Special Season Card

Here is another very simple card using the Special Season stamp set (p. 29 in the Holiday Catalog).  I tried to keep this one simple. It uses Wild Wasabi and Cherry Cobbler as the Festive Color Combination.  It also uses that great Thinlits Expressions die in Gold Foil (Holiday Catalog p.28).  I also dragged out the small star punch from the Merry Minis Punch Pack that is a Carryover from last year (#126882)

Don't forget to check out the Holiday Sale going on now at Stampin' Up!  There are some great deals.  Click on my website link to find out more.

Stamps: Special Season (Holiday Catalog p. 29)

Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobler, Gold Foil Sheets (#132622, p. 28 in the Holiday Catalog)

Accessories: Big Shot, Framelits Dies Labels Collection, Framelits Dies Apothecary Accents (PC-Fav), Expressions Thinlits Dies (#132171, p. 36 in the Holiday Catalog), Delicate Designs Embossing Folders, Merry Minis Punch Pack (Holiday Carryover #126882), Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Dimmensionals

Ornament Thinlits Card

Here is a cute card using the Circle Thinlits Card die (#133480.)  I love this die for making interesting flipping cards.  I also really like the ornament from the Christmas Collectibles collection,  (a PC-fav because you can Bundle it! see p. 35 of the Holiday Catalog!)  I've tried to show a couple of different angles of the card.  Including the inside.  Hope it comes through ok.

Stamps: Christmas Collectibles, Wishing You (both from Holiday Catalog), Snowflake Soiree (Carryover set:  Wood #127922 or Clear #127925)

Ink:  Island Indigo, Soft Sky

Paper:  Island Indigo, Soft Sky, Whisper White, Winter Frost Designer Series Paper Stacks (p. 29 in the Holiday Catalog)

Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Thinlits Card Dies, Punches 2-1/2 inch circle, 1-3/4 inch circle, 1/2-inch circle, Christmas Ornament Punch, Pearls Jewel Basics, Stampin' Dimensionals

Peace on Earth

Super simple, super classy.  One Whisper White Card Base is all that you need.  This layout is similar to one I saw on Pintrest that used the Christmas Star I posted yesterday.  However, I decided we needed some snowflakes!  I used the Festive Flurry stamp set (p. 30 in the Holiday Catalog) stamped in Silver Encore ink and embossed with Silver Embossing Powder for extra effect.  The small snowflakes are stamped in the Encore Ink only (not embossed, but I suppose you could emboss them, too).  The stamp is from the Warmth & Wonder Hostess Stamp Set (p. 39 in the Holiday Catalog).  The clear mount version is $10 hostess dollars (workshops of $150 or more qualify for hostess dollars, don't forget!).  I added the Peace on Earth stamp from Greetings of the Season in Midnight Muse ink.

Stamps: Festive Flurry, Warmth and Wonder (hostess), Greetings of the Season (carryover set)

Ink: Encore Silver, Midnight Muse

Paper: Whisper White

Accessories:  Heat Tool, Silver Embossing Powder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Silver 1/8" Ribbon (p. 28 in the Holiday Catalog #132137)

Beautiful Star Stamp

This Christmas Star stamp is definitely a PC-Favorite.  The next two cards use it and there will be more.  It comes only as a clear-mount stamp so you need that really large acrylic block to get it to work, but wow is it worth it.  (Stamp is #134813 $9.95, not in a catalog because it's a Single Stamp; F Block is #118483 for $16.95)  It can be used to make ornaments, tags, on cards, banners etc.  This card I stamped it in Cherry Cobbler and paired it with Always Artichoke for a classic Holiday combination.  The Textured Impressions Embossing Folder is Modern Mosaic found on p. 191 in the catalog.  Hope you enjoy!

Stamps:  Christmas Star (single stamp),  Greetings of the Season (still available! #128030 (wood) or #128033 (clear))

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso

Paper: Whisper White, Always Artichoke

Accessories:  Big Shot, TIEF Modern Mosaic, 1/2-inch Seam Binding in Cherry Cobbler, Stampin' Dimmensionals

Snowflake Fun

Here is a card with a Festive Flurry of activity in it.  It uses the Festive Flurry stamp set and matching Framelits Dies (yes, it's an automatic PC-Fav!)  You can find it on p. 30 of the Holiday Catalog.  I paired it with the Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and a bunch of bling.  The sentiment is a carry-over from last year's Holiday Catalog Greetings of the Season (WM 128030, CM 128033) which is still available, but not in the print versions of the catalog.

Stamps: Festive Flurry, Greetings of the Season
Ink:  Soft Sky, Midnight Muse
Paper: Whisper White, Soft Sky
Accessories:  Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Northern Flurry, Framelits Dies Festive Flurry, 1-3/4 inch Circle Punch, Organza Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Look Familiar?

The next Auction Card Candidate might look familiar if you've visited the Stampin' Up! Website or Pintrest.  A similar card has been making its rounds.  I wish I knew exactly the originator of the card so I can give full credit to the layout.  If anyone finds out, please let me know.  The original used Banners and a cute button instead of the Ornament.  I love Holiday Ornaments, so I had to add one in.  It's from the Christmas Collectibles Stamp Set in the Holiday Catalog (p.35) which you can Bundle with the matching Christmas Ornament Punch for a 15% Savings!  Bundles in general are another PC-F! (Paper Curiosities- Favorite)  Saving money is a good thing.

Stamps:  Sweet Essentials, Christmas Collectibles (Holiday Catalog p. 35)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Stylish Stripes (Holiday Catalog p. 22), Expressions Thinlits Dies, Christmas Ornament Punch, 1/2-inch Circle Punch, Bakers Twine in Cherry Cobbler, Rhinestone Basic Jewels.  Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Serene Classic Trees

Lovely as a Tree has been around in the Stampin' Up! collection of Stamp Sets for as long as I can remember.  It's a wonderful set and I often turn to it for Holiday Cards.  In this case, it's another Church Auction Card.  And, yes I used the Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies (a PC-F) again.  Unfortunately the picture picks up a sort of pink glow, but the colors are anything but.. Blues, silvers and whites.  The snow is made using the new White Stampin' Chalk Marker (Holiday Catalog, p. 20). The sentiment is an old one (Curly Cute, retired), but any long holiday sentiment fits here.  I embossed it in Silver.  Here's what I used:

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree, Curly Cute (retired)
Ink:  Smokey Slate Classic Ink, Encore Silver Pad, White Stampin' Chalk Marker
Paper: Soft Sky, Island Indigo, Designer Series Paper Stacks Winter Frost (Holiday Catalog, p. 29)
Accessories:  Big Shot, Framelits Dies Apolthecary Accents, Heat Tool, Silver Embossing Powder, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimmensionals,

Holidays at Last...

Usually, I have already posted several fall holiday cards, but this year I find I'm racing past these already and moving on to the winter Holiday things.

That said, the next few posts will be the annual Church Auction cards.  Here is the first one (bit heavy on the glare because of the embossing and the gold paper).   I really like this stamp set and the fact that the sentiment fit inside that lovely shape from the Apothecary Accents Dies ( # 127003 p. 187 in the catalog if you're looking!).  This particular die set is the first of what I'm going to call  Paper Curiosities Favorites.  There are a few products that I return to again and again and this Die Set is one of them.  Look for more Favorites ahead!

Stamps:  Joyful Christmas (Holiday Catalog p. 27)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink Pad, Encore Gold Ink Pad
Paper: Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold Card Stock, Cherry Cobbler Card Stock, Gumball Green Card Stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Framelits Dies Apothecary Accents, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Lacy Brocade (retired, unfortuately, but see similar Beautifully Baroque on p. 191 in the catalog), Heat Tool, Gold Embossing Powder, 1/2" Seam Binding in Cherry Cobbler, Pearl Basic Jewels

Thinlits Card Number 2

Front of Card

I am really starting to like the Circle Card Thinlits Die.  It's a really quick way to get an interesting Card layout.  This card features the Hostess Set Simply Sketched.  I also played around with using the Embossing Folder over the Seam Binding (unfortunately, I chose a discontinued color, but you get the idea).   It gives a unique accent to the card.

Here's what I used:

Stamp Set: Simply Sketched
Ink: Markers in Always Artichoke and Cajun Crazed, and the Always Artichoke pad for the sentiment on the inside (see photo number 2)
Paper: Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits Die, Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Seam Binding in Always Artichoke (discontinued, you could probably dye the Very Vanilla seam binding, if you wanted to match it), 3/8-inch Stitched Satin Ribbon in Summer Starfruit, Decorative Label Punch (on the inside).

Photo Number 2 (inside)

Sorry the pictures are have a bit of a glare to them.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Happy Thursday!

Thinlits Card Number 1

This is my first attempt at a Thinlits Die card.  This die makes a great Swing Card.  What fun.  I have made these cards in the past and they were incredibly labor-intensive.  Not with the Die, however!  Stampin' Up! is offering 2 of these dies now.  One is the Label Card Thinlits (133479) and the other is the Circle Card Thinlits (133480).  I have the Circle Card one and I am really enjoying it.  I'll post the other samples in the next two days so you can see what I've been doing.

This is the front of the card.  It features the Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set and the Label Love stamp set with matching Artisan Label Punch (yes, it's bundle-able! see p. 32-33)  I chose some In Colors to highlight Pistachio Pudding and Crisp Cantaloupe, and Wisteria Wonder which has been added to our current color collection (yippee!).  I also added the new Wisteria Wonder Chevron Ribbon as an embellishment.  Here's a flatter picture of the front of the card.  You can see the Circle element a better in the second shot.

Now for the inside.  When you swing the card open, this is what you see.  I flattened it a bit for the photo.  I was trying to keep it simple with the elements from the Die set for the inside.  I love the YAY.  I think it's kind of fun.

Here's the recipe:
Stamps: Gorgeous Grunge, Label Love
Ink: Pistachio Pudding, Wisteria Wonder
Paper: Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Accessories: Punches: Artisan Label, 1-3/4 inch Circle and 1-3/4 inch Scallop Circle, Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits Dies, Wisteria Wonder Chevron Ribbon, Stampin' Dimmensionals, SNAIL adhesive.

Enjoy!

Christmas In August

'Tis the Season!  Well, yes, it is the season when UPS delivers new goodies from the 2013 Holiday Catalog from Stampin' Up!  Have to play, so I have to post a Holiday Card.  I think this one will be a Church Auction offering this fall.  It's really simple to make, but it says it all.  I really like the Stamp Sets and matching Framelits that are coming along this year.  This set of snow flakes is called Festive Flurry (as is it's matching Framelits set.)  Yes, you can bundle them and save some $$ (see p. 30 of the Holiday Catalog for more details).  They make great ornaments and tags, as well.  I'll post some samples soon.

So, for this card, I chose a slightly non-traditional color combination of Coastal Cabana and Island Indigo.  The Embossing Folder is the Stylish Stripes from p. 22 in the Holiday Catalog, as well.   Recipe follows.  Have a great day!

Stamps: Festive Flurry (2013 Holiday Catalog), Greetings of the Season (Carryover Set from 2012 Holiday collection #128033 Clear mount and 128030 Wood Mount.  It's still available!)
Ink: Coastal Cabana (2013-2015 In-Color), Island Indigo
Paper: Coastal Cabana, Island Indigo, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Big Shot, Festive Flurry Framelits, Stylish Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Decorative Label Punch, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Sponge Dauber, 1/8" Silver Ribbon (p. 28 of Holiday Catalog), Stampin' Dimmensionals (naturally)

I Used Washi Tape!

Okay, so I've been seeing washi tape all over for awhile now.  It's even in digital images on ads and such.  I have to admit, I couldn't really bring myself to use it.  Anyway, I decided to just jump on in and use it as an easy accent on this card featuring products from the new catalog.  In particular from the clever This and That line found on p.128-129 in the 2013-2014 Stampin' Up! Catalog.  Specifically the This and That Designer Washi Tape Epic Day, and matching Designer Series Paper Epic Day, and those Hung Up Cute Clips (appropriately named, I might add).  I love that this set of products coordinates so well with the Six-Sided Sampler stamp set and coordinating Hexagon Punch (p. 125 for the stamps and 180 for the punch).  Also in the mix is the Honeycomb Embossing Folder to complete the packages.

As for the washi tape, I decided that I couldn't quite bring myself to use the unfinished look of tearing in this card, so I created a small banner with the tape at the bottom of the card.  Turned out to be just the horizontal element I needed.  Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Six-Sided Sampler (don't forget you can bundle this with the punch to save money! p. 125)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Gumball Green, Basic Grey
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Gumball Green, Designer Series Paper Epic Day,
Accessories: Big Shot, Honey Comb Embossing Folder, Hexagon Punch, This and That Designer Washi Tape Epic Day, Cute Clips Hung Up, Stampin' Dimmensionals

Tag It Celebration

I know, it's been ages since I've posted anything.  Focusing on family for a bit now, so I haven't had a ton of stamping time.  However, I have a bunch of great new things to share with you.  As always, the card design is mine, but the images and products are all from Stampin' Up! unless I mention otherwise.

Here's a great use for the wonderful Tag It stamp set.  Not only can you make great tags and cards, but purchase of this set goes to a great cause.  This is the 2013-2014 Ronald MacDonald House Charities stamp set.  I was in love with that chameleon, so I had to use it first.  You can check out the set on page 45 of the 2013-2014 Stampin' Up! Catalog.  If you haven't seen it yet, check it out on-line.  It's gorgeous!

Some other new products used in this card are the new Chevron Border punch from p. 23 of the Holiday Catalog (also viewable on line, click on my website link at the side to find it!).  I also used the new Chalk Talk Framelists die (p. 187 in the annual catalog) to make that cute tag.  Wow, does that make tag-making easy.  Can't wait for Holiday Gift Tag making.

Stamps: Tag It
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers in Gumball Green, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, and Real Red
Paper: Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot, Chalk Talk Framelits, Chevron Embossing Folder, Chevron Border Punch, 1/2-inch Seam Binding in Daffodil Delight, Stampin' Dimmensionals and SNAIL adhesive.

Ladies Craft Night Class

 My friend Dawn asked me if I'd be interested in instructing at a Ladies Craft Night on June 6th.  For those of you interested in what I'll be teaching these are the projcets.  I can't give you the exact details of how to make them because some of the products are going to be in the new 2013-2014 Stampin' Up! Catalog which will be released the end of next week.  The two cards and a gift tag are really fun and I'll post the details about how to make each one after June 1st!

Let's just say I really am enjoying playing with new stuff.  The refreshed colors are really a charge for my creativity.  Check back after June 1st for the updates.

Thanks for visiting today!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Celebrating all things green and Irish this weekend?  How about a card to go with it?  Here's a shamrock card that is quick and easy.  It could be turned into a "Good Luck" card, as well.  Enjoy!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Gumball Green
Paper: Whisper White, Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede
Accessories: Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Chevron, Framelits Labels Collection, Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Basic Jewels Large Rhinestones, Stitched Satin Ribbon in Gumball Green, SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots and Stampin' Dimmensionals (Oh My!)

Valentine's Treats

Here is a trio of Valentine Treats.  Enjoy the ideas.

The first is a Dove Dark Chocolate Heart attached to one of the die cuts from the Designer Series Paper More Amore layered with a scalloped heart from the Hearts a Flutter Framelits set cut from one of the sheets of the same Designer Series Paper.  A stamped,punched heart sticks on the top.

Next up is a Lollipop treat using the same paper combination (Love that double sided paper!) but adding a tag on the.  I used a heart-shaped Lollipop and stuck with the color scheme of the Designer Series Paper for the tag.  Quick and easy.

  Finally, here's a treat bag using a mini bag run through the Big Shot with the TIEF Honeycomb.  Tag is the same stamp from project one layered onto a white scalloped heart.  Some punched and die-cut hearts decorate the Honeycomb.  Again I used the More Amore paper for color inspiration.  The ribbon is the Rose Red Seam Binding.  Happy treat making!

Golden Anniversary

My parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary is coming up soon so I needed to come up with something Gold.  Here is a quick anniversary card design that can be adapted as needed.  I also tied a bow my friend Cindy W. would be proud of.  Well, sort of proud of!  Hope you all enjoy the card and your Thursday.

Stamps: Memorable Moments
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold, Champagne Glimmer Paper (retired from Holiday Catalog, but hopefully will return!)
Accessories: Big Shot, TIEF Framed Tulips, Labels Collection Framelits, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon (retired, the Very Vanilla Seam Binding would work, too, I didn't have enough to use it here.)

Butterfly Inspiration

Butterflies!  They are everywhere right now.  Still!  And I really love the different images, dies and punches available to show case these elegant creatures.  Makes me think Spring, even if it's January.  This quick birthday card show cases an interesting color combination and some of the Butterfly items mentioned.  Most notably, it uses the new cute new Bitty Butterfly punch from the Spring Catalog (p. 13.)  Thanks for visiting.

Stamps: Bring on the Cake, Papillon Potpourri
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Designer Series Paper International Bazaar
Accessories: Big Shot, Delicate Designs Folders, Framelits Dies Window Frames Collection, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Paper Piercing Tool,  1/2" Seam Binding in Daffodil Delight, Jewels Basic Pearls, Punches 1-3/4 inch Circle, Elegant Butterfly, Bitty Butterfly, Stampin' Dimmensionals

Welcome 2013!

Been a long time, I know.  Now that the craziness of December has given way to the mild chaos of January, I am back creating with lots of new products from Stampin' Up! and new ideas galore.  Hope to sustain this a bit better...not using the "R-word" (resolution) because I might not live up to it, but this Birthday Card is a valid start.

January is a great time to re-stock the Birthday Card box.  What better way than with an old-time balloon, a great font, and Parker's Patterns from the new Spring Catalog. (p. 20, check it out on my website link on the right)  The knots are made with the new 7/16" Natural Trim Ribbon (same page).  Hope you enjoy the post!
Stamps: You're Amazing
Ink: Cajun Craze (pad and marker), Marina Mist (marker)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Designer Series Paper Parker's Patterns
Accessories: Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (TIEF) Chevron, Framelits Dies Apothecary Accents and Ovals Collection, Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon, Stampin' Dimmensionals