Thank You Mynn - Blog Hop

For those of you familiar with MHKDesigns, you know the first of the month would usually mean it's time for a new challenge at MHKDesigns, and also for a new set release. But sadly, Mynn, the very creative owner of MHKDesigns, and my very good friend, has made the tough decision to close the blog and challenges so she can focus on what's important to her, being a teacher. The Etsy store will remain open for the time being, but nothing new will be added.

Mynn and I have many things in common, and being a 2nd grade teacher is one of them. She just started teaching this year, and I used to teach 2nd grade many years ago. So I completely understand and support her decision.

The news came as quite a shock to her DT members, but it's a decision they also totally support. And because most of us already had our cards created for today, we've decided to make it a blog hop to say THANK YOU to Mynn for all she's done for us. The hop order is further down the post, but first I'd like to share a little of what Mynn means to me...

Mynn has been a dear friend to me for the past few years and there are times I don't know what I would have done without her. Our friendship goes beyond crafting. But on the crafty side of things, Mynn made my blog what it is today....she gave Crafter's Castle it's true identity. And that gave me my craft identity and confidence to grow. She also was supportive of me starting the monthly challenges we have here on Crafter's Castle and my own design team. In fact MHKDesigns was the sponsor of Crafter's Castle very first challenge. Without Mynn's advice and encouragement I don't thnk this would have happened. So I am beyond thankful to my sweet friend Mynn for all she has done for me....and I'm thankful that we will continue to be friends forever. I love you Mynn!

I am sharing two of my favorite MHKDesigns cards I made
because they both are a message to Mynn.

Please hop along with us and see all the beautiful creations and messages to the lady we all love so much

Hop order...


Judy http://jvzcreations.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/MHKDesigns

Rocky http://rockycraft.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/MHKDesigns

Shawna http://thegrandstampede.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/MHKDesigns

Jess https://freshbyjess.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/MHKDesigns

Julie http://muddypawsinkyfingers.blogspot.com

Dawn http://dipndotscreations.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/MHKDesigns

Janie http://crafterscastle.blogspot.com/ (you are here)

Em http://www.creative-em.com/search/label/MHKDesigns

Anniversary Card with MHK Designs February Release

I made this beautiful anniversary card for my husband using MHK Designs new February release digital image set Valentine Roses 

After printing the flowers and quote, I colored the image with Ohuhu colored pencils, and then lightly chalked around the flowers with blue chalk to add a little depth.  I layered that on top of pink cardstock (color doesn't look right in the picture...sorry), and then used my Martha Stewart lace punch and created two rows of "lace" from the same pink cardstock.  I added that to the bottom of the card and topped that with pearls.  I know it's a little feminine for a man, but my husband doesn't mind...he loves everything I make and displays them in his office.

Be sure to check out MHK Designs Blog for their monthly challenges and inspiration!

And....you can enter the same project in Crafter's Castle monthly challenge as well!  Just click the tab that says Current Challenge!

DT Blog Links

Janie Rinta

Bev Code

Jeanie Ellis

Priya Satish

Other challenges...

Crafty Gals Corner - #158

Crafty Creations - #359

Crafty Friends - #76

Crafting From The Heart - #192

Thanks for stopping by and...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

MHK Designs October Release - Day 2 - Funky Fall Foliage

MHK Designs is having their October Release Party 

and today this is the image set being released

And this is the card I made using it

It is just a sweet simple card.  I colored the image with Ohuhu colored pencils, and chalked the background with Pebbles Pearlescent Chalks.  I added sequins to the rays of sunshine, and I LOVE butterflies so I had to add the die cut butterfly and inked the edges and added a gem....I think it really went will with the whole scene.  It's probably the closest I will get to a CAS card.

Scroll down for details on MHK Designs Release Party and GIVEAWAY!!!
But first...CHALLENGES!!!
Crafting With An Attitude - Challenge #32
Cute Card Thursday - #498 Anything Goes
Crafting By Design - October Anything Goes
A Bit More Time To Craft - #53 Anything Goes
The Crafter's Cafe - #182 Die Cuts or Punches
Crafty Girls Creations - #40 Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes With Dies
Through The CraftRoom Door - Anything Goes
and be sure to check out
MHK Designs - October Challenge
This is DAY 2 of MHK Designs October Release Party !

To see all the wonderful creations the Design Team has created you can start at MHK Designs Blog where you will find links to everyone's blogs.  Also, below are details on how you can WIN one OR all of August's new release sets!!!

GIVEAWAY!

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHK Designs Blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list on MHK Designs Blog). 
3. Join our MHKDesigners & Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day.

Thanks for stopping by and...
HAPPY CRAFTING!!

MHK Designs October Release - Day 1 - Celestial Elements

MHK Designs is having their October Release Party 
and today this is the image set being released

I love this set and just had to make this card for my hubby!

First I printed the moon and sentiment on white cardstock.  Then I did some experimenting.  I haven't done masking before, but I decided to mask the moon and create a nighttime sky background around it....which was also an experiment.  I created the background with Distress Inks....Milled Lavender, Shaded Lilac, Faded Jeans, and Chipped Sapphire.  I started with the lighter colors first and then darker the further out I got....I just dabbed around with the ink on a blending tool.  Then I flicked some Twinkling H2O Blue Pearl watercolors on it...then decided it needed something else so I tapped some white gelly roll pen and a glitter gel pen around to help create some stars.  Then I removed the moon mask and colored the moon with Perfect Pearls gold and outlined it with a glitter gel pen.  I just happened to have a star charm that I thought would be perfect so I attached it with a heart brad.  And finally, I matted it onto a piece of dark blue cardstock and adhered it to the front of the card.
Here is a close up...

Scroll down for details on MHK Designs Release Party and GIVEAWAY!!!

But first...challenges!!!
Addicted To Stamps and More - #262 Make Your Mark
Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Challenge 1740
Simon Says Monday Challenge - A Walk on the Dark Side
Hiding In My Craft Room - #320 Freestyle
Through The Purple Haze - #135 Anything Goes
A Bit More Time To Craft - #53 Anything Goes
Crafty Girls Creations - #40 Anything Goes
and 
MHK Designs - October Challenge

This is DAY 1 of MHK Designs October Release Party !

To see all the wonderful creations the Design Team has created you can start at MHK Designs Blog where you will find links to everyone's blogs.  Also, below are details on how you can WIN one OR all of August's new release sets!!!

GIVEAWAY!

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHK Designs Blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list on MHK Designs Blog). 
3. Join our MHKDesigners & Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day.

Thanks for stopping by and...
HAPPY CRAFTING!!

The Beauty God Hath Shared

There are times when you need a special card to express your feelings.....and these beautiful flowers and sentiment were perfect!  They are from the "Beauty" digital stamp set by MHK Designs.

I colored the flowers with Spectrum Noir markers and kept everything in shades of purple for a monochromatic look.

Here is what comes with this digital stamp set...

 

Now for some challenges....

MHK Designs Challenge - September

My Creative Scoop - Color Inspiration Link Up #25

Thanks for stopping by and...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

MHK Designs August Release Day 4 - Pet Puns

Who doesn't LOVE their pets!!!  MHK Designs new release  Pet Puns is irresistible!!!

I couldn't wait to use this set to make a card for my dear friend that loves cats.  I made this adorable Pop-Up Easel card for her.

I printed the image in dark gray and softly colored it with colored pencils....gray for the kitten, pink for the collar, and green for the eyes.  I used silver glitter gel pen to color the bells on the collar, but it doesn't show up well in the pictures.  I also light chalked with blue around the kitten to give it some dimension.   I used my stitched oval dies to cut out the black oval layer, and around the kitten and a small oval for the sentiment.  I punched a tiny butterfly from the pink paper and inked the edges with "Black Soot" Distress ink so it would match the butterflies on the paper and placed it above the kitten's head so it looks like that is what she is looking at.  On the bottom I added a doily and ribbon, then attached a bow to hold the easel open.  I love Love LOVE how this turned out and almost hate giving it away...but I know my friend will love it.

LOOK FOR A TUTORIAL ON MAKING POP-UP EASEL CARDS COMING SOON TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

Scroll down the page to find the CHALLENGES I have entered :)

This is DAY 4 of MHK Designs August Release Party !

To see all the wonderful creations the Design Team has created you can start at MHK Designs Blog where you will find links to everyone's blogs.  Also, below are details on how you can WIN one OR all of August's new release sets!!!

GIVEAWAY!

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHK Designs Blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list on MHK Designs Blog). 
3. Join our MHKDesigners & Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day.

YAY....CHALLENGES!!!
Dragonfly Dreams Challenge - Animals
Cardz 4 Galz - Challenge #54 Cats or Kittens
Craft Rocket Challenges - #40 Animal Kingdom
The Paper Shelter - #305 Punches and Dies
Simon Says - Add A Sentiment
Show Us Your Pussie Cats Only Challenge - #21 Furrything
(PIN)spirational Challenges - #197
Craftyhazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - August 2017
Happy Little Stampers Anything Goes With Dies - August
My Creative Scoop - Color Inspiration Link Up #25


Thanks for stopping by and...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

MHK Designs August Release Day 3 - Marvelous!!!

Flowers are always a MARVELOUS addition to any card or scrapbook layout....and this new digital stamp set, Marvelous from MHK Designs is no exception.

I decided to make a sweet and simple card and let the floral image speak for itself.

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder to create the white background layer of the card to not distract from the floral image.  I used my Cricut Explore's print & cut feature to cut out the flowers, and then colored them with colored pencils.  I gave them a coat of matte Mod Podge to add a subtle shine and make the cutout a little sturdier.  I used my stitched oval dies to cut out the green and white ovals.  I adhered the green oval directly to the card and the used foam tape to pop up the white oval for dimension.  I then partially glued the flowers to the white oval, leaving parts of the flowers and leaves slightly raised for a more realistic look.  And finally, I add a lavender bow and the tag with the sentiment.  I love the way it all came together.
DON'T MISS THE CHALLENGES I'VE ENTERED LISTED BELOW!!!

This is DAY 3 of MHK Designs August Release Party !

To see all the wonderful creations the Design Team has created you can start at MHK Designs Blog where you will find links to everyone's blogs.  Also, below are details on how you can WIN one OR all of August's new release sets!!!

GIVEAWAY!

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHK Designs Blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list on MHK Designs Blog). 
3. Join our MHKDesigners & Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day.

Awesome CHALLENGES I entered....
MHK Designs - August Challenge
Crafting With Dragonflies - #87 Embossing
Crafty Friends - Challenge #64 Anything Goes
My Creative Scoop - Color Inspiration Link Up #25
Ooh La La Creations - Challenge #235 Flowers
Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges - 1733 Anything Goes
Try It On Tuesday - In My Garden
Happy Little Stampers CAS Challenge - August / Flower
Happy Little Stampers - August / Anything with Dies
Die Cut Diva's - August / Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by and...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

MHK Designs August Release Day 1 - Christmas Frames

I love Christmas and MHK Designs just released a new digital stamp set called Christmas Frames that I absolutely LOVE!!!

There are so many possibilities with this set!!!  Here is one of the cards I made using it.

I cut out the center of the scene so I could turn it into a shaker card.  I put a variety of sequins (white, silver, and irredescent) and some snowflakes in the shaker to add to the winter scene.  I put the shaker off center leaving a strip on the left where I added a silver ribbon & bow and attached the circle with the sentiment on it.  From the moment I saw the Christmas Frames set this is what I imagined.  I absolutely LOVE it!!!

If you don't know how to make a shaker card, or if want to see MY way of making a shaker card and get some tips...
CLICK HERE TO WATCH MY YOUTUBE TUTORIAL ON MAKING SHAKER CARDS.

PLEASE CHECK OUT ALL THE CHALLENGES I'M ENTERING BELOW...KEEP SCROLLING :) 

This is DAY 1 of MHK Designs August Release Party !

To see all the wonderful creations the Design Team has created you can start at MHK Designs Blog where you will find links to everyone's blogs.  Also, below are details on how you can WIN one OR all of August's new release sets!!!

GIVEAWAY!

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHK Designs Blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list on MHK Designs Blog). 
3. Join our MHKDesigners & Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day.

NOW FOR THE CHALLENGES!!!
Crafty Friends Challenge - #63 Christmas In July
Craftyhazelnuts Christmas Challenge - #345
Addicted To Stamps and More - #253 Holiday
Sweet Stampin' Christmas - July Anything Goes
A Snowflakes Promise - Challenge #42
Shopping Our Stash - #314 Countdown to Christmas
Holly & Ivy Christmas Challenge - #11
Craftyhazelnuts Christmas Challenge Extra - August
World Wide Open DT Challenge Blog - #24
Happy Little Stampers - August Christmas Challenge

Thanks for stopping by and...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

MHK Designs "Butterfly Elements"

Thank you for stopping by for

MHK Designs July Release Blog Hop - Day 5

I love butterflies and was so excited to get to use the "Butterfly Elements" stamp set as well as a paper from MHK Designs "Easter Flowers" digital paper pack 

  

I'm showing the side view so you can see that I dimensionalized it.  To do that I printed the image twice....once on the cardstock for the front of the card, and a second time so I could color two of the butterflies and cut them out.  I attached one to the center butterfly, and added the other to the top of the oval that I printed the sentiment on.   I only adhered the center of the butterflies and lifted the wings to give them dimension.

To find this image set please visit

MHK Designs Etsy Store 

Follow the hop...

• *Mynn: Owner
• Asha
• Donna
• Jerrie
• Jessica
• Judy
• Lilian
• Michele
• NanaConnie
• Rocky
• Sathya
• Shawna

Thanks for stopping by and...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!