Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 
This card comes right from a project showcased in my  Stampin' Up! online store, and was created by Stampin' Up!.  I wanted to post a project, but didn't get around to doing any cards today, so I thought this one was just perfect to say Merry Christmas to everyone.  I also want to take the time to say thank you to everyone who reads my blog, to all of my faithful customers and friends, and to the wonderful demonstrators at Stampin' Up! who are always a great source of inspiration.
 
I will be spending the next few days celebrating the Christmas holiday with my family and friends, so I won't be posting any new projects until the new year.  In the meantime, if you are in the need of some inspiration, just click on the link to my online store and search projects, and you can get some great ideas from the talented people at Stampin' Up!. 
 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and I look forward to creating and sharing ideas with you in 2013, and posting new projects made with  items from the Spring Catalog which is available from January 3 - May 31, 2013. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Little Friends

 
The Little Friends Stamp Set is perfect for making cards for young children.   The images are really cute, and large enough to be filled in using your favorite colors.
 
My card base is Crumb Cake Card Stock that was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  I then cut a piece of Marina Mist Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper with my Big Shot using the Top Note Bigz Die.  My image was stamped on Whisper White Card Stock and I used my Blender Pens to color it in.  I then tied on a piece of Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon and added my happy birthday sentiment. 
 
To color in the images using a Blender Pen, I just apply the tip of the Pen to the color of the ink I want on my image.  The water in the pen pulls the ink up and allows you to fill in your image.  To add a different color, just wipe the tip of your blender pen onto a piece of scrap paper until no ink appears, and you are ready to use another color.  The tip of the pen might appear stained, but if you see no ink on your scrap paper, you are good to go with another color.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Whisper White #100730, Early Espresso #119686
Designer Series Paper:  Polka Dot Parade #126902
Ink:  Early Espresso #126074, Marina Mist #126962, Old Olive #126953, Soft Suede #126978, Cajun Craze #126965
Stamp Sets:  Little Friends #122665 w or #122667 c, Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370 w or #127802 c
Punch:  Word Window #119857
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Top Note Bigz Die #113463, Blender Pens #102845
Ribbon:  Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta #122966

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Not another Christmas card!

Well, I am finally finished with all of my Christmas cards and projects, and thought it was time to start making some different cards to be used after the holidays.
 
My card base is Rich Razzleberry Card Stock, with a layer of Whisper White, and then another layer of Lucky Limeade that was embossed with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder.  I then cut additional layers of card stock and stamped my background leaf image which is from the My Friend Stamp Set.  I punched my butterfly with some Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper, and tied a piece of linen thread to around it to give it some dimension.  I also added my Rich Razzleberry 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon around this layer and tied my thanks so much sentiment onto it with another piece of Linen Thread. 
 
Now, I can't wait for Christmas, and love this time of the year, but this card also makes me think ahead to Spring, and that is my most favorite time of the year.
 
The following were used:
Card stock:  Rich Razzleberry #115316, Lucky Limeade #122926, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Polka Dot Parade #126902
Ink:  Lucky Limeade #126984, Rich Razzleberry #126950
Ribbon:  Rich Razzleberry 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain #126876, Linen Thread #104199
Stamp Sets:  My Friend #122585 w or #122587 c, Tiny Tags #118091 w or #118592 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder #127751
Punches:  Jewelry Tag #117190, Elegant Butterfly #127526
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Quick Birthday Card


I like to prepare some cards for my stamp class that don't require a lot of stamping or cutting, and I had a request for a feminine birthday card using circles.  So this is the design I came up with that was quick and also used the requested design.
 
My card base is Pink Pirouette Card Stock that I layered with a piece of Chocolate Chip Card Stock embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  I then used my 1 3/8", 1 1/4" and 1" Circle punches with the Birds of a Feather Designer Series Paper for my design.  I tied some Pink Pirouette 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon and added my Happy Birthday Cake which I also punched out with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch. 
 
The Happy Birthday Cake Stamp is from the Pretty Postage Stamp Set that coordinates with the Postage Stamp Punch, but as you can see here on this card, it also goes with the circle punches too. 
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Pink Pirouette #111351, Chocolate Chip #102129
Designer Series Paper:  Birds of a  Feather #126899
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple #126859
Stamp Set:  Pretty Postage #123095 w or #123097 c
Ribbon:  Pink Pirouette 3/8" Taffeta #122981
Punches:  1 3/8 Circle #119860, 1 1/4" Circle #119861, 1" Circle #119868
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335


Friday, December 14, 2012

Not another Christmas card

Well, I am finally finished with making all of my Christmas cards for both personal use and my classes, but I have some of the Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper left.  So, even though this is the paper I used for my holiday cards, it goes so well for those cards being sent during the winter months. 
 
My card base is Very Vanilla Card Stock that I embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder.  I then cut two pieces of my Designer Paper and placed them onto my card.  I also stamped my sentiment and snowflakes on another piece of Very Vanilla and cut it out with a Labels Collection Framelit and placed this onto my layers with dimensionals.
 
I like having so many options with all of the great designer papers Stampin' Up! offers.  During the cold winter months it just doesn't seem right sending a card with a lot of summer flowers on it, but I know there is always something in my supply of paper that goes well with any occasion.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Be of Good Cheer #126896
Ink:  Gumball Green #126861, Cherry Cobbler #126966
Stamp Sets:  Snow Swirled #111690 w or #127799 c, Word Play #120308 w or #120651 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder #127819 (Holiday Catalog), Labels Collection Framelits #125598
Adhesive:  Dimensionals #104430, Snail #104332

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Big Shot Winner!!!

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine - by Stampin' Up!




Congratulations to Marietta Stanz, the winner of the FREE Big Shot. Marietta's name was picked at my stamp class yesterday, and she was so happy when I called her to give her the good news.  What a nice early Christmas present.

I will start a new Big Shot Drawing January 1st, and it will run until the end of the 2013 year.  I will run the same format, for every $25 you spend on Stampin' Up! Merchandise, either through a workshop, online order, or customer order placed at a class, your name will be entered into the drawing. If you host a workshop, you get four entries into the drawing. So, if you didn't win this year, maybe you will be the lucky winner next year.

Thank you to everyone who entered the drawing, and I look forward to giving one away again next year. 

** This is my personal promotion to my customers, and not a promotion offered by Stampin' Up!.

 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Masculine Birthday Card



The Open Sea Stamp Set has great images for making masculine themed cards.  I used the large ship as the center of my male Happy Birthday Card today, and placing it on a  cut framelit was easy and quick.
 
My card base is Very Vanilla Card Stock which I embossed with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder to give it a more rugged look.  I cut a piece of Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper with my Big Shot using a large Window Frames Framelit.  I then stamped my ship using Midnight Muse Ink and cut it out with a smaller Window Frames Framelit and placed it onto my card using dimensionals.  My Happy Birthday sentiment was sponged with Midnight  Muse Ink to give it a distressed look, the one end cut on an angle and curled, and also placed onto my card with dimensionals.  A simple card, but I think a nice one for a male birthday.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Comfort Cafe #126898
Ink:  Midnight Muse #126860
Stamp Sets:  The Open Sea #123030 w or #123032 c, Bring on the Cake #121899 w or #121058 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Window Frames Framelits Dies #129021 (Holiday Mini), Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Stamping Sponges #101610

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Sponged Sympathy Card


 
Sometimes it is the simple cards without a lot of layers that really stand out.  By sponging my ink inside a cut framelit you are drawn to the message which is the most important part of the card.
 
 
To get the sponging onto my Whisper White Card I used a piece of the thick white backing that comes with your Designer Series Paper, and cut out a large Window Frames Framelit.  I then took a Stamping Sponge and sponged Baja Breeze ink into the opening.  Next I stamped my sentiment and flowers into this opening using Early Espresso ink.  The only other embellishment I added to the card was the Paper Piercing around the window, which unfortunately you can't see in the picture. 
 
When I stamped my flowers, I just placed my cut out framelit down again so none of the Early Espresso ink would go out of the design and onto my Whisper White Card Stock. 
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Baja Breeze #126960, Early Espresso #126974
Stamp Set:  Love and Sympathy #122795 w or #122797 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Windows Frames Collection #129021, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack #127857 (both from the holiday catalog), Stamping Sponges #101610
 


Monday, December 10, 2012

Home for the Holidays

 
I used the house from the Christmas Lodge Stamp Set for my cards last year, so I wanted to come up with a little different design for some of my cards this year.  I just added the large Hapy Holidays saying to the top to give it a different look.  I also put it on different paper, to give it a more Season's Greeting feel instead of Merry Christmas.
 
My card base is Baja Breeze Card Stock, and I added a layer of Whisper White which I embossed with the retired Snow Burst Embossing Folder.  But, before the layer was embossed I stamped my two images - my sentiment in Always Artichoke, and my house in Chocolate Chip.  I also added some Dazzling Diamonds to the snow on the house, treese and grounds to give it a more realistic look.  I adhered the Dazzling Diamonds by going over the areas I wanted covered with my 2-Way Glue Pen and sprinkling on my glitter.
 
I added my Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding to the left corner because I didn't want to cover up any of my images.  For other cards with this same design I think I might try stamping my images further apart and placing my ribbon around the center instead. 
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Baja Breeze #111352, Whisper White #100730
Ink: Always Artichoke #126972, Chocolate Chip #126979
Stamp Set:  Christmas Lodge #123767 w or #123769 c
Embellishment:  Dazzling Diamonds #102023
Adhesive:  2-Way Glue Pen #100425, Snail #104332
Ribbon:  Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding #121000
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Retired Embossing Folder

Friday, December 7, 2012

Snow Swirled Christmas

 
I like to make some holiday cards that can be sent to those who don't celebrate Christmas, but do celebrate the season, and I think my Snow Swirled card is perfect for a Season's Greetings card, or just change your sentiment and it makes a nice winter birthday card too.
 
My card base is Always Artichoke Card Stock, with an added layer of Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla.  My snow flakes were stamped in random order using the coordinating inks.  I also sponged some Cherry Cobbler ink around the edges of my Very Vanilla Card Stock for more dimension. 
 
After looking at the card for awhile, I think I am going to add some Stampin' Glitter to the snowflakes for extra bling!
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Always Artichoke #105119, Cherry Cobbler #119685, Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Always Artichoke #126972, Cherry Cobbler #126966
Stamp Set:  Snow Swirled #111690 w or #127799 c
Tools:  Stamping Sponges #101610

Thursday, December 6, 2012

 
Thanks to Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Jen Timko who gave me the inspiration for todays card.
 
My card base is Very Vanilla Card Stock with added strips of Very Vanilla that were first embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, and then sponged with Crumb Cake ink.  Before they were placed onto my card I used my 1" Square Punch to snip my ends into their shape.  I then added one Snow Flake cut from the Snow Flurry Bigz Die using my Big Shot.  I also sponged Crumb Cake ink onto the edges of the snowflake, placed it on my card using dimensionals, and added a large pearl to the center.  
 
This card not only makes a nice card for the holidays, but would also be nice for a winter birthday or thank you.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Crumb Cake #126975
Stamp Set:  More Merry Messages #126400 w or #126402 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder #127819 (Holiday Mini), Snow Flurry Bigz Die #127813 (Holiday Mini),  Stamping Sponges #101610
Punches:  1" Square #124094
Embellishment: Pearl Basic Jewels #119247
 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Ornament Keepsake Merry Christmas Card

 
The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set and coordinating Framelits Dies are a really nice way to stamp and then cut your images for your card or projects.  Add some dimensionals and they really stand out.
 
My card base is Whisper White Card Stock, with a layer of Cherry Cobbler and then another layer of Whisper White that was embossed with the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, and stamped with the holly from the Christmas Lodge Stamp Set.  My large ornament was stamped using Cherry Cobbler ink, cut out with the Framelit and then placed onto the card with dimensionals.  A large pearl was added to the center for some extra embellishment. 
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Whisper White #100730, Cherry Cobbler #119685
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler #126966, Always Artichoke126972
Stamp Sets:  Ornament Keepsakes #128048 w or #128051 w (Holiday Mini), Christmas Lodge #123767 w or #123769 c, More Merry Messages #126400 w or #126402 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies #127816 (Holiday Mini), Northern Flurry Embossing Folder #120902
Adhesive:  Dimensionals #104430, Snail #104431
Punch:  3/16" Corner #119871
Embellishment:  Pearl Basic Jewels #119247

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Simple Merry Christmas

I know you can't really see the embossing on my Cherry Cobbler Card Stock, but it really makes this simple card look more elegant.  I saw several of this type of card posted by other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, and I really loved the simplicity of it and knew I wanted to make a few myself.
 
My Cherry Cobbler Card Stock was embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder - a carry over item in the Holiday Catalog.  I then stamped my large tree and Merry Christmas on Whisper White Card Stock and then used my Big Shot to cut it out using one of the Apothecary Accents Framelits and added a few Rhinestones to make my tree sparkle.  Really a quick card to make, but sometimes I think less really says more.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler #119685, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Always Artichoke #126972, Cherry Cobbler #126966
Stamp Sets:  Evergreen #127970 W or #127973 C (Holiday Mini), More Merry Messages #126400 W or #126402 C
Embellishment:  Rhinestones #119246
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Apothecary Accents Framelits #127003, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder #127819


Friday, November 30, 2012

Holiday Frame Embossing Folder

 
The Holiday Frame Embossing Folder is large enough to be the main focus of your card, and makes it really easy to make a few cards in no time at all.
 
My card base is Real Red Card Stock and then a piece of Whisper White that I embossed with the Holiday Frame Embossing Folder.  I sponged some Garden Green ink over the raised images to let the wreath stand out.  In person the cards looks much prettier.  The only other additions to the card were my ribbon, sentiment, and brad.  Sometimes simple is still pretty!
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Real Red #102482, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Real Red #126949, Garden Green #126973
Stamp Set:  Petite Pairs #122495 w or #122497 c
Ribbon:  Real Red 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain #126875
Embellishment:  Brights Glimmer Brad #121006
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Holiday Frame Embossing Folder #127820 (Holiday Mini), Sponge Daubers #102892

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Quick Gift Boxes


 
If you have a little gift and need a way to dress it up, decorate a Fancy Favor Box with some pretty Designer Series Paper, add your favorite sentiment, and you are ready to spread some Christmas or Holiday cheer.
 
In addition to the candles purchased at a local store, I also made bookmarks to add to my gift.  Some shredded card stock in holiday colors was added to the inside of the box to add a bit more embellishment.  I made 20 of these in no time, and they make great teacher and parent gifts.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler #119685, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Snow Festival #126908 (Holiday Catalog)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler #126966,
Stamp Sets: Snow Swirled #111690 w or #127799 c, More Merry Messages #126400 w or #126401 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Fancy Favor Box Bigz XL Die #115965
Punches:  Large Oval #119855, 3/16" Corner #119871




Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Autumn Accents Birthday

Autumn Accents Bigz Die leaves make a nice accent for a Fall birthday card, and with the addition of the Woodgrain Embossing Folder on Early Espresso Core'dinations Card Stock you get a nice background to go with them.
 
My card base is Early Espresso Card Stock which I layered with a piece of the Core'dinations Card Stock that I sanded to get the distressed look.  I cut my leaves with the Autumn Accents Bigz Die with fall colors, tied on my ribbon, and added my sentiment.  If you like the Core'dinations Card Stock in the Holiday Catalog, you might like what is in store in the next mini coming out after the new year.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Early Espresso #119686, Very Vanilla #101650, Early Espresso Core'dinations #127848 (Holiday Mini), Cajun Craze #126965
Designer Series Paper:  Orchard Harvest #126895 (Holiday Mini)
Stamp Set:  Perfect Punches #117022 W or #120516 C
Ribbon:  Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta (retired)
Punch:  Extra-Large Oval #119859
Tools:  Sanding Block #129367 (Holiday Mini) or #124304 (Annual Catalog), Big Shot #113439, Autumn Accents Bigz Die #127812 (Holiday Mini)
Ink:  Early Espresso #126974
 
 
 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Silent Night


 
Silent Night has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, and I think that is one of the reasons I was drawn to the Evergreen Stamp Set.  I love that the words are shaped like a Christmas tree, and you can either stamp them alone like I did in my card, or stamp them on top of one of the two other trees that come with the set.  A great set to heat emboss too.
 
My card base if Very Vanilla Card Stock, and I added a layer of Snow Festival Designer Series Paper before adding my stamped and die cut Silent Night.  For embellishment I tied an Old Olive bow at the bottom, and added some rhinestones.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Snow Festival #126908 (Holiday Mini)
Ink:  Basic Black #126980, Basic Gray #126981
Stamp Set:  Evergreen #127970 W or #127973 C (Holiday Mini)
Ribbon:  Old Olive #119256
Embellishment:  Basic Rhinestones #119246
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Apothecary Accents #127003
 
 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!


I just want to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of my blog readers.  I am happy to be spending the day with family, and taking the day off from stamping.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! 


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

French Foilage Sympathy Card


 
When you stamp your images from the French Foilage Stamp Set you get nice, subtle images on your card or project.  It makes it easy to mix a lot of different colors together since none of the images come out really bold.
 
For my sympathy card, I started with Very Vanilla Card Stock, and then added a layer of Perfect Plum, and then another stamped and embossed layer of Very Vanilla.  My stamped images are a combination of Perfect Plum, Crumb Cake, and More Mustard.  My sentiment was layered on with punches, and a piece of 3/8" Taffeta Perfect Plum ribbon finished the card.
 
The following were used:
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla #101650, Perfect Plum #101889
Ink:  Perfect Plum #126963, More Mustard #126964, Crumb Cake #126975
Stamp Sets:  French Foilage #120845 W or #121166 C, Love & Sympathy #122795 W or #122797 C
Punches:  Decorative Label #120907, Extra-Large Oval #119859
Ribbon:  Perfect Plum 3/8" Taffeta #122987
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119975

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Dog Treats


 
I don't own a dog, but I know people who do usually like to give treats to their little friends over the holidays.  I didn't have any made at my last craft fair and had several people ask if I had any.  So I thought I better get busy and get some made for my next few events. 
 
I placed the Milk-Bones into a 4 x 6 Cellophane Bag, and created the top of the bag by cutting Chery Cobbler Card Stock with my Big Shot using the Top Note Bigz Die.  I then embossed the Top Note with the retired Snow Burst Embossing Folder.  To dress them up, I stamped my large Ribbon using Old Olive Ink, and added the little dog from the Every Little Bit Stamp Set.  I then added my Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings sentiments and added them to either the bag or the ribbon.
 
I found a nice trick for punching out the Scallop Ribbon. If you trim the bottom ribbons and one scallop up on each side of them you can them slip this into your 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch and punch the rest of the stamped image out.  I didn't discover this on my own, but read it on a Stampin' Up! site, and this really does save a lot of time.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler #119685, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Old Olive #126953, Cherry Cobbler #126966, Basic Black #126980, Chocolate Chip #126979
Stamp Sets: **Blue Ribbon #125979 W or #125981 C, Every Little Bit #117096 W or #120558 C, Snow Swirled #111690 W or #127799 C, Delightful Decorations #116517 W or #127787 C
Punches:  2 3/8" Scallop Circle #118874, Scallop Oval #119856, 3/4" Circle #119873
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Top Note Bigz Die #113463, 4" x 6" Cellophane Bags #102757
 
**The Blue Ribbon Stamp Set is one of the products now on sale during the Online Extravaganza!!!
 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Paper Doily Thank You


 
It probably is hard to tell, but my Paper Doily was cut using a piece of Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper.  It is the one that had apples all over it, and it was not one of my favorites.  However, when I cut it with the Paper Doily I really liked how you lose the apple images and just get a nice variety of color.  My original thought was to use the other side because I liked the Raspberry Ripple color and pattern, but once I saw this side cut out I decided to use it instead.
 
My card base is Raspberry Ripple Card Stock.  I added a layer of Very Vanilla that I embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, and then my cut Paper Doily.  I added some stamped flowers from the Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set to the center, punched them out with the 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch and placed it onto the Doily using a Bright Glimmer Brad.  My thank you added to the bottom was punched out with the Small Oval Punch and placed onto my card using Dimensionals.
 
The following were used:
Card stock:  Raspberry Ripple #126842, Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Orchard Harvest #126895 (Holiday Mini)
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple #126859
Punches:  1 1/4" Scallop Circle #127811 (Holiday Mini), Small Oval #120908
Stamp Set:  Perfectly Preserved #126690 W or #126692 C
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Paper Doily Sizzlits L #125592, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder #127819 (Holiday Mini)
Embellishment:  Brights Glimmer Brad #121006
Adhesive:  Dimensionals #104430, Snail #104332
 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Simple Color Blocked Card



I went back to a technique I haven't used in awhile, color blocking.   It is such an easy technique to do, and I needed a simple masculine themed card and I thought this did the trick.

I started the card with a card base of Crumb Cake Card Stock, and then added a layer of Riding Hood Red.  Next came my layer of Very Vanilla and to do the color blocking, I punched a 1 1/4" Square onto a piece of scrap paper and sponged Basic Gray ink in the opening the punch created onto my Very Vanilla layer.  I then punched a 1 3/4" Circle and sponged Riding Hood Red in the opening, and finally I used my Big Shot to cut my Scallop Rectangle Clearlit and sponged Not Quite Navy into the opening. 

You can create any type of design, just make sure to use a large enough piece of scrap paper so that when you are sponging your ink into the opening you don't get any ink into areas you don't want covered. 

The following were used:
Card Stock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Riding Hood Red #111348, Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Riding Hood Red #126968, Not Quite Navy #126971, Basic Gray #126981
Ribbon:  Not Quite Navy 3/8" Taffeta #122978
Stamp Set:  From My Heart #126555 W or #126557 C
Punches: 1 1/4" Square #119865, 1 3/4" Circle #119850
Tools: Big Shot #113439, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit #118872

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Gently Falling Thanks


 
When I started this card, I really didn't plan on stamping the leaves, but when I stamped on my large background stamp I didn't press hard enough in the center and some of the images didn't appear.  So, instead of starting all over, I decided to stamp some leaves from the Gently Falling Stamp Set in an assortment of fall colors to fill in the blank spaces.  You can usually find a way to fix your mistakes, and sometimes the outcome is better than the original plan.
 
My card base is Bravo Burgundy Card Stock, with a layer of Whisper White that was stamped with the large En Francais Stamp using Bravo Burgundy Ink.  I stamped my leaves with Crumb Cake, More Mustard, and Bravo Burgundy ink.  I also embossed a piece of More Mustard Card Stock using one of the Delicate Design Embossing Folders, and added some More Mustard 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon and my Thank You that was punched out with the 1/1/4" Scallop Circle Punch.
 
 
The following were used:
Card stock:  Bravo Burgundy #105123, Whisper White #100730, More Mustard #100946
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy #126967, More Mustard #126964, Crumb Cake #127975
Stamp Sets:  En Francais #109521, Gently Falling #123802 w or #123804 c, Day or Gratitude #120835 w or #121148 c
Punch:  1 1/4" Scallop Circle (Holiday Mini) #127811
Ribbon:  More Mustard 1/2" Scallop Dots #124140
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Delicate Designs Embossing Folders #127023
 
 


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Thanks Is For Giving


 
The Thanks stamp used in todays card is one of the single stamps you can purchase for a limited time.  I had enough Thanksgiving stamps already, so being able to purchase just this one single one was really a nice option.
 
To make my card I ran the card front of Crumb Cake card stock through my Big Shot using a framelit from the Apothecary Accents set, an then embossed the front with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  I layered a piece of Very Vanilla card stock to the back of the card front, and stamped my sentiment.  I stamped and then cut out a few leaves from the Gently Falling Stamp Set and placed them around my cut framelit opening. 
 
You can go to my online store to see all of the single stamps that are for sale, but remember, this is a limited offer and good until January 2, 2013.
 
The following were used:
Card stock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Crumb Cake #126975, Cajun Craze #126965, More Mustard #126964
Stamps and Stamp Sets:   Seasonal Sayings - Thanks #132312, Gently Falling #123802 W or #123804 C
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Apothecary Accents Framelits #127003, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

More Snow Festival Christmas Cards


 
I posted two cards about a week ago that were also made with a piece of the Snow Festival Designer Paper.  By cutting out the pre-designed squares and adding a few layers and strips of more Designer Series Paper from the pack, you can make a really cute set of cards that would be nice to send out or give as a gift for someone else to use.
 
It is hard to believe that we are already almost through the first week of November.  So many projects to do and things to take care of.   And, if you are pressed for time, but still want to make nice cards, you can get 12 cards from this one sheet of paper in no time at all.  A time saver, without sacrificing your design.
 
The following were used:
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler #119685, Gumball Green #126840, Baja Breeze #111352, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Snow Festival #126908
Stamp Set:  Petite Pairs #122495 W or #122497 C
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler #126966
Punch:  Large Oval #119855

Monday, November 5, 2012

Santa Jars



 
Want a quick and easy idea for a Christmas gift, and recycle at the same time?  These Santa Jars  filled with candy are made out of recycled Snapple Ice Tea bottles and decorated to look like Santa.  I saw a similar one last year, but never got around to making any, so I don't remember who gave me the inspiration, but I knew that they would be a fun and easy gift to make.
 
To decorate the bottle, I cut Real Red Cardstock so it would cover  the roundest part of the jar, and used Sticky Strip in several places to give it a good hold.  My white strip measured 1" x 4" and my black strip was also 1" in width, and cut long enough to wrap around the whole bottle.  My buckle was created by stamping a piece of Silver Glimmer paper with my 1" Square punch, and then I centered my 1 1/4" Square Punch around the square that was punched out of my glimmer paper and punched again.  I also decorated the lid with with a small strip of Real Red Designer Paper from the Brights Collection Paper Stack, and added a Real Red and Garden Green circle to the top of the lid, along with my stamped and punched Santa.  Some retired Real Red Satin Ribbon was tied around the neck of the bottle, and I added my stamped and punched sentiment and tied it to the bottle with a piece of Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.
 
The following were used:
Cardstock:  Real Red #102482, Whisper White #100730, Basic Black #121045, Garden Green #102584, Silver Gimmer Paper #124005
Punches:  1" Square #124094, 1 1/4" Square #119865, Scallop Square #119884, 1" Circle #119868, 1 1/4" Circle #119861, 1 3/8" Circle #119860
Stamp Sets:  Jolly Bingo Bits #120857 wood or #121187 clear, Tags til Christmas #120847 wood or #121169 clear
Ink:  Real Red #126949, Garden Green #126973
Ribbon:  Real Red 1/8" Taffeta #119251
 

Friday, November 2, 2012

Getting ready for Craft Fair


Sorry, no new posts for a few days.  I am busy getting caught up and trying to get everything ready for my big Craft Fair at Northampton Community College.  The fair is tomorrow, Saturday, November 3rd from 9 AM - 3 PM.  If you live in the area, stop by.  I will have two tables set up with a large display of Thanksgiving and Christmas items for sale.  Great teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, coworker gifts and so much more.

My power is back on again - it was off for a day and a half, came back on Wednesday, then went back off yesterday.  So, I figure I just better keep working while there is light because there are still people in my area with no power, and I'm not too confident it is on for good.

Hope to see some of you  tomorrow.  Stay safe and warm everyone!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Fan Fair Card Gift Set

I took one of the papers from the Fan Fair Designer Series Paper Pack and cut out some of the great images to make a box of cards that would be great for any time you want to send a special message.




I added all five cards to this gift box that was made using card stock and designer paper.

 
 
The cards were all made with a card base of Soft Suede card stock.  I then cut some of my favorite images from the Designer Paper and layered them on with coordinating card stock.  Some ribbon, a few punches, and embellishing of the card stock, and I created this box of note cards that were kept simple because I think this makes a nice gift box of cards that can now be used for many occasions.
 
To make the box which fits these five A2 sized cards I used the following dimensions:
 
For the bottom of the box - Card stock was cut to measure 8 3/4" x 7 1/2" and scored at 1 1/2" on all sides.  I cut a slit on each corner so I could fold in the edges and adhere them to make the box.
 
For the top -  Designer Series Paper was cut to measure 7 7/8" x 6 5/8" and scored at 1" on all sides. 
A slit was cut again in each corner to make the fold to create the box. 
 
I used Sticky Strip to keep my corners together.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Soft Suede #115318, Very Vanilla #101650, Island Indigo #122923, Riding Hood Red #111348, Basic Gray #121045
Designer Series Paper:  Fan Fair #126918
Punches:  Scallop Trim Border #118402, 3/16" Corner #119871, Curly Label #119851, Decorative Label #120907, Postage Stamp #122344, 1" Square #124094
Ribbon:  Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta #122967, Riding Hood Red 3/8" Taffeta #122988
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976
Adhesive:  Sticky Strip #104294, Snail #104332