1 WACKY WOMAN

High Hopes Challenge

2012-01-10T10:47:00.005-05:00

Good Morning everyone....

It's time for the first High Hopes Challenge
of 2012!!!

This weeks challenge is
"Winter Wonderland"

The fabulous image I am using is
"Snowy Portrait"
by artist Laurie Furnell

I created a napkin fold card.

This is the inside....

I used High Hopes sentiment
"Snowin' and Blowin"

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog as
the Diva's have some fabulous creations to share with
you today!!!

We have a fun giveaway going on over at our
High Hopes Facebook page so pop on over
and check us out there!!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Exciting News!!!!

2012-01-03T09:36:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year everyone....

I have some exciting news to share with you today.

My husband Guy has been wanting to take
an early retirement from his job but needed to find
something to occupy all his extra time. So he
found a job that he could work from home....

He is the proud new owner of
"High Hopes Rubber Stamps"

He has taken on the manufacturing side of
the business and left the blog and everything
else up to me...lol!!

We will be carrying on with the line just as
our dear friends Tina and Bethany had
originally started....with fun and whimsical
designs made with high quality deep etched
red rubber.

We are excited to start this new journey
and look forward to inspiring you with
new designs and creations along the way!!!

So to celebrate a new beginning in a new year
we are featuring a couple of specials for
the month of January.....

Valentine Set...
11 unmounted stamps
$24.95 CAN
The link to this set is not working on the website
so if you would like to purchase it just email us at
highhopesstamps.com

That's over 50% off when purchased in the set!!!
This is an awesome set of designs by our
amazing artist....Laurie Furnell

Our next special is the
"Valenswine Piggy Set"

This set is some of our favored Valentine images
made into a set with 2 main images with
accessory stamps and 3 sentiments!!

This is a fabulous value at $13.95 CAN
This set is available here

Here are some creations I made with this set...

Keep an eye for a new special each month!!

Starting next week we will be starting back the
High Hopes Challenge
with some great prizes to be had!!

REMEMBER...
to qualify to win any of the prizes from the
challenge you MUST use a High Hopes image
on your creation!!!!

Thank you all so much for stopping by....
We hope you will follow along with us in our
new adventure...

Have a wonderful day...

Guy & Karen x

HO HO HO.....Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:29:00.003-05:00

Just stopping by to wish you all a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
and a
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

KAREN x

High Hopes and 2 more tags

2011-12-07T23:15:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone....

Well... I am terribly behind this week but
I have been fighting a nasty virus!!!
I think I am on the mend now.....
keeping my fingers crossed!!

It's meet the Diva's over at the
High Hopes Blog this week.

The featured Diva's are
"Anna and Jeanne"

So be sure to pop on over and check
out their bio's!!

I created an easel card candy box to share
with you this week. I just love this adorable
moose..."Hopeful Moose" he's an oldie but
goodie!! I also used the "Merry Kiss-Moose"
sentiment.

I created the box first and then made the
easel card to fit the top. I embossed the image
and sentiment with black and painted the
image with Tombows.

I hope you like it!!!

***********************************

I only managed to get a couple more tags
from Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas finished...
but it is more than last year!!

I might be able to a few more done...
but with the days getting busier before
Christmas that probably won't happen!!
I will post them if I do...lol!!

Thanks so much for stopping by
and
have a fabulous day!!

KAREN x

12 Tags of Christmas

2011-12-01T20:06:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone....

I have good intentions of playing along with
Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas this year.

I managed to get the first one done...so wish
me luck on doing all 12!!

I didn't have some of the products needed so
I did some improvising for this tag.

I stamped the Peace with perfect medium and
embossed it with silver EP. I fussy cut it out
and then covered it with silver glitter. I adhered
a grunge board flourish to the bottom also embossed
with silverEP and covered it with silver glitter.

I needed some pine cones but I didn't have
the die cut for it so I had to resort to my
"pear punch". I punched out the pears from
vintage photo core'dinations that I lightly sanded.
A great tip that I learned today was to glue
the pine cone around a wooden toothpick.
I shaped the pears and one at a time glued them
around the toothpick until it looked full enough.
I used 11 pears for each pine cone.

I'm thinking they look a little like brown
roses more than pine cones but like I said...
I had to improvise....lol!!

This was a lot of fun to make!!
***********************

I was trying out my Rosette die last week
and thought it would make a great ornament!!

I wanted it to be 3D so I made 2 pieces and
adhered them together and running a chain
through the center and adding a Hanger clip
to the top to hang it on the tree.
I stamped the Noel onto 2 small pieces of metal
and adhered them together front and back
of the hanger.

This is the side view.

I was pleased with the way it turned out.
I hope you like it!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #123

2011-11-29T00:04:00.005-05:00

Good morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!
This weeks challenge is ...

"Numbers"

All you need to do is add a number to your card!!!

The adorable image I am using on my card is

"Shelbert"

As you can see I added my number to his balloon.
I embossed the image and painted it with
Tombows. I also embossed the sentiment.
I added some flat backed pearls and some
corners. The paper is from Basic Grey.

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this week and be sure to check out the
High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some fabulous creations
to inspire you this week!!!!

*****************
I have one more card to share with you today!!

I always pull out one of my all time favorite
High Hopes stamps when winter is
just around the corner......

"Stackable Stanley"

He is an interactive little fella and you can
use him all by himself or pile him up like I
did for my card!!

I stamped the Stanley's with black Stazon and
colored their bodies with Heavenly H2o's.
The rest of the coloring was done with
Tombows including the background. Before
I painted the background I stuck peel off
snowflake stickers onto the watercolor paper
and painted around them. When it was dry I
took the stickers off which left the white
snowflake outlines. I also added some
frosted lace stickles, little gems and
flat backed pearls.

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #122

2011-11-15T09:45:00.005-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
This weeks challenge is ...

"Snowflakes"

The fabulous image I am using today is...

"Hope for Peace Snowy"

by artist Laurie Furnell

I embossed the image with black and painted
it with Tombows. I used heavenly H20's for
the snowman and dove. I added some
Diamond Dust for the snow. The papers
are from Basic Grey.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
and check out the awesome creations
the Diva's have for you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play
along with us this week and remember you
must use a High Hope image on your
card to qualify for the fabulous prize!!!!

I also want to share a card I created using
a tutorial by "Beate Johns" over at SCS.

"Telescoping Card"

I used the adorable High Hopes
"Snowy Portrait"
and
"Merry Christmas, Eh"
sentiment

This is how it looks folded up

How cute is this when it's open!!!

I embossed the image and sentiment with
black and painted the image with
Tombows. I used my nesties for the
circles. The papers are fromBasic Grey.

This was so much fun to make....here is the
tutorial if you want to give it a try.

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Happy Holidays Pop-up card

2011-11-02T13:31:00.008-04:00

Hello everyone.....

I have been enjoying playing along with
"Penny Black's" weekly challenges and today
I am sharing my card for this weeks challenge.

This weeks challenge is
"Penny Black Faves"

I am using the awesome set
"Candy Cane Wishes"
....which is my favorite!!!

I used 4 of the images from the set for my pop-up card.

This is the front.
This is also my all time favorite pop-up card!!

I have added lots of pic's from different angles
so you can see the dimension.

I embossed the images with black and painted them
with Tombows. I cut out all the images. The fabulous
DP is from First Edition "Festive Wishes" paper pad.

I used small green brads to hold the wreaths.

I used the adorable gingerbread garland
on top of the mantle.

Be sure to click on the pic's to get a better view.

I hope you like it!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #121

2011-11-01T09:17:00.003-04:00

Good morning everyone.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!!

This weeks challenge is

"Anything High Hopes"

If you are wanting to add some fabulous
High Hopes Stamps to your collection
now is the time to get them!!!!

The November special is up over on
the High Hopes Blog and you can get
20% off the Fairytale collection!!!!

For my card this week I am using one of
my all time favorite HH's images
the gorgeous......

"Lg. Lion and Lamb"

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. I cut the circle and oval frames
with my nesties. The DP is from Graphic 45.

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some awesome creations to
share with you!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-10-25T14:31:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone......

It's tutorial week over at the
High Hopes Blog.

This week Andrea is showing us...
"How to Mount and Store your stamps"

Be sure to pop on over and check
her tutorials out!!!!

This week I am sharing the cards I made for
"KARDS FOR KIDS"

Our friend Bela created this card
drive for the children at Hospital for Sick Kids
in Toronto Ontario Canada.
If you would like more info or are
interested in donating cards please check
the link HERE.

This is such a wonderful cause!!
In September she delivered 243 cards..
"Bravo, Bela"!!

Bela accepts cards for all occasions and
my cards are for Halloween!!

I just love these Halloween images
from High Hopes by their
amazing artist...
Laurie Furnell!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Shinhan Touch Twin Marker Challenge

2011-10-20T13:01:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone....

I have a card to share with you today
that I created for the

"Touch Twin Marker Challenge"
"Florals"

They have a fabulous challenge going on
with a fabulous marker giveaway!!!

I don't have any Touch Twin markers yet but
for the time being we are allowed to use any
coloring medium.
So you guessed it....I have used my Tombows.

I have been trying to use some of my older
stamps for projects as they are sitting
on my shelf collecting dust!!!
This is a stamp by Sunshine Designs.

I hope you like it!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by...

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #120

2011-10-18T10:43:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by Lacey
and she is asking us to use.....

"Ribbons, Lace or Twine"

I designed a tag for this challenge and the
adorable images I am using are.....

"Snowy Portrait"
"Cute Mitten Border"
and
"Cold Hands Script"
"To and From"
sentiments

I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows. I cut out the
mitten border and attached it to the flap of
the tag. I also added some stickles.

This is the inside of the tag.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some fabulous creations
to share with you today!!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this week!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tangles.....

2011-10-11T11:26:00.008-04:00

Good morning everyone.....

I have been busy and having loads of fun
lately with an awesome art form....

"ZENTANGLE"

What is that...you ask!

From the "Tangle Patterns "
website here is their explanation.

"Zentangles" are miniature pieces of black and
white art that are not only exquisitely beautiful,
they are fun and relaxing to create."

"The process of creating a Zentangle® is a form of

“artistic meditation”, as you become completely
engrossed in making each pattern, deliberately
focusing on “one stroke at a time”®.
The creativity options and pattern combinations
are boundless."

The Zentangle® art form and method was
created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I started with the small 3 1/2" tiles and
practiced the different patterns. Once I
was confident I created a few pieces that I
want to share with you today.

I drew this butterfly outline and then proceeded
to add the patterns inside. The first one I did I
made a mistake and ruined the background.

So here is the one that turned out ok.

It's hard to see the shading in the pic's
so if you click on them it is easier to see.

Now I didn't want to throw the first one out so I
decided to cut out the butterfly and use it
for another project. This is what I came up with....

I created a base with a tangle pattern
and added some flat backed pearls to it also.
It looks great sitting on a shelf above my desk!

I traced my hand for this next project and
then added tangle patterns to the inside.

I have always been a "doodler" and am really enjoying
this amazing art form. I am learning a lot about
how to curve lines and add the dimension
with the shading.

I am working on a "Tangle Journal" to keep
all my creations in and more projects to
share with you soon.

The Zentangle website is a fabulous place
to start if you are interested in giving it a try.

There are a ton of free patterns and information
so check it out here.....
"Tangle Patterns.com"

Have a great day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #119

2011-10-04T00:30:00.007-04:00

Good Morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"LACEY"
and she has chosen

"Party Favors"

I am doing a Halloween theme for my
projects and for my first one I am using...

"Batty Boo"
&
"Zig Zag Pumpkin Moon Frame "

I started with a mini kraft shopping bag and
distressed the edges with walnut stain ink.
I cut out the front adding a piece of acetate to
the inside. I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows, cut them out and
glued the frame to the front. I cut the bat off the
boo and glued the bat to a clip which holds the
handles together.

For my second project I used the adorable
"Angel Bear Pumpkin Costume"

I embossed the image and painted it with
Tombows. I used fine glitter for his wings.
I cut off his legs and made him some new longer
legs with two 1" x 8" clear bags filled with
Smarties. (M&M's are also a perfect fit.)
I attached the bags to the back of the image.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some amazing
creations to share with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
this weeks challenge and remember you must
use a High Hopes image to join in the challenge!!!

ALSO......
The first week of each month, High Hopes
is having a special sale on certain stamps.
You can check out all the details
on the High Hopes Blog!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Holiday Decor

2011-09-27T08:56:00.014-04:00

Hello everyone....

This week over at the High Hopes Blog
we are showcasing how you can use your
stamps to decorate your house for the holidays!!

I created a table setting for Thanksgiving!!

I decorated a flower pot, made a menu, napkin ring,
flower pick and a treat box. I could have kept
going and going with all the wonderful
High Hopes images but had to draw the line
for the sake of fitting it all into a picture...lol!!

For my centerpiece I chose these beautiful
purple Asters and decorated the flower pot with

"Angel Bear Scarecrow"
"Single potted Daisy"
"Corn Stalk"
and a few extra crows.

The flower pick is
"We're all Ears"
and
"Happy Thanksgiving"
sentiment.

My menu is a gate fold card with the menu
printed onto parchment paper.
I used the beautiful
"Bountiful Harvest" stamp.

For my napkin ring I used
"Chubby Pumpkins" stamp.

I made this treat box using
"Sm. Turkey stamp"

I couldn't resist these chocolate
and caramel pumpkin candies...yummy!!

The pot is a wooden paper covered pot and I just
recovered it with cardstock and layered
the images with foam tape.

Here is a close up of the flower pick using
"We're all Ears" stamp.

I hope I have given you some ideas for
your holiday table setting.

Be sure to pop on over to the High Hopes Blog
as Tanya has created an absolutely gorgeous
"Winter Wonderland" table setting to inspire you!!

Have a great day
and
Thanks for stopping by...

KAREN x

High Hopes Christmas Release

2011-09-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

Good morning everyone.....

It's time for he
High Hopes Christmas Release
and
Blog Hop!!!!!

If you have arrived here from Tanya's Blog
you are going in the right direction.
If not you will want to start over at the
High Hopes Blog.

I am using the gorgeous

"Homespun Hearts Snowy"

for my card today
by artist
Laurie Furnell

Now.... as you hop along be sure to
comment on all the Diva's posts for a
chance to win a fabulous prize!!

Your next stop is Andrea

The new release stamps are now available
for purchase...so check the
High Hopes Blog
for links to a store near you!!

Have a great day!!!

KAREN x

Sneak Peek Day 2

2011-09-21T00:23:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone....

I'm back today with another "Sneak Peek"
from High Hopes Christmas release!!!

For my project I am using

"Gingerbread Girl"

by artist
Dustin Pike.

I found this fabulous large wooden clothespin
at Michaels and thought it would be perfect
for a recipe card holder!!!!

I painted the clothespin with acrylic
paint and added DP onto the front of the pin.
I embossed the image with black and
painted it with Tombows, cut it out and layered it
with foam tape. The frosting is done
with liquid applique. I stamped the sentiment
"Cookies and Cocoa"
onto matte shrink film cut it out
and shrunk it to make the tag. I threaded
some bakers twine through the hole to
attach the tag to the pin.

I hope you are enjoying the sneak peeks!!

Be sure to check out all the Diva's amazing
creations on their blogs and be remember to
pop back tomorrow for our
Blog Hop and Release!!!

The new release stamps will go on sale
at 12:01 EST/5:01 GMT on Thursday night.

Have a great day
and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge and New Release Sneak Peek

2011-09-20T00:42:00.005-04:00

Good morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge and
" Sneak Peek"
of a fabulous new release!!!!

This weeks challenge is
"Home for the Holidays"

For my "New Release sneak peek" I am
using the awesome
"Santa Moon"
by artist
Dustin Pike
and
"Believe"
sentiment.
I also used the small candy cane
and small open holly

I have created an ornament with this
adorable Santa.
He is a perfect fit for the round
nestabilities and the sentiment on the oval
nesties. I embossed the images and sentiment
with black and painted the images with
Tombows. I cut them out and layered them
with foam tape. I used white flocking for his beard
and polar white Flower Soft on his hat. I added a little
white pom pom to his hat and covered it with
diamond stickles. The DP is by Basic Grey.
I use my Uni ball white ink pen for the dots.

Be sure to pop on over to the
High Hopes Blog to see the fabulous
sneak peeks the Diva's have created!!!

I will be back tomorrow with another
sneak peek ....hope you will stop by.....

KAREN x

Papers and Pixels Parchment Card Tutorial

2011-09-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone......

Today I am sharing a card with you that I
created a tutorial for
Papers and Pixels online magazine.

Those of you that subscribe to
Papers and Pixels know what I am talking
about when I say what an amazing magazine it is!!!!
For those of you that don't know about
Papers and Pixels
be sure to go and check it out...
you won't be disappointed!!!

You can also check out their blog here.

You all know how I love parchment craft...
this one was a bit of a challenge with all
the tiny spaces to be cut out without
ripping the parchment paper.

I chose this pattern from Parchment craft Magazine
June 2011 edition and it was designed by
Anneke Oostmeijer.

It is a real challenge taking pictures of parchment
cards because of the white and the light.
I am working on better quality pictures but
for now just click on the picture and you should
get a close up to see more of the detail.

I hope you like it!!

To see my tutorial be sure to go to the
Papers and Pixels magazine.
Click on the link and you can see a sneak peek
of whats inside the magazine this month!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by!!

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #117

2011-09-06T09:42:00.004-04:00

Good Morning everyone.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"Jeanne"
and she has chosen

"BACK TO SCHOOL"

I decided to create some bookmarks
and I have used the adorable images
"School Girl"
and
"School Boy"
from the original High Hopes catalogue
by artist Tony DeMarco

I embossed the images with black and painted
them with Tombows. I used my nesties ovals for
the frames. The white ovals have been embossed
with CB folders. The paper is older and from
Michaels (when they carried fabulous papers!!!)
I created the bookmark so it would flip open...

I used EK Success and MS boarder punches for
the edges. The sentiment is from High Hopes also.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog and
check out the fabulous creations the Diva's have
created this week to inspire you!!!!

We have a nice new look on the High Hopes Blog
and Lacey has added some great tabs for easier
access to the fabulous tutorials, publications,
specials etc!!

There is also a "Monthly Special" for stamps
and this months special is....

"Meljen's designs in rubber"
@ 20% off !!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #116

2011-08-23T11:22:00.005-04:00

Good Morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
Niki
and she has chosen

"Autumn Colors"

The gorgeous image I am using for my
card is
"Aunt Marge's Garden"

I just love images that fill the whole card!!!

I embossed the images with black and painted
it with Tombows. I cut out and layered the
daisies, part of the bow tail, sunflowers,
leaves and shovel handle. I used my MS punch for
the border. I added the white dots to the
border with Ranger white enamel accents.

Here is a close up for you to see
the dimension on my card.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
and check out the fabulous creations
the Diva's have to share with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this week.

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial week

2011-08-17T15:47:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone....

It's tutorial week over at the High Hopes Blog!!

The fabulous ANNA is sharing with us
how to create.....

"FAUX STITCHING"

Now this is one you are not going to want to miss!!!

I have been wanting to ink up this little dragon for a
while now and have finally gotten to it,
this guy just cracks me up...

"Dragon's Finger"

It comes in a 4 piece set with the 2 sentiments,
the hilarious little dragon and a flame...which
I totally forgot to add...darn!!
Oh well... I am sure you get the drift of it...lol!!

It fits perfectly in this tri-fold card.

I used my nesties to cut the ovals and hand cut the
corners adding the dots with my white ink pen. I made the
brad with my i-top tool.

I embossed the dragon with black and painted
it with Tombows. The DP paper is from Magenta.
I also used my white ink pen for the dots around
the scallops.

I hope you like it!!

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog
for this weeks tutorial and there is still time
to play the challenge....

"Anything High Hopes"

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks for stopping by...

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #115

2011-08-09T08:34:00.004-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

Now that my vacation is over I am hoping to get
back to some serious blogging!!!

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
This weeks challenge is brought to you
by me and I say.....

"ANYTHING GOES"
...but you must use a High Hopes image!

For my card I have used
"Hello Posey Button Signage"
by artist
Laurie Furnell

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. I used my nestie ovals for the frame.
The DP is from Basic Grey Kraft pad.

If you notice inserted into the bow I have
made a stick pin. I stamped the image....
"DH Double Daisy" onto shrink film with Stazon
jet black ink. Colored it and shrunk it.
Here are a few more.....

I just love how tiny they get when you heat them.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some awesome creations
to share with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this challenge and don't forget to check
out next weeks fabulous tutorial!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-07-19T01:06:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone.......

It's "Tutorial Week" over at the High Hopes Blog!!!

Kristine is sharing a tutorial on how she creates a
Pop-up card

It is a fabulous tutorial so be sure to
check it out!!

My card this week is a birthday card
using the adorable

"Blowin' Buddy Bear"
"Candle Balloon Birthday"
sentiment
and
"Open balloons"

I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows. I cut out the
balloons and added some bakers twine. I also made
the bow with the twine. I used my oval nesties for
the frame. I also added some glitter around
the edges of the sentiment. The DP is from
My minds eye paper pad.

ALSO......
There is still time to play along with
our challenge....
"Fun in the Sun"

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #113

2011-07-12T09:56:00.007-04:00

Good morning everyone....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!

This weeks challenge is

"Fun in the Sun"

I created a gate fold card with the adorable images...

"Andy and Patch Block"
and
"Summer Sunshine"

I embossed the images with black and painted
them with Tombow markers. I used icicle H20's for the
clouds and highlighted them with a grey Tombow.
The black card is corrugated card stock. I added
some ribbon, a button and some flat backed pearls.

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some awesome cards
to share with you!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us
this week and
REMEMBER
you must use a High Hopes image on
your card to join in the challenge!!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tombow..."Show and Tell"

2011-07-06T11:04:00.009-04:00

Good morning everyone....

I have a little project to share with you and for
"Tombow USA Show and Tell"
that's going on over at
Tombow USA Facebook

Be sure to check it out and maybe you would like to play along!!!

My "Show and Tell" project is an address book
that I covered. Now... I know it's a little busy but
I was hoping for the effect that the image blended
into the fabric...not sure if I have achieved that....lol!!

To start I took out the binding and covered the
front and back of the covers with black swiss dot
card stock using Tombow Power Bond to adhere it.
On the inside of the covers I used Tombow Tape
Runner permanent adhesive to adhere the
ribbons and Tombow Mono Aqua liquid glue
to adhere the finishing pieces of card stock inside.
I then made 2 quilted pieces with this
fabulous Mary Engelbreit fabric and adhered
them to the covers with Tombow Power Bond.

I stamped and embossed the image....
"Country Garden" from High Hopes Stamps
and painted it with Tombow markers.

I used Tombow Mono Aqua liquid glue to
adhere the image to black card stock and cut
around the image leaving a tiny edge of black.I used
Tombow Foam tabs to pop-up the image on
the fabric. I adhered the metal tag to the fabric
with Tombow Power Tabs as well as the bow.
I put the binding back in and added the ribbons.

I hope you like it!!!

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks for stopping by...

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-07-05T15:52:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone....

It's tutorial week over at the High Hopes Blog!!!
This week's tutorial was created by
Jeanne
and she is showing us a great technique...

"Spotlight with a Color Twist"

So pop on over to the High Hopes Blog
and check it out!!

I have been quite busy with some baby cards
and thought I would share them with you today.

All the images are from
High Hopes Stamps

For my first card I have used the sweet
"Maya Monkey"

I stamped the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. I used a CB folder to emboss the
frame which were cut out with my nesties. I used my
MS punch for the border and the bottom of the card.
I used my CB swiss dot folder to emboss behind
the frame. The fabulous DP is from Echo Park
Dots and Stripes paper pack.

For my next card I have used the adorable
"Mikey Monkey"

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. I used my nesties for the frame and
embossed it with a CB folder. I used my EK Success
punch for the side border. The DP is also from
Echo Park Dots and Stripes paper pack.
The sentiment is also from High Hopes....
"Welcome Little One".

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #112

2011-06-28T09:18:00.003-04:00

Good Morning everyone.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
This weeks challenge is brought to us by

Lynne
and she has chosen
"Say Thanks"

My card this week was created out of sheer
laziness...lol!! I had been creating a lot of
Parchment cards and I had my stuff all over my
desk......so rather than put it all away and then
bring it all back out I thought I would make
a card with my High Hopes stamps!!!

The fabulous flowers I have
used on my card are...

"Hoppy Single Flower"
"Daisy Button"
"DH Double Daisy"
and
"Open Thank You"

I started with the card and a piece of parchment
paper, formed the card and embossed it with my
swiss dots CB folder. I stamped the flowers and
sentiment onto copy paper with black ink to
use as a pattern. I traced the patterns with my
Tinta ink and mapping pen. Removed the paper
from the pattern and embossed and pierced
all the flowers with different techniques.
The background of the sentiment was done
with a grid and arrow tool as well as parts of
the flowers. I cut them out with my 2 split tool.
I used my Tombow Power Tabs to adhere the
flowers and sentiment to the card and
added some flat backed pearls. and an
organza bow.
To see the detail of my card...click on it
to enlarge it.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog as the
Diva's have some awesome creations to share
with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along
with us this week and
REMEMBER.....
you must use a High Hopes image on
your card to join in the challenges!!!

Just a note.....
Our friend Bela has a card drive going on
for the children at
The Toronto Hospital for Sick Children
in Toronto Ont. Canada
and she is looking for donations of
"Halloween and Thanksgiving cards"
for September.... but any card donations are
greatly appreciated!!!

You can check it out here...
"Kards for Kids"

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-06-21T21:20:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone.....

This week over at High Hopes Blog it's tutorial week.

I have created the tutorial this week
and I am showing you how I create ....
Slider Cards

It's a very easy concept and you can use it
to create any size cards... even ATC's.

The fabulous High Hopes stamps I have used
for my slider card are...

"Party Cake with Posey Buttons"
"Buddy's Party Info"

"Flower Button Border"

I hope you will pop on over and check out
my tutorial on the High Hopes Blog

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

HIGH HOPES CHALLENGE #111

2011-06-14T01:16:00.007-04:00

Good morning everyone....

I had a nice little break from posting
on my blog last week but I shared a sweet
little card over on the Tombow USA Blog.
So I at least accomplished something...lol!!

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge

This weeks challenge is
Stars or Stripes.... or both!!!

I am using the adorable
Sammy and Patriot
from the original High Hopes catalogue
by artist Tony De Marco
I also used the 3 Star Corner

I embossed the image with black and painted
it with Tombow markers. I couldn't find any
stripes paper so I made my own. I used my
Perfect medium pen drawing a line with a ruler
and I added white embossing powder and
embossed them. I used my Crafts too star
embossing folder for the blue and a CB folder
for the white frame. The frame was cut with
my Nesties. I stamped and embossed the star
corners and painted them with Siam white H20's.
I added frosted lace stickles and white glitter
and cut them out. I added some flat backed
pearls. I wanted the pearls to be bright white
so I painted some regular pearls with Ranger
white enamel.

Be sure to stop by the
High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some fabulous
creations to share with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us
this challenge and don't forget...
You must use a High Hopes image
on your card!!!

This is my card from last week....

I used one of the gorgeous new bears
Sitting Buddy with Balloon
by artist Laurie Furnell
and Happy Bear-day sentiment.

If you would like the instructions check them out here.

Thanks so much for stopping by
and I hope you have a wonderful day....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #110

2011-05-31T10:30:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone......

It's time for the
High Hopes Challenge!!

This weeks challenge is....
Favorite Pet/ Animal

My absolute favorite HH's stamp is

"Frog in Boxers"

This guy always cracks me up!!!
I love the "Irish Blessing" sentiment that
goes with it too...which I have put on
the inside of the card. The flowers are
"Periwinkle Corner"

I embossed the image and sentiments with
black and painted the images with Tombows.
The frame is an embossing folder by Crafts too
on Core' dinations card stock. I sanded the
embossing just a bit. I cut out the center and
added the cloud insert behind the frame.
I used 2 wooden buttons and adhered them to
the frame with my new favorite tabs...
Tombow Power Tabs
These little tabs are amazing for sticking down
embellishments!!
I cut out the frog and kept the clothes line intact
and glued the bakers twine onto the clothes line.
The bakers twine is from the Twinery.
The DP is from Basic Grey.
I embossed the sentiment onto acetate.

Be sure to stop by the
High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some fabulous creations
to share with you today!!

I hope you will have time to play along
with us this challenge and
REMEMBER...
you must use High Hopes stamps
to join in our challenges!!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tombow Guest DT

2011-05-27T11:50:00.010-04:00

Hello everyone....

Today is my last project as a Guest Design for

TOMBOW USA

I had so much fun...
totally enjoyed my time there!!!

Tire Swinging Dragon

I have always had a fascination with moving cards
creating them whenever I can.
Whether it slides, jiggles, swings, teeters or spins the
reaction from the recipient is the best part of it all!!

The fabulous images are from

High Hopes Stamps

Tire Swing Dragon R-151
Never Tire E-255
Branch M-042

Cut green card stock 6”x 8 ½” and score at 4 ¼”
to form the card. Emboss the whole card with the
CB floral screen embossing folder. Using the large oval
nestability I cut a hole in the center of the card
approx. ¾” from the bottom in the card front.
I cut a large oval from the purple card stock and
before removing it from the die I traced around
the die with a pencil and hand cut the thin frame.
Cut a piece of purple card stock 2 1/8” x 4 1/8”.
Lay it on the card where it is to be placed and
from the inside draw the part oval
and hand cut this piece out.

Clouds

to create the clouds......

I used 2 pieces of plain white card stock cut at

4” x 6” and 3 x 4 ½” I cut out a large scallop
oval nestability for my cloud template. With a sponge
dauber and faded jeans distress ink I lightly
sponged around the scallops moving the template
to different angles to form the clouds. I went back
in with the template just slightly off the blue
and sponge some dusty concord distress
ink to create a shadow.

I trimmed the smaller finished cloud piece down
to 2” x 4” and adhered it to the preciously cut
purple piece of cardstock with Tombow Mono
aqua liquid glue. I trimmed it to the oval of the
purple piece. Using Tombow foam tabs I adhered
it to the top of the card leaving even spacing on
top and sides above the oval.

With the 4’ x 6” finished cloud piece I moved it
around the oval from the inside of the card to get
the best look, marked the edges and trimmed it
to fit inside the front of the card. I adhered it with
Tombow mono aqua liquid glue. I adhered the
thin purple oval frame to the oval cut out on the
front of the card with a very thin line of Tombow
mono aqua liquid glue from the fine tip.

I stamped and embossed the images with black
EP and painted them with Tombow markers,
paintbrush and water and cut them out. I cut
a length of bakers twine approx. 7” long. Starting at
the tire I adhered the twine to the rope on the
image with a very fine line of the liquid glue making
sure I have enough twine to wrap around the tire
and back behind the dragon and enough to wrap
around the branch at the top also. Glue the twine all
the way up the rope on the image. Wrap
the top of the twine around the branch
judging the dragon in the center of the oval and
tie around the branch. I used the Tombow small
foam tabs for the back of the branch and when
I had the right positioning of the dragon I adhered
the branch to the clouds. Fold the twine around
the tire and adhere it to the back
of the dragon with tape.

The dragon will now swing from the branch!!!!

I have added the color chart for the
dragon and here is a list of the Tombow
markers I used.

Tombow markers

N65-N75-N25 ….Tire
942-947-977….Branch
076-098….Leaves and dragon body
942-933-946….Body and face
623-636 Purple

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tombow Guest DT

2011-05-26T13:35:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone.....

Today for my GDT over at

TOMBOW USA

I created a Parchment Butterfly card

Parchment craft….also known as Pergamano
is the art of embellishing parchment paper
through the techniques such as embossing,
perforating, stippling, cutting and coloring.

To start I took a piece of parchment paper and
placed it onto a pattern. I used painters tape to
tape it to the pattern. With a mapping pen and
Tinta ink I traced the pattern onto the parchment
paper. I used sections of two different patterns and
some of my own patterns for this card. Once the
pattern is complete I placed the paper with the
good side face up onto a piercing grid. With the
arrow tool I pieced the holes in the center of
the card. I removed the paper from the grid
and with the good side face down I placed it
onto an embossing pad and with my embossing
tools I embossed sections of the pattern.

When you emboss the parchment paper it is
actually stretching the parchment and it turns
the paper white. You can now see the sections
that have been embossed. To cut the sections
out of the parchment paper around the outside
edges of the card I perforated all the sections
I wanted to remove with a 2 split tool and
removed the excess parchment paper.
This is a very delicate process as now that
the parchment is embossed it becomes very fragile.

I traced the butterfly twice on plain parchment
and once on blue parchment. The front butterfly
is the only layer of the 3 that has the detail
and is embossed and cut out.

The card itself is made with blue parchment
paper. I traced the outside of the card
with the Tinta ink and then perforated
the edge with the 2 split tool to remove the
excess parchment paper.

To put the card together I used Tombow Power
tabs. I cut 2 tabs into quarters and placed
one quarter of a tab behind the embossed
section of each design and centered it onto
the blue parchment card. I adhered all 3 layers
of the butterfly using Tombow mono aqua
liquid glue along the body sections.
The butterfly is adhered to the card with
Tombow power tabs. The flat back pearls
are glued with Tombow mono aqua liquid glue
and the bow is attached to the card
with the power tabs.

Before I was introduced to Tombow adhesive
products I had to adhere my parchment cards with
silicone from a tube. It took a while for the silicone
to set up and using regular glue would crinkle the
parchment. I was totally amazed when I used
the liquid glue and the power tabs on my project.
Now my cards go together so quickly with
no gooey mess....I love it!!!

The tools I used.

Have a great day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Tombow Guest DT

2011-05-25T10:43:00.011-04:00

Good morning everyone....

For my second project for

TOMBOW USA
I have created an
Easel Card Note Card
and Tag Set

The easel card is one of may favorite folds
It is so versatile....I have used it for cards,
photo album cards and gift box card combos

The box measures 4.75" x 4.75". I have changed
the dimensions from a box by Holly McMillen @SCS

To start I made the box. I wanted it to be strong
so I made it from cream CS and then covered
it with DP. The easel card base is 4.5" x 8".
On the long side score at 2" and 4". The card back
is 4.5" x 4.5". I adhered the card back to the card
base on the 2" fold with Tombow Permanent
adhesive stamp runner. All the DP is adhered with
Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid glue using the brush end.
The tag holder measures 3 3/8" x 2 7/8".
I used my Inkssentials white gel pen to add the dots.
I adhered the tag holder box to the card
with Tombow Mono Adhesive Power Bond
tape runner.

I cut 2 slits into the finished oval pen holder
(which is also the stopper to hole the easel up)
adding a decorated 1/2" strip of cardstock
through the holes and folding the ends onto the
backside of the oval. I put the pen into the strip and
pulled the ends so that it was a perfect fit for the pen.
I then adhered it with Tombow Power Bond tape
runner adding a Tombow foam tab over these
ends for extra security. The scallop oval pen
holder, butterfly and flower are adhered with
Tombow foam tabs. I used Tombow Mono
adhesive liquid glue to adhere the easel card
to the box.

All the fabulous images are from

High Hopes Stamps

Ruffle Posey Button H-250
Daisy Button H-248
DH Double Daisy- J108
Round Posey Button- H249
Valentine Butterfly front- G296
Valentine Butterfly side-G297
Paisley Butterfly- H242

Note cards:

The note cards are 4.25" x 4.25".
I used a CB folder to emboss each card and the
first layer of the Nesties oval frame
The layers and flowers are adhered with Tombow
Foam Tabs and the bows are adhered with
Tombow Power tabs.

Tags:
The tags measure 4.75" x 2.5"
I used Tombow Mono adhesive power
bond tape runner to adhere the ribbon to the tag
front center and the adhered the finished ovals
over the ribbon onto the front of the tag
with Tombow Foam Tabs.

The great thing about the easel card is
that it folds flat. The pen stops it from folding
perfectly flat but makes it easy to wrap
or store.

*Just a note to tell you about the adorable pen.
It is really a full size pen but the burgandy part
slides up the silver part of the pen so you can
shorten it...telescopic. Perfect for a project like this.
I found it at our local Staple Business depot
here in Canada!!

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Tombow Guest DT

2011-05-24T22:49:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone.....

I am doing a GDT spot this week with my
all time favorite marker company....

TOMBOW USA

You all know how I love Tombow markers!
I have been using their adhesives too
and let me tell you...
I am totally impressed!!!

The first project I have created is a
wooden frame...

All the images I have used are from
High Hopes stamps

Sailor Andy T-120
Summer Sail Boat H-252
Anchor F-144
Summer sunshine H-251

I painted the wooden frame with white acrylic paint.
The first smaller frame is made with adhesive
backed cork. I punched the pieces of cork with
my EK Success border punch and cut 45 degree
angles for the corners. I used Tombow Mono Aqua
liquid glue to adhere the cord to the frame.
I laid out the cord to the design I wanted and
small strips of painters tape to hold it in place.
I lifted small sections (about 2" at a time)
of the cord placing glue underneath from the
fine tip end. I added the tape pieces back after
it was glued which I found out was unnecessary
because the glue held the cord in place perfectly!!
I cut another smaller frame from
thin cardboard, rounded the corners and
covered it with blue fabric CS suing Tombow
Permanent adhesive stamp runner. To adhere
this frame I used Tombow Mno adhesive
Power bond tape runner. The buttons were
attached with Tombow Power Tabs. I cut 1
square into quarters and used 1 quarter
for each button. Since I have been using
these power tabs I have retired my
glue gun!!!
All the images have been colored with
Tombow markers a paint brush and
water. The images are adhered to the frame
with Tombow foam tabs. The flat backed pearls
were adhered with Tombow Mono Aqua
liquid glue.

It's tutorial week over at the
High Hopes Blog
so be sure to check
out Kristine's fabulous

Zig Zag Card Tutorial!!!

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #109

2011-05-17T09:12:00.010-04:00

HELLO EVERYONE.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
This weeks challenge is
...3D...
Alter or create a 3D Box or Bag

My first project is an altered tea box using the
adorable "Teddy for Tea" image
and " Me N' You" sentiment

I covered a box of Lipton tea with DP
I embossed the image with black and
painted it with Tombows. I used my Nesties
ovals for the frames. I made the rose for the
top of the box with my small pear punch for
the petals and my MS frond punch for the leaves
and MS fern punch.

***********************

My next 3D project is a tea bag holder.
I am using an older High Hopes image
from their original catalogue...

"Aunt Shirley's Tea"
and
"Tea Tag"

To create the card tea bag holder I used
the directions by Beate Johns @ SCS

I added an extra folder inside for mine as
well as making the card larger.
I embossed the images with black
and painted the cup and tag with
Heavenly...H2o's. The flowers and
leaves are painted with Tombows and I used
a Gelly Roll Metallic pen for the gold trim.
The border is done with a MS punch and
I added some flat backed pearls.

The tea bag in the cup is a Lipton individual
tea bag in a net bag and
the bags inside the holders are individually
wrapped in packages.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have created some
amazing 3D projects to share with you!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with
us this challenge and
Remember.....
You must use a High Hopes image to
play along!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-05-10T09:03:00.005-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's Tutorial Week over at the
High Hopes Blog

This week our lovely Lacey is
showing you a fabulous tutorial on
how she makes her....

"MINI TREAT BAG"

It's a great little bag....I can think
of so many uses for it!!!

Be sure to stop by the
High Hopes Blog and check
it out!!!

It's been a while since I made a
stair step card and with all the
awesome new stamps I thought it
was time to whip up another one.

I decided to go with the
"ROBOTS"
Such a fun collection of techno guys...
by artist
"Laurie Furnell"

The stamps I used are...
Robo Dog
Gears Border
Robot w/ Balloon
Jumping Party Robot
Robot w/ Cupcake
and the sentiments
Gears to You
Transmitting Birthday Wishes

I embossed the images with black
and painted them with Tombows.
I cut them all out and layered them.
I used some fine metal mesh and
stapled it to the card.
I used a CB embossing folder for
the black backgrounds and sponged
the embossing with Versa grey ink.
I also added some stickles.

The High Hopes Challenge will run until
next Monday...so you still have
time to enter.

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #108

2011-05-03T09:24:00.005-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE......

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!!

This weeks challenge is brought to you by ME!!

"ANYTHING GOES"

The fabulous image I am using is
"Firefighter Dragon"
and
"Go Ahead"
sentiment by artist Dustin Pike
I created the background
with HH's brick stamp and
used the flame stamp for embellishments

I embossed the image with black and
painted them with Tombows. I stamped
the bricks with Perfect Medium and embossed
them with white. I used Pumice stone
Distress Ink to color them.
I cut the frames out with my nesties.
I colored and cut out the extra flames
I added some netting and
flatbacked pearls

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some awesome
creations to share with you today!!!

I hope you will have time to play along
with us this challenge and
REMEMBER...
you must us a High Hopes image
to qualify for the prize!!!

Have a fantastic day
and Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-04-26T16:48:00.005-04:00

HELLO EVERYONE....

Well I am just a bit late with my post today
but I am still recouping from the worst
spring cold ever and on top of that a sprained foot!!
I can't tell you how glad I am that last week
is behind me!!

Today over at the High Hopes Blog
Andrea
is sharing a fabulous tutorial....

"Candy Bar Slider card"

This is a great candy bar wrapper...pull
the ribbon and out it pops!!!

Be sure to get on over to the
High Hopes Blog and check it out!!

I created a card this week with one of
the new release stamps...

"Teddy Bear Sampler"
by artist
Laurie Furnell
and
"Beary Special To Me"
sentiment

I embossed the image with black
and painted it with Tombow markers.
I cut out all the bees and a few flowers
and layered them. I embossed the whole
with a CB embossing folder.
This is the inside...

I hope you like it.

Don't forget to check out all the wonderful
tutorials the Diva's have created
for you over at the High Hopes Blog!!!

There is still time to play along with the
High Hopes Challenge too!!

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN X

High Hopes Challenge #107

2011-04-19T00:20:00.008-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
Kristine
and she has chosen

"Bunnies, Bears and Balloons"

The adorable image I am using today is

"Buddy's Birthday Heart Collage"
by artist
Laurie Furnell

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombow markers. The sentiment was
embossed with white. I cut the hearts by hand
and used my fancy scissors for the white edges.
I cut out extra blue flowers and layered them.
The sprinkles on the cupcake are tiny gems.

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog as the
Divas have some fabulous creations
to inspire you!!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us
this week and remember...
You must use a High Hopes image to
join in the challenge!!!

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

HIGH HOPES TUTORIAL WEEK

2011-04-12T11:28:00.004-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's TUTORIAL WEEK over at the
High Hopes Blog

Our lovely Diva
DEBBY
has a fabulous tutorial showing us
how to
"3D Images"

For those of you that are not familiar with
Debby's amazing work you are really
missing something!!
So pop on over to the High Hopes Blog
and check out how Debby creates
her beautiful 3D images!!!

I created this card using
"Easter Sampler"
by artist
Laurie Furnell

I embossed the image with black and
painted it with Tombows.
I embossed the purple cs with a CB folder.
The borders were cut with my EK Success
punch and the flowers were cut with my
EK Success retro flower punch. I also added
some flat backed pearls.

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

HIGH HOPES "NEW RELEASE and BLOG HOP

2011-04-07T00:10:00.001-04:00

It's time for High Hopes

"New Release and Blog Hop!!!

If you have arrived here from Kristine's Blog
you are going in the right direction.
If not you may want to start at the
High Hopes Blog

The fabulous images I using today are the
frames for "Seed Packets"
These little packets hold loads of candy!!!
There are different labels to add to the
banners too...
I am using "Friendship Seeds"
and "Easter Egg Seeds"
by artist
Laurie Furnell

"The template for the seed packets will be
available as a free download
on the HH website soon"

They are just so adorable and I had a
great time coloring them up to
match the candy!!

Now get hopping.....your next stop is
JEANNE

Be sure to comment on all the
Diva's blogs as there are some great
prizes along the way!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Sneak Peeks Day 2

2011-04-06T01:02:00.006-04:00

Hello again....

I'm back again with another
Sneak Peek of High Hopes New Release!!!

Today's sneak peeks are all about
Dustin's Dragons!!!

I couldn't resist this adorable
Dragon in the tub and Rub A dub dub
sentiment

I embossed the image with black and
painted it with Tombows. I stamped the
bubbles on the card with Perfect Medium and
embossed with clear EP. The frame was cut
with my nesties and the rosette is made
with my EK Success scallop border punch, scored
and then folded into the rosette. I added lots of
Stickles to the bubbles. The DP is from
Basic Grey.

I'm sure you can't wait to see more sneak
peeks of Dustin Pike's amazing dragons....
so check out these Diva's Blogs today to see
their fabulous creations!!!

Cathy

I hope you will come back again tomorrow
and join us for our
"NEW RELEASE BLOG HOP"
as there will be some fun prizes along the way!!!

Have a Fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stooping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge and Sneak Peeks day 1

2011-04-05T01:00:00.008-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
and
DAY 1 of High Hopes New Release
Sneak Peeks!!!!

This weeks challenge is

"FOR THE BOYS"

I am using this adorable "Robot in Rocket"
for my sneak peek.....by artist
Laurie Furnell

This great little robot and sentiments work
well with the "Garbage Bag Slider Card"

I embossed the image with black and
painted it with Tombows. I used my nesties
for the oval frames and my tiny pinking
scissors for the white frame. I embossed the
frame with a Crafts Too star folder.

So be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog
to see the awesome creations the Diva's
have come up with using the fantastic new

images by HH's amazingly talented artists....

Dustin Pike
and
Laurie Furnell

I hope you will drop by again tomorrow
to see Day 2 of the Sneak Peeks!!

Have a fabulous day
and Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

2011-03-29T13:20:00.007-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

This week over at the High Hopes Blog
our fabulous Diva....
SIRPALIINA
has created and amazing
tutorial on how she colors with

"Distress Ink"

For those of you who know Sirpa ...
I'm sure you will agree is a brilliant colorist
no matter what medium she is using!!!

Be sure to pop on over to the
High Hopes Blog and check her tutorial out!!

I created a card this week for the SPRINGSC11
over at Splitcoast Stampers.

I am using these fabulous images
by artist
Laurie Furnell

Spring Birdhouse Garden
and
Bunny by Birdhouse

I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows.
I used Heavenly H20's on the bunnies.
I used my oval nesties to cut the hole and a
CB folder for the kraft background.
I used my EK Success scallop border punch
for the green side borders.
I cut out some extra flowers and added some
flatbacked pearls.

Here is the inside

I hope you like it!!!

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge

2011-03-22T00:36:00.006-04:00

HELLO EVERYONE....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
Alie
and she is asking us to use some
FABRIC
on our cards....not ribbon!!!

The fabulous images I have used on my card are...

Get Well Sign
and
Paisley Butterfly
by artist
Laurie Furnell

I created another one of my quilt cards
for this challenge which is fabric... but I
I hope it's OK that I added ribbon too....oops!!

I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows.
I used my nesties for the circle frames and
bubble CB folder .
I used my Inkssentials white pen for the
doodles. The bottom edge was done with
my EK Success scallop punch.

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog
as the Diva's have some awesome cards
to share with you this week!!

I hope you will have time to play along
with us this week and
REMEMBER...
you must use a High Hopes image
on your card!!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-03-15T00:28:00.010-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's tutorial week over at the High Hopes Blog

This week our fabulous Diva Alex is sharing
with us how she does....

"MASKING"

Now this is one tutorial you are not going to want
to miss.....as this Diva has created some
amazing projects and cards with her masking!!!

Be sure to pop on over to the High Hopes Blog
and check it out!!!

I have created a wallet card birth announcement
this week with the adorable
"Mikey Monkey"
"Sweet Baby Rattle"
"Welcome Little One"
and
"Birth Announcement"
stamps

I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows.
I used the baby CB folder for the front
of the card and my nesties for the ovals.
I used my Inkssentials white ink pen
for the doodles.

Before I go...I received this blog award last
week from Karen and I promised I would do it!!!

Now I must tell you all 7 things about myself....
so here goes....

1...I always keep a promise

2...I am terrified to fly
3...I love animals
4...I'm not fond of cooking
5...I love all things crafty
6...I absolutely LOVE color
7...I am actually a very shy person

Now I am supposed to pick 15 people
to give this award to,
BUT I know lots of people who won't do it...
So I would love it if anyone who would like
to do it would accept this award from me and
tell us a bit about yourselves too!!

Well this has been an overly long post...
I hope I have kept you with me...

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN X

High Hopes Challenge #104

2011-03-08T01:05:00.006-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"ANNA"
and she has chosen

"GO GREEN"
You can use the
color green...a St. Patrick's Day theme...
or Reuse/Recycle something!!

For my card this week I am using the
beautiful "Lady Bug Border"
"Framed Spring Fever"
and
"Open Thinking of You"
by artist
Laurie Furnell

I embossed the images with black and
painted them with Tombows.
I cut them out and layered the Spring Fever
onto the edge of the top flap.
I cut out an extra flower for the closure button.

Not sure if this fold has a name...
but when you undo the ribbon... the front
flap flops down to reveal the inside.
The DP is from Basic Grey.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog as the
Diva's have some fabulous creations to share with you.

I hope you will have time to play along with us
this challenge.
**Remember you MUST use a High Hopes
image on your card to join in the challenge!!!**

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Tutorial week

2011-03-01T00:57:00.008-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

It's "tutorial week" over at the
High Hopes Blog!!

This weeks tutorial is brought to you by ME!!

I am showing you how I make my
"Paper Tole Flowers"

* Paper tole....also known as three-dimensional decoupage
is the art of handcrafting three-dimensional pictures from
flat prints. Paper tole art is created by cutting, shaping,
and assembling pieces of paper layered onto an image
until a three-dimensional version of the image emerges.

High Hopes has some gorgeous flower stamps
just perfect for paper tole....designed by
artist Laurie Furnell

I covered a wooden box I had with DP paper and
made 4 note cards and envelopes to fit inside.

The flower stamps I used are....

DH Posey
DH Double Daisy
Larry's Lovely Poppy
Hoppy Single Flower

There is one flower in this set that isn't
paper toled...still a beautiful flower...
just without the 3D effect!!
Can you pick out which one it is?

I embossed all the note cards with a CB
embossing folder. The frames were
cut with my nesties. I embossed the flowers
with black and painted them with Tombows.
The sentiments are Peel off's and I
colored them with my Identa pens.
The DP is from Basic Grey.

Be sure to pop on over to the
High Hopes Blog and check out my tutorial!!

Have a great day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Colour Create Challenge

2011-02-24T14:40:00.012-05:00

Hello everyone.....

This weeks Colour Create Challenge is being
sponsored by High Hopes Rubber Stamps
and Sharon has invited the High Hopes
Divas to play along as guests.
Well.... I couldn't pass up the chance to
join the CCC DT once again!!!

Sharon T has chosen the theme for
this weeks challenge....

" 3 FRUITS"

Fruits to choose from:
Melon, Apple, Banana, Kiwi, Cherry, Orange, Strawberry,
Pineapple, Papaya, Coconut,

I am using Coconut, Kiwi and Banana on my card.

The adorable images I am using are.....
Myron Monkeys Heart
by artist Dustin Pike
Single Banana
Go Bananas sentiment
and grass

I embossed the images with black and painted
them with Tombows. I stamped coloured and
cut out the extra bananas. I stamped the
background with Perfect medium and the
single banana stamp. I also added some stickles.

Be sure to check out the Colour Create Blog
and check out the awesome creations the
DT have to share with you!!!

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by......

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #103

2011-02-22T09:28:00.006-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE...

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
DEBBY
and she has chosen
"FEMALE BIRTHDAY"

For my card I am using these gorgeous flowers
designed by artist Laurie Furnell

DH Bloomin' Flower Border
Bloomin Daisy Corner
DH Bloomin' Corner

I am using a different technique this week for my
watercoloring....Tombows and the blender pen!!
When using the blender pen you are able to
use ordinary white cardstock and you don't
need to emboss the images!!

I stamped all the images with Stazon jet black
ink. Tombows are a dual tip marker and instead of
using the brush tip...this time I used the journaling
tip. I traced around the inside of each image.
Using the blender pen I went back into each
petal and leaf and picked up the ink from
the inside edges.... to just have light shaded
color. The bloomin' border that I have used
on the envelope was a perfect fit for the flap...
so using the same technique I decorated the
envelope. When coloring on a thin paper such
as the envelope be sure to put a piece of
cardstock inside the envelope in case the
ink bleeds through.
This is a great technique for a quick and
easy watercoloring effect.
I hope you like it!!

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
and check out the fabulous cards
the Diva's have to created to inspire you!!

Have a wonderful day
and Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

High Hopes..."Dragon Bling"

2011-02-15T10:04:00.007-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

It's tutorial week over at the High Hopes Blog

Our Diva Tanya has made a fabulous tutorial showing
us how to create an Easter basket....
It is absolutely adorable!!!!

I have been playing around lately with a lot of different
products and my most recent venture is with
"Shrink Film"

I created this bracelet... "Dragon Bling" with some of
Dustin Pike's awesome dragons and accessory stamps.

It was really tough to get a good pic because of the
glare of the shrink film so if you want a better look
....click on the pic to enlarge it.

My shrink film was clear and smooth on both sides so
I had to sand one side (with fine sandpaper) .
After I sanded it I stamped the images with Stazon jet
black ink. I colored all the images with pencilcrayons.
I cut out each image and punched a 1/8" hole at the
top of each one also for the ring. I used my embossing
heat gun to shrink the images. After they were cool
I glazed the rough sanded side with glossy accents.

I hope you like it...it was a lot of fun to make!!

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog
and check out Tanya's Easter basket tutorial !!

Have a Fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #102

2011-02-08T09:41:00.007-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
I hope you have been enjoying the fun tutorials
over at the High Hopes Blog every other week!!

If you missed
Jeanette's " Copic Coloring Tutorial"
you might want to check it out here.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"Kristine"
and she is asking us to create a
"Valentine/ Love" card

I just couldn't resist making this set of adorable
Valentines.....

and a little back pack to put them in.

All the images are colored with Tombows.
The card bases are cut with different shaped nesties.
I also added lots of stickles...which are really hard to
see in the pictures.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog as
the Diva's have some awesome creations
to share with you!!

Have a Wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

My "Watercoloring with Markers Guide"
and Tombow markers are available at
"The Rubber Room online store"

Be sure to check out my
Tombow Marker Video Tutorials

High Hopes Tutorial Week

2011-02-01T20:35:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone....

This week over at High Hopes Challenge Blog is

"Tutorial Week"

For those of you who don't already know the
High Hopes Challenge is now bi-weekly and on
the off week one of the Diva's will be sharing a
tutorial with you.

This weeks tutorial is by
"Jeanette"
and she is showing you how she colors
an image with Copic markers.
This is one you are not going to want to miss!!
So pop on over to the High Hopes Blog and
check it out!!

I am sharing a card with you today
with the most adorable clown
"Silly Billy"
from the original High Hopes cataloge by
artist Tony De Marco

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. The frame is cut with my nesties
and embossed with a CB folder. The borders are
punched with my MS loop corner and
border punches.

I hope you like it!!!

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Wags N' Whiskers Challenge

2011-01-29T00:14:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge
This weeks challenge is brought to us by Mariska
and she has chosen

"All White"

Your card must be white but you can
have color in the image!

I just love all white cards!!
The gorgeous image I have used is
"Say a Prayer"

I embossed the image with black and I painted her
dress with icicle H2o's and the rest is
painted with Tombows.
I used a CB folder for the embossing and a MS corner
and border punch for the squares.
I also added some large flat backed pearls.

Be sure to check out the Wags N' Whiskers Blog
as the Diva's have some gorgeous
creations to share with you.

Have a fabulous day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

High Hopes Challenge #101

2011-01-25T00:41:00.006-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"ANDREA"
and she has chosen
"Glitter or Sparkle"

The adorable image I am using for my card is
"Leapin' Larry"
and
Leapin' Lilypads
sentiment

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. I stamped, embossed painted and
cut out 4 extra flowers and leaves. The oval frames was
made with my nesties. I stamped and embossed the
sentiment onto acetate. The DP is from a
DCWV paper pack.
I coiled some fine wire and made a spring, hot gluing
it to the back of the frog....which makes him jiggle when
you hold the card. More like a dancing frog than a
leaping one, but fun none the less...lol!!

I made a quick video snippet of Larry Leapin' .....
thought you might get a chuckle out of it!!
And yes....I know, I have way too much time
on my hands....lol!!

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog and
check out the fabulous glittery and sparkly
creations the Diva's have to share with you.

I hope you will have time to play along with us
and remember that the challenge will run for 2 weeks
and on the off week we will be sharing tutorials created by
the Diva's on all different types of techniques.

Our lovely Lacey has a card drive going on to for a very

special little boy who is recovering in hospital.

Please check out her post here....

PRAY FOR LUKE...Card Drive

Have a wonderful day
and Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

My Watercoloring Tutorials

2011-01-19T11:15:00.010-05:00

HELLO EVERYONE.....

I have created a couple of video tutorials to go along with my
"Watercoloring Techniques with Markers Guide"
I thought it would help those of you who already have
my watercoloring guide for you to actually see my techniques

in action and maybe inspire some of you to take the plunge

into watercoloring with Tombow markers.

Now these are my first talkies and I am just getting
used to how this technology works, so go
easy on me...eh...lol!!

The first tutorial is how to do the background.

I created a card using the moon in my tutorial.

I really love this paper, thought it would be great for

"outer space"but it was a challenge using it. I think it

is the wackiest card I have ever created........lol!!

The second tutorial I show you my techniques for coloring in the image.

I hope you enjoy my tutorials and if you have any questions
be sure to email me at... 1wackywoman@gmail.com
You can also see these videos on You Tube

My watercoloring guide and Tombow markers are available
at.... www.rubberroom.ca

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

Wags N' Whiskers Challenge

2011-01-14T09:24:00.004-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge.
This weeks challenge is
"With Love"

The beautiful Pin Up I am using for my card is
"AUGUST"

I embossed the image with black and painted
it with Tombows. I used my scallop oval nesties for
the sentiment. I used an Ek Success for the card edges.
The DP is from Paper Adventurers.

Be sure to check out the Wags N' Whiskers Blog
to see the gorgeous creations the Diva's have
to share with you this week.

I hope you will have time to play along with us
this week and remember the Wags N Whiskers
challenges are now open and you may
use any image to join in.

Have a great day
and
Thanks for stopping by.......

KAREN x

High Hopes 100th Challenge Blog Hop

2011-01-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

It's time for High Hopes' 100th Challenge!!

To celebrate, we are having a Blog Hop
complete with lots of prizes!

The challenge this week is "Anything Goes"

You should have arrived from Jeanne's Blog
If you haven't... you will want to start back at the
High Hopes Blog so you don't miss any stops along the way.

For my 100th Celebration Card I am using
"Miss Marissa"
She is an oldie but a goodie from the original
High Hopes catalogue by artist Tony De Marco

She fits perfectly on my side step card!!

I also am using
"Flop Eared Rabbit,
Cute Posey
and
"Somebunny Loves You"
sentiment

As you hop from stop to stop, make sure to leave
comments because there is candy along the way.

The 1st prize is $100 worth of High Hopes Stamps!!
The 2nd prize is $50 worth of High Hopes stamps!!
And the 3rd and 4th prizes will each receive
$25 worth of High Hopes stamps!!

The winners may choose unmounted stamps or
cling mounted stamps only.

In order to have a chance to win, you must leave a
comment on each blog along the hop!!

The hop will remain open 12:00pm (noon)
EST Monday, Jan 17th
And the winner will be announced next Tuesday.

You may also notice that we have a few special guests
joining us for this challenge!! A few of our Original Divas
have returned for this special event.
Be sure to give them a big "Hello"

From here you will hop to one
of our fabulous original Diva's
Katharina Frei

I hope you enjoy the hop....

KAREN x

Wags N' Whiskers Release and Blog Hop

2011-01-10T00:04:00.006-05:00

Good morning everyone....

I'm glad you could join us for the Wags N' Whiskers
Release and Blog Hop!!!

If you have arrived here from Sharon's blog you
are going in the right direction. If not you can start
over at the Wags N' Whiskers Blog.

The gorgeous Pin Up I am using today is
"Magali"

I have created a desk calendar...

Now as you are hopping around be sure to comment
on all the Diva's blogs as there will be 3 prizes
of 2 stamps at random Diva's blogs.

Now your next stop is Nikki....

Have a great day
and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

High Hopes 100th Challenge

2011-01-09T23:44:00.002-05:00

We are so excited that our next challenge - coming up on Tuesday - is our

100th Challenge!!!

To celebrate, we are having a blog hop complete with
mega prizes AND awesome Guest Divas.
For those of you who have been fans of High Hopes for a
long time, you will be thrilled to see who our Guests are!!

The blog hop will begin
early Tuesday starting at
12:01am EST/5:01am GMT.

There will be prizes for those who complete the blog hop and
participate with our challenge.

Feel free to grab the banner to post on your blog to help
spread the word.

Wags N' Whiskers Sneak Peek Day 2

2011-01-08T00:36:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Day 2 of the Wags N' Whiskers

Sneak Peeks.

I just love these new release images.....
just perfect for men's cards.

The beautiful image I am using
for my card today is
"Sophia"

I just couldn't resist using this paper
when I saw her spotty dress!!

I embossed the image with black and painted it
with Tombows. I used my scalloped nesties for the
frame. The border is done with my MS doily lace
punch. The DP is from Darcie's.

We will be having sneak peeks all weekend
with the BLOG HOP and RELEASE on Monday
January 10th.

Be sure to check out the Wags N' Whiskers Blog to see which
Diva's have sneak peeks to share with you today.

Have a great day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN X

Wags N' Whiskers Challenge and New Release Sneak Peek

2011-01-07T00:07:00.004-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

We had a wonderful Christmas break and are now back with
the first Wags N' Whiskers Challenge of 2011 and a sneak peek of
their new release.

I just love these new images....
"Pin Up's"

The challenge this week is
"Valentines"

The gorgeous pin up girl I am using on my card is
"MARILYN"

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
I used my Tonic corner rounder for the corners.
The fabulous paper is from Graphic 45.

Be sure to stop by these Diva's blogs to see the
beautiful creations they have to share with you.

Angelique, Jeanette, Debbie, Mariska,
Carolina,Sharon, Tracy, Chris
Vicky, Lacey, and Nikki

Pop by the Wags N' Whiskers Blog and
check out how you can win some of these gorgeous
new release stamps!!!

I hope you will come back tomorrow to see
more sneak peeks....

Have a great day
and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

My Watercolouring with Tombows Guide

2011-01-03T18:03:00.008-05:00

HELLO EVERYONE...

As some of you know I have been teaching watercolor classes for

the last 5 years. Over these years I have had so many requests
to create a watercoloring guide and video tutorial from
people who want to learn my techniques and from my
students who want a guide to help them remember all the
tips and techniques that they learned in my classes.

I have been working on and perfecting just such a guide over

the last few months and am so excited to tell you....

it is finally complete!!

I have now published my very first watercoloring guide.....

I am so pleased with the finished product.

It is fully illustrated with colored images, techniques and

tips. It is super easy to read and understand
from start to finish.

I have always used Tombow markers to watercolor my images.

Tombow has 96 markers in the line but I have colored the

images in my guide using some of my favorites.

My favorite markers list consists of just 34 markers.

I have added all 96 markers to my collection so I could

experiment with other different color combos but always

seem to wind up using just my favorites.

Here is a sneak peek of whats inside......

I have also created my very first video snippet showing my technique.
I chose not to talk on this first one,
it was really strange listening to my own voice....lol!

It is also available on You Tube.

To order your copy of my "Watercoloring Guide"

e-mail me here ....1wackywoman@gmail.com

You can purchase the Watercoloring Guide for $13.95

I hope you are as excited about my Watercoloring Guide as I am!!!

I will be sharing more videos in the next few weeks...
maybe even some talkies.....

so I hope you will stop by and check them out!!

Thanks so much for stopping by

Have a fabulous day....

KAREN x

2010-12-21T21:26:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone...

It has been a super busy 3 weeks but I am finally
ready with 2 days to spare....lol!!

I have a few High Hopes cards to share with you today.

Be sure to check out the new release images the Diva's
have created over on the High Hopes Blog.

High Hopes Challenge #99 will be up until
January 10th so you still have time if you want to play!!

Now onto my cards....

I am totally in love with the new Buggies!!!
I made a bookmark with this amazing image
" Buggy Stack"
by Laurie Furnell

This awesome guy is "Wild Flower Froggy"
by Dustin Pike.

This fabulous snowman is from the previous
release and is " Havin' a Ball Snowman"
by Laurie Furnell.

I have painted all the images with Tombows...
and added some stickles too.

The snowman is just a mass of different products...
H2o's for the snowman and snowballs with fine glitter,
liquid applique on the pom pom and trim,
glass glitter on the snowflakes...
it really sparkles this one!!!

I hope you like them!!

I have something very exciting to share
with you the first week of January....
so I hope you will stop by
and check it out!!!!

Well that's it from me until the New Year.....

Wishing you and your families all the blessings of the season...

"Merry Christmas"
and
"Happy New Year" to you all!!!

HUGS
KAREN xx

2010-12-04T22:22:00.007-05:00

HELLO EVERYONE....

I hope you are all having a great weekend!!

I would like to tell you about a lovely blogging friend that
has a card drive going on for the children at the
Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Bela has been doing this for a few years now and
has invited The Rubber Room, High Hopes and I to tag along.

You can read all about Bela's card drive here at
Kards for Kids at HSC
Your cards must reach Bela by December 13th so if

you have any cards you would like to donate to her

wonderful cause you can send them to....

Bela Teixeira
899 Rossland Road West, Unit #38
Oshawa, Ontario
L1J 8G7
Canada

I didn't have too much time to get cards ready but
I did manage a few.

These are High Hopes images.

I did a couple of note books for the parents too.
The images on the notebooks are from the new release
from High Hopes.

Be sure to check out the Kards for Kids Blog
for more information about the card drive and contest.

Have a great day and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

2010-12-01T00:07:00.002-05:00

IT'S BLOG HOP AND RELEASE DAY!!

If you have arrived here from Kristine's Blog you are going
in the right direction...if not you can start at the
High Hopes Blog

For my card today I am using one of Laurie Furnell's
fantastic buggie's...."Bumbly Burt's Bloom"
The sentiment is "This Bud's for You"
I had this amazing fabric so I created another one of my
quilt cards especially for Burt!! You know me....
there can never be enough color!!!

Have fun hopping along and be sure to comment on
all the Diva's Blogs as there are will be prizes
awarded on selected Diva's Blogs.

Your next stop is Andrea's Blog....

Have a fabulous day and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

2010-11-30T00:36:00.007-05:00

Today I am sharing another High Hopes Sneak Peek

and also the High Hopes Challenge

For my sneak peek today I am using
BFF Girls, Open BFF saying", DH Floral Corner,
DH Floral Border, DH Posey and DH Double Daisy
By Laurie Furnell

I think these BFF images are just the cutest and I
had a great time colouring up these gorgeous flowers too!!

This weeks High Hopes Challenge is brought to us by Nikki
and she has chosen
"Party Animal".
Use an animal image on your card

I decided to use one of Dustin Pike's awesome new images....

"Travelin' Snow Bird"
and
"It's that time of year again"
sentiment

I couldn't resist making this card for our snow bird friends
that shed the snowin' and blowin' Canadian winters each
year for the sunny and warm Southern USA!!

This is the last challenge for this year....
New challenges will resume January 10/2011.

Be sure to check out all the Diva's sneak peek and challenge
cards over at the High Hopes Blog and their blogs as they have
some awesome creations to share with you today!!!

The new release stamps go on sale at the start of the
"BLOG HOP"
tomorrow... Wednesday Dec 1st
at 12:01EST/5:00GMT

We will be showcasing more of the amazing new images
with lots of prizes along the way....
I hope you will be hopping along with us!!

Have a great day and
Thanks for stopping by....

KAREN x

2010-11-29T00:44:00.009-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

I am so excited to share with you today a sneak peek
from HIGH HOPES "NEW RELEASE"
which will be available for sale this Wednesday Dec 1.

You are going to just love the fabulous new images
by their amazingly talented artists.....

Dustin Pike
and
Laurie Furnell

It was so hard to choose which image to use first but I
decided I just had to show off Laurie Furnell's adorable new
"Frog in Boxers "
image and
"Irish Blessing "
sentiment

I have also used the "Thinking of You" sentiment
"Hoppy Day Dragonfly" and cut out flowers from
the "Bloomin' Border"

I have created a Tri-fold card...as it fits the image
and sentiment perfectly!!

This is the back of the card.

Be sure to check out all the Diva's blogs listed over at
the High Hopes Blog as they have created
some "AWESOME" sneak peeks to share with you today!!

I hope to see you all again tomorrow for another "sneak peek"

Have a fabulous day and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

2010-11-26T09:47:00.004-05:00

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE......

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by the
lovely NIKKI and she is asking us to

"Wrap It Up"

Nikki would like us to make a gift box, bag or tag.

The adorable image I am using on my tag is
"Ryan's Chocolate Trouble"

I embossed the image with black and painted
it with Tombows. I used my Ek Success corner
punch for the corner pieces.
The tag opens like a card......

I used my Ek Success circle punches for the sentiment.
The DP is from Basic Grey.

Be sure to stop by the Wags N' Whiskers Blog and
check out the fabulous creations the Diva's
have come up with this week!!!

Have a wonderful day and Thanks
so much for stopping by......

KAREN x

2010-11-23T01:03:00.008-05:00

GOOD MORNING....

Have you heard the great news???
Next Wednesday December 1st High Hopes will be
featuring a brand new release!!

Starting on Monday Nov.29th the Diva's will be
sharing sneak peeks of the absolutely
fabulous new images by their amazing artists
Dustin Pike and Laurie Furnell.
Check out the High Hopes Blog for more details!!

This weeks High Hopes Challenge is brought to
us by Tanya and she has created a great
sketch for us.

The adorable image I am using on my card this week is
"Snowy with Banner"
By Laurie Furnell

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
I used Angel wings Shimmerz for his face and body.
I also added some stickles and flat backed pearls.
The DP is from Graphic 45.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog and check
out the awesome creations the Diva's have for
you today!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us this week
and remember to use a High Hopes image on your
card to qualify for this weeks prize.

Have a wonderful day and
Thanks so much for stopping by......

KAREN x

2010-11-19T00:53:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone!!

I can't believe it's Friday already and
time again for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"VICKY"
and she has chosen
"Lavender and Lace"

I am using the beautiful little fairy
"Rosalie"
on my card this week.

I embossed the image with black and painted it with

Tombows. I added some white glitter to her skirt and wings.
The borders were punched with my MS punch.
There are 2 sets of borders and I layered them
with foam tape. The flowers were punched with my
EK Success retro flower punches and MS hydrangea punch.
I also added some flat backed pearls.

This pic shows the layers a bit better.

Be sure to stop by the Wags N' Whiskers Blog and
check out the gorgeous creations the Diva's have

to share with you today.

Remember....our challenge is now open.
Anyone can play along and you DO NOT need to use a
Wags N' Whiskers stamp!!

Have a fabulous weekend and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

2010-11-16T00:35:00.005-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.....

I hope your week is going well!!

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge.
This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"Sirpa"
and she has chosen

"Cards For Men"

The awesome image I am using for my card this week is

"Dad's Catch"
by Dustin Pike

I embossed the image with black and painted it with
Tombows and Distress ink.I corrugated some kraft paper
for the background and added some netting. I cut out the extra fish
and attached them to a piece of wire hanging from a wire flower.
The DP is from Magenta.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog as the Diva's
have created some fabulous men's cards to inspire you!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us this week
and be sure to use a High Hopes image on your card
to qualify for the prize!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!!

KAREN x

2010-11-12T00:59:00.005-05:00

HAPPY FRIDAY TO YOU ALL!!!

I hope you are all having a great week!!

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge

This weeks challenge is brought to us by TRACY
and she would like us to use....

Acetate, Vellum or Tissue Paper
on our cards.

The adorable image I am using on my card is
"Buddy's Balloon"

I decided to use acetate and I have made my card into
a shaker card with micro beads inside.

I embossed the image with black and
painted it with Tombows.
I stamped some little paw prints on the frame and
embossed them with clear embossing powder.
I used a CB folder for the outside frame.
The sentiment is a sticker that I coloured with
an orangeIdenta pen.
I also added some flat backed pearls.

Be sure to check out the Wags N' Whiskers Blog
to see the fabulous creations the Diva's
have to share with you today!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and
have a wonderful day.....

KAREN x

2010-11-09T00:18:00.007-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge.
This weeks challenge is brought to us by Debby
and she has chosen

"BUTTONS"

The adorable image I am using on my card is

"Snowy Portrait"

By artist Laurie Furnell

I have been working on a new quilt top and as I was
working away I had a thought...."I wonder what a quilted
fabric card would look like".
Well that's what I have created for my card today.

The background is made from fabric and I machine
quilted the line pattern onto it. There is batting in between
the fabric and cardstock layers. It is really difficult
to see by the pic's but in RL it is soft and puffy!!

I embossed the image with black and painted
it with Tombows. I added some diamond stickles to the
snowflakes on the scarf and sentinment.
I used my nesties for the circles and ovals and embossed
them with my CB swiss dot folder. I sewed the buttons on to
the corners and used my hot glue gun to add the
image and sentiment. I added some faux stitching to
the card front with my copic multi liner.

I hope you like it.

Be sure to check out the High Hopes Blog as the Diva's
have some gorgeous creations to inspire you today!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us this week
Be sure to use a High Hopes image on your card to
qualify for the prize!!

Have a wonderful day and
Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

2010-11-05T00:22:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday everyone.....

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge!!

This weeks challenge is brought to us by
"Barbara"
and she would like us to make a card for

"Sister or Friendship"

The adorable image I am using for my card this week is
"Love You Sis"

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
I made the flowers with my Ek Success retro flower punches.
The scallop border is an Ek Success punch
and the fern is a punch by MS.
I also added some flat backed pearls to the flower centers.

Be sure to stop by the Wags N' Whiskers Blog and check
out the gorgeous creations the Diva's have to share with you today.

Have a fabulous weekend...
Thanks so much for stopping by!!

KAREN x

2010-11-02T01:11:00.006-04:00

Good morning everyone....

I hope you are all having a great week so far!!
It's time for the High Hopes Challenge
This weeks challenge is brought to us by our lovely Diva
"ALEX"
and she is asking us to make a

"Stair Step Card"

I decided to create a fall card. The adorable images I am using are

Laurie's Pumpkin Patch
Angel Bear Scarecrow
and
Single Potted Sunflower

I embossed the images with black and painted them
with Tombows. The grass is made with heavy mulberry paper.
I added glitter to the scarecrows wings and some copper
stickles to his hat and flower center.

I hope you like it!!

The Diva's have created some absolutely awesome step cards
so be sure topop on over to the High Hope Blog
and check them out....you will be totally inspired!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us this week
I look forward to seeing your creations!!

Have a wonderful day and Thanks so much for stopping by...

KAREN x

2010-10-29T00:36:00.004-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY TO YOU ALL!!

I hope you are all having a great week. It's time for the
Wags N' Whiskers Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by "Angelique" and she has chosen

"BLACK AND WHITE"

I really love doing black and white cards, they always seem to be so striking!!
The beautiful fairy I am using on my card is
"Rhiannon"

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
I painted her wings with icicle H2o's and added some stickles.
The border is done with my MS doily lace punch and the frames with my nesties.
The DP is from DCWV.
Lots of sparkle on this one....I hope you like it.

The Diva's have some gorgeous B/W creations for you this
weeks so be sure to stop by the
Wags N' Whiskers Blog and check them out!!

Starting with this challenge you can use any stamp
company image on your card!!so I hope you will play along....
I look forward to seeing your black and white creations!!

Have a fabulous weekend.....
Thanks so much for stopping by!!

KAREN x

2010-10-26T01:17:00.005-04:00

Good morning everyone!!

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by "Jeanne" and she has chosen

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

The adorable image I am using on my card this week is
"Ele-fun"
by Dustin Pike

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
The icing is done with liquid applique and I also added some stickles to his hat.
I embossed the green circles with a CB folder. The Dp is from Basic Grey.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog and check out the wonderful
creations the Diva's have created to inspire you!!

Remember to use a High Hopes image on your card
to qualify for this weeks prize.

Have a fabulous day and
Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

Wags N' Whiskers Challenge #36

2010-10-22T00:20:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday to you all!!

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge.

This weeks challenge is hosted by our lovely Diva Debs and she has chosen...
"MERRY and BRIGHT" Christmas

The beautiful image I am using on my card is
"Fairy Iris"

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
I masked the hummingbird out and added a snowflake.
The small snowflakes were made with the punched flakes that are left over
from my MS border punch and the large ones are from my
MS large snowflake and Ek Success punches.
I painted on some diluted glue and dipped them in
fine white glitter. I also added some tiny gems to the centers.
The white border was punched with my Ek Success scallop border punch
and I added some glass glitter to it. I used frosted lace stickles to her wings.
The circles are cut with my nesties and I added glass glitter to the scallop edge.
The card is embossed with a snowflake CB folder.
I didn't realize how much glitter is on this card until I wrote this up....lol!!

I hope you like it!!

Be sure to stop by the Wags N' Whiskers Blog as the
Diva's have created some amazing cards to share with you this week.

Remember to use a WN'W's image on your card to qualify for this weeks prize.

Have a wonderful day
and
Thanks so much for stopping by......

KAREN x

2010-10-19T01:05:00.012-04:00

Good morning everyone.....

I hope you are all having a good week so far.

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge.
This weeks challenge is brought to us by "Amy" and she has chosen a recipe...

"1 Square...2 Circles and a Scallop Edge"

The adorable image I am using on my card is....

"Snowy Portrait" by artist Laurie Furnell.

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
I cut the hole and made the circles with my nesties. I embossed the green cs with an embossing folder. The snowflakes were made with punches. The DP is from Darcie's.
I also added some stickles.

Here is a pic of the inside.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog as the Diva's have some fabulous
creations to share with you today!!

It was great to see such wonderful creations for last weeks challenge......I hope you
will have time to play along with us again this week!!!

Remember you must use a High Hopes image on your card
to qualify for the prize!!

Have a fabulous day......
Thanks so much for stopping by!!

KAREN x

Wags N' Whiskers Challenge #35

2010-10-15T00:31:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday to you all!!

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge.
This weeks challenge is brought to us by the lovely "Jeanette" and she has chosen

"SPOOKTACULAR"
Make a Halloween themed card.

I am using the gorgeous fairy...."Angelica"

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows. I stamped the corners and added some orange stickles. I also added stickles to the stars and her wings.The border is done with my EK Success border punch. The DP is from Darcie's. I also added some flat backed pearls.

Be sure to stop by the Wags N' Whiskers Blog as the Diva's have out done themselves with creativity this week...their cards are amazing!!

Remember to use a WN'W's image on your card to qualify for this weeks prize!!

Have a fabulous day and a wonderful weekend!!

Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

HIGH HOPES CHALLENGE # 92

2010-10-12T00:18:00.004-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!

It's time for the High Hopes Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by our lovely Guest Diva "Cathy"
and she has chosen a colour challenge....

"RED & GREEN"

It's a good time to get started on your holiday cards.....if I counted correctly there is only 74 days til Christmas!!!

For my card today I am using a Dustin Pike image....
"Chris Mouse" and "Warm Glow" sentiment.

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows.
I used Glossy accents on the lights and added some stickles around them.
The border is punched with my MS icicle border punch
and I embossed the border with a CB swiss dot folder. I also added some flat backed pearls.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog and check out the fabulous creations the Diva's
have to share with you today!!
I hope you will have time to play along with us this week and remember to use a High Hopes image on your card to be eligible for your chance to win!!

Have a wonderful day and Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

Wags N' Whiskers Fairy 2 Release

2010-10-06T19:46:00.003-04:00

The sneak peeks have started for the Fairy 2 release this Friday.
Check out the Wags N' Whiskers Blog for links to the fabulous Diva's who will be
sharing samples with you today and tomorrow!!

The blog hop will start at the Wags N Whiskers Blog on Friday!!

KAREN x

HIGH HOPES CHALLENGE #91

2010-10-05T00:37:00.007-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

I hope your week is going well.
We are having some beautiful fall weather here in SW Ontario
and it is supposed to be even nicer by weeks end!

It's time now for the HIGH HOPES CHALLENGE.
This weeks challenge is brought to us by our lovely head Diva
Nikki
and she has chosen
"Trick or Treat"

or
"Fall Themed cards"

For my card today I am using the "Boo Crew Border"

I designed this candy pouch to hold Halloween treats.

I embossed the images with black and painted them with Tombows.
I used my MS drippy goo punch and the frame around the windows was cut with my fancy scissors. I curled some heavy wire and added 2 brads to hold it.
The black paper is Swiss Dot by Bazzill.

I made the inside to be a pouch and there is a separate candy bag inside the pouch.
I used Velcro circles for the closures.
I hope you like it!

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog as the Diva's have some awesome
Halloween creations to share with you today!!

Remember to use a High Hopes image on your card to qualify for this weeks prize.

Have a wonderful day and Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

*High Hopes stamps are available at
The Rubber Room online store!!

WAGS N' WHISKERS CHALLENGE # 34

2010-10-01T08:59:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday to you all!!

It's time for the Wags N' Whiskers Challenge.

This weeks challenge is brought to us by the lovely Michele and she has chosen
"Vintage....Shabby Chic"

The gorgeous fairy I am using on my card this week is
"NICHOLA"

I embossed the image with black and painted it with Distress ink. Her wings were painted with icicle H2o's. I used my square nesties for the frame.
The large flower is cut from Tim Holtz die and the small flowers are
from my MS hydrangea punch. The paper is from Basic Grey.

Be sure to check out the Wags N' Whiskers Blog as the Diva's have some gorgeous cards to inspire you today!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us this week
and

Remember that you must use a Wags 'n Whiskers stamps
to be entered into the drawing for
ONE FREE WAGS 'N WHISKERS STAMP OF YOUR CHOICE!!

Have a wonderful weekend and Thanks so much for stopping by.....

KAREN x

HIGH HOPES BLOG BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE

2010-09-28T09:06:00.006-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE....

We are celebrating High Hopes Blog's Birthday this week with some great prizes to be won!!

One lucky person will win "10 stamps of their choice"
The next 2 winners will have their choice of "5 stamps"
To be eligible for the prizes you must enter the challenge and remember to use a High Hopes image on your card.

So on to the challenge......
This week challenge is brought to us by "Lacey" and she has a fabulous sketch for us to follow.

The adorable images I used this week are "Froggy in Cauldron" and "Silly Spider"
with "Brewin' Treats" sentiment

I embossed the images with black and painted them with Tombows.
I cut out the spider and layered him. I added glossy accents to the bubbles and also added some stickles. I stamped the sentiment onto acetate with black Stazon.
The border is raffia lace and the DP is from a K&Company paper pack.
I also added some flat backed pearls.

Be sure to stop by the High Hopes Blog to see the awesome creations the Diva's
have to share with you.....

Have a wonderful day and Thanks so much for stopping by....

KAREN x

* check out the amazing prices on High Hopes stamps @"The Rubber Room" online store!!!!

WAGS N' WHISKERS CHALLENGE

2010-09-24T09:31:00.005-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE.....

Today's Wags N' Whiskers Challenge is brought to us by Emma and she has chosen
" Diamonds and Pearls".

The beautiful image I am using today is from the new fairy release....

"Lacey"
I embossed the image with black and painted it with Tombows. I added white micro glitter to her wings. I punched the corners with my basket weave punch.
The DP is from Basic Grey.

Be sure to check out the Wags N' Whiskers Blog to see the gorgeous creations the Diva's
have to share with you too!!

I hope you will have time to play along with us this week and remember to use a Wags N' Whiskers image on your card to qualify for this weeks prize.

Hope your day is fabulous and Thanks so much fro stopping by...

KAREN x