Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge Jan 3, and ABC Challenge "V" is for Violet"

The challenges are at http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/ and

http://abc-challenge.blogspot.com/

This adorable baby bunny stamp is brand new from a clearance find (HOORAY!) just yesterday. It was coincidental, really. I picked it up wishfully and then, I spotted it, right there on the bottom--a yellow tag! :) I was a happy camper, let me tell you! Except...

Unfortunately, just beside it someone had ripped a stamp off of the mount to steal the image. I just don't understand that.

Soapbox time... And I know I'm probably preaching to the choir, but PLEASE please, let's be honest about our crafting everyone! I know we all have to pinch pennies for our favorite wish list items, but how can one really enjoy those things if gotten at the expense of one's integrity? We all love a bargain, myself included, but let's make sure we're not only driving hard but honest ones! OK, off the soapbox now.

In fact, all the fabulous people whose blogs I've visited (and somehow it feels as though I'm visiting your home! :) have been so welcoming and I feel that, even as I'm just beginning in this blog-world of crafters, I am among friends!

Thank you all so much, and have a wonderful day!

--Kathryn

Sketch Saturday #32

Here's the awesome sketch for this week's challenge: http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/

I had so much fun with this card...and of course I also couldn't resist using one of my all-time favorite stamps, "Beautiful Kimonos" from Auntie Amy's Embossing Arts (got it on AddictedtoRubberStamps.com) ;) I just cut out the right-hand geisha from the stamped and colored image (colored with Fine-point Sharpies, by the way), since she wouldn't fit on the front.

The paper is Black and cream script from The Paper Studio, with Burgundy and Chocolate Chip cardstock. Can't remember where the medallions came from, but they say "wish" "believe" and "HOPE"...

Thanks again for a fabulous sketch, and Happy crafting all!

--Kathryn

2S4Y Kazan's Sketch #17, Papertake "Seeing Spots", Cute Card Thursday, & Stamp Something "Something New"

WOWEE Four challenges all in one card!! Phew! :)
All the challenges this card fulfills are below as follows:

1. 2 Sketches 4 You, Kazan's Sketch #17: http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/

2. Papertake "Seeing Spots": http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

3. Cute Card Thursday Challenge 42 "Something you Got for Christmas": http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/

4. Stamp Something "Something New": http://stampchallenges.blogspot.com/

I used my new Rooster from Stampabilities for this one (got it over the holidays), and this gorgeous new Paper is from Mind's Eye, matted on Chocolate Chip cardstock. I also tried a new technique...for me, anyway...You'd think I would have made better use of my Kaleidacolor stamp pad "Autumn leaves" by now, but the thought just crossed my mind when I looked at the rooster to color it with the multi-colors rather than the brown I had planned. I think it turned out very well. I only used colored pencils a little on his neck and feet--nowhere else. What a pleasant surprise!

The raffia and cowboy hat are from...and you may feel free to laugh...a cowgirl themed bridal shower card I received and promptly took apart months ago! :) Am I terrible or what?

Have a marvellous day!

--Kathryn

Daring Cardmakers "Giving Thanks"

You can find the dare here: http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/

A very timely challenge for all the thank yous that need to be sent after Christmas!

I chose a simple design for this one so that I can get these cards out to everyone soon!

The flowers are actually from a 1/2-off floral hydrangea stem that I tore apart. You get LOTS more flower heads per stem for the price than if you get the smaller sets of paper flowers...don't get me wrong, I love those, too... But the fabric ones also seem to hold up better in the mail, because they 'revive' a little easier after being smushed inside the envelope! ;)

Have a beautiful day!

--Kathryn

Penny Black Saturday Week 30--Embossing

The challenge can be found here: http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/

Stamps are Penny Black 3645K "modesty" and Stampabilities "Happy Birthday 10". I embossed the back panel with the polka dots using a small brass vine stencil, using just the berry cluster part.

I like the black-and-white and yellow-red flower combination so much that I've started making a whole set in this theme!