Category Archives: cards

Texting

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by karen @ carefree creations - Texting

The Keep it Simple challenge this week is “text”. Of course, my first thought was more along the lines “texting” (probably because I have a teenager in the house).

I know my card doesn’t look exactly like a cell phone, but that is what I was emulating.

I went with a “miss you” sentiment because I am making cards for Operation Write Home.

My card is a little smaller than A2 (4 7/8 x 3 1/2).

Thanks for taking a peek!

Miss U
Stamps: Fascinators, Alphadot (Paper Smooches);
Ink/Cardstock: Black cardstock, White (PTI); Black ink (Memento);
Other: b11 marker (Copic); corner rounder (Crop-a-dile);

You Color My World

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by karen @ carefree creations - Color My World

I make this card for the Freshly Made Sketches challenge.

I used a rainbow of colors, but it isn’t obviously rainbow.

Lots of paper piecing on this one, though it is all cardstock.

Thanks for taking a peek!

You Color My World
Stamps: Spring Fling, Positive Strokes, He Said She Said, World Salad (Paper Smooches);
Ink/Cardstock: White, (old) Black, Spring Rain, Winter Wisteria, Berry Sorbet, Hawaiian Shores, New Leaf, Harvest Gold (PTI); Pumpkin Pie (SU);

Butterfly Garden

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by karen @ carefree creations - Butterfly Garden

I created this card for two challenges. I had extra time for crafting today so I was able to pick up some challenges that I usually only stalk.

The layout is using the latest Seize the Sketch. A great basic layout that can be used in tons of ways. Of course, I managed to come up with a card pretty similar to one that was entered (the second time today that has happened!). Oh well. I used to look at other cards before doing my own so I wouldn’t end up with this dilemma, but I stopped…maybe I need to start up again, lol.

The birthday theme and twine usage came from the Friday Mashup challenge. This is one I learned about a month or so ago but never got farther than getting ideas. It is a great challenge and I hope I can participate more frequently!

I broke out some new Paper Smooches stamps for this card. I love the new Botanicals sets – and the Kissing sets! The kissing is on the butterflies, but is probably pretty hard to see (my inks are too close in color – live and learn).

To make my tag, I trimmed some blue paper to the height I needed, then used a Labels 4 die to cut the ends (I only ran just a bit through the die-cut machine and then reversed back out – repeat for other end). Hope that makes sense! If not, ask – I don’t mind answering questions 🙂

Thanks for taking a peek!

celebrate
Stamps: Flap Happy, Botanicals 2, Kissables 1, Pretty Phrases (Paper Smooches);
Ink/Cardstock: Blueberry Sky, Spring Rain, Melon Berry (PTI); Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral (SU);
Other: Labels 4 die (Spellbinders); blue twine (PTI); rhinestones (Hero Arts);

Celebrate with Bubbly

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by karen @ carefree creations - Celebrate with Bubbly

I created this card for two challenges. The theme came from the current cue by CASology – Bubbly. And the layout came from the current sketch at CAS(e) this Sketch.

I did flip the sketch upside down because that worked better with my images.

When I think “bubbly”, my first thought is champagne – so that is where I took my card.

I really like the added strip of gold paper – it helps ground the sentiment which is grounding the glasses. To me, it is a nice finishing touch.

Thanks for taking a peek!

CASology Honorable Mention winner

celebrate
Stamps: Pretty Phrases, Free Spirit (Paper Smooches);
Ink/Cardstock: Black (PTI); White, So Saffron (SU);
Other: Gold paper (SU); gold embossing (Filigree), gold dots (stash);

Wintery Hello

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by karen @ carefree creations - Winter Hello

This card was created for a few different challenges. First, I was really inspired by a sketch on the Creating with Connie & Mary challenge blog. I can see me using this sketch a lot!

Next, I used the Less is More – Winter Blues color challenge. Which went nicely with the last challenge I used: CAS on SplitCoastStampers which was about snowflakes.

This card only took about 15 minutes from start to finish (idea to completion). Which, for me is awesome, but the fact that it happened at 10 o’clock at night is astounding (for me). I’m best for right-brain things early in the day. I’ve reconfigured my schedule to better focus on my priorities (which while I love crafting, it has to come after more important things). So my crafty time is now after dinner (or any time on the weekend – I had to give myself some concession!!) I’m not sure what that means for my blog posting, but since I’ve never really been consistent… 🙂

Thanks for taking a peek!

hello
All supplies StampinUp unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Four You, Endless Wishes;
Ink/Cardstock: White, Pacific Point, Marina Mist, Soft Sky;
Other: silver ribbon;

Balloon Filled Year

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CAS Colours & Sketches challenge is back! And I’m the hostess for January. This first week is a sketch challenge; check it out: #56 – sketch.

CAS Colours & Sketches Challenge #56

This sketch was inspired by a Bug’s Life poster I found on Pinterest.

And here is my take:

by karen @ carefree creations - Balloon Filled Year

I had an idea for this sketch as soon as I designed it, but when it came time to actually get stamping for it, I had forgotten my original design. Then I remembered this card by Debby @ lime doodle. I love that the balloons are at the bottom of the card (and not at the top where ‘expected’). I pinned that card months ago but since I didn’t want to just copy it I hadn’t gotten around to casing it. But now is the time!

I chose not to mask the balloons because mylar balloons are translucent.

I’m still deciding if I should have added strings to the balloons, but I was afraid they would take away from the design.

Make sure you check out the other design team members:
Jacqueline
Lizy
Louise
Patricia

I hope you join us at CAS Colours & Sketches!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Little About the Challenge: Posted every Thursday, the challenges alternate between color and sketch (if there is a 5th week in the month you get the double dose of color & sketch).

Smiles to Last the Whole Year
Stamps: Birthday Style, Stylish Sentiments: Birthady (PTI);
Ink/Cardstock: White, Lemon Tart (old), Spring Rain, Winter Wisteria, Limeade Ice, Smokey Shadow (PTI); Pink Pirouette, Crisp Cantaloupe (SU);

A Bit Cheesey

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by karen @ carefree creations - Be Brave

When I first saw the latest Fall-to-Layout, I immediately saw cheese. I didn’t have the stamps to make the card that came to mind, but I was able to keep the cheese & mouse idea.

I’m entering this in this week’s Paper Smooches Sparks challenge, which is an anything goes.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Be Brave
Stamps: Great Chemistry, Nine Lives, Group Hugs (Paper Smooches);
Ink/Cardstock: Black (Memento); White (GinaK); Saffron (SU);
Other: markers (Copic); circle dies (Spellbinders);

365 Day Trip

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by karen @ carefree creations - 365 Day Trip

I missed a nephew’s 18th birthday! I made this card to send to him – even if it is late.

It is a bit more noticeable in person, but the last line of the sentiment is inked with dark blue – it is a nice little contrast to all the brown.

Thanks for taking a peek!

365 Day Trip
All supplies Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Road Trip, Stylish Sentiments: Birthday;
Ink/Cardstock: Kraft, Cream, Dark Chocolate, Enchanted Evening;
Other: twine;

Monochrome Chevrons

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by karen @ carefree creations - Monochromatic Chevrons

I combined a few challenges for this card. First, a new challenge: Colour Me, which has an Island Indigo monochromatic scheme. Next, Crazy for CAS is doing chevrons this week. And finally, Addicted to CAS is back with a Die-Cut code word.

Whew! Normally I wouldn’t combine so many, but this came together so well for me. Yay!

I started with a strip of white cardstock and sponged it with Island Indigo ink. I went lighter as I moved up the strip.

I die-cut the chevron panel and only punched out one strip of pieces (the others I kept in with a few pieces of tape).

For the sentiment strip, I stamped the sentiment over the open chevrons – it falls nicely in line color-wise. I also added some little arrows pointing to the sentiment, also with an ombre effect. The panel is popped up to add a bit of dimension.

Thanks for taking a peek!

ColourMe-ColourConnoisseur

Hello
Stamps: Circles & Diamonds (Lil Inkers);
Ink/Cardstock: Smooth Bristol (Ellen Hutson); White (PTI); Island Indigo (SU);
Other: Pieced Chevron die (Lil Inkers);

Birthday Knit

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by karen @ carefree creations - Knit Sweater

I was inspired by the Curtain Call Challenge – Smitten.

I loved the colors of the inspiration piece, but what drew me most was the knit texture/pattern.

I wanted the card to seem like a sweater sleeve – so I did things to make the bottom piece like a cuff: stamped a smaller knit pattern in a different direction and popped the slightly wider panel up, like the cuff was rolled up. I trimmed the card base down just a smidge (the “cuff” is 4 1/4).

Thanks for taking a peek!

happy birthday
Stamps: Knit (W+9); Think Big Favorites #13 (PTI);
Ink/Cardstock: White, Plum Pudding, Smokey Shadow (PTI); Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral (SU);