Occasions Mini/Sale-a-Bration Open House!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends... I did! I've been having fun playing with new products from the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-Bration catalogues. This card uses the Scallop Trim Border punch which you can get for FREE during Sale-a-Bration (January 5th - March 31st, 2010). It is the only product in the Sale-a-Bration flyer that will be available in the next Idea Book & Catalogue, but it's always better to get things for free, right? I also used Vintage Vogue (in the Occasions Mini) to stamp the vines. The new Clear Mount stamps make it so easy to postition the images when I'm stamping! Another favourite new item from the Occasions Mini is the Beautiful Wings Embosslit... I love butterflies, and these embossed ones are a great accent for any card.

If you'd like to make this card (and another using Sale-a-Bration free stamps) and use the new Clear Mount stamps, you're welcome to join me at my Sneak Peek Open House this Sunday (January 3rd) at 1:00pm or 7:00pm. It's free and I have lots of prizes (it's a Mystery Host party too)! My e-mail is in my sidebar if you're interested...

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 11

I did get my 11th e-mail off last week, but haven't updated my blog until now. I'll be back soon with the 12th week of Christmas post (I need to get my e-mail off first). I also received my pre-order for the Occasions Mini Catalogue and Sale-a-Bration flyer and I've put my new Clear Mount stamps together (very excited about this option) but haven't had much time to play yet... hopefully I'll have something new to share soon! Anyway, here's the card for Week 11:

I love the Ornament Punch from the Holiday Mini... here's hoping it will make it into the next catalogue! The punch and the Four the Holidays stamp set as well as the Christmas Cocoa paper are only available for sure until January 4th, so if you want them and haven't got them yet, make sure you order by then...

Instructions:

1. Use the Ornament Punch to punch the Kraft card base (4 1/4" x 11"). Temporarily adhere the Whisper White cardstock (3" x 5 1/2") to the Kraft Card base. Line up the Ornament Punch over the ornament hole punched in the card base, and then punch again (going through the Whisper White).

2. Use the Ornament Punch to punch flocked paper from Christmas Cocoa damask paper. Put Stampin' Dimensionals on the back and adhere to the inside of the card (with the card closed, line up the Christmas Cocoa ornament in the hole).

3. Carefully peel Whisper White cardstock off card front. Stamp with ornaments from Tree Trimmings stamp set with Real Red and Old Olive ink.

4. Stamp ornament strings onto Whisper White cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink.
5. Adhere Whisper White cardstock onto card front.
6. Use the Scallop Edge punch to punch one side of the Old Olive cardstock (2" x 5 1/2"). Stamp sentiment from Four the Holidays onto Old Olive cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink.
7. Adhere Old Olive cardstock over string ends on card front.
 

Supplies:

Stamps: Four the Holidays (item #116921) and Vintage Ornaments (item #116722)

Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper (flocked damask) - item #116770

Ornament Punch (item #116794)

Kraft Cardstock (item #102125)

Whisper White cardstock (item #100730)

Old Olive Cardstock (item #100702)

Scallop Edge Punch (item #112091)

Inks: Chocolate Chip (item #100908), Old Olive (item #102277), Real Red (item #103133)

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 10

I'm back with a card using one of my favourite stamps... Dasher! Dasher looks great embossed or with a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the antlers. Because it's a single stamp, you can use any other Christmas stamp sets you have to finish the card.

Instructions:

1. Stamp the Kraft card front with a swirl stamp from the Priceless stamp set and Sahara Sand ink.
2. Stamp 'Merry Christmas' from Four the Holidays with Rich Razzleberry ink at the bottom of the card.
3. Stamp 'Dasher' on the Very Vanilla cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink.
4. Trace the antlers with Two-Way glue and shake Dazzling Diamonds glitter over them.
5. Adhere the Very Vanilla cardstock onto Rich Razzleberry cardstock.
6. Punch a Curly Label from Old Olive cardstock. Fold the label in half and put it around the edge of the Rich Razzleberry cardstock. Use a little adhesive to keep in place.
7. Fold the Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon and attach to the Curly Label with a staple.
8. Adhere the stamped Dasher Panel onto the card front.

Supplies:

Dasher Stamp - item #116816

Four the Holidays - item #116921

Priceless stamp set - item #115052

Kraft cardstock - item #102125

Rich Razzleberry cardstock - item #115316

Old Olive cardstock - item #100702

Very Vanilla cardstock - item #101650

Rich Razzleberry Classic ink pad - item #115658

Sahara Sand Classic ink pad - item #105208

Chocolate Chip Classic ink pad - item #100908

Two-Way Glue - item #100425

Dazzling Diamonds glitter - item #102023

Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon - item #115613

Retiring Dormant Stamp Sets

These sets were in the last catalogue, but have been on the Dormant List (not in the catalogue, but still available to order). They will be retiring January 4th, so if any of these are on your wishlist make sure you get them before they're gone forever! I can place the order for you if you contact me, or you can do it yourself in my online store (http://www.lizgoldhawk.stampinup.net/ - "Shop Now").You can click on the name of the stamp set below to see the stamp images.

Item #      Stamp Set

113407    Back Woods  - $28.95
114492    Beautiful Baby - $9.50
114486    Birthday Wish - $8.25
113200    Branch Out - $26.95
114496    Celebrations - $9.50
113732    Central Park - $18.95
113206    Classic Sketches - $26.95
113226    Classy & Fabulous - $22.95
114498    Flowers in Silhouette - $9.50
113405    Font of You - $29.95
113216    For the Bride - $26.95
114494    Forever - $6.95
109425    Friend by Definition - $20.95
114488    Fun Flowers - $6.95
113716    Garden Greetings - $25.95
114490    Glad Friends - $6.95
111580    Grand Soiree - $29.95
113242    Hit the Road - $23.95
113710    Lexicon of Leaves - $30.95
113236    Man's Best Friend - $23.95
114423    Ocean Commotion - $20.95
113728    Playful Petals - $33.95
109276    Polka Dot - $20.95
111544    Putt Putt - $29.95
113240    Quilt Quips - $26.95
113754    Really Retro - $17.95
113403    Sip by Sip - $28.95
113726    Sweet Stems - $19.95
113250    That's Funny - $28.95
113688    Wonderful Watercolors - $47.95

Delightful Decorations Gift Card Holder

This gift card holder fits in a standard envelope, and I really like the way it flips open to reveal the gift card. This is one of the gift card holders we're making this weekend in my Christmas Gift Card Holder class (5 different gift card holders for $10.00). There are still spots available if you'd like to come!

Supplies (all SU!): Stamps (Delightful Decorations, Christmas Greetings), Inks (Old Olive), Cardstock (Whisper White, Real Red, Soft Suede), Christmas Cocoa DSP, Clear Crystal Brad, Ornament Punch, Corner Rounder punch, Word Window Punch

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 9

This idea could be used as a gift, or you could use it to decorate your home for the holidays. You can customize the colours to co-ordinate with your home or the colours you use to decorate you tree, and you can get it out year after year. It's quick and easy too, so it's perfect for this time of year!

Supplies:
Small Chocolate Vintage Ornament Decor Elements (item #117966)
Decor Elements Applicator (item #114285)
Stretched and primed canvas from a craft store (mine is 16"x20")
Acrylic paints--you can just use one, or add a few like I did
ribbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Paint the canvas. I do the bigger areas first... I dribble the paint directly onto the canvas and brush it across the canvas. Between colours, I wash out the brush. While the paint is still wet,  I drip small, random drops of other colours (the dark brown and the dark pink) over the painted stripes, and just brush back and forth until I like the result. I did wavy stripes with this one.
2. Let the canvas dry completely (I wait overnight).
3. Cut apart the ornaments and strings (they all come on one sheet) and figure out approximately where you want to place them.
4. Use the Decor Elements Applicator to rub gently over the ornaments (grid paper up). Gently peel back the adhesive layer (feels like masking tape). The ornament should be on the sticky side. If it's not, gently rub the applicator over the grid paper side again.
5. Place the ornament and sticky paper onto the canvas. I pile two SU! Idea book and catalogues under the canvas (inside the wood frame) so I have something to push against. Starting in the middle, rub the applicator to the edges of the ornament.
6. Slowly peel back the sticky paper. The ornament should now be on the canvas. If it's still sticking to the sticky paper, just press it back down onto the canvas and rub again with the applicator.
7. Repeat for all ornaments and strings.
8. If you'd like, you can use a glue gun to adhere ribbon around the edge of the canvas. You could also paint the edges if the staples are not showing.

I hope you try this... I love my Decor Elements art, and it's so easy. The key is that you don't have to push as hard as you think you do (I was trying too hard at first). A gentle rub is all it takes.

Sketch #77

Surprise, surprise... not only do I have a sketch, but I have a non-Christmas card! Here's the sketch:

and here's my card:

I designed this for a private class I did for some lovely Red Hat Ladies. This was one of my favourite cards from that day...

Supplies:

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Great Friend

Inks: Soft Suede,  Dusty Durango

Stampin' Write Markers: Rose Red, Dusty Durango, Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, Crushed Curry

Cardstock: Dusty Durango, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Autumn Meadows DSP

Tools: Curly Label Punch, Colour Spritzer, Movers & Shapers Curly Label

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 8

I have another card for this week's project, and I sent out a gift/packaging idea on Monday. If you'd like to receive my Twelve Weeks of Christmas newsletter, you can e-mail me, or use the link in the sidebar to sign up for it. This is another card we'll be making at my Christmas Card Class (5 cards for $5.00) at the Crouch Library on Saturday December 5th. You can sign up by contacting me or the library.

Supplies

Stamps: Sparkly & Bright (item #115346)

Inks: Real Red (item #103133), Chocolate Chip (item #100908), Certainly Celery (item #105217)

Cardstock: Whisper White (item #100730), Kraft (item #102125), Real Red (item #102482)

Punches: Scallop Circle  (item #109043), Jumbo Snowflake (item #116628), 1 3/8" Circle (item #104401)

Other: Small Whisper White Notecard (item #107311), The Write Stuff DSP (item #115674), Stampin' Dimensionals (item #104430)

Instructions:

1. Stamp the reindeer image with Chocolate Chip ink onto Whisper White cardstock and punch out with the 1 3/8" circle punch.

2. Punch a Jumbo Snowflake from Kraft cardstock.

3. Punch a Scallop Circle from Real Red cardstock.

4. Stamp the Whisper White notecard with Certainly Celery ink and the Sparkle stamp.

5. Cut a piece of Kraft cardstock (1 1/2" x 4") and stamp greeting on the left side with Real Red ink.

6. Cut a piece of Old Olive polka dot paper (from The Write Stuff) 1"x4" and tear one long side. Adhere to the bottom 1/3 of the notecard.

7. Adhere the stamped Kraft cardstock just above the polka dot paper.

8. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the scallop circle to the card and the snowflake to the scallop circle.

9. Use SNAIL to adhere the reindeer to the snowflake.

Wow!!! Stampin' Up! Sale!

I knew this sale was coming, but I had no idea what would be on sale or what the prices would be like, and I have to say I'm super excited!!!

Stampin' Up!'s Online Extravaganza Sale starts today and goes until November 30th. You can see what I'm so excited about by clicking here and clicking Shop Now (see the image below), then Online Extravaganza on the left side. You can shop online, or contact me before November 30th if you'd like me to place your order directly with me.

Merry Patterned Pines

This was my favourite card from my last Stamp-a-Stack... I saw a card that Heather made using different colours, and I just had to try it myself. The other three cards we made at the SAS used more traditional Christmas colours, but I though this combination was fun and still kind of Christmas-y...

I love this Level 1 Hostess set (Patterned Pines) and it's only available until January 4th, so make sure you let me know if you'd like to have a party or private class so you can earn it for free before it's gone!

Supplies: Patterned Pines & All Holidays Stamps; Kraft, Melon Mambo & Whisper White cardstock; Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery and Sahara Sand classic inks; Whisper White craft ink; VersaMark ink; White Stampin' Emboss powder; Paper Piercer and Mat Pack.

Spotlighting Nature

This was the second card we did last weekend for the November Technique Class. We stamped the flower image from Inspired by Nature with Soft Suede ink on Naturals Ivory cardstock. We used Stampin' Write markers (Rose Red, Crushed Curry, Always Artichoke) to colour on the stamp, then stamped it again onto another piece of Naturals Ivory cardstock. We punched out the portions we wanted to use on the card with the  1 1/4" circle punch, and cut 1 3/8" circles from Soft Suede to mount them on. After matching up the images, we used Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the punched circles to the image.

other supplies: Crushed Curry and Rose Red Cardstock, Modern Label, Curly Label and Word Windo Punches, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 7

I'm back with a very simple card... easy to reproduce, and a shorter supply list than some of my other projects so far! If you'd like another Christmas idea this week, sign up for my newsletter by using the link in my sidebar or e-mailing me!

Supplies:

Tree Trimmings Stamps (item #116722)

Four the Holidays Stamps (item #116921)

Soft Suede Ink (item #115657)

Old Olive Classic Inkpad (item #102277)

Rose Red Classic Inkpad (item #101778)

Old Olive Cardstock (item #100702)

Note Cards (item #107311)

Scallop Border Punch (item #112091)

Instructions:

1.Cut a piece of Old Olive cardstock 3 1/2"x 2". Use the Scallop Edge punch along one long edge.

2. Stamp a greeting from Four the Holidays on the Old Olive Cardstock with Soft Suede ink.

3. Stamp ornaments from Tree Trimmings onto the Note Card with Old Olive and Rose Red ink.

4. Stamp ornament hangers with Soft Suede ink above the ornaments.

5. Adhere the Old Olive Cardstock at the top of the note card.

If you'd like to make this card (and four others) for only $5.00, join me at the Crouch Library Saturday, December 5th at 2:00pm. You can register through me or through the library.

November Technique - Spotlighting

The technique I'm featuring in the November Technique Class is Spotlighting, and this is one of the cards we'll be making. I still have some spaces available, so let me know if you're interested in coming... the first time is free, and after that I ask for a $5.00 supply fee or a $25.00 order.

Spotlighting is a great technique when there is a large image to colour, but you want to make multiple cards, and don't really have the time to colour the whole image. Home for Christmas is a great example of a stamp set that works well with this technique.

Supplies: Stamps (Home for Christmas); Inks (Chocolate Chip); Stampin' Write Markers (Old Olive, Ruby Red, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede); Cardstock (Whisper White, Old Olive, Ruby Red); Christmas Cocoa DSP; Button Latte

Monster Bookmark

This is the second card we'll be making at my free class (at Crouch Library) tomorrow at 4:00pm. This one has a bookmark that can be pulled off the card to use, and I love these little monsters! This class is drop in, so I hope to see you there! Anyone seven or older is welcome (7-10 year olds please bring a helper).

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 6

Hard to believe, but we're half-way through the Twelve Weeks of Christmas! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter (e-mail me, or click the link in my side-bar) to get another idea by e-mail tomorrow!

This week, I have a gift box idea for you:

This is made quickly and easily with the Petal Envelope die for the Big Shot. You could easily adapt this for small gifts for any occasion (or wedding favours) by changing the colours and stamps. Here are the supplies you'll need for this box:

Stamps: Snow Swirled (item #111690), Christmas Punch (hostess -item #115366) - You could use Delightful Decorations (item #116517) instead

Inks: Platinum Shimmer Paint (item #116807), Real Red (item #103133)

Cardstock: Real Red (item #102482), Brushed Silver (item #100712)

Accessories: Scallop Oval Punch (item #114889), Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (item #110714), Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper (item #116770), Sponge Daubers (item #102892), Silver Elastic Cord (item #109866), Petal Card die (item #113467)

Instructions:

1. Use the Big Shot to cut four Petal Cards from Real Red cardstock.

2. Cut one flap (half-circle) off each petal card.

3. Use the Sponge Daubers to apply Platinum Shimmer Paint to the snowflake stamps and stamp randomly onto the petal card.

4. Turn the stamped sides down, and attach all the cards together (I used Sticky Strip). Apply adhesive to the single flap, and attach it to the straight edge where you removed one flap).

5. Fold all the bottom flaps together and apply a little adhesive where they touch each other.

6. Fold the top closed, and tie a piece of ribbon around to hold it closed.

7. Stamp the tag with Real Red ink on Brushed Silver cardstock and punch out with the Scallop Oval Punch.

8. Pierce a hole in the tag, and thread some Silver Elastic cord through the hole. Tie the tag around the knot of ribbon.

Here is the completed box again:

Sketch #76

After a (not-so-brief) hiatus from the sketches, I'm back this week with a card sketch. Here's hoping I can keep on top of them during my upcoming craziness... anyway, here's the sketch:

and here's my card:

If you'd like to make this card, come join me at the Crouch Library this Wednesday (Nov 11th) at 4:00pm for my FREE Birthday Make, Take & Donate class. We'll be making this card and two other birthday cards. You keep two, and choose one to donate to the Ronald McDonald House in London. This is a free class, so you're welcome to tell your friends! I'll be posting at least one more of the cards we'll be making here on my blog before Wednesday. You can contact me or the library to reserve your spot in this class.

Sense of Time

I've been sharing tons of Christmas cards here lately, so I thought I'd break it up a bit with a card made by my upline Anne. We did a swap a while back, and this is one of my favourites...

It's hard to tell in the picture, but she used an embossing plate on the card front, so it has subtle swirly texture. I also love the scalloped edge with the beautiful DSP on the inside of the card showing.

Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Stampin' Up! has come up with a Holiday Gift Giving Guide this year, with gift suggestions for people on your list. Just click the link above to download the guide. As an extra bonus, for every $65.00 you spend on items included in the guide, YOU get a gift too! You can choose any Decor Elements $22.95 or less for free! So have a look through the guide and see if the perfect gift is in there for someone you know!

I also offer gift certificates for you to give (or get) as a gift... Contact me for more details. If you'd like to show your wishlist to friends and family, they can order from me, and I'll even wrap your gifts for them!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 5

I was busy with my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack yesterday, so I didn't get this posted when I wanted to. Here's the card for this week:

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of chipboard with the Big Shot and the Scallop Oval Frame die.
2. Layer the Finial Press embossing folder with a piece of Naturals White cardstock (5 1/4"x4") inside with the following sandwich: Multi Purpose platform on tab 2 ~ Embossing folder with paper inside ~ chipboard frame (centred over paper in embossing folder) ~ Cutting Plate.
3. Sponge the embossed frame with Old Olive ink.
4. Stamp the cardinal image from "A Cardinal Christmas" inside the frame with Soft Suede ink.
5. Use a Blender Pen and classic inks (Ruby Red, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Crushed Curry) to colour the cardinal.
6. Use a Stamp-a-ma-Jig  and Chocolate Chip ink to stamp the sentiment from "Christmas Greetings".
7. Tie a piece of Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon around the Naturals White cardstock.
8. Adhere to a Soft Suede card base (4 1/4"x11").

Supplies:

Stamps - A Cardinal Christmas (item #111760), Christmas Greetings (item #115448)
Cardstock - Soft Suede (item #115318), Naturals White (item #102316)
Inks - Soft Suede (item #115657), Ruby Red (item #102259), Old Olive (item #102277), Crushed Curry (item #115659), Chocolate Chip (item #100908)
Big Shot (item #113439), Finial Press embossing folder (item #115963), Scallop Oval Frame die (item #114521)
Accessories - Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon (item #109065), Blender Pen (item #102845), Stampin' Sponge (item #101610)

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack - Snow Swirled

Card #2 from my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack this weekend... this one uses the Snow Swirled stamps and Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit. I added a little bling to the tree with Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack - Medallion Wreath

This is one of the cards we'll be making at my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack this weekend. I used the Medallion stamp as a wreath, and the Delightful Decorations set to add a festive touch. I love the written sentiment embossed with black embossing powder. I still have a few spots available in the Sunday and Monday evening classes, but Sunday afternoon has filled up! Let me know ASAP if you'd like to join the fun!

Supplies: Stamps (Medallion, Delightful Decorations, Christmas Greetings); Inks (Old Olive, Ruby Red, VersaMark); cardstock (Kraft, Whisper White, Soft Suede); Silver brad, Black Stampin' Emboss powder, Ornament Punch, Silver Elastic Cord

Halloween Make, Take & Donate (card 2)

This image makes me giggle every time I look at it.. This is the second card we'll be making at my Make, Take & Donate this Wednesday at the Crouch Branch Library. I'm inviting everyone over 7 years old (7-10 year olds are encouraged to bring a parent or older helper) to come between 4:00pm and 5:00pm to make three Halloween cards. You'll get to keep two and donate the third to the Ronald McDonald House in London. I'm keeping things simple because I'm hoping to have a good turnout, and I want to show how quick and easy stamping is! Contact me or the Crouch Library to register (or for more info).

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4

We're just two months away... so here's another idea for a quick and pretty card with a non-traditional colour combination. I love the Brushed Silver cardstock, and when you emboss with the Textured Impressions folders it it looks even better! If you'd like another Christmas idea each week, make sure you sign up for my e-mail newsletter (e-mail me, or sign up with the link in my sidebar... just put "12 Weeks of Christmas" in the subject/comments section). I send the next one out tomorrow!

Supplies:

Stamps: Dasher (item #116816); Serene Snowflakes (item #115438)

Inks: VersaMark (item #102283), Not Quite Navy (item #103008)

Cardstock: Sahara Sand ~ 8.5"x4.25" (item #105328), Brushed Silver ~ 3"x4" (item #100712), Not Quite Navy ~ 2.25"x2.5" (item #101722), Bashful Blue ~ 2"x2" (item #105120)

Accessories: Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (item #109131); Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder (item #116824), Merry Embosslit (item #116820), Embossing Buddy (item #103083), Silver Elastic Cord (item #109866), Stampin' Dimensionals (item #104430)

Instructions:

1. Put the Brushed Silver cardstock inside the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder and run it through the Big Shot.
2. Put the Bashful Blue cardstock in the Merry Embosslit and run it through the Big Shot.
3. Stamp the small snowflakes from Serene Snowflakes onto the Merry Tag with Not Quite Navy ink.
4. Cut two pieces of Silver Elastic cord (about 4" each) and fold them in half. Thread the loop through the hole in the Merry Tag, then put the ends through the loop.
5. Rub the Embossing Buddy over the Not Quite Navy Cardstock. Stamp Dasher onto the cardstock with VersaMark ink.
6. Sprinkle Dasher with Silver Stampin' Emboss powder and shake off excess. Heat with a Heat Tool until melted and shiny.
7. Distress the edges of the Dasher piece with your thumbnail.
8. Adhere the Brushed Silver cardstock to the Sahara Sand card base. Adhere Not Quite Navy cardstock to card. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the Merry Tag to the card.

Free Halloween Make, Take and Donate Class!

If you'd like to give stamping and card-making a try, come join me at the Crouch Branch Library (in London) for a free class next Wednesday, October 28th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. You'll make three quick, simply stamped cards and you'll keep two and donate the  third to the Ronald McDonald House in London for sick kids to give or receive this Halloween. This class is open to adults, teens and children over 7 years old (if possible 7-10 year olds should bring an adult/babysitter). This is one of the cards we'll be making... I'll show more leading up to next Wednesday. Please e-mail or comment if you plan on coming!

Leaf Lines Anniversary

How about a non-Christmas card for a change? This one is very clean & simple, and I think it has a subtle elegance about it. I embossed the leaf image (Chocolate Chip Craft ink with Clear Stampin' Emboss powder) and used a piece of  the Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper to frame it. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes--probably my most used set... there is a sentiment for everything!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 3

I'm back with another Christmas card idea this week... I saw this embossed frame idea on Patty Bennett's blog. She used a wood frame from a craft store, but I used chipboard and my Top Note Die to make my own frame. If you'd like to receive another Christmas idea tomorrow, be sure to sign up for my Newsletter (link in sidebar, or e-mail me with "12 Weeks of Christmas" in the subject line).

1. Cut Top Note out of the piece of chipboard. We just need the frame for this card, so you can use the chipboard Top Note for another project.
2. Place Naturals White cardstock inside the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder.
3. Run the folder through the Big Shot using the following 'sandwich': Multi Purpose platform on tab 2 ~ Embossing folder with paper inside ~ chipboard frame (centred over paper in embossing folder) ~ Cutting Plate.
4. Use the Ruby Red inkpad to rub lightly over the embossed areas, picking up the petal images.
5. Stamp the image and sentiment from Scenic Season with Old Olive ink in the middle of the card front (inside the frame). Use the Stamp-a-ma-Jig for accurate placement.
6. Use the 2-Way Glue Pen to draw some lines (I did the snowbanks, and a few branches). Sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds glitter over card front and shake off excess.
7. Adhere the stamped and embossed card front to the Old Olive card base.


Supplies:

Old Olive cardstock (5.5"x8.5") -  item #100702
Naturals White cardstock (5.25"x4") - item #1023016
Scenic Season Stamp Set - item #115354
Petals-A-Plenty embossing folder - item #116824
Old Olive Classic Ink pad - item #102277
Ruby Red Classic Ink pad - item #102259
2-Way Glue Pen - item #100425
Dazzling Diamonds Glitter - item #102023
Top Note Die - item #113463
chipboard
Big Shot - item #113439

Shimmer Daisy

This is the second card we're making in my Technique Class (featuring Shimmer Paints) for October. It's hard to see in the photo, but I used the paints three ways! I made a shimmer mist with the Champagne Mist shimmer paint, I used a stylus to make flower centres on the stamped flowers from Eastern Blooms, and I added Frost White Shimmer Paint to the Upsy Daisy image after inking with Rich Razzleberry, but before stamping. I still have some spots left in this class, so let me know if you'd like to make this card!

supplies: Stamps (Upsy Daisy, Eastern Blooms, Teeny Tiny Wishes); Inks (Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo); Cardstock (Very Vanilla, Melon Mambo); Razzleberry Lemonade DSP; Champagne Mist and Frost White Shimmer Paints, Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Die.

Shimmery Snowflakes

This is one of the cards we'll be making in my October Technique Class this weekend... I'm showing different ways to use the Shimmer Paints from the new Holiday Mini Catalogue. I tried to resist this stamp set (Serene Snowflakes), but finally caved last month... it really is beautiful, and it looks great with the shimmer paints!

My Technique Classes are free the first time you come, and we make an instruction card with samples, and two projects using the techniques. If you've been to one of my Technique classes before, you can come for just $5.00 (or a $25.00 order). This class is free for my Stamp Club members... contact me if you'd like more details.

Here are the dates for this class... send me an e-mail if you'd like to come!

Friday, October 16th @ 1:00pm
Friday, October 16th @ 7:00pm
Sunday, October 18th @ 7:00pm

I was able to get the Curly Label Movers & Shapers die for only $14.00 last month, so I was excited to put it to good use! You can get this (or any item in the Holiday Mini) for only $14.00 too... you can host a $330.00 party, or hold a catalogue party and collect orders from your friends and family to get this fabulous extra hostess benefit until November 30th. If you're Canadian, and you'd like more details, let me know!

Supplies: Stamps (Serene Snowflakes, Christmas Punch); Inks (Champagne Mist & Platinum Shimmer Paints, Bermuda Bay); Cardstock (Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Whisper White); Movers & Shapers Curly Label Big Shot Die; Sponge Daubers, Curly Label Punch, Silver Elastic Cord

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 2

I'm back with another Christmas card! If you'd like to get another idea tomorrow, make sure you sign up for my newsletter (either by clicking the link in the sidebar or e-mailing me and putting 12 Weeks in the subject line). I have another project ready to send out!

The card this week is quick and easy (and CASE'd from someone, but I'm not sure who... if it's yours please let me know and I'll give credit).

Instructions:

1. Stamp the reindeer image three times across the card front with Soft Suede ink.
2. Colour the front reindeer's nose with the Real Red marker.
3. Use the Real Red marker to ink the sentiment stamp and stamp under the row of reindeer.
4. Ink the Sparkle image with Old Olive ink and stamp beside the sentiment.
5. Wrap a piece of Real Red striped ribbon around the top of the card and tie in a knot at the front.

Supplies:

Whisper White Cardstock (4"x8" - scored at 4") ***You can get four cards out of one 12x12 sheet of cardstock. - item #106529
Sparkly & Bright Stamp set  - item #115346
Soft Suede Classic Ink Pad - item #115657
Old Olive Classic Ink Pad - item #102277
Real Red Stampin' Write Marker - item #100052
1/2" Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - item #110714

Thanksgiving Silhouettes

This was the last card in my 'Simply Stamped' Card Class. I wanted to show that the Ornament Punch could be used after Christmas too, so I made a vase out of it (just by not putting the paper all the way into the punch so it had a flat bottom).

I punched it out of a post-it note too, and used that as a mask when I stamped the images from Pocket Silhouettes so that the stems would be inside the vase once I glued it on. I really like this paper from the Holiday Mini too (Autumn Meadows).

Supplies: Stamps (Pocket Silhouettes, Teeny Tiny Wishes); Inks (Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede); Cardstock (Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla, Dusty Durango); Autumn Meadows DSP, Ornament Punch

The Twelve Weeks of Christmas

Yes, that's right... there's just over twelve weeks until Christmas, and I'm here to help with card and gift ideas! I'm hoping to post at least one Christmas idea a week here on my blog, but I'm definitely sending out an e-mail each week with an idea I won't be showing on my blog. This e-mail will list all supplies needed as well as instructions and a picture of the card or gift idea. If you're not on my e-mail list, and you'd like to sign up for these exclusive e-mails, you can either click the link in my sidebar, or send me a quick e-mail (you can just put Newsletter or Twelve Weeks in the subject line) and I'll add you!

So to start us off, this is a quick and easy card with a few details that make it special. It would be a great card to reproduce to send to a bunch of people.

This one uses a few different products from the Holiday Mini Catalogue: Delightful Decorations Stamp set (pg 24 ~ item #116517 ~ $28.95); Ornament Punch (pg 25 ~ item #116794 ~ $22.95); Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder (pg 21 ~ item #116824 ~ $10.95) and Frost White Shimmer Paint (pg 27 ~ item #116854 ~ $8.95); Four the Holidays (pg 19 ~ item #116921 ~ $18.95); Silver Elastic Cord (pg 27 ~ item #109866 ~ $6.95). The complete product list will be at the bottom of this post.

1. Create an Old Olive card base (5.5"x4.25").
2. Cut a piece of Real Red cardstock (4.25"x2") and place it inside the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder. Run through the Big Shot (Multipurpose Platform Tab 2, Cutting Plate, Impressions folder, Cutting Plate).
3. Put a Mini Glue Dot in the top middle of the Old Olive card. Stick an end of the Silver Elastic Cord to the glue dot.
4. Adhere the Real Red textured cardstock at the top of the Old Olive card base, centred horizontally. Use a Mini Glue Dot to stick the other end of the Silver Elastic Cord to the front of the Real Red cardstock.
5. Ink one of the ornaments from Delightful Decorations with Old Olive ink.
6. Shake the Frost White Shimmer paint and take off the lid. Use a Sponge Dauber to get a little Frost White shimmer paint from the lid. Pounce the sponge dauber over the Old Olive ink on the ornament stamp.
7. Stamp the ornament onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.
8. Punch out the ornament using the Ornament Punch (hold upside down so you can see where you're punching).
9. Stamp a sentiment from Four the Holidays with Chocolate Chip ink at the bottom of the card (centred horizontally).
10. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the punched ornament above the sentiment.
11. Tie a knot in a piece of Real Red Striped 1/2" Grosgrain ribbon and adhere above ornament with a Mini Glue Dot.

Supplies:
Old Olive Cardstock - item #100702
Real Red Cardstock - item # 102482
Whisper White Cardstock - item #100730
Old Olive Classic Ink - item #100908
Chocolate Chip Classic Ink - item #100908
Four the Holidays - item #116921
Delightful Decorations - item #116517
Ornament Punch - item #116794
Petals-a-Plenty Texured Impressions Embossing Folder - item #116824
Frost White Shimmer Paint - item #116854
Silver Elastic Cord - item #109866
1/2" Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - item #110714
Sponge Daubers - item #102892
SNAIL Adhesive - item #104332
Mini Glue Dots - item #103683
Stampin' Dimensionals - item #104430

Sketch #75!

I'm back this week with a two-page 8.5x11 sketch (easily adaptable to a single page or double page 12x12):

and here's my layout:

I love the embossed cardstock (I think you can see it if you click the layout to see bigger) the felt pumpkin, and the 6x6 die-cut papers are perfect for an 8.5x11 scrapper like me who always has to cut down the 12x12 shaped papers...

If you create something with this sketch, I'd love to see it! Link me up in the comments.