12 Weeks of Christmas - Contempo Christmas card

For a supply list and instructions to make this card, check out my 12 Weeks of Christmas link above, or click HERE.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4 - Top Note Gift Box

 For a supply list and instructions, click on the 12 Weeks of Christmas page above, or click HERE.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Comfort & Joy Bleached

For a full supply list and instructions, check out my 12 Weeks of Christmas page!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 2 Card - Serene Snowflakes

This card is one we'll be making in my Simple Christmas Cards class next weekend (Friday & Sunday).

You can also find a complete supply list and instructions on my 12 Weeks of Christmas page (tab at the top of the page, or click HERE).

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

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)

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.

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

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

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