Hello Friends, How are you? I super excited to be hopping with Simon Says Stamp to celebrate the new “Let’s Connect” release blog hop! Today is the first day of a two day blog hop and I think you will be pumped about this wonderful release seeing all of the creative projects and outstanding work from the designers!
Simon has Free Gift with purchase … Yes Please! Use the code GLUE to snap up a Gina K Designs Dot Runner (while supplies last) plus Simon Says Stamp is giving away a $25 coupon to every stop in the hop.
If you are coming from the awesome Heather Ruwe‘s blog you are in the right place. To start at the beginning of the hop click here to go to the Simon Says Stamp blog.
Two entirely different cards I created for the hop and I hope you like them both as I stepped out of my comfort zone.
My first card I watercolored with some Karin markers. I was going for a different look and not sure if I did the beautiful “Drawn Daisies” stamp justice. It’s rare that I throw something away that I am working on and I will keep tweaking it until I feel it’s presentable.
You have seen me use the sentiment strips over and over. After hours and hours of painting they are just easier to cut, back with foam and you are finished in the blink of an eye. This release has some new ones called, “Let’s Connect”.
Left :The finished watercolor.
The middle: I filled in the nooks & crannies with a navy, black and green pencil.
Right: I added white to the centers and more black to the nooks.(small subtle changes)
For my bonus card I enjoyed inking up the flowers edges and covering my card panel with the new “Cosmos Bloom Wafer Die” flowers.
I used to needle point before I found paper crafting. It was fun add some french knots to the flowers center.
GIVEAWAY: Simon Say Stamp is giving away a $25 coupon to every stop on the hop from the blog comment section. Winners will be posted on the Simon Says Stamp blog on Wednesday, the 12th of August.
Next on the hop is the talented Suzy Plantamura (she illustrates the gorgeous SSS coloring cards)! Thank you for your visit today it is always so appreciated. Have a great weekend! Hugs, Kathy
Card Supplies and Links: Affiliate links are used to support 100% of my 30 Day Coloring Challenge & giveaways at no cost to you. Thank YOU!
Wow!!!!!!! These are both stunning!!!!!!!! The daisy stamp is in my list!!!!!!
Thanks so much Natasha. It really is a versatile stamp.
Blue and red daisies! My heart paused at the sight of them (the same way it does when I see people cutting stamps). Kathy, you’re constantly pushing my boundaries of comfort, and I love ya for that. This weekend I’m pulling out the alcohol markers and trying bold and new color combinations. Thanks for the inspiration! Have a lovely weekend.
That makes me so happy! Have a great time playing this weekend.
That makes me so happy! Have a great time playing this weekend. Enjoy
What beautiful cards! I always admire your work! The softly inked aqua florals are stunning in their simplicity!
Thank you Christine
Such beautiful cards. Thank you for sharing.
Love this release!!!
So many great new products.
Love both cards. But my favorite were the cosmos. Very elegant. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your kind words Trudie.
Beautiful cards!
Thank you so much Jane.
Beautiful coloring as always
Thank you Candy
Wow! BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thank you so much Melissa
beautifully done Kathy, your colors are amazing
Thank you Sandi
The sympathy card is beautiful.
Love the subtle shading on the flowers.
thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you so much Mary.
The flowers are so different–nice!
It’s fun to play with unexpected colors.
These are beautiful!
Thanks Liz
Splendid cards. I already placed an order however after viewing your creations, I may have to place another.
Ha! Happens to all of us. I hope you enjoy your new goodies.
Beautiful cards! Thanks for sharing them!
Thank you Cindy.
Awesome creation, absolutely gorgeous!!!!! Awesome Lets Connect release and ideas!!!!!
Appreciate it Lagene.
I love the cosmos bloom card. This release has so many great elements.
It really does have so many fun products.
Oh Kathy! You shouldn’t worry! These are both beautiful!
Thanks Barbara
Such beautiful cards!
Thank you very much Judy.
WOW stunning, they look so 3D. Thanks Kathy
Thanks so much Flo.
The flowers have great depth!
Thank you Cherie.
You cards are gorgeous. Once bold and one soft. You can do both!
Thanks so much Fonda
Your daisies are so beautiful. Love how they pop off the card.
Thank you Susan
These are really Beautiful!!! Love the colors on the daisy card!!!!
Thank you Maureen
Both gorgeous! I love your unexpected daisy colors!
Thank you so much Avra
Oh, you have given me some courage to step out of my own comfort zone with that beautiful card!
That makes me so happy! Comfort zones are overrated! LOL
The daisy stamp! Oh my gosh, that is beautiful!
It is so pretty.
Love the sympathy card. So pretty!!
Thank you Sheri
Wow! Love the floss!
Thanks!
As usual your use of color is amazing! Quite a contrast between the cards but I loved them both
Thank you so much
Absolutely marvelous daisies!! I’m going to try it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Have fun giving it a try!
Your coloring is exquisite, Kathy. Gina K often mentions you on her Stamp and Chat episodes! Really like what you did on that sympathy card…
Thank you Barbara-Jean. Gina is such a sweetheart and a good friend.
Beautiful cards!!! The colors are gorgeous!
Thank you Mary Kay
I think the coloring of the daisies is amazing! Those colours just pop so well – you certainly did the stamp set justice
Thank you Nicole.
Great cards! Your sympathy card was my favorite of the two!
Thank you Patty
Both cards are beautiful. Love the colors!
Thank you Gail
Beautiful cards
Appreciate it Kim.
How clever to add the french knots! I have tons of my mom’s embroidery thread and I can’t wait to try this! Your watercolor card looks fabulous to me! Both cards are just amazing!
Have fun giving it a try!
Amazing cards!!
Thanks so much
Wow! Striking!
Thanks so much Tonna.
So very pretty – your usual!! Love them both.
Thanks for your kind words Becca
The french knots is a brilliant idea. Love mixed media on cards
Thanks!
Beautiful cards…love the simple yet stunning look of the sympathy card.
Thank you Mary-Anne
Your coloring amazes me! Gina K is always saying to go see Kathy’s coloring. She is right, you are amazingly talented!! Thanks for not always “staying in the lines” when it comes to colors and matching – makes me let my creativity out of the box 🙂
Awww thanks sooo much Lisa you totally made my day and thanks for coming to see!! 🙂
Amazing coloring and I love the french knots on the aqua flowers, so pretty! I used to x-stitch and do embroidery before discovering card making, I may need to try some of that once again.
It’s fun to combine your previous hobby with your current one!
Gorgeous cards. Whether bright or subtle, your cards are always beautiful!
Thank you Retta
Love them! I especially like the blue and white.
Thanks so much Nancy
Gorgeous cards. I love the vivid colors in the first one (your coloring is amazing), and I love the beautiful Cosmos Bloom die in the second one. This release definitely has something for everyone.
It really does. So many fun options
You know, Kathy, it’s funny. I saw that floral sympathy card in a general pic of various cards at one of the other sites (I guess probably on SSS) and thought, “That looks like a Kathy Rac card.” And it was!!! I must be spending way too many hrs watching videos if I can identify your work that fast.
Anyway, the coloring is just beautiful and I’m glad you’re part of this hop. Thanks for the inspiration.
Guilty! Ha Thanks for your kind words
Wow Kathy, I am here from your site and love this Drawn Daisies card. Your colors are so fabulous, yes, it is like you. The bright boldness of the colors against the light green background is absolutely stunning. I had to stop and order the stamp before I commented further. The Cosmos Bloom wafer die is also stunning, which is pale and soft, unlike you. Thank you for sharing!
Enjoy coloring it. It’s a great image.
I love how you constantly remind to try new things & tweak/rework coloring. Lovely cards
Thank you Rachel
Your tips and tweaks help me find more confidence in my “so so” coloring! It does make an amazing difference. Love the sympathy card and needlework center!
So glad you are gaining confidence. I bet your work is beautiful.
Wonderful Floral works of art!
Melissa
“Sunshine HoneyBee”
Thanks so much!
Love the colors. I had not heard of the Karin markers.
Thank you. The markers are really fun to play with.
Love the dimension you give your art! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Lara.
beautiful cards, love the sympathy card, so elegant.
Appreciate it Gayle.
So glad you are gaining confidence. I bet your work is beautiful.
Lovely, the little stitched centre is just perfect.
Thank you Andre.
Two beauties, Kathy! Just love your watercolored daisies and those diecut flowers!!
I appreciate your kind words Linda.
WOW! your coloring is just amazing! Jaw on floor!
You are so kind Meghan. Thank you
Beautiful cards! Love those colors you used.
Thanks so very much.
Thank you for the card ideas. Those are flowers are very pretty! Thank you
Thank you Crystal
Wow those are stunning! Love your coloring
Appreciate your kind words Kim.
Amazing cards, and the colors are wonderful!
Thank you Janet
Beautiful daisies!
Thank you Susan
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks Toni
The sympathy card is beautiful! Actually both are!
Thanks so much Bridget
Beautiful coloring, as usual! Love your unique take on the daisies… very stunning!
Thank you Dayle
Kathy- good to see you on the hop, and love that you used one of your coloring challenge pieces for your photo backdrop. The daisies look like nature’s fireworks, and that sympathy card w/ the French knots– as a periodic embroiderer, this really sang to me! Thanks for sharing your creative talents on the hop. Be Well!
You are so kind. Thank you Julie
Beautiful cards. Thank you so much.
Thanks Joyace
These cards are stunning! Thank you for sharing your talent.
Thanks so much Jayne
Beautiful cards. The daisies have so much depth and dimension. I love the colors you used. Your coloring on the cosmos die is so soft and pretty.
Thank you Judy
Both beautiful cards! Love them!
Thank you Sandra
WOW-WHEE are those some beautiful colors…thanks for making me eyes light up
Appreciate it Cynthia
Love your cards and the beautiful colors you picked to make them! Thanks so much for sharing your techniques.
Thank you
As always, beautiful cards. I love the simplicity of the second one.
Thank you Karen
Love the delicate blue in the cosmos bloom card. Clean and elegant.
Thanks so much Mary Ann
All of your flowers are so pretty! I love the colours you chose and used together! Very striking.
Thank you Giselle
Phenomenal cards, Kathy!! I love the Daisies & the Cosmos dies are a must have for me.
Thank you Patt
Gorgeous cards, Kathy! So beautiful!
Thanks so much
Both of your floral cards are beautiful! You always inspire me:)
Thank you Mary
Without saying, your cards are absolutely beautiful. Love you coloring.
Thank you
Your colouring is fantastic as always! I love the French knots on the second card!
Thank you very much
Kathy, the leaves on the daisy are amazing. They look like they pop off the card. Fantastic job of coloring.
Thank you so much Elaine
Love your cards. Thanks for sharing. Btw the last 30 day coloring challenge has helped me to do more with card making even with the busy gardening season.
So glad you enjoyed the 30 day challenge!
This was so good for me to see. Those “miniscule” changes and addition were very informative. I found I could see the effect of the white gel pen more. I’m so hesitant to add black, but this was really pretty and I might try it. Glad you didnt trash it! The sympathy card stole my heart!! I love those flowers and making one dimensional is just gorgeous.
Isn’t it crazy how much the details can make a difference:
Great coloring as always. Really like the use of french knots to make a center for the cosmos. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! They are fun details to add.
A wonderful kit and gorgeous inspiration.
Thank you Jean
Dear Cathy
When I see your name my heart beats faster as I know you will always create beauties and this time is no exception. Love the daisies and adding french knots to the card just popped it. Thank you for teaching me how to colour. I want to buy a set of colour pencils but i dont know what to buy as i dont want to waste my money. If you have some time pls do a post on what a beginner should buy. Blessings
Thank you Surekha.
Gorgeous! Love these pretty flowers!
Thank you
I always love to see your colouring Kathy and this certainly shouldn’t be thrown away!! I love the use of the different colours and a nice change from the usual pastel colours I always use. And I love how you used the flower die, the soft colouring around the edge is perfection.
Thank you Shona
You have created 2 wonderfully striking cards, Kathy! As always they are standouts!! I must admit I love the second with those lovely die cut flowers on the background and the raised one taking centre stage! Thanks once again for the inspiration! Take care! 🙂
Thank so much Helen
Wowza, Kathy, amazing! I love the contrasting colours!
Thank you Mirella
Love both cards. So very talented. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Lois
Stunning colour mix on first card, adore that you always have the confidence to pop it up an extra step. So much cuteness on the new release, where do I start at ? Keep safe & happy x
Thank you Andrea
Great cards, I love the colors!
Thanks so much Kathy
That daisy stamp is beautiful and your coloring is always awesome.
Thank you Wanda
The sympathy card is beautiful.
Thank you Mary Ellen
I love your french knots, Kathy! Such a fun touch!
They were fun to do.
Love your cards. I did a double take when I saw the second card. I was trying to figure out how you stacked up seed beads and then I realized that you had made French knots. I did needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, and quilting before card making. Think I like card making the most of all!
It really is fun to add stitching to them.
Love these cards, Kathy! Your coloring is superb! Always looks so professional.
Thank you Joy
Love these cards the ink blending on your flowers is beautiful.
Thank you
Stunning cards, Kathy – love how you colored in the ‘think happy’ card – just glows
Thank you
Kathy, your first card is striking! What a finishing touch to use coloured pencils in the nooks & crannies. The second card is my favourite as I love the gentle touches of blue on the edges of the flowers. Soft & subtle & even though the front of the card is covered, it still has a CAS feel to it which is my favourite.
Thanks so much for your kind words.
Your coloring and your cards always amaze & delight me, Kathy!! I have the SSS Cosmos Stem die – I’m going to have to try the french knots on it.
Thank you
Beautiful cards!
Thanks Kim
Beautiful cards! I love them both but I’m really drawn to your bonus card because I think that’s something I can attempt. I’m pretty sure that I’d have a very different card if I attempted the slimline card because I have issues with coloring:) Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Laurie
Stunning card. Beautiful colors.
Thank you Ruby
Both are great cards. I love that you did needlepoint in the middle of the flower on the second card! What a great idea.
Thank you Donna!
Love how you used cosmos die to cover the entire panel, looks great.
Thanks so much
I love your cards! Beautiful watercoloring!
Thanks so much Lauryne.
Your coloring is just great, as always! Love both cards.
Appreciate it Talitha
i loved your coloring techniques. Beautiful work!
Thank you Trish
Beautiful! I always love your coloring!
Thank you so much
Beautiful!! Love your coloring and all the technique you used. Learned a lot from you at the Coloring road trip, I hope you will come again in SF at Hero Arts!
Thank you Holly. I hope I can come again too.
Stunning colors! I love your cards Kathy! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day!
Thank you Joan
Wow! Thanks for the amazing inspiration! The new release is just fabulous! I especially love the beautiful background stamps and the gorgeous dies.
Thanks so much
I love both of your cards, Kathy! I think the sympathy one is my favorite….it’s so soft and pretty! Thank you for sharing your awesome creativity with us!
Thank you Kathy
These are really beautiful cards. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you
Stunning cards! I really like the colors of your first card- different but striking! And your second card is so inspiring. I love seeing what can be done with one flower die cut. And the French knots are a wonderful finishing touch.
Thank you. It’s fun to add stitching details
Beautiful cards!
Thanks so much
I like that the Simon Says wafer flower dies seem to all go together, and this one will fit right in. Love your ideas for subtle coloring.
Thank you Eva
Thank you Eva!
These cards are spectacular. The drawn daisies card is vivid and striking because of the colors you use. I think the sentiments match perfectly as the colors sure get me in my happy place. I also loved the Cosmos Bloom card. More subtle but the color is just
peaceful. It is difficult to know what to do for sympathy cards. This card is an inspiration. Well done. Thank you for sharing.
I appreciate your kind words
These colors are gorgeous!
Thank you Wendy!
Blending is always a hit or miss with my cards-any tips on making it less chunky looking?
Love your simple and elegant design, especially on the cosmos one. Thanks for sharing such beautiful cards!!
Thank you
Very interesting card.
Thank you Colleen
So pretty! I love the french knots in the cosmos flower – clever idea!
Thank you. It’s fun to add stitching
I love the teal color.
It’s one of my faves!
Gorgeous cards! Love the colors…
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Jeanne
The watercoloring is beautiful, and I love the sympathy card. So simple yet soothing. Thank you!
Thank you Sue
Terrific cards. I love the colors on the first card. The green is so striking. I just love it. The other card with the white and blue flowers is very lovely.
Thank you Jade
Love the combo of needlepoint and card making. Beautiful
Thank you. It was fun to do
Wow , both cards a just beautiful, the coloring on those daisies are spectacular. You amaze me! Thank you so much for sharing
Thank you Jill
The floral card would be good for so many occasions
It would be!
Wow! Love the way you colored the daisies! So nice and unique. Love your soft flowers against the white. The french knots and bit of dimension to the one flower are perfect.
Thank you Paula.
I was trying to figure out what you used in the center. I was thinking seeds, maybe flower soft, because well, I have to copy that. It looks so dainty and I love it. French knots, I should have known, I was a cross stitcher before I started making card, I’m totally going to steal that idea, it’s so perfect.
Please steal it! It’s fun to bring two hobbies together.
Very pretty!!!! I love the way you colored the flowers with the water color pens.
Thank you
Quite inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Gloria
Love these cards. The colors are fantastic.
Thank you Tammy
I love your daisies. They are gorgeous. You have the touch with the Karin markers. My husband bought me the whole set with neons for my birthday. I think my touch is stained because I just can’t figure them out. I either get too much or not enough. They are gorgeous markers and I love them for their vibrant colors. I would love to be able to use them.
Just takes some practice. If you don’t have enough color you can always let it dry and add more color. Try painting them off on a palette or acrylic block and dip into it with a wet/damp brush.
Love the flowers! so very soothing.
Thank you
OH MY WORD!! Absolutely AHHHH-Mazing cards, Kathy!! Gorgeous color palettes and card designs! I LOVE them both!
Thank you Joanne
I like the look at the changes from photo to photo. The white to the centers is nice.
White details really make a difference
Beautiful cards! I love the french knots flower center.
Thank you Laurie
Two beautiful cards — as different as night and day! French knots were my absolute favorite when I used to do embroidery.
Thank you Carol
super pretty cards! the aqua flowers are stunning!!
Thank you Cheriese
SWOON!! Such BEAUTIFUL Cards!! I LOVE them BOTH, but the Daisy one is my FAVORITE!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEK!!
Thank you Larissa
wow, so creative, I love it!
Thank you Tina
Kathy, you always inspire me with your courage to use bold colors. Life has been hectic and it’s nice to see all the creativity. These blog hops help with de-stressing so thank you all for the beautiful art. Now it’s my turn to go make something. 🙂
Yes, have fun making!
First time visiting your blog.
Spectacular cards! I especially like the Sympathy card.
Thank you for stopping by! Welcome!
You really outdid yourself with the daisy/green background one. I love seeing things in a new light (ie color) and that is just gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Amy
I’m just starting watercolor and if I could do even a quarter of beautiful work like yours I’d be so happy! Thank you for sharing!
oh wow!
awesome cards!
and coloring is stunning!
Appreciate your kind words as always Fikreta.
Interesting color combination on the first card, but it totally works! Amazing as usual!
Thank you Debby
That sympathy card! I am always looking for those to make and have on hand. Both of your cards are gorgeous.
Gorgeous!
Kathy, I love the vibrant and unusual colors you chose for the flowers. I stay conservative in color choices when making a card but every once in awhile I have to do what I like. Adding a blue bunny or purple turtle makes me smile.
Lovely cards Kathy
Thanks so much Gab
Love the flowers and the colors
Hi Kathy 🙂 Lovely cards!!! Delightful! Thanks for inspiring me 🙂
Thank you Connie