Queen Kat's Design Monday Blog Hop

Hi, everyone! Can you believe it is March? I'm so happy that Spring is on it's way. If you have arrived at my blog as your first stop, please start at the beginning of the hop here. I don't want you to miss any of the wonderful DT creations on the hop. With the beginning of a new month, we not only have new challenges, but new stamps to reveal. You can see all of the new stamps in the QKD store. This week we were given a sketch challenge. I love the way sketches jump start my creativity. So many possibilities with this sketch. I chose to stamp my sentiment on twill ribbon and used soft Spring colors.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. The next stop on the hop is Terri's blog. I would love to see what you create with this week's challenge sketch. Post a link and I'll be sure to leave you some love :)

Altered Kiki Art

My hubby, Kevin, and I love to go to auctions. I'm always searching for vintage postcards, photos, and anything I can alter. Last week I got a huge box filled with cigar boxes for $5. I know...someone's junk is my treasure :) I used some fabulous Kiki Art paper (Antologia Jardin collection) and chipboard to alter one of those cigar boxes. I love how it turned out. So distressed, so Springy. I think I'll alter a few others for gift boxes...Easter, Mother's Day, birthday's... I'm looking forward to some crafting time on Sunday. My favorite way to spend a lazy day at home. Enjoy your weekend.

Do you need a challenge?

Nothing gets my creative juices flowing like a good challenge. Boy, do I have some great challenges for you! The first is a sketch challenge at Sketchabilities. This is my layout, "Sweet Love." I used beautiful patterned papers by Creative Imaginations, Scenic Route, and Paper Salon. That sweet little guy with the flowers is a vintage valentine from my collection. Isn't he adorable? Hop on over and check out this new sketch and the DT call. Be sure to leave a link to your layout with the Mister Linky widget on the Sketchabilities site.

Candy Shoppe Designs is hosting the "Recipe for Love" Challenge. It's a recipe challenge and it calls for:
-picture(s) of your loved one
-any type of doily - even the paper kind
-flowers *to taste
-hearts*to taste
-lace
-the colors pink & red *even a pinch will do!
Directions: Mix them altogether and show us what you came up with by leaving a comment and the ***DIRECT LINK*** to the blog post showcasing your creation via Mister Linky. This is my layout, "I love you". Beautiful patterned papers by Kiki Art and Creative Imaginations. Love those big doilies!
And, at ScrapTiffany,

the challenge is to create a project using wings...any wings! I just loved creating this sweet fairy card with a stamp by Inkadinkado. Leave us a link at ScrapTiffany to your winged project. We like to leave lots of love and you're in the running for some scrap goodies.

Hopefully, that will get your mojo going. I'm off to create some cards and an altered Kiki Art project. I'll be back to share them with you soon. Have a great evening.

Queen Kat Designs Monday Blog Hop

Happy Monday! You don't want to miss any stamping goodness, so please start the hop at the Queen Kat Designs Blog. We have an advertising challenge for you today. Use this add for inspiration to create a card. I just love the bright yellow, green, and blue. I used the colors as inspiration for my Happy Mermaid card. I love this beautiful Queen Kat Designs stamp: Loreli. Isn't she gorgeous? You can order her here and check out all of the other great stamps by QKD. Please post a link to your card. I would love to come by and leave you some love.

On special in the store: this month's new release bundle $25.00.

Thanks so much for visiting! The next blog on your stop: Terri

I just know she has designed something fabulous for today's challenge.

Queen Kat Designs Sweet Crop Today!

The Sweet Crop kicked off today and we already have some entries in our challenges. We have lots of fabulous challenges and games. There's lots of things to see and do. And we released 7 new stamps today. Come see and join in the fun.. http://qkdcastle.ning.com/group/royalcropwing

Altered Art

Hello, Kiki Art Fans! Creating altered art doesn’t have to be time consuming, expensive, or intimidating. You don’t need a fancy canvas, lots of paints, or tons of tools. You can create a fabulous altered art piece with the supplies you already own. I’ve mentioned before that I love to collect cardboard. Yes, I know, I probably needs some sort of a 12-step program, but cardboard makes me happy.

1. For this Valentine’s Altered Art, I cut a piece of cardboard 7″ x 9″ from a cereal box. You can cover the back with solid cardstock, if you like.
2. I then covered the front with a piece of patterned paper (Antologia China collection) and inked around the edges.
3. Next, use a pen to mark the position for the ribbon hanger. From the top corners, I measure in 1″ and down 1/2″. I use my Crop-a-dile punch the holes. You will place the ribbon later.
4. I enlarged one of my vintage photographs to 5″ x 7″. You can use any photo or clipart you like. Mat with black cardstock.
5. Cut a piece of cardstock to measure 6″ x 7″. I used a corner/border punch to add a decorative edge to my cream cardstock frame. You can just round the corners of your cardstock, if you like, for a constrast to the sharp edges of the cardboard. Adhere to cardboard base.
6. Measure patterned paper to layer inside of cream cardstock frame. I used this beautiful heart patterned paper (Antologia Amor collection) cut to 1 1/4″ x 5 3/4″. Ink edges and adhere on cream cardstock frame, next to matted photo.
7. Cover chipboard puzzle piece (Antologia Familia collection) with book/newsprint paper. Ink edges and adhere to bottom right corner of cream frame.
8. Punch heart from patterned paper (Antologia China collection). Ink edges and adhere to photo.
9. Use Fun Tape on corners of photo for decorative/vintage look.
10. Cut lace/rick-rac to 7″ and adhere to bottom of cardboard. I chose 3 different colors and patterns to add interest.
11. Create your own flower or adhere pre-made flower to center of lace. I simply inked and layered 3 different sized circles of patterned paper (Antologia Amor collection) and attached a brad through the center. Separate and bend each circle with your fingers to enhance layers. Paint glue on tops of layers and sprinkle with fine glitter.
12. Print poem and “love” for photo heart. Cut into strips, ink edges, and adhere.
13. Cut ribbon for hanger to 14″, put through holes, and tie in knots on back.
And, there you have it…Your own Valentine’s Altered Art!

**Patterned paper, Fun tape, and Chipboard by Kiki Art

Happy Anniversary!

Today is our 3rd wedding anniversary! I am so happy to be married to Kevin...my best friend, my partner in crime, my soulmate. You're the best, baby! He surprised me with the most beautiful flowers (my favorite roses and Stargazer lilies) and a Willowtree figure to add to my collection.

I created this card for my sweetie. I love the floral paper by Scenic Route and the ice cream journaling card by Studio Calico.

Join us at ScrapTiffany for the Week #7 Challenge
I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day. Did you spend the day with the one's that you love?
That's what our Challenge is about this week....Love!
Send us your layouts, projects or cards this week, and show us who or what you love! Send them to Tiffany@ScrapTiffany.com

Queen Kat Designs Monday Blog Hop

Today's challenge is a COLOR CHALLENGE. Use the colors chocolate brown, red, and aqua to create a stamped card. I would love to see what you create with this great combination. Visit the QKD store to check out the latest stamps.

I'd like to invite you all over to the new Queen Kat Designs Castle.. Message board. Click here to come and join us. We are hosting an online crop from the 19th through the 21st. It's all about Sweets!! So get your stamp area ready for a 3 day online crop full of challenges and prizes. The "crop" has started with the first challenge so just click on groups then click on the Crop Wing group.

Hop on over to Terri's blog to see what she has created for today's challenge.

Have a fabulous Monday!

ScrapTiffany Blog Hop

Happy Saturday! Welcome to the ScrapTiffany Celebration Blog Hop! We were challenged to create celebration projects to share. If my blog is your first stop, please start HERE to see all of the amazing celebration projects we have to share.

I wanted to create something that was sweet, girly, and pink. This lovely butterfly banner is the perfect touch for any birthday celebration.



The patterned paper is by Scenic Route and My Mind's Eye. Stickers by Jenni Bowlin. Diecut circles by Cricut. Ribbon by Offray. And...those beautiful butterfly diecuts are K&Co.

What would a birthday celebration be without cake? I created these sweet cake candy holders with my Cricut (Bags,Tags,& Boxes) and decorated with lace trim (punch by Martha Stewart), paper flowers, and buttons.

Don't they just look good enough to eat?

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Please visit the other blogs on our hop. You won't want to miss all of the crafty goodness. The next stop on this hop is: Joy Cricut Holidays - http://www.cricutholiday.com/

What have you created for your celebrations? Leave a comment for a chance to win some fabulous blog candy/scrap goodies from me. I'll draw one name and post the winner on Monday.

Please view my full post at: http://simplyreneeinc.blogspot.com/2010/02/vintage-valentine-cards.html
Vintage Valentine Cards
"Hi! I'm Keely Yowler and I want to share some of my tips for creating fabulous vintage cards. I love creating cards. Valentine's Day is one of my absolutely favorite holidays. Who doesn't love the red, the pink, the flowers, and all of that love? Creating unique, vintage Valentine's cards is as simple as 1-2-3.

Tip #1: Shop Your Own Stash. You don't need every product out there. Really! I like to purchase a few goodies here and there, but you can use the products you have on hand for many different seasons and holiday projects. For these Valentine's cards, I used Valentine themed diecuts, but the patterned papers, ribbon, flowers, chipboard, punches, and buttons are products I had in my stash.

Tip #2: Keep It Simple. Keep your card design simple with a few embellishments, focal image, and sentiment. Utilize your computer/internet's clip-art and fonts for endless creativity. You don't need to go overboard to get your message across.Remember why you are creating the card.

Tip #3: Organize your Creativity. There is nothing more frustrating than digging through piles of scrapbook products before even starting to create. URG! That is why I love the Jumbo Clip-It-Up Organizer. It holds 12x12 scrapbook paper, embellishments, alphabets, mini-albums...you name it. The system is easy to set-up and a breeze to use. Simply, use the enclosed clips to hang your craft products on the circular frame. Not only are your products easy to access, the great colors and patterns provide fantastic inspiration.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed my cards and tips. Now...go out, create a card, and spread the Valentine's love."

Are you ready to HOP with Queen Kat Designs???

Don't you just LOVE this fabulous card sketch. So many possibilites for 2 stamped images. Have I got some fun things to share with you today! First off I'd like to invite you all over to the new Queen Kat Designs Castle.. Message board. Click here to come and join us. We are hosting an online crop from the 19th through the 21st. It's all about Sweets!! So get your stamp area ready for a 3 day online crop full of challenges and prizes. The "crop" has started with the first challenge so just click on groups then click on the Crop Wing group.


I would also like to share the new March/April Findings Kit with you. It's called "Oh Alice" and the theme is...... Can you guess?? Alice in Wonderland!
This kit is in the store now. It's selling fast. So if you want one, come n get it! It's full of Alice inspired things.. There are coloring pages from an Alice in Wonderland coloring book great for modpodging... Alice stamps, old playing cards, real vintage buttons and lots more!

Hop on over to Terri's blog to see what she has created with today's wonderful sketch.

QKD blog

Jules

Helene

Penny

Lara

Wynneth

Steph

Kimme

Keely (you are here)

Terri's Blog

Queen Kat Designs Store

Cupid's Arrow

Have you been struck by Cupid's arrow? I'm head-over-heels for my sweetie. Thank you, Cupid :) I created this cute little card with fabulous patterned papers by Kiki Art. The Amour collection is just perfect for Valentine's Day projects. The Cupid stamp and saying are from Michael's. I also keep tulle in my craft supply in lots of yummy colors. I love the look of tulle bows and it is so versatile. I've been busy creating many other Valentine's Day projects that I can't wait to show you this week. Enjoy!

Cupid's Arrow Challenge

Our February challenge at Candy Shoppe Designs is to design a project (layout, card, altered project) showing Cupid's arrow...any arrow you choose. I couldn't resist using the Monstrosity collection by Sassafras Lass with all of these arrows. Aren't my little guys cute?
You have until Valentine's Day which is Sunday, February 14 to link up your creations at Candy Shoppe Designs.

Our February Sponsor is Generations Crafting. They are a small family owned and operated company and they are dedicated to offering a great selection of the newest scrapbooking and paper-crafting supplies at reasonable prices. Check them out!

For a chance at winning this Blog Candy you DO NOT have to participate in the challenge. All you have to do to enter for your chance to win is answer this simple question at Candy Shoppe Designs:
"What are your plans for Valentine's Day this year?"

p.s. If we hit 300 Sweethearts (Followers) by Valentine's Day I will pick someone at random (from the comments section on this posting) and send them another kit that was donated by Generations Crafting which includes: 10 patterned papers, cardstock stickers, rub-ons, precious petals, ribbons, bodacious brads and a purse board book all by Bo Bunny. So go spread the news about Candy Shoppe Designs!!!

Sketchabilities Reveal Day

You don't want to miss this week's new sketch at Sketchabilities! I love the design, the layering, the uniqueness...I love everything about it! I created this layout about my handsome nephew, Brandon, and his beautiful bride, Carla. I used patterned paper by American Crafts and my Martha Stewart border punch. Come on over and visit, check out the design team reveals, and leave us a link to your layout. We would love to OOHH and AAHH over your creations!

Baby Face Challenge

Happy February! This week's challenge at Scrap Tiffany is all about showing your baby face. Whether it's pictures of you or your own children, we want to see them! This layout shows my chubby little baby face. I used sweet patterned papers by Kiki Art, transparency by KI Memories, and thickers by American Crafts. Come on over and show us your baby face.