CHA Fun

CHA 2012 is in full swing and I was lucky enough to attend, at least for one day this awesome show. It was my 11th show and I'm still in such awe of the incredible creative talent of the industry and it's designers. I used to say "certainly they couldn't come up with anything cuter, or more creative" and every year, they do!!!!

I thought today I would share a few photos of my favorite part of this industry....the People.
First of all I finally meet some of my online Flicker sisters...

from right to left...Myself, Jennifer McGuire, Ivy, Sharri Carrol, Sally Traidman, Nancy, Linda and Gina. Nancy was so sweet to talk with me over the phone to set up this meeting. It was a great way to start off the day.

Next I had the pleasure of meeting and doing a make-n-take with Jill Foster...

talk about a sweet girl and so very talented as well. If you haven't already been over to her blog you really should check it out, http://www.stampinginspiredby.blogspot.com/ 

The highlight of the show for me was getting to spend time with Laura and Merilee!!! For those who may not know, Laura worked for me and then bought my store this past April. I feel so blessed to have given up my baby to this wonderful girl! Yes I really do feel like the birth Mom to her baby, lol.

I enjoyed watching her in action. This girl really has an eye for all the fun new product and if you shop at her store you will be thrilled with all the exciting new product coming your way....wish I was there to enjoy it with you all. I can't wait to get my hands on those new Distress markers!!! Be sure to check out the Scrapbook Paradise Blog for all the coming fun. http://renoscrapbooking.com/

Well I hope you all have a great week. I was back at my new job today and feeling very blessed to be there. Even if it was a little bitter sweet not to be back at the show today.  Thanks again for stopping by!

Hugs!

Karen

Clean and Simple

I can't believe Monday is the last day of the Clean and Simple Cards Class... :-(  I really have enjoyed each and everyone of the On line card classes even when I don't get a chance to try each technique. The good news is when you sign up for class you get  lifetime access!!!! So I will eventually get to try everything. Here is a card I did from day 8. I needed a couple of Thank You cards for my new Co-Workers. The lady I'm sharing an office with started my first day off with flowers, candy and a card!!! Another lady that I will be working closely with took me to lunch on my second day! Talk about a warm welcome. Yes I do believe, God is good, and I'm feeling so grateful!!

I used the Hero Art's Friend Definition stamp for the background and another set for the Flower and Thank You.

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Karen

Check this out...

My sweet friend Barb from the Hero Art's flicker group has a fantastic give away over on her blog. Check out this prize package...

To enter just go over to Barb's Blog  here. 

Barb was one of the first girls I "met" over on the Hero Art's Flicker group and she has been such a source of inspiration and encouragement. I feel blessed to call her a friend.

Here is a quick card I did yesterday for a special young couple I know. I started my new job today and it was a wonderful start. A very welcoming group of people and I'm looking forward to working with them, so.... I probably won't get much time to do my homework from the Clean and simple card class but I will try to catch up over the weekend.

As always thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to hop over to visit Barb's blog!!
Hugs,
Karen

And another CAS Card

I found time to try one more technique from the Clean and Simple Card class. I was really excited to try this technique which Jennifer McGuire calls "Watercolor Blocking". It uses distress inks and the foam applicator dipped in pearlized water.  I look forward to practicing this technique, for now here is my first attempt.

I hope I get to play some more tomorrow!

Hugs!!

Another CAS Card

Here is another card I did earlier this week for the Clean and Simple card class. I just finally had a moment to finish it up.

For this one I decided I wanted to do a little bigger square card. It measures 5.5 x 5.5, the only problem...my background stamp did not cover the whole card. Luckily I have a stamp positioner and I think I did OK lining it up. I used Sail Boat blue Adirondack ink against a soft blue cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by. I'm looking forward to another week of class!

Hugs!

It's been a crazy couple of days....

I had really hoped to get more of my homework from class done but sometimes life just happens! My husband had surgery on Thursday, outpatient shoulder surgery and I really thought being home taking care of him would give me plenty of time to enjoy my craft room, Ha! I feel like all I've done is cook, clean the kitchen, Ice duty, med's, laundry, taking out the garbage ect. ect. It made me realize how much he does help around here!

Anyway here are a few Valentine's Day cards I did a while back. I had actually submitted them for publication but they were not picked. So I thought I would share them here with you.

I just love these little owls and that Tim Holtz sentiment worked perfect for a heart.

For this one I did a lot of layering and masking. I found the big doily when I was unpacking from our move and kept it handy just for this purpose. 

This was a fun CAS card that I added a little stickles to.

Oh and in the midst of all the craziness with my husbands surgery I received a call that afternoon that I got a job!!!! It is working in the church office where we started going back in October. It has been a long process but I landed it!!! I can't tell you how grateful I am for this opportunity. God is good!!!!

The remaining....

peices of my last card came to rest here on this card, LOL. I used the third sketch from Day 1 of Clean and Simple Card Making to create this.

I'm really enjoying this class, and going through the student gallery. So many talented ladies out there!!! and so much inspiration.  I hope I get to create another card tonight ;-)
Hope your having a great week!!!!
Hugs,
Karen