
Fern
Winter Sky
Eucalyptus

If you are ready to shop, here's my webstore.

10 years

2011-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today is mine and my husband's 10 year wedding anniversary. We are keeping it low key and celebrating with family and friends with a potluck picnic at the beach where our reception was held. I'd love to show you the beautiful card that I made for the special occasion, but the fact of the matter is, I'm a dork and don't have one. Don't worry, he didn't get me one either. That's how we roll sometimes. Instead here's a picture of us on the big day.

August 11th, 2001

10 years later: July 3rd, 2011 at our friends' wedding
(I realized how few pictures there are of just me and BJ!)

summer

2011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the heat we're having here in the northwest. The kids and I have been able to log in lots of time at our community pool. I just love it! Here's something else a little refreshing.

stamp: Peddler's Pack citrus fruit; Savvy "happy summer"
ink: ColorBox marigold & canary
other: jewel sticker, Copic (chrome orange)

10 happy birthday

2011-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our family friend is turning 10 next week and I wanted to make her a card for her pool party. I went with the aqua's and browns since she's a little more mature and in double digits now!

stamp: Papertrey "happy" & birthday
ink: VersaColor pinecone
other: Papertrey die cuts

winner!

2011-08-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have dropped off the face of the earth lately. No specific reason, just lots of little, busy, summer reasons.

I finally have a winner for the August a muse blog hop:

Laura said...

Kari,

I love how carefree this card is....which depicts how summertime feels to me....to be carefree and to enjoy it!

August 2, 2011 6:26 AM

Laura click the "email me" button at the side of the blog and I'll get those twinkle stickers out to you. And for the rest of you non-winners (that's the teacher in me), come back for the next hop for more inspiration and another prize.

a|s consultant blog hop

2011-08-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

If you are participating in the blog hop, you should have come from Kelly Spivey's blog (Southpaw Paper Arts) and if not, then you can start at Samantha's blog and hop until you come to my blog.

Summer to me is warm weather, reading books, swimming at the local pool, beach bbq's, and staying up late. Since my beach stamps aren't here yet, I settled for a butterfly theme. I'm sure butterflies are more of a spring time thing, but it's been a very cool summer here in the northwest and they are still floating around here.

stamp: A Muse Studio woodgrain, & "your friendship is like a sheltering tree"
ink: A Muse Studio latte
paper: A Muse Studio apricot
other: A Muse Studio vanilla twine, A Muse Studio butterfly die cut, black Marvy marker

Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about summer and you'll be entered for a chance to win one pack of a|s twinkle stickers (my "go to" paper accessory).

Okay now you're off to Tara Johnson's blog (pinkgeekstamper), enjoy the rest of the hop!

hello sunshine

2011-07-25T15:35:00.001-07:00

I lied. Summer is not here in Seattle. Unless it was only two days long. Today it is pouring rain. I'm not talking the 90 degree summer downpours in the south, or the 85 degree cloud bursts in Hawaii. I'm talking the 61 degree miserable rains in Seattle that make you long for a fire and some hot chocolate.

Thus, my bright and cheerful card for the Papertrey Ink blog hop challenge. I drew inspiration from the lively colors and the patchwork quilt.

stamp: Papertrey Ink "hello sunshine"
ink: VersaFine onyx black

happy summer

2011-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I stole this adorable summer card idea from Impress. I just love the itty bitty paper piecing. Summer has finally arrived in Seattle and I couldn't be happier!!

stamp: Peddler's Pack margarita glass, Savvy "happy summer"

ink: VersaFine onyx black

studio stampers blog

2011-07-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Guess who is being featured on Studio Stampers?

Wait, what's studio stampers you say? It's our brand new a·muse|studio consultants blog, for all those who have the amazing Krystie Hersch as their upline gal. Every week you'll meet a new consultant and then there will be a challenge from that specific consultant.

It's really new so there aren't many participants, the challenge will be up for 2 weeks (normally it'll be 1 week), AND I'm giving away a fun prize (one package of meadow mix flowers & 1 pack of sugar pearls stickers).

What are you waiting for? Go check it out. Then put together a card (you don't have to use a·muse|studio supplies) and play along!

{blank sailboat}

2011-07-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

I wanted to participate in the Embellish Magazine Nautical Color Challenge. Then I realized I own zero nautical stamps (shame on me). I had to get creative. I intended for this to fit on a toothpick (I like smaller center pieces), but I got carried away with the hull and just went with it. Here's my nautical card.

stamp: A muse woodgrain

ink: A Muse french roast

other: circle punch, wooden kabob skewer, Papertrey Ink die cut

{blank flower vases}

2011-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by the One Layer Wednesday Challenge: Make it Personal. Often I just make cards that I like and I enjoy. Then when I need a card I hunt through my stash and look for a card that best matches the person I need to give it to. I make specific cards for birthdays, but typically I just create what I like.

For the challenge, I decided to make a card for my mom. I asked her to babysit the kids (last minute) tonight and not only did she say yes but asked "can they spend the night?" Needless to say I owe her a big thank you. My mom loves her garden, her flowers, and especially bringing those flowers inside to enjoy. So here is a simple card with flowers for her kitchen. I should really get some real flowers for her too!

stamp: Memory Box flower vases; Impress double stripe
ink: Memento tuxedo black; VersaFine onyx black
other: jewel stickers; Copics (cool shadow, aqua blue, wax white, new leaf, salad, buttercup yellow, golden yellow)

a|s july spotlight

2011-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Muse Studio is doing something amazing for their customers. On the 15th of each month a variety of new, creative projects will be unveiled as the A Muse Studio Spotlight in a fresh, magazine-like style! These projects will feature a selection of stamp sets and products, paired with a lovely color palette, around a central theme. It will be available from July 15th to August 15th.

Each month a|s will feature 5 stamp sets that will be on sale for 10% off the retail price, plus there will be a corresponding sample pack of paper too!

July/August theme: Neighborhood Block Party

Featured Stamp Sets:
Birthday Builder (p.78)
Tini Time (p.62)
That's the Ticket (p.24)
Graphic Sunflower (p.33)
Swanky Backgrounds (p.74)

Featured Color Palette - Sorbet:
Watermelon
Buttercup
Apricot
Sage
Lichen

The Sorbet Assorted Cardstock Pack is item number PAST711

If you are ready to shop, here's my webstore.

miss you

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

No one does clean and simple like Carly Robertson. When I saw this adorable card, I just had to make it too. (ignore the poor camera angle)

stamp: A Muse birdcage; Stampin' Up "miss you"
ink: A Muse cranberry
other: A Muse twinkle sticker heart; Copic (lipstick red), Marvy (burnt umber)

a|s blog hop

2011-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the a·muse|studio blog hop with my a·muse "cousins". We are all lucky to have Krystie as our upline lady. If you are joining the blog hop, you should have arrived from Karen Crisp's blog (My Paper Paradise).

I love the a·muse|studio twinkle sticker packets and wanted to play with some different shapes besides the circle (my go to twinkle sticker). First up, is the twinkle sticker teardrop.

front

inside

This next card I used the twinkle sticker star.

front

inside

Finally the twinkle sticker heart.

front

peek-a-boo of the beans inside

Did you find it? Oops, it's not there. When I originally designed this card there was going to be a little twinkle heart in the circle on the latte cup. Then my Seattle brain saw the circle and had to make it a Starbucks cup. So no twinkle sticker on this card, but still fun a·muse|studio goodies.

thanks
stamp: A Muse chandelier, "thanks", & "you are amazing"
ink: A Muse ocean
other: A Muse twinkle stickers; Copic (process blue)

{blank birthday cake}
stamp: A Muse cake, stripes, & "birthday wishes"
ink: VersaFine onyx black
other: A Muse twinkle stickers, circle punch

how ya' bean?
stamp: A Muse latte cup, mini circle, beans, & "how ya' bean?"
ink: A Muse fern & french roast; VersaFine onyx black
other: circle punches, Copic multiliner

It's time for a prize!!
Become a "follower" and leave a comment for a chance to win one package of a·muse|studio twinkle stickers (I'll even include the heart strip even though I forgot to use it).

Now you are off to Lesa Wolfe's blog (The Paper Pundit).

Here is a complete list in case you get lost along the way:
Kathy Hatzke
Karen Crisp
Kari Bell you are here!
Lesa Wolfe
Lisa Wakabayashi
Lisa Chapman
Veronica Zalis
Ida P. Krause
Lianna Vigil
Kristen Watson

congratulations

2011-07-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

While I don't have any letterpress goodies, when I saw this stunning card (not sure why the pictures won't show up) by Thienly Azim I knew I wanted to try to make something similar with stamps. The bling just sent me over the edge!

stamp: Papertrey Ink scrolls; A Muse "congratulations"
ink: Encore! silver; VersaFine onyx black
other: A Muse twinkle stickers

fun in the sun!

2011-07-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Wee Memories "Summertime" challenge was begging for me to get out some of my summer stamps. The pacific northwest is finally warming up, but it's not consistent yet. Darn! You know how much I love the sun. Here's a little beachy card that has me dreaming of warmer days.

stamp: Memory Box umbrella; A Muse "fun in the sun!"
ink: VersaFine onyx black
other: Marvy Markers (mocha & caribbean blue)

thank you

2011-07-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

I just love this card by Nichole Heady. When my Papertrey Anniversary Set showed up a month later, I had to reproduce it. I still need to work on my border edges (and get a thicker pen), but it was fun to try something new.

stamp: Papertrey Ink flowers and "thank you"
ink: A Muse shell, bubblegum, & grass
other: Copic multiliner

big birthday wishes

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for some color? I mean, lots of color? Check out this card by the amazing Amy Wanford. I was dying to reproduce that rainbow color blocking. I have no idea what was wrong with me, but it took me way too long to reproduce this card. Does that ever happen to you?

stamp: Papertrey Ink "big birthday wishes"
ink: VersaFine onyx black
other: circle punch, ribbon, buttons

sorry & hello

2011-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

These cards are just so fun, fresh, and easy by Susan Raihala. I wanted to try them with some a·muse|studio sentiments that I had yet to ink up. They key is finding just the right inks (clearly since there is nothing else on the card) and I'm still working on it. Which color scheme do you like better?

stamp: A Muse "hello" & "sorry"
ink: ColorBox canary & marigold; A Muse orange, amethyst, heather, & blackberry

a|s consultant blog hop

2011-07-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all you hoppers! Are you getting ready for the 4th of July or already celebrating? My girlfriend is getting married this weekend, so I'm off to her bachelorette party tonight and her wedding this Sunday. Then my Independence Day celebrating will begin.

If you are participating in the blog hop, you should have come from Lori Barnett's blog and if not, then you can start from Samantha's blog and hop until you come to my blog.

This month Americans are reminded of all the men and women who have sacrificed or are sacrificing for our freedom. I personally want to say thank you to all the men and women who are a part of the US Military!

stamp: A Muse "thanks so much!"
ink: VersaFine onyx black
paper: A Muse Polka Dot cherry & bermuda; Gingham cherry & sky; cherry
other: Star Trio die cut

Now you can complete the loop and head back to Samantha's blog. Thanks so much for joining us!!

usa & god bless you

2011-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our small community always has a parade (rather large for the size) and my parents host a big party in their driveway with drinks, decorations, and brunch. Everyone brings more food and more chairs. We eat, chat, cheer on the fun runners that run by, then settle in and watch the parade go by (and pick up as much candy as possible). What are your 4th plans? Any traditions? Any new plans?

A few patriotic cards for you, before the 4th of July. Which sentiment do you prefer? Which size font?

stamp: Savvy stripes; Impress "u", "s", & "a"; Papertrey Ink "god bless you"

ink: Brilliance rocket red; VersaFine onyx black

other: star punch, tag

you're sweet!

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Summer has not yet arrived (at least permanently) here in Seattle. I'm dreaming of warmer days and colder treats. Do I dare ask, how is your summer weather?

stamp: Memory box ice cream cone; Stampin' Up! "you're sweet!"

ink: VersaFine onyx black

pirate party

2011-06-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

These are the invitations for my son's 5th birthday party. He is super excited to have some pirate fun! Here goes nothing. We're bound to have a busy day.

(front)

(inside top half)

(inside bottom half)

stamp: Stampin' Up! pirate, treasure chest, x marks the spot trail, & anchor with "you arrr invited"

ink: Memento tuxedo black; VersaFine onyx black; Brilliance rocket red; Papertrey Ink tea die duo; A Muse french roast

other: Copic markers, Papertrey Ink die cut

{blank cupcake}

2011-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

As soon as I saw the inspiration photo for the Papetrey Blog Hop challenge, I knew I had to make another rainbow card. The little dress up clothes, boots, toys, and books had me thinking of my little munchkins and how much they love cupcakes. So here it is: rainbows & cupcakes.

stamp: Papertrey cupcake pieces
ink: VersaFine onyx black
other: Papertrey cupcake dies; Papertrey button; Stickles xmas red; Sparkles aquamarine

it's a celebration

2011-06-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

I made this ~~little~~ long number for Embellish Magazine's rainbow challenge. It may very well be the longest, skinniest card I've ever made. I carried the last bit of rainbow on the inside of the card. Have you ever made a card this long and skinny (10.5x3.5)?

Warning: for those who can't stand naked buttons, you may want to look away.

(click to enlarge)

(not a great photo, but you get the idea)

stamp: Papertrey Ink "it's a celebration" & "be happy"

ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: Papertrey Ink die cut; ribbon; Papertrey buttons; Impress sequin flowers

{blank school}

2011-06-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Okay last inchie card (at least for now). Once I made the pirate card, I had to try it with the a·muse|studio school days set. I definitely like the overall look of the pirate card better, but this was fun.

stamp: A Muse bus, school, pencil

ink: Memento Tuxedo black

other: Copics (Yellow, Buttercup Yellow, Pale Yellow, Cool Gray No.1, Sand, Sepia, Lipstick Red, Golden Yellow), Copic multiliner

Now back to your regularly scheduled (non-inchie) cards.

{blank pirate}

2011-06-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

I decided to try the inchies with the a·muse|studio buried treasure set. I love the little peek-a-boo's that inchies provide.

stamp: A Muse pirate, ship, & treasure
ink: Memento Tuxedo black
other: Copics (Light Suntain, Bareley Beige, Sand, Sepia, Lipstick Red, Golden Yellow, Canary Yellow, Colorless Blender)

{blank birthday}

2011-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I held an a|s workshop with my new stamp friend, Julia, where I met some amazing women. After the party, Julia gave me a little thank you gift. One of the gifts was this beautiful banner sticker. I was waiting to use it on just the right card and here it is.

If you don't have a banner sticker you can always use the a·muse|studio banner die cut (p. 99). I know it's on my wish list. I can't wait to use it with fabric like this adorable sticker. Thanks again Julia!

stamp: A Muse slice of cake

ink: VersaFine onyx black

other: Sparkles orange peel & buttercup

hello.

2011-06-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

More inchie goodness, thanks to a·muse|studio!

stamp: A Muse tree, kite, clouds, & "hello"

ink: Memento tuxedo black; VersaFine onyx black

other: Copics (sand, flesh, barely beige, light suntan, sepia, new leaf, holiday blue, aqua blue, cool shadow, colorless blender), Copic multiliner

{blank guitar}

2011-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to play along with the a·muse|studio consultant challenge this month. I've never worked with inchies, so this was fun!

You can get more inchie ideas from Julie's short video.

stamp: A Muse guitar

ink: A Muse ocean, slate, & grass

other: A Muse stitched ribbon ocean, zig zag scissors