October 18, 2011

Happy Birthday Karen!


Welcome, friends!  You've come on a very special day.  Today some blogging buddies and I are throwing a virtual birthday party for our sweet and talented friend, Karen Baker!  Each of us is bringing something to the party to share with Karen, so be sure to see the bottom of my post for the full list of participants.
I was delighted to be asked to be a part of this blog hop, as I have long admired Karen's creations as well as the stories, quotes, and memories she shares on her blog, The Bald Dragonfly.  More importantly, Karen has become one of those treasured blog friends who never fails to leave encouraging comments wherever she goes.  Karen, you are a constant source of inspiration and a wonderful friend, and I wish you a birthday full of fun and surprises!

Because of Karen's gift for writing and sharing bits and pieces of her life through her blog, I made an altered notebook that she can use for recording memories, ideas, poems, or whatever comes to mind.  

There are a few details of my design that make me think of Karen, too.  First, I went with a nature theme because Karen always uses earth tones so beautifully, and her cards often have a rustic look or natural elements.  Next, I went with a stamp set that she and I recently used in her Carbon Copied feature, WPlus9's Woodgrain Silhouettes Additions.  Finally, I stamped a quote that goes well with the nature theme but also speaks to Karen's amazing creativity and ability to do things in new and unexpected ways.

Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! (Garden Green), Papertrey Ink (Rustic Cream)
Patterned paper:  Stampin' Up! (Neutrals collection)
Stamps:  WPlus9 (Woodgrain Silhouettes & Additions, Spring Post), Unity (quote), Papertrey Ink (Postmarks, Background Basics:  Text Style)
Ink:  Stampin' Up! (Garden Green, Chocolate Chip), Papertrey Ink (Dark Chocolate)
Tools:  Papertrey Ink (Woodgrain impression plate, postage die), EK Success (border punch), Fiskars (hole punch)
Accessories:  Papertrey Ink (buttons), muslin fabric, DMC floss, Mod Podge

As promised, there are lots of talented ladies attending this virtual party, so hop along and see what they've created for the occasion.  And a very special thanks to Erin Thiem for organizing this event!

Karen, the birthday girl, http://thebalddragonfly.blogspot.com/
 
Thanks for stopping by!

24 comments:

Lynn said...

Lovely Christina, the perfect gift for Karen!

LeAnne said...

Wow, what a thoughtful gift....for a special friend! Just gorgeous!

farmhouse-story said...

a birthday journal--wonderful idea, christina! your cover is just beautiful!

Dana said...

*gasp* Oh Christina, she will absolutely LOVE this...it's perfect for her. You put so much though into it. The colors, the elements, the little details. *sigh* What a great gift.

Kim S said...

You have put so many beautiful details on this journal - it's a wonderful gift!

Lindsay said...

So so perfect Christina! Every detail is Karen inspired and it shines! Great work!

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Wow, this is amazing, since I also love those WPlus9 sets I'm thinking, man now I need to give this a try. I am in awe of your attention to detail, colors/stamps/quotes, way to go girl! A gift to make someone smile every time they see it. Thank you so much for joining this fun birthday party.

Cristina said...

Wow, this is intensely beautiful. Love the color palette, love the idea behind it, and I always love a notebook. You outdid yourself! (And thank for the bday wishes on my blog, too. :))

Laurel Beard said...

Wow! This is awesome!!!! Perfect for Karen. You really tapped into her style and incorporate your own take as well! She will love this. And so thoughtful of you to make a journal for her since you know she loves to write!

Virginia L. said...

Aw.. Christina! What a PERFECT card to celebrate Karen's birthday!! You use of nature item is so thoughtful and sweet!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

Kelley Eubanks said...

This is beautiful! Great idea!!

Marisa said...

Leaves and butterflies and neutrals - nothing better for me :) Gorgeous card.

jen said...

what a perfect gift for Karen! So beautiful, so much detail....!

Chunyuan said...

beautiful. the natural color of background and muslin matches so well with the green color you used. love the texture.

Aimes said...

What a thoughtful gift! I love how every single element represents Karen perfectly!
Hugs,
Aimes
x

Suzanne said...

WOW! Hooray for Garden Green! The shade is so inviting - I had to look to see which ink it was! It's absolutely so classy and will make a perfect gift.

Jenny said...

Thee perfect gift for Karen and such a fab quote too :)
Jenny x

Jennifer Rzasa said...

This is so incredibly thoughtful! Your color palette is just gorgeous, and it has lots of great texture.

Karen B. said...

Christina, thank you. Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for being a super and caring and encouraging blog friend. I always, always find inspiration when I come here and to see the thought that you've put into this project is just awe inspiring. It is so beautiful! Thank you again!

yyam said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful gift that is just perfect for Karen! Love the natural organic feel of this beautiful decorated note book!:)

Lisa Petrella said...

What a thoughtful and perfect gift for Karen!!! Not to mention it is one of the most BEAUTIFUL altered notebooks I've EVER seen!!!! GORGEOUS work! I LOVE your color choices, the textures, the images, the quote---EVERYTHING!!

~amy~ said...

What a gorgeous keepsake...absolutely wonderful!

Anonymous said...

so very pretty, love the little postage stamps and texture.

Andrea M said...

LOVE this altered notebook girl!! WOW! I'm sure Karen is just going to LOVE this awesome project!!!

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