Wednesday, November 30, 2011

On-line Extravaganza Ends Today!

Today marks the last day for the On-Line Extravaganza.  Great products from 20-60% off. 
You can go directly to my online store by clicking the tab in the left hand column, and have the items shipped directly to you.  If you need help placing your order, feel free to send me an e-mail and I will be happy to assist you.

Beau Chateau Wedding Card

It is hard to see in the picture, but the pale pink of the Beau Chateau DSP along with some dyed pink glimmer hearts really set the tone for my wedding card.  I think I need to ask Santa to get me a better light set up for my picture taking so hopefully after the New Year you will see better quality pictures.

I started with Pink Pirouette cardstock for my card base, and then added a layer of Soft Suede, and then a piece of Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper.  I also added another smaller strip of Soft Suede and Very Vanilla, and embellished it with a Very Vanilla ribbon, and some hearts that were dyed with Pink Pirouette ink.  I cut the hearts with Silver Glimmer paper, and wanted to dye them to match the cardstock.  After researching how others were dying their glimmer paper, I found that you can use a Sponge Dauber and go directly from your ink pad to your glimmer paper, or like I did with my hearts, I just added two small drops of ink on each heart and then blended it in.  

I think if the ink color was darker to start with you could just use your sponge dauber directly from the ink pad to the glimmer paper, but since Pink Pirouette is a soft color, it worked better by applying the drops of ink directly to the paper. 

I also sponged a touch of Pink Pirouette ink around my stamped and punched sentiment, and place it on the card with dimensionals.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Pink Pirouette #111351, Soft Suede #115318, Very Vanilla #101650
Glimmer Paper:  Silver #124005 (Holiday Mini) 
Designer Series Paper:  Beau Chateau #122357
Ink:  Soft Suede #115657, Pink Pirouette #111838 and Pink Pirouette Ink Refill #111843
Stamp Set:  God's Blessings #114972
Ribbon:  Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding #120999
Punches:  Small Heart #117193, 2 1/2" Circle #120906
Accessories:  Sponge Daubers #102892, Stamping Sponges #101610, Dimensionals #104430




Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Nursery Nest Quick Accents

Quick Accents are self-adhesive pieces that coordinate with select Designer Series Paper packs, and add quick embellishment to your cards, scrapbook pages, or projects, and today I used them to help me create my baby boy card.

Marina Mist cardstock is my card base, with a layer of Pear Pizzazz and a piece of the Nursery Nest DSP.  Some Pear Pizzazz Stitched-Poly Ribbon was added before I placed on some additional Quick accents.  The stamped image was placed on another one of the accent pieces.

Quick Accents, like the name implies, are a quick way to help you create your projects, and the fact that they go with coordinating DSP makes it even easier. 

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Marina Mist #119682, Pear Pizzazz #119795, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Nursery Nest #122347
Stamp Sets:  Ain't Love Grand #122505 wood or #122507 clear (Hostess), Petite Pairs #122495 wood or #122497 clear
Punch:  Small Oval #120908
Ink:  Marina Mist #119668, Early Espresso #119670
Embellishments:  Nursery Nest Quick Accents #122370
Ribbon:  Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched Poly #119265



Monday, November 28, 2011

My mini Chistmas Tree

Using a variety of Stampin' Up! materials only, I was able to decorate my mini Christmas tree.  It is adorned with glitter snowflakes, embossed roof flashing, and hand punched Christmas balls. It was a fun project to do, and a nice way to showcase different Stampin' Up! items and show how Stampin' Up! is so much more than card making and scrapbooking.

To make the Christmas balls I punched the small flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack and secured each one with a small pin to a styrofoam ball.  The other items were cut with the Big Shot - and the silver ornaments were cut using roof flashing.

I used the following:
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler #119685, Brushed Gold #102935
Glimmer Paper: Silver #124005
Punches: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border #119275, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack#118309
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Snowflake #2 Original Die #113460, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing folder #116824, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder #120902, Snow Burst Embossing Folder #124096, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets #120805
Embellishment:  Supernova Glitter #114287
Ribbon:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding #120992

Friday, November 25, 2011

Non-traditional Christmas Card

Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper is a great alternative from what I consider a traditional Christmas card, meaning using other colors than the standard green and red.

Going really non-traditional, my card base is Crumb Cake cardstock, followed by a layer of Soft Suede that was cut out using the Movers & Shapers Holiday Windows ornament die. The cut out shape is slightly larger than the coordinating Ornament Punch therefore the punched piece of DSP layers nicely in the cut out image.  I added some retired silver cord for my hook, and placed a rhinestone in the center for added embellishment.  Cherry Cobbler seam binding was layered on as well, with another piece of Frostwood Lodge DSP.

I was looking to add a larger stamped sentiment to the bottom corner, and found the Holiday Greetings in the Sincere Salutations Set.  I often forget that my holiday sentiments are scattered throughout other sets, and not just with the Christmas Stamp Sets.  I think after the holidays I need to place small stickers on those sets so I get the most out of what I have.  Sincere Salutations was one of the first sets I purchased when I started stamping years ago, and I am glad that it continues to be part of the Idea Book and Catalog.  It has so many great sentiments for several occasions, and is a great value considering all that it can be used for.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Soft Suede #115318
Designer Series Paper:  Frostwood Lodge #124002
Stamp Set:  Sincere Salutations #115068
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler #119669
Ribbon:  Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding #120992
Accessories:  Big Shot #113430, Movers and Shakers Holiday Windows #16821, Movers and Shapers Curly Label #114506 (used the die base)
Punch:  Ornament #119847
Embellishment:  Rhinestone #119246

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Christmas Gift Bags


Stitched Felt pieces from the Holiday Mini Catalog were the perfect adornment for my decorated gift bags.  Now the recipient not only gets a nice present inside the bag, they also have a removable accent piece that can be used to decorate the Christmas tree.

The plain bags were purchased at a local craft store, and I decorated them with Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper and the Winter Wishes Stitched Felt pieces.  I also dressed them up a bit more with a few punches, some ribbon and buttons, and a sentiment.   You can save yourself a lot of money decorating your own bags and it is a lot of fun too.

The following were used:
Designer Series Paper: Holly Berry Bouquet #124004 (Holiday Mini)
Glimmer Paper:  Red #121790
Stamp Sets:  Tags til Christmas #120847 wood or #121169 clear, Delightful Decorations #116517
Ink:  Real Red #103133, Old Olive #102277
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Real Red #102482
Ribbon:  Real Red 5/8" Satin #117286, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain #109034
Punches:  Ornament #119847, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle #11954, Decorative Label #120907, Scallop Edge Border #119882
Embellishments:  Holly Berry Bouquet Buttons #125636,Winter Wishes Stitched Felt #124108 (both from the Holiday Mini), Brights Glimmer Brad #121006

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Oh Christmas Tree


Silver and gold embossing

The Pennant Parade Stamp Set is one of those sets that can be used for many occasions.  I like how the pennant can be turned into a Christmas tree.

Whisper White cardstock is my cardbase with a layer of Old Olive that was embossed with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder.  I stamped my pennants with Versa Mark ink and then heat embossed them with silver embossing powder, and the base was done the same way using gold embossing powder.  After punching out the pennants with the Petite Pennants Builder Punch, I placed the trees onto the card using dimensionals.  A glue dot behind each tree stand held them in place.  Some Real Red Satin Ribbon added a pop of color. I haven't figured out what sentiment I want to add to this card yet, but like the simplicity of it.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Old Olive #100702
Stamp Set:  Pennant Parade #122740 wood or #122742
Ink:  Versa Mark #102283
Punch:  Petite Pennants Builder #122361
Ribbon:  Real Red 5/8" Satin #117286
Accessories:  Big Shot #113430, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder #116824, Heat Tool #100005, Silver Embossing Powder #109131, Gold Embossing Powder #109129, Dimensionals #104430, Glue Dots #103683

Friday, November 18, 2011

A very special happy birthday

Thirty years ago today I was blessed with the birth of my daughter Jennifer.  I always love creating cards, but they have even more meaning when they go to someone so special. 

Jen's card was created using Pretty in Pink cardstock that was embellished with some Log Cabin Smooch Spritz.  To this I added a strip of Spice Cake Designer Fabric for my bow, and the Birthday Wishes were centered in a Die Cut Designer Frame that I altered a bit by tearing the edges.   I sponged a touch of Soft Suede ink around the frame and added some butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die.

Since I don't very rarely sew, but really love the fabric Stampin' Up! offers, I like using it for my bows.  It is really soft, ties easily, and coordinates with the Designer Series Paper.  So, if you are like me and don't sew, don't be afraid to try the fabric.  It really adds a nice touch to your cards or projects.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Pretty in Pink #100459, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Beau Chateau #122357
Stamp Set:  Bring on the Cake #121899 wood or #121958 clear
Ink:  Soft Suede #115657
Embellishment:  Log Cabin Smooch Spritz #119921, Pearls #119247
Fabric:  Spice Cake #124066 (Holiday Mini)
Accessories:  Big Shot #113430, Beautiful Wings Embosslits #118138, Designer Frames Embossing Folder #123130, Stamping Sponge #101610

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Christmas Lodge Thank You

The Christmas Lodge Stamp Set is not just for making Christmas cards.  Without using the sentiments included, any of the other four stamps could be used for a variety of cards or projects. 

My card is Crumb Cake cardstock with an embossed layer of Soft Suede.  Taking inspiration from page 129 of the Idea Book and Catalog, I layered my stamped images on a few punches, added a bit of ribbon, and placed my thanks in the center.  When I am stuck for new ideas I love paging through my Idea Book for inspiration. 

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Soft Suede #115318, Whisper White #100730, Garden Green #102584
Stamp Set:  Christmas Lodge #123767 wood or #123769 clear, Petite Pairs #122495 wood or #122497 clear
Ink:  Garden Green #102272, Soft Suede #115657
Marker:  Crumb Cake #120967
Punches:  Decorative Label #120907, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle #119854, 1" Circle #119868, Small Oval #120908
Ribbon:  Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta #122966
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder #116824

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Flower ornaments or gift tags

Front of flower

Back of flower


I don't know what other people call these flowers, but I just call them ornaments or gift tags because that is what I am using them for.  They really look nice on a gift bag, present, or a Christmas tree.

To make them you start by cutting twelve 2 x 2 squares of Designer Series Paper.  You can also make the flower a bit smaller by using only eleven folded squares.  You fold each square to make the cone shape.  I used a small piece of sticky strip to keep each cone together.   I layered them on a large  circle that was covered with sticky strip.  I added another circle that was embossed with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder, a Holly Berry Bouquet Button and some mini jingle bells to decorte the front.

I use Crystal Effects as my adhesive for the large circles. 

To make the flowers I used the following:
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler #119685
Designer Series Paper:  Frostwood Lodge #124002 (Holiday Mini)
Punch:  2 1/2" Circle #120906
Embellishments:  Mini Jingle Bells #124116 and Holly Berry Bouquet Buttons #125636 (Holiday Mini)
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder #116824, Sticky Strip #104294, Crystal Effects #101055

Friday, November 11, 2011

Glitter Snowflakes


Well, I haven't played with my glitter in awhile, I guess because I hate the mess, but using it with the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets was so easy and hardly any mess!

To make the snowflakes I took a piece of Whisper White Cardstock, and a piece of the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet, placed them together and ran them through my Big Shot using the Snowflake #2 Die.  Next I slowly took the backing off of the adhesive and sprinkled glitter over the sticky part.  I say I did this slowly, because as I peeled the adhesive off I sprinkled - not pulling the whole sheet off at once.  The first one I made I pulled the whole sheet off and my fingers accidently took some of the adhesive off.  I found that if I sprinkled a little at a time I could hold the snowflake down in places where I already had the glitter and therefore was able to get nice coverage on the whole piece.  I love how they turned out.  They really sparkle and the glitter really seems to stay put with nice even coverage.

I experimented with several different colors and found them all to be so much fun.  The snowflakes were placed onto a layer of Whisper White that was embossed with the Snow Burst Embossing Folder and by placing a glimmer brad in the middle I was able to secure them in place.  I also added some glue dots to the edges of the snowflakes.  This layer was placed onto a Whisper White cardstock base.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730
Stamp Sets:  Petite Pairs #122495 wood or #122497, Snow Swirled #111690
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Snow Burst Embossing Folder #124096, Snowflake #2 Die #113460, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets #120805
Embellishments: Fine Galaxy Glitter #114286, Fine Supernova Glitter #114287, Basics Glimmer Brads #121003
Punches:  Scallop Oval #119856, Large Oval #119855

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Christmas Lodge in Blue

Instead of the traditional red and green used in most holiday cards, I decided to make another one that could be sent to any of your friends who you wish to send holiday wishes even if they don't celebrate Christmas.

Baja Breeze cardstock is my card base, and then an added layer of Whisper White that was embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder, and then sponged with Baja Breeze ink.  My oval was cut with the Big Shot and the house was stamped in Early Espresso ink and some Dazzling Diamonds was added for some sparkle.  I used Crystal Effects as my adhesive for the Dazzling Diamonds, and it gives it a really nice soft look.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Baja Breeze #111352, Whisper White #100730
Stamp Sets:  Christmas Lodge #123767 wood or #123769 clear, Holiday Happiness #120786 wood or #120792 clear
Ink:  Baja Breeze #111833, Early Espresso #119670
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Snow Burst Embossing Folder #123096, Frame Oval Scallop Bigz Die #114521
Punch:  Large Oval #119855
Ribbon:  Baja Breeze 1/2" Seam Binding #122331
Embellishment:  Dazzling Diamonds #102023, Crystal Effects #101055

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Non-traditional Holiday Card

If you would like to spread holiday wishes to your friends who do not celebrate Christmas, go for colors other than the traditional red and green. 

My Whisper White cardstock base was embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder, and then another layer of Whisper White was stamped with the Hello, Doily stamp in Versa Mark ink and then embossed with silver embossing powder.  A large neutral brad was placed in the center, and the whole layer was placed on with dimensionals.  I also embossed the Happy Holidays sentiment as well.  

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730
Stamp Sets:  Hello, Doily #122845, Holiday Happiness #120786 wood or #120792 clear
Ink:  Versa Mark #102283
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Snow Burst Embossing Folder #124096 (Holiday Mini), Silver Embossing Powder #109131, Dimensionals #104430
Embellishment:  5/8" Neutral Brad #112533
Punch:  Large Oval #119855

You still have time to order products to make your own holiday cards and projects.  Just go to my on-line store and place your order and have the items shipped directly to your home.  Share the joy of Christmas and the holidays by making your own handmade items. 

If you are stuck on gifts for someone on your list here are a few things I have made in the past and will probably do so again this year: 
..make a box of handmade cards for all occasions and add a roll of postage stamps.
If they love creating -
..make up card kits for those who love to stamp.
..purchase a Stampin' Up! gift certificate through me and let them shop away.
..make a ribbon bundle using a variety of Stampin' Up! ribbon.
..make a gift box full of embellishments like buttons and brads.
..put together an adhesive bundle adding dimensionals, snail, sticky strip, etc. so they are never without their favorite adhesive
..create precut Designer Series Paper or cardstock packs.
and the list goes on.  I know I love getting Stampin' Up! products for Christmas, and I know you probably know someone else who would too.


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Simple Joy Card

Want a simple card for the holidays, just add some embossing to your layer and you are on your way to creating a pretty, yet easy to make card.

Cherry Cobbler cardstock is my card base with a layer of Whisper White that was embossed with the Northern Flurry embossing folder.  I rounded the edges with the 3/16" corner punch and added some rhinestones.  My ornament was stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink and then punched out with the ornament punch and placed on with dimensionals.  The embossing folders add so much texture and really dress up any card or project, and are priced right at just $7.95 each.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler #119685, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler #119669
Stamp Sets:  Delightful Decorations #115517, Tree Trimmings #1167222
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder #120902, Dimensionals #104430
Embellishment:  Rhinestones #119246
Punches:  3/16" Corner #119871, Ornament #119847

Monday, November 7, 2011

Dazzling Diamonds Christmas Tree

I love how adding some Dazzling Diamonds to the Christmas Tree in the Christmas Lodge Stamp Set really makes it sparkle and gives the look of snow. 

The card base is Garden Green cardstock that was embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder.  To that I added two die cut Top Note pieces, the bottom Real Red piece is full size, and the top Whisper White piece was cut down to layer on top.  I stamped my tree in Garden Green ink and then added some Crystal Effects to the branches and sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds on top.  

You can also apply Dazzling Diamonds using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, or the 2-Way Glue Pen, but I like how the Crystal Effects adds almost another layer of dimension.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Garden Green #102584, Real Red #102482, Whisper White #100730
Ink:   Real Red #103133, Garden Green #1022272
Stamp Sets:  Christmas Lodge #123767 wood or #123769 clear (Holiday Mini), Petite Pairs #122495 wood or #122497 clear
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Snow Burst Embossing Folder #124096, Top Note Bigz Die #113463
Embellishments:  Dazzling Diamonds #102023, Crystal Effects #101055

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Door Prize Winner




Cathy Long is the winner of my door prize from today's craft fair at Plainfield Township Fire Company.  Congratulations Cathy, and thanks for stopping by.  Your pack of note cards will be mailed next week.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Come to Bethlehem

White embossing on a dark background really brings out the images on today's card.

Always Artichoke cardstock was embossed with the Snow Burst Embossing Folder and then placed on my Whisper White card base.  My image was stamped on Night of Navy cardstock using Versa Mark ink and then covered with White Embossing Powder which was set using my Heat Tool. To get the top sentiment on straight I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for precise alignment.  Some Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon was added to the corners for some extra embellishment.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Always Artichoke #105119, Night of Navy #100867
Stamp Set:  Come to Bethlehem #118732 wood or #120592 wood
Ink:  Versa Mark #102283
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Snow Burst Embossing Folder #124096 (Holiday Mini), Heat Tool #100005, White Embossing Powder #109132, Stamp-a-ma-jig #101049
Ribbon:  Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta #109070

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Holiday Happiness

It's hard to believe it is time to start thinking of making Christmas cards.  Halloween just ended, Thanksgiving is a few weeks away, and then Christmas.  Boy, do we sure pile a lot of holidays into a few short months.  But, luckily I love creating cards and gift items for the holidays and have all of the supplies to do it too.

Today's card is a base of Crumb Cake that was embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder.  I layered some Always Artichoke seam binding on the one side, and then added my layers of Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White.  I stamped my tree and ornamnets on the tree using Always Artichoke, and Cherry Cobbler ink, and I used some retired Gold ink for the star. 

If you wanted to get a bit fancier, try adding some buttons or cutting out the ornaments and placing them on with dimensionals like the sample in the Idea Book and Catalog.  There are so many cute ways to decorate the tree, all it takes is a little bit of imagination.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Cherry Cobbler #119685, Whisper White #100730
Stamp Set:  Holiday Happiness #120786 wood or #120792 clear
Ink:  Always Artichoke #105219, Cherry Cobbler #119669
Ribbon:  Always Artichoke Seam Binding #121000
Punch:  Large Oval #119855
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Snow Burst Embossing Folder #124096 (Holiday Mini), Dimensionals #104430