Contributor Spotlight; Kathy Racoosin
Kathy Racoosin
How/when did you begin stamping? I purchased a few stamps for my kids when they were little, but it never stuck. Seven years ago a friend introduced me to wet embossing and I couldn’t get the craft store fast enough.
What is your favorite technique/style? When time permits I love to create little scenes…full of colored images that are cut out.
Which Penny Black product are you most drawn to? Ah…that is so difficult, they are so wonderful! If I was forced to choose, I would say people, flower, and butterfly stamps.
What do you do when you’re in a stamping ‘slump’? Moving outdoors or just out of my house will usually do the trick. I always find some inspiration when shopping, but finding the time to implement ideas is more of the challenge for me.
What would be your advice to beginner stampers? To enjoy the process and don’t be hard on yourself. Most “mistakes” can be turned into something pretty.
How would you describe your craft space in three words? The three “C’s” Colorful, Cozy & Crafty.
Do you have any questions for our readers? How long does it take to make your average card?
Stay tuned for one more spotlight tomorrow then a special introduction on Thursday!
The Penny Black Blog 
I love the little scenes you make 🙂
Thank you Anna I have so much fun creating them and Penny Black stamps make it so easy 🙂
Just gorgeous Kathy. Both cards are just so beautifully coloured.
Thanks Dawn that’s so nice and thanks for always stopping at the Penny Black blog. 🙂
I love these cards!!:)
Awww….thank YOU Christa 🙂
The detail in the Christmas card is amazing & the Halloween card is truly frightful unexpected to say the least… thanks for sharing & the chance to win –
Hi Anita, That’s a huge compliment that you think my card is frightful!! Thank You for that 🙂
Beautiful card!
I love the circle window in the 1st card and the tree and butterflies.
The 2nd card is soooooo cute! Great idea.
Thanks Ayelet and soon I will be sharing how I created the cards. The tree was so much fun to make with a larger and longer trunk. It’s from this transparent set. http://shop.pennyblackinc.com/products/productdetail/part_number=30-128/4381.0.1.1
always love Kathy’s card design, bright and stunning.
Thank you Heaney that makes me happy 🙂
Your Christmas card is so beautiful. The colors are striking!
Kathy, you wowwed me again. Time for me is variable depending on the details I incorporate. Love your creations.
Thanks Karen, I know what you mean about the details…as they say…the devil is in the details lol . Thanks for sharing 🙂
Such detail in these 2 beautiful cards. The Christmas card is just amazing and I love how the Halloween card reminds me of Monsters Inc.
Thanks Yvonne 🙂 Just in case here is the link to my favorite monster. Love this stamp
http://shop.pennyblackinc.com/products/productdetail/shadow+monster/part_number=40-151/4381.0.1.1.93793.0.0.0.0?pp=8&
Love your unique and colorful cards!!
Great cards.
craftymom205 at yahoo dot com
Great cards, Kathy! Your work is always wonderful and inspiring.
wow…lots to look at on the Christmas card….beautiful. In answer to your question for readers…..there are days it takes hours to make a card…silly I know, but I get stumped sometimes and just have to walk away.
I know how you feel Penny because it takes me that long too 🙂 I believe that walking away is good thing and I do it often. Thanks for sharing!
Such a beautiful colorful cards. I make my card at least two days or sometimes three. I can make them only in evening and I have many other task between so I often get distracted.
Hi Eret, Usually I find myself working at night when there aren’t any distractions as you do. My wish is to finish them during the day so I get to bed earlier. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your cards are amazing as usual, your coloring is always so beautifully done. The Christmas card has so much attention to detail, just gorgeous!!! Some of my cards can take a few hours for me to construct but if I have a design in mind, it usually is an hour or so!!!!
Hi Kailash, That makes me feel better knowing I am not the only one that takes about two to three hours to finish a card. Only card makers can undertand that. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I always admire your colorful cards & pretty scenes. I’m not much into stamping yet because I cannot get the inks here.
Sorry to hear that Leanne hopefully that will change for you. 🙂
Great cards, thank you for sharing them, love the little monster.
wow Kathy is awesome..these cards are amazing and so fun…very creative…
Your cards are great! So colorful and detailed. Sometimes it takes several hours to make a card depending on if I thought it out or if I create as I go.
Pam
Thanks Pamela that makes me feel better…lol
I am lucky if a card comes together in an hour. Thanks for sharing 🙂
These two scenes are perfect for the holidays they represent!
Beautiful cards! I love the design/composition and saturated colors. Just lovely!
As always, Kathy, your cards are absolutely beautiful! Your coloring is always top notch!!
I really like the Christmas card. Gave me some ideas!
Awesome glad you got some ideas..that makes me happy 🙂
When I think of Kathy my mind automatically strays to a very particular butterfly stamp plus the way that she uses colour – the first card is a very good example of both for that front dwelling is coloured with a very interesting blend. The second card just makes me chuckle with those googley eyes on the shadow monster – the scene building is always very detailed.
Paula (PEP)
She doesn’t look nervous at all! 🙂
Hello!
What wonderful cards! The colors just pop! You make beautiful creations! It usually takes me a couple of hours to make a normal card as I love to paper piece. Wishing you a sunshine day today!
Hugs,
Barbara Diane
Hi Barbara, Thanks for the feedback … I didn’t realize that paper piecing took that long. LOVE the looks of all those layers. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Both of these cards are great! I love how the first one has so much depth and dimension to it, it’s like a little scene all by itself! I love the second one’s humor, its too cute!!
Sarah Mae
Beautiful projects, love the scene created on the Christmas card
Thanks for the inspiration. to answer the question, it takes me about 45 minutes for most cards, as I struggle with color – I am partially color blind. Once I have a good one, I make several, so the time spent doesn’t seem so bad. I rarely can do a “take ten” but I try.
That’s good advise Ginny!! I should make several when I finish a design and have tried but, it just doesn’t work for me. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Both cards are so bright and fun. Your creations are so inspiring.
Both cads are great, but the Halloween card is fantastic!
Gorgeous cards Kathy….love the scenery of the first one most….sometimes I make 3 cards on 1 day and sometimes 1 on 2 days…it depends on my mojo…your blog inspires me!
xxx Margreet
Hi Margreet, That’s inspiring to me knowing that you can finish three cards in one day. That should be a goal of mine 🙂
Your cards are super fun! I love the bright colors. It probably takes about 45 minutes for me to make a card.
Thanks for answering my question Brenda and what a good average for you. My hats off to you. Happy you shared 🙂
Kathy is the reason I’m a cardmaker – her gorgeous cards and amazing talent are what introduced me to this wonderful hobby. I have LOVED her work for a long time now – so nice to see her featured here today! YOU ROCK, KATHY!! Hugs! 🙂
I can’t even say how fun these cards are kathy!! That shadow OMG! I love the first card too. The cityscape is gorgeous. NEED it!
Your vibrant coloring is amazing, Kathy!
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your creative talents. Your work is so enjoyable.
I just love the love you put into all your creations. There is so much interest in design and color choices, so fun to see what you come up with.
There aren’t enough adjectives to describe her. Kathy is simply amazing!
Thanks for sharing your great cards with everyone! I can only imagine the time it takes to create these lovely scenes. Because my cards are usually detail oriented, it usually takes at least 3 hours to make a card start to finish. Of course, once it is made, duplicates are less time consuming – unless it involves paper piecing…I love iris folding and medallions, etc.
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Hi Jan, I am in good company because I am in the same time frame as you…three hours. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Love both of your cards – but especially the multi-color houses! Your cards are so interesting. It takes more than one look to see everything in them.
Stunning colour! I love the butterflies and little houses on your first! Your cards make me smile!
Oh, I forgot to answer your question before I hit enter. It usually takes me an average of an hour to make a card. Or a few days depending on the elements and interruptions from my wonderful four children! LOL
Four children…oh my!! It would take me about five hours then. Thanks for popping back to share that. 🙂
Great cards!
Very interesting and inventive cards, I like them!!
Great scenes on both cards!
I have never timed myself but I would guess it would be a half hour to an hour.
That’s a great record Sue … something that I strive for. Thanks for taking the time to share. 🙂
Your cards are so expressive – I love them! It takes me quite a while to make most of my cards – 1 – 4 hours depending on the intricacy. I need to be making more than one of each, but somehow I just don’t get that done. It’s too much fun to move on to the next one. 🙂
Thanks Cheryl, I agree the more intricate the more time it takes. Glad to know that their are many of us that a card takes hours to design. Thanks for sharing 🙂
So I’ve always wanted to know how long it takes kathy to make one of her oh so intricate scene cards! I don’t have the patience!
Hi Pia, Thanks for asking…the average time is about three hours and I wish the process was faster but, I find it relaxing to fuss over a card. 🙂
I usually find it takes me longer to design the card than to make it.
It also depends on how detailed it is.
dmcardmaker (at AOL)
(email follower)
Sounds like you make a plan first and that’s something that I have tried and need to do more often. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your cards are always amazing to look at…so many details and gorgeous colouring. I am relatively new and am still learning the different techniques. so my cards are pretty simple and take me over an hour and usually 2 days to really think it through and get the final product.
HI Mary, So happy you are learning new and fun techniques. I think when you allow yourself 2 days to think it through it will show in the end result… with a beautiful card. So happy you shared with us 🙂
wow, beautiful work as always!!! I’m a huge fan of yours, woo hoo!!! How long does it take me… well it varies so much for me, but usually it takes me an hour, from deciding a layout, colors, what I feel like, or what I need… it ends up being an hour hehehehe! If you asked my husband he might say all night! : ) Thanks again!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, I am glad we aren’t asking our husbands..lol. I know I have to carve out time for mine …it’s hard to pull away from those projects sometimes. Thanks for the share 🙂
Fabulous cards 🙂 Kathy’s cards are always such a delight to study – full of incredible expression and details, and colouring 😀 Very occasionally I can make a card quickly but usually 3-4 hours!
Love your new photograph, Kathy 🙂
So comforting to know that there are so many of us who take hours to create. So happy you shared 🙂
Wonderful cards. I love the colors you used. How long does it take me to make a card? Usually a couple of hours from planning to completion, but sometimes days if I keep coming up with “I know what might work better here”…
Smiles, Patti L
Hi Patti, That happens to me sometimes and that’s when I knock on my daughters bedroom door and she becomes my tie breaker. Thanks for sharing 🙂
That stitched monster coming out of the closet is cracking me up! How long… usually a couple of hours. I start with an idea but rarely finish there- it tends to grow a life of its own which ALWAYS takes longer than I intend.
I agree Jengd, It always take longer than what one intends but, as long as we enjoy the process we are lucky. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love Kathy’s cards!
So lovely to read some more about you Kathy! I think I would have to be the slowest card maker in history, it’s an absolute miracle if I can make a card in under 2 hours, if it’s for a DT or magazine then I tend to ponder on it longer and it can take me days…. literally, but I tend to put it aside and then come back to it. I really have been trying to work on this.. sometimes that 1cm to the left really didn’t make that much difference and often my first idea was the one I went back to (lol)!
Hello Lostinpaper, Don’t feel bad about it taking so long…it’s nice to see in the comments that their are many of us that takes hours to complete a card. You find yourself in good company. So happy you shared with us. 🙂
Love your brightly colored ‘scene’. I can make several cards in one day if I have an idea in mind. Sometimes the hardest part is coming up with an idea – I love to make the cards specific for the person.
Nothing like a personalized card Karenajo. You are a smart cookie to make several once you design one. Happy you shared 🙂
Lovely to see you hear and see your lovely cards. On average it would take me between 1 and 2 hours to make a card. Depends on the technique I am using at the time
Thanks for pointing that our Glennis…there are so many things to factor in when designing a card. Thanks for taking the time to share. 🙂
I just love that tree and little village.
I just love your amazing card art and copic coloring skills. I rarely throw away mistakes. LOL I always think I will find a purpose for them. On average I would say a card takes me 30 minutes or more. I am getting better, but if I already have a jumping off point, an idea of what should go on the card for the person I’m making it for, I can squeak out in 30 minutes. LOL Thanks for a change to win some stamping goodies.
Oh my!! I admire you and wish I could design a card in 30 minutes. Appreciate your sharing 🙂
Very nice- I love your color choices
I love your style and already read your blog so it’s really fun to see your guest post for Penny Black! LOVE the cards you made here…so fun! As for me, I take way too long to make a card and usually change the elements around at least twice. I’m trying to stop being so indecisive and just go with my first instincts!
Hi Shartl, Often I am indecisive and then I remind myself to follow my initial instinct just like you do. Usually I am happy with the out come. So happy you shared 🙂
Kathy’s details and use of colors always amaze me. she is one of the best and it’s always a treat to see her work. you ROCK, girl! =)
I’ve always admired Kathy’s work. Love her use of colors.
I LOOOVe your works! They are so unusual and colorful!
I usually make a card at least an hour (and then it takes like another two hours to take photos and post it to my blog which I write in two languages lol). When it CAS and I\’m in a hurry. But usually it takes much more time. Like 2-3 hours or sometimes even more.
To create something like these your two I would spend like ages and end up with nothing. Your cards are marvelous! Such colors and details! They are so creative!!
You are right Izolda that blogging certainly adds to the time spend on a project/card. I couldn’t imagine doing mine in two languages!! You’ll be happy to know that you are in good company and it takes many of us three hours or so. Thanks for sharing
You are right Izolda that blogging certainly adds to the time spend on a project/card. I couldn’t imagine doing mine in two languages!! You’ll be happy to know that you are in good company and it takes many of us three hours or so. Thanks for sharing 🙂
love the monster. cool card.
Thanks for the Info Kathy!! I’ve followed your blog for quite a long time and love your work! It takes time to learn to color like you do and I admire that. I would say it takes me about 2 hours to design a special card. If I’m mass-producing cards, I keep it a little more simply so it doesn’t take as long. But I love to do each card for that special person. I have a couple Penny Black stamps and love the detail. I love your Halloween card….reminds me of “Monster’s Inc.”!!! A favorite movie for me!!
A couple of days late but I knew I’d seen that question somewhere & it just slipped my mind as I commented. It takes me quite a while to make a card – normally at least a couple of days for I work with it as it develops. I have to just start & sometimes get completely stuck. If I’m using a new technique it might not work or look suitable so then I go back & try something else. I’m always bin filling.
Paula (PEP)
Very beautiful cards. Love your style. Thanks for sharing and having such a fun giveaway.
I love the vibrancy of the first card. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Your creations are so darling and full of life. I love the Christmas village card! At least that’s how I see it, looks like it could be Bethlehem. To answer your question, at least two to three hours for a card. I do like details so I switch things up till I like them! Wish I could be faster but alas no go, still it’s more about the process then the productivity in the end 🙂
Love the colors of your cards! I am always drawn to bright, rich colors and cards with tons of depth and dimension. Your cards are so much fun to look at and study! Thanks for your continued inspiration that you share so freely with others 🙂
What great cards and wonderful inspiration from Kathy and all the PB designers. Thanks for sharing!
Great added details.
You are so talented Kathy! Great picture!
Kathy is an amazing artist! These cards are fabulous inspiration.
To answer your question, I would estimate 2-3 hours to create a card is NOT unusual for me and when Miss Mojo goes missing, it takes even longer 😉
Fabulous cards! Love the colors!
DeniseB
fabulous image, lively, zingy colour.