Stampin' with Kristin

Day 6 - 2013 Annual Christmas Cards

Today's card is the final (sort of) design of my 2013 Annual Christmas cards.  I actually have a few more cards to make this year - ones that I'll hand-deliver and ones that I left off of my card list.  I check that list two, three, and four times and I always miss someone.  I always feel awful!

Today's card is the only original design.  Well....sorta.  I cased myself!  And, now that I read the post where I shared the original, I see that I was casing a layout from the Everyday Occasions Card Kit.  Oh well - it wasn't completely original.

Again, I was trying to use up supplies from the holiday catalog.  I had enough of this Designer Series Paper design to make 21 cards.  However, I knew I had an unopened pack of the Winter Frost DSP stack.  So I knew I could make a few more if I wanted to.

I hand-cut the tag.  It drove me NUTS because I knew I'd have a punch a few days after these would be mailed that will be in the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog that would make that shape for me!   I'm sure by now you recognize the sentiment.  Yep, it's from the Endless Wishes Photopolymer stamp set.  Lesson learned:  don't hesitate to purchase photopolymer stamp sets if you think they're cute!  They are only available while supplies last!

Were you one of the lucky 21 recipients of this card?  It's the the final of my favorites.  Stay tuned - in the next few days I'll be sharing another version of this card that I created as my swap card for my downline (and it uses the new punch)!

Day 4 - 2013 Annual Christmas Cards

Today I'm sharing the fifth Christmas card design for 2013.  This one started out to be one of my favorites until my stapler jammed and I had to tie baker's twine around 48 card bases.  What WAS I thinking??? 

One of the goals of my Christmas cards was to maximize any leftover Holiday Catalog supplies.  And this one used up a lot of the Season of Style DSP Stack.  The card was inspired by this card by Mercedes Weber.  I removed a couple of elements and added a larger sentiment.  I think I originally removed the elements to simplify the card - and because I didn't like the look of 2 sentiments on one card front.  But, looking back, I should have left the snowflake and removed the baker's twine!

I made 48 of these cards this year.  I hope that all who received it love it!

Day 3 - 2013 Annual Christmas Cards

Are you ready to see my fourth Christmas Card design?  Well, I guess you already have!  It's pictured over there on the right.  If you read yesterday's post, you may remember I mentioned that I'd borrowed the strip of red glimmer paper and the Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details from another card.  Today's card is that card.

This card was inspired by a couple of different cards.  The layout was inspired by this card by Michele Reynolds.  But, I just did not like the "Got Mistletoe" sentiment for one of my Annual Christmas cards.  It's certainly cute and fun.  But, it wasn't working for me.  I needed to find a different sentiment.  I also couldn't imagine lining up the two framelits over and over to mass produce this card - so I tucked my Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding behind the tag instead of having the hole at the top. 

The second card that inspired this card was this card created by Sandi MacIver.  I loved her idea of using these stamps inside of the same framelit.  It was a perfect combo!

Like Sandi, I mounted my focal point on Crumb Cake.  However, you may have noticed that she embossed her base.  I don't like the embossed look when I'm using Washi Tape.  So, I stamped snowflakes from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set.

I made 36 of this design.  This was also one of my three favorites this year.  I hope those of you who received this card also love it.

Day 2 - 2013 Annual Christmas Cards

Yesterday I shared the first two (of seven) cards I created for Christmas.  Today's card is the third.  Sorry the picture isn't the best - I'd retake it, but I mailed them all!!!

I made 48 of this design.  Just like yesterday's card, I had a little help with the layout for this one.  The original is pictured here by Jason Loucks.  I fell in love with the card as soon as I spotted it on Pinterest. 

I think it's pretty obvious which elements I cased from his original card - the basic layout, the washi tape and the punches.  However, I wasn't a big fan of his rhinestones in the right corner.  And, I wanted it to have a sentiment.

The sentiment is (again) from the Endless Wishes Photopolymer stamp set (sorry).  I keep apologizing because that set is no longer available.  I'm thrilled so many of you were lucky enough to grab one before they were sold out.

Something else you may notice - I added a strip of Red Glimmer Paper and a dot of Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details in the center of my ornament.  I'd used similar embellishments on another card and I just loved the little added bling.  And, I'm LOVING it on this card.

I'm absolutely in love with three of the seven cards this year.  This is one of them.  I hope the 48 of you who received this card also love it.  It REALLY was hard deciding which design to send to everyone!  I hope you'll tune in again tomorrow when I share my fourth design.

Get Well Butterfly

I started sharing the cards I designed for my monthly stamp club on Monday.  But, I took a break the last couple of days to focus on some FABULOUS deals!  Have you taken advantage of them yet?

Today's card is another card I spotted over on Pinterest.  The original didn't really use Stampin' Up! products, but I loved the layout and the idea.  And, clearly, it can be recreated using all SU! ('cause I did)!

By now, you probably know that I love using the Squares Collection Framelits to make windows.  Well, this time I made a little different window.  It kinda resembles a slide.  Remember them?  I cut the slide/frame out of the Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I love this paper because the design is embossed - which is why I moved my sentiment (from the Express Yourself hostess-only Stamp Set).

The butterflies were cut using the Butterfly die and both of the current SU butterfly punches.  The Crisp Cantalope butterfly is stamped from the Best of Butterflies Stamp Set.  Can you tell I stamped the Soft Sky butterfly?  Can you tell which stamp I used?  I used the Six-Sided Sampler Stamp Set!  I stamped a hexagon in Pool Party on Pool Party then punched the butterfly.  I wanted him to have a little texture and that set worked perfectly!

How about the "arrows"?  Know where they came from?  They came from A Banner Christmas Stamp Set!  Yes, this card uses four different stamp sets!  Doesn't look like it would, would it?  I absolutely adore this card!

Magnificent Maple

I've been running low on Thank You cards.  I had several to get out this week and I knew I'd be needing more later this month.  So, I sat down and stamped a stack of these very quick cards this past weekend.  I used the Magnificent Maple single stamp, Gorgeous Grunge, and Lots of Thanks stamp sets to make it.  The colors were inspried by the Sweater Weather DSP in the Holiay Catalog - Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, and Sahara Sand.  Aren't they pretty together?

The card was very nice, but I thought it needed something to make it "pop".  Well, I'm on a Candy Dot kick....so you obviously know which embellishment I grabbed for!  I LOVE these things!!!  And, because there are SO many colors in the card, I was able to use an assortment of coordinating colors of dots on the cards I made.  Oh, and the fact that candy dots are so incredibly mailable, doesn't hurt, either!

Paper Christmas Wreath

If you're a blog surfer or explore Pinterest, chances are you've seen one of these paper wreaths.  I'm pretty sure we have Jill Olsen to thank for making them popular this year.  She had them on display in her craft room when some of this year's Founder's Circle achievers stopped by for a visit in September.  I saw the pictures and was SO jealous of them for learning how to make them.  After that you immediately started seeing versions of them EVERYWHERE.  They look so HARD to make.  WRONG!  My Stamp Sorority Divas learned last night just how easy they are to put together!  It only takes about 1-1/2 to 2 hours to make them - and patience.  Imagine Valentine's wreaths in a heart shape, Fall wreaths, the options are endless!

I used 1/2 a package of Season of Style DSP to make mine.  I cut one of each sheet in 12" x 1/2" strips.  You then curl each strip like you would ribbon on a gift using your bone folder then pin them to a styrofoam wreath!  I used a 12" white wreath.  I've seen some samples include tags and bows.  But, I like simplicity.  I wanted the curly strips of paper to be the focus. 

Hint:  You'll probably want to keep some bandaids nearby.  Paper cuts are inevitable when you're curling 150ish strips of paper.  You'll want to protect your index finger.  Trust me. 

Mine will be on display on my China cabinet all season long!  LOVE IT!

And, here are three of my four Divas working on their wreaths.  They were all happy that I "forced" them to sit down and make them.  They enjoyed a dinner of wine and chili along with some crustless apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert.  It was a very fun evening!

Season of Style DSP - 132340 - $10.95

Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon - 132315 - $8.95

Love & Joy

I just realized I hadn't used the Love & Joy single stamp out of the Holiday Catalog yet this season!  I always glance at it on my shelf, but I've never pulled it out to use.  I made sure to change that on Sunday when I created this week's cards.  I'm pretty pleased with this card.  The layout was inpsired by one of the cards in the Everyday Occasions Card Kit. 

I stamped the image in Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink on Whisper White Card Stock.  I cut a snowflake out of Silver Glimmer Paper using the Festive Flurry Framelits.  I was struggling with the background until I came across this pattern in the Season of Style DSP collection.  I love it!  It's so Christmasy. 

To dress up the stip of Old Olive Card Stock, I decided to use some Old Olive Candy Dots.  What do you think of the Old Olive Cany Dots on the Old Olive Card Stock?  Would you have used Cherry Cobbler or another color?  Would you have done something completely different?

I actually handcut the tag itself.  But, I'm looking forward to some new punches in the upcoming Occasions Catalog that will make creating tags like this one SO MUCH easier!!!  I can't wait to get my hands on them in early December.

Finally, the whole card is mounted on some Crumb Cake Card Stock.

Love & Joy Stamp - 131865 - $10.95

Season of Style DSP - 132340 - $10.95

Festive Flurry Framelits - 132193 - $24.95

Introducing the Festive Flurry Ornament Kit

Add a little festive flare to your holiday decorating with our new Festive Flurry Ornament Kit! Top presents, embellish cards, create a wintery garland, or trim the tree. How you use them is up to you!

The kit includes everything you need (minus adhesive) to create 10 snowflakes, including

• 10 feet of Soft Sky Ribbon
• Printed cardstock - die cut and scored, ready to be assembled (Soft Sky, Crumb Cake, Whisper White Cardstock and Silver Glimmer Paper)
• Large Rhinestone Basic Jewells (40)

Item Number:  135813
Price:  $14.95

are only available while supplies last so make sure to take advantage of this offer-just in time to create 10 heirloom ornaments!

 

Happy Anniversary to ME!

Last Thursday was my 7 year anniversary with Stampin' Up! - and I didn't even immediately realize it.  My friend and "upline", Claire Lawrence, try to get together once a month and stamp.  Last Thursday was our date for November.  While we were stamping, Claire made the comment that it had been 7 years because I'd signed up in early November 2006.  I can never remember the exact date, so I looked it up.  What a fun coincidence to be stamping with Claire on my anniversary! 

It's been an absolutely amazing 7 years.  I've met literally hundreds of new friends from all over the world because of Stampin' Up!  I get choked up each and every time.  I joined Stampin' Up! "just for the discount" as so many people do.  But, it's become oh so much more than that!  I won't lie, the discount is nice.  But, it's definitely not the reason I love being a demonstrator these days.  It's the relationships I've built over these years that are priceless.  Sure, having a room full of the most current stamping products is wonderful, but it would be meaningless if I didn't have friends to share it with.  I love you all!  Thank you for coming along on this wonderful journey!  I'm looking forward to many, many more anniversaries!

So, here's one of the TWO cards I made that night.  I didn't have a ton of Mojo - even though I was looking at new card layouts on the Mojo Monday website.  HA!  Claire even asked me what I was working on after it had been an hour or so and I had a single stamp on a single piece of paper.   She had a stack of cards.  I wanted/needed to work on non-Christmas cards so I was fighting the strong urge to make more Christmas cards.  Eventually, I gave in and worked on what I was in the mood to create - more Christmas cards.  And, don't laugh, I just cannot stop using the Color Me Christmas stamp set!  I did NOT like that silly, cartoony stamp set when I first saw it.  Now I can't stop using it!  Part of me is thinking I should design a class around it.

The sentiment is from the Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set.  I LOVE THIS SET!  And, are you ready for this?  The "a little dash of" sentiment stamped VERY poorly thefirst time.  And, since I was stamping it at the very end of a 2-hour battle to create a card, I wasn't in the mood to tear the whole thing apart.  So, I held my breath, and lined up the sentiment PERFECTLY - you can do that without a Stamp-a-Ma-Jig with Photopolymer!

Color Me Christmas Stamp Set

Endless Wishes Stamp Set

Pop & Place CASE

Today's card is the last of the cards I made last Sunday.  Tomorrow I'll start working on next week's blog posts.  There's been a card that keeps jumping out at me from my card rack.  It's been screaming "CASE me"!  So, I did!  And, I think I like the original better!  I used the Winter Frost Specailty DSP as my color inspiration.  And, I used the original card as my layout inspiration.  The sentiment is from the Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set.  I think the card needs a larger sentiment.  But, I couldn't help myself - the sentiment fits perfectly inside the punch in the layout.  Which do you prefer?

One final note...I have to say I'm awfully proud of myself!  Why?  All of the cards I've posted over the past 7 days have been made using SCRAPS (with the exception of the DSP).  YES!  I have a cello bag of scraps on  my classroom table.  I haven't once had to venture into my craft room to get a piece of card stock - even for card bases!  Impressive, huh?  In some cases I had to adjust the size of my layers by 1/8" but you never would have know, would you?

A Fall Thank You

I took a break from stamping Christmas cards on Sunday to make this card.  I was inspired by the layouts on the Mojo Monday site and this layout caught my eye.  I had a bunch of Sweater Weather DSP sitting out on my table so I decided to make that layout using some of the DSP.  I thought the Doilies would be perfect for the circle in the layout.  However, the doily just looked too white.  I decided to spritz it to make it darker.  Now, I'm not exactly the most organized person.  None of my spritzer bottles are labeled.  So, I didn't really know what would come out when I sprayed.  The contents looked like they might be tannish - so I was thinking Soft Suede.  It was a complete surprise when champagne glimmer paint sprayed out mixed with something tannish.  I liked it!  Granted, champagne glimmer paint is retired.  But, I'll bet many of you have a tub of it sitting around. To top it off, I added some burlap ribbon, linen thread, and a wooden button.  And, if you're going to have champagne shimmer paint, champagne glimmer paper works well, too! 

More Color Me Christmas!

It's fun to color.  When I started stamping with the Color Me Christmas stamp set on Sunday, I couldn't put it down!  Here's another fun card I made.  The layout was inspired by the Mojo Monday 316 layout.  I omitted the bow as I thought it fought with the bow on the stamped image.

What do you think?  I went with a Real Red, Old Olive, and Whisper White color combo.  The sentiment is from the Christmas Messages stamp set.  I cut the focal point pieces using the Circles Collection and Squares Collection Framelits.  And, I embellished with some Real Red Candy dots - I'd completely forgotten about them!  I don't think I've used them on a card in MONTHS!  Look out, the box is out - they'll be on everything for awhile now!

Color Me Christmas - 131745 (C) or 131742 (W)

Just add color to these images for some genuine holiday whimsy.
The bold line images are the perfect framework for watercolors or markers.

Price:  $20.95 (Wood) or $15.95 (Clear)
Order it here in clear or here in wood.

Brights Candy Dots - 130931

Apply adhesive-backed dots to Candy Dots Brad Bases (sold separately) to create your own 3/16" colored brads. Or skip the brad base and apply them directly to paper.

* Available in color collections
* 100 pieces: 10 ea. of 10 colors

Price:  $5.95
Click here to order Brights Candy Dots.

Squares Collection Framelits - 130921

See what you're cutting with Framelits dies. Use with the Big Shot and Standard Cutting Pads.
(And if you use the Magnetic Platform too, the Framelits will stay where you put them).

* 8 layering dies (largest: 4-3/8" x 4-3/8")
* Cuts a single sheet of paper

Price:  $26.95
Click here to order the Squares Collection Framelits.

Circles Collection Framelits -130911

* 10 layering dies (largest: 4-3/4" diameter)
* Cuts a single sheet of paper

Price: $26.95
Click here to order the Circles Collection Framelits now.

Christmas Make & Takes

Today's card was the Make & Take that everyone got to make at my downline meeting earlier this week.  It was also inspired by a card in the Stampin' Success magazine.  I fell in love with it instantly!  It's so easy (and yes, may be one of my Christmas cards this year).

I stamped the Postcard image in Early Espresso, the santa image from the Santa's List Stamp Set in crumb cake, and the sentiment from the Delightful Dozen stamp set in Cherry Cobbler.  I also sponged the edges in Crumb Cake and added a little Dazzling Diamonds using my 2-Way Glue Pen.

Be Merry

I wanted to share with you another card my stamp club made last week.  I did not design this card.  I copied exactly a card created by Marlene Goulder that I spotted on Pinterest.  It was a HIT at my stamp club.  I think I'll be making some of these to send out this year.

The card features one of the single stamps - Be Merry - it's only $8.95.  It's actually designed to be a tag, but thanks to the perfectly placed bow, your recipient will never know!

It's stamped in Cherry Cobbler Ink.  The leaves are colored in with Gumball Green.  The leaves were punched out using the Bird Punch out of Gumball Green Card Stock.  And, the best part?  The Cherry Cobbler core'dinations card stock behind the tag is on the clearance rack (at least it was at the time I wrote this post)!!!  It's only $2.79 for 12 sheets of 12x12!!!  Stampin' Up! only offers it in packages by color family now - that's why the single packs are on the Clearance Rack.  When I told my stamp club members about this deal, many of them added it to their orders.  Also on the clearance rack are packs of Early Espresso, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals, and Real Red at the same price!  Remember, items on the Clearance Rack are always "while supplies last".

Thankful For...

It sure has been awhile since I've posted a card I personally stamped!  Life has been busy.  I'm sure you can relate.  Today I thought I'd share a card I created for my stamp club last week.  I have been wanting to use the Harvest of Thanks Stamp Set for awhile now.  And, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, I figured it was time to dust it off!

I used strips of Sweater Weather DSP, Burlap Ribbon, and Antique Brads to complete the look.  This set coordinates with a couple of the framellit collections:  Deco Labels (which is on sale through Monday for $18.71 instead of $24.95!), Apothecary Accents, and Bitty Banners!  I also used the Thankful stamp for the greeting.

Sweater Weather Thanks!

It doesn't take long for me to get behind on making and sending thank you cards - and that's a good thing!  I'm more than grateful that every week I have to send out a huge stack of cards.  But, with San Diego and my birthday, I got a little behind.  I finally sat down earlier this week and made a new stack.  I needed something relatively quick and simple - I'm not sure that punching and gluing 8 hexagons per card was quick, but it was quicker than stamping them and punching them!

I spotted the inspiration for this card on Pinterest.  It was created by Joanne.  I'm pretty sure her card was square - 'cause I needed more hexagons to get across the card than she used.   The DSP is Sweater Weather - LOVE this DSP!  And, with the cooler days and nights, I'm all about the sweaters these days.  The stamps I used were Gorgeous Grunge (for the subtle speckles in the background) and Four You.  I loved her idea to punch a small hole in the card and wrap twine around the card edge!  My thank you cards didn't contain the twine.  BUT, my Stamp Sorority also made this card as their Make & Take last Tuesday and I incorporated the twine.  I thought it was a fun, postal-friendly embellishment!

Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper - $10.95
Order Sweater Weather DSP Now

Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set
Order Clear Mount Now - $17.95
Order Wood Mount Now - $24.95

Four You Stamp Set
Order Clear Mount Now - $11.95
Order Wood Mount Now - $14.95

Thanksgiving Swap

My downline met last night for our monthly gathering.  And, of course we swapped cards.  This month's theme was fall/Thanksgiving.  I thought I'd share my swap with you today.  This card was inspired by a couple of cards I spotted on Pinterest by Dani Dziama and Valerie Moody.  I didn't want to cut out all of the leaves like Dani had on her card.  I also didn't have any burlap ribbon laying around - I've used up all of mine on a special home decor project and I'm waiting for more to arrive.  Once it's finished, I'll post it.  I liked the pearls, but I wanted gold pearls.  So, I smooshed some pearls in Gold Encore Ink, sprinkled some clear embossing powder over them, and heat embossed them.  Lesson learned - pearls will melt!  So, be careful!

I'll be posting the cards that I received later (I'm composing today's post on Sunday so I haven't received them yet)!

A Simple Season of Style Christmas Card

Are you looking for a simple, affordable Christmas card for this year?  I may an option for you!  I designed this card for my downline meeting.  I designed it to feature the Season of Style DSP Stack in the Holiday Catalog.  The stack contains 48 sheets:  24 of each of 2 double-sided designs.  I think this stack is perfect for your holiday cards or even envelope liners!  I was careful to cut the pieces for this card.  You can actually get enough for 144 cards from the stack using this layout!!! 

The sentiment on the front is actually one of the new Holiday Single Stamps - Cheers Clear Mount (134769) - it's only $5.95!  The rest of the supplies are Whisper White Card Stock, Baked Brown Sugar Card Stock, Cherry Cobbler Card Stock, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, and Baked Brown Sugar 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim.

Halloween Card - Circle Thinlits Card Die

I thought you'd all enjoy seeing one of the cards my stamp club made last week.  It was inspired by a variety of cards I saw online.  I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:
- Circle Card Thinlit Dies
- 2-1/2" Circle Punch
- Chevron Embossing Folder
- Designer Label Punch
- Halloween Happiness Stamp Set
- Neutrals Candy Dots
- 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon
- Jet Black Stazon Ink
- 1" Circle Punch
- Witches Brew Designer Series Paper
- Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Summer Starfruit Cardstock

Fall Diva Banner

Are you ready for more samples?  I have more to share!  Today I'm sharing the Fall Banner my Stamp Sorority Divas made last Wednesday night.  You know who my Stamp Sorority Divas are, right?  They are the top-performing demonstrators on my team from last quarter.  Each quarter I celebrate their successes - recruiting, sales, promotions - with dinner and stamping.  One of my Divas is a bit more vocal when it comes to requests than others - and I think it was a good thing this month!  She dictated the menu (which was entirely gluten-free) and the project.

First we had dinner - an easy, summer ham dinner with potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, and deviled eggs.  They all seemed to enjoy it (and I enjoyed it because it was easier than my usual diva meals).

Next came the stamping.  I typically design a few cards featuring something new.  This time, I asked for requests.  Several of them were over stamping on Monday night to make our convention Make & Takes (which I'll post later).  I asked for requests for a Diva Night project.  Patty Jo quickly requested to try out the stencils and banners.  She only really wanted to try one.  But, why stop at one, right???  We should make an ENTIRE banner! I had all of the supplies in a box and pulled it up on the table and revelead our stamping project.  I received a mix of emotions from excitement to fear (maybe).  How on earth would we make that banner in one night!  It's easier than you think - especially when all of the supplies are prepared for you!

I had an obscene amount of Sweater Weather DSP on hand (somehow I had 4 packs) so I decided to make the base of the banner out of DSP.  They're each 5x7 with a notch out of the bottom.  I find it easier to see the stenciled letter on a solid background, so I layered a 3" strip of coordinating cardstock over each and sponged Chocolate Chip classic ink to make the letters. The cardstock colors are Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Sahara Sand, and Crushed Curry.  Inspired by the two banner kits in the catalog, I made rosettes out of the Sweater Weather DSP.  Here's where it got tricky.  The banners in the kit are 2"x16" scored ever 3/8".  Sweater Weather DSP is only 12" long.  So, all four had to be pieced together.  When they're together, you can't even tell the DSP has bee pieced together.  We then layered Naturals Designer Buttons, stamped images and ribbon to embellish.

To celebrate five successfully created banners (created in 2 hours), we then headed out for ice cream at the Elmer Twist (featuring gluten-free ice cream cones)!  They all said they loved making one BIG project instead of a few cards.  It was pretty much unanimous that they wouldn't have made these banners on their own - but were thrilled to have one to display.  So, I'm already dreaming up my next Diva Night BIG project!

Here's a list of all of the supplies I used to create the banner:

- Sweater Weather DSP
- Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla Cardstock
- Tangerine Tango and Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
- Tangerine Tango and Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Markers
- Circles Collection Framelits (for the 2" cirlce on the "f" and "l")
- Magnificent Maple Stamp
- Truly Grateful Stamp Set
- 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
- 1/2" Circle Punch
- Simply Scored Tool
- Naturals Designer Buttons
- Linen Thread
- Jumbo Sticky Rounds
- 7/8" Cotton Ribbon
- Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon
- 7/16" Natural Trim Ribbon
- Soft Sky Seam Binding
- 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon
- Jute Twine (available in the Banner Simply Created Kits)
- Stencils from the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit

Festive Flurry and Winter Frost - LOVE THEM!

Today's card is another of the projects my Die Cut Divas made last week.  I had made some thank you cards that sort of featured this technique and I loved it.  I'm calling this faux washi but I don't know if it really is.  You can decide.  I took strips of Winter Frost Specialty DSP and adhered them to a piece of Whisper White Card Stock.  I then ran them through the Big Shot with the Festive Flurry Framelits to cut the larger snowflake.  I adhered another piece of Whisper White Cardstock behind the new "snowflake window".  I then cut a smaller snowflake out of Silver Glimmer Paper and added a clear faceted button and rhinestone.  The focal point is mounted on a piece of Smoky Slate DSP.  I added just a strip of Coastal Cabana ribbon and stamped the sentiment from the Snow Day Stamp Set.  It's not a very mailable card, but I like it anyway!  I hope you do, too!

Gold Foil Thankful Card

So many of you commented on this card at my open house.  It's a card that my Die Cut Divas got to make last Wednesday.  It's funny...I designed it the night before the class.  I was really dragging and just couldn't come up with a design that I loved.  So, I finally settled on this one.  I found that this sentiment is SO hard to work with because it's just so gosh darn long!  I saw several cards on Pinterest where the sentiment went up the side like I have here.  I loved it - and so did you!

The stamps are from my favorite Holiday Catalog Stamp set - Truly Grateful.  The fabulous patterned paper is from the Sweater Weather DSP.  And, of course, the fabulous gold sentiment was created using the Gold Foil Paper and the Expressions Thinlits - both from the Holiday Catalog.  Oh, and who can forget - I added a couple of Chocolate Chip Candy Dots to the card because I thought it needed something extra to balance it out.

Virtual Open House

Whew!  What a super fun open house.  I loved visiting with each and every one of you who stopped by.  But, if you missed it, I took a few pictures of some of the displays.  Before I get to that, you're probably wondering who won the hostess benefits!  I announced it on my Facebook Page right after I drew the names last night, but if you don't follow me on Facebook, you missed it!  The winners were Mandy, Stacy, and Janis!  They each were able to get a $50 shopping spree!  I had such fun making those phone calls last evening.  I think I'll be doing the Mystery Hostess drawing again - you guys seemed to LOVE it!

For the last few open houses, I've been displaying my swap card samples on my walls.  I love this idea!  I believe a co-worker of mine inspired it!  She pointed out a holiday card display on Pinterest for Christmas cards.  It's GREAT!  I saw several of you unclipping your favorites to get a closer look - you can't do that when I glue them to a display board! 

I have the Pumpkin Pie Goodie Gear pictured below.  I just LOVE these quick and easy favors.  You get supplies to make 10 for only $4.95!  The bags, bakers twine, cardstock flags, tags, and stickers are all included!  These would be great for classroom Halloween parties, office parties, favors, or just to give away to trick-or-treaters.  I stuffed mine with White Chocolate Candy Corn M&Ms - OH MY - they are SO good!  I did a little happy dance at the store when I spotted Halloween candy.

The next picture shows a small assortment of fall and Halloween-themed cards.  You've seen almost all of them on my blog.  Everyone absolutely LOVED the Thankful card featuring the Gold Foil Paper.  I don't think I've shared that with you, yet.  I'll be sure to post a better picture and the details this week.

Do you know how I made this super cool Halloween Chalkboard in the next picture?  I framed a sheet of Withces' Brew DSP.  That's it.  I did add the rosette embellishment using more of the Witches' Brew DSP, Basic Black Cardstock, Black Glitter, and some of the embellishments out of the Halloween Banner Simply Created Accessory Kit.  You might be able to see in the picture that the large black circle looks like Black Glimmer Paper.  Stampin' Up! doesn't sell black glimmer paper (wouldn't that be cool)!  BUT, never fear, it's easy to make!  I simply cut out a circle from some Basic Black Cardstock using my Circles Framelits (there's a 2" circle in there - yay!).  I then smooshed Versamark Ink all over the circle, sprinkled some Heat & Stick Powder over the entire surface, and heated it.  I then VERY QUICKLY dumped a ton of black glitter over the whole piece, shook off the excess, and reheated it for a few moments just to make sure the Heat & Stick powder was reinvigorated and grabbed onto the black glitter.  I LOVE IT.  It adds SO much!  And, seriously, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the black buttons in the Halloween Banner Accessory Kit - they're just like the clear faceted buttons in the big catalog but are solid black.  SO in love!!!  The orange circle and pumpkin pie seam binding are also from the banner kit.

Moving over to Christmas, I had a display showing all of the kits that are in the Holiday Catalog.  There are bunches!  You guys seemed to love this display...I think I can honestly say that I sold at least 1 of every kit in the Holiday Catalog!  What is most visible in the photo below are the Stamp a Tag Kit (only $10.95) and the Merry Little Christmas Simply Created Card Kit (ony $9.95 for 8 cards).  You can see just the bottom of the Christmas Tree I had displayed on the table.  I had it decorated with an assortment of snowflakes made with Glimmer Paper and the Festive Flurry Bundle.
This next photo shows more of the Christmas display and my snow banner.  This banner was SO easy to put together.  Everything I used is included in the Build-a-Banner Simply Created Kit and Christmas Banner Simply Created Accessory Kit.  I literally just spritzed some Coastal Cabana reinker/rubbing alcohol on the banners through the stencil.  I then used a sponge dauber to sponge Basic Gray letters.  The embellishments are all included in the accessory kit.  There's no stamping.  The only supplies I needed were a hot glue gun and some glue dots.  The awesome Coastal Cabana ribbon, rhinestones, buttons, glittery snowflakes, and rosettes were all included!

Also pictured below is a sample of the Snowflake Season Simply Sent kit and the Pretty Presents Designer Bows (perfect for those WITHOUT a Big Shot and the really cool Gift Bow Bigz L Die).  The silver bow attached to the green bucket was made with the Gift Bow Bigz Die - quite a few of you picked that up at the open house.

I was SO excited when I spotted this next idea on Pinterest a week or so ago.  I decorated my toothpicks using some of the Witches' Brew Designer Washi Tape.  So much more fun than just plain, wooden toothpicks!  I also had some Christmasy ones as well in my red & green veggie platter featuring the Season of Style Washi Tape.

Finally, you may be curious about the Make & Take.  I always choose something incredibly simple so that everyone can make it without any help from me since I'm rarely in the room with the Make & Take.  Since so many people have repinned it on Pinterest, I decided to use one of my Convention Swap Cards pictured in this post. 

My next open house will be in January.  It's usually towards the end of the month the weekend after Sale-a-Bration starts.  I don't have the dates for Sale-a-Bration or my open house set, yet.  But once I do, I'll let you know!

Thankful for Fall

Yesterday I shared a fall-themed hello card.  So, how about a fall-themed thank you card today?  Here's another card I made this past weekend.  It uses one of my favorite stamp sets - Gorgeous Grunge.  SERIOUSLY LOVE THIS STAMP SET!  I love the blood splatters and skid marks!  The Harvest of Thanks Stamp Set looks a little aged, so I thought it went well with the wear and tear of Gorgeous Grunge.  What do you think?  I added just a little embellishment with some Brights and Neutrals Candy Dots along with a Pumpkin Pie button and linen thread.  I stamped the Thanks sentiment in both Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive.  I cut them both with the coordinating Apothecary Accents Framelits.  I then handcut the Pumpkin Pie Thanks and popped it up over the Olive Layer to add interest.

Fall Evenings and Fall Cards

I don't know where you live, but this past weekend felt almost as cool as fall here in Southern New Jersey...at least the evenings did.  It was WONDERFUL!  I started stamping some fall-themed cards for this weekend's open house.  I debated whether or not to show them to you - they may be projects for a class.  I haven't decided. 

So many people don't celebrate Halloween - and that's okay!  So, for today's card I turned the Halloween Happiness stamp into a festive "Hello" card.  What do you think?

I spotted the idea to use the Halloween Happiness Stamp with the Chalk Talk Framelits on Pinterest (created by Barb Mullikin) - but the rest of the card is all me!  I really struggle when I can't easy layer my focal point.  So, to add some separating between my focal point and the background, I cut two additional tags out of Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive.  I also added a strip of Sweather Weather.  I got a little creative with my bow.  I'm TOTALLY IN LOVE with the new Burlap Ribbon.  But, it's so stinkin' think.  A knot just isn't mailable - not that this card is either.  But, I took a strip of it, then I wrapped some linen thread around the middle and tied the bow.  I'm so proud of myself.  I love the result!  The "hello" sentiment is from the Four You stamp set.

A Quick Wedding Card

I almost forgot to make today's card!  One of the members of my Stamp Sorority Team, Ellen, asked if anyone would be willing to make some wedding cards to shower on her son and new daughter-in-law.  They're both in the military and have limited living space.  She said that a handstamped card would mean SO much.  I loved the idea and asked my team to bring along a card to our next meeting that was held last Tuesday.

Well, I'm terrible at making to-do lists.  I think I'm Wonder Woman and can remember everything.  Ha!  I'm sure you can figure out how well that works for me.  Well, an hour before I was set to leave the house, I remembered!  YAY!!!  I was running short on time and didn't have any ideas. But, I had seen a card somewhere and thought it would be quick, but didn't have all of the supplies - so I improvised.  I cannot believe that I actually grabbed a WHEEL!  Yes!  I used the Jumbo Wedding Words Wheel to create the background (it only took 2 tries to get it straight) and cut the "Love" sentiment out of silver foil paper - now available in the Holiday Catalog!  BUT, it looked too busy directly on the background.  So, I decided to layer some vellum cardstock underneath.  Well, you probably know the problem with vellum - adhesive can be a challege.  So, I grabbed some ribbon.  However, I also wanted to pop the vellum layer up.  Here's where I got clever (humor me if you disagree)...I added dimensionals UNDER the ribbon and used a strip of SNAIL to adhere the vellum to the ribbon.  You can't see ANY adhesive!  And, it makes the vellum pop up!  WOO HOO!!!!  I added a bit of Dazzling Diamonds to the engagement rings in the background and tied a bow.  What do you think?  I'm pretty pleased with my last-minute creation.

Hooray for Holidays!

Yippee!  Yahoo!  Hooray!  The 2013 Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog is now live!  I know many of you received your catalogs a couple of weeks ago.  Starting today you can now start purchasing all of the items on your wish list.  If you haven't received your holiday catalog yet, you can view it online here or by clicking on the catalog image over there on the right.

If you'd like to see all of the products in person, I have the event for you!  Next Saturday, August 10, 2013, I am holding my annual Holiday Catalog Open House.  I'll have the products from the catalog for you to touch and feel.  I'll have a free Make & Take.  I'll have sign-up sheets for my upcoming classes (see the schedule).  I'll even have TONS of samples to inspire you (bring your camera). You won't want to miss it.

Date:  August 10, 2013
Time:  10am - 4pm
Location:  20 3rd Street, Elmer, NJ 08318
Cost:  FREE

I hope you'll be able to stop by and say hi!

Connect with me on Facebook

If you haven't seen, I finally have an official Facebook Page!  It's been a LONG time coming.  I post extra pictures, reminders, tips, and posts on my Facebook Page (and maybe giveaways, too).  Be sure to start following me so you don't miss a single thing!

New Thinlits Card Dies!

As if having a new Holiday Catalog isn't exciting enough, there are also two new sets of Thinlit Card Dies available today, too!!!  We saw these demonstrated at convention last month and we're all IN LOVE!  I've already ordered mine. 

Item	Description	Price
133479	Label Card Thinlits Die	$32.95
133480	Circle Card Thinlits Die	$32.95

They've been called flip cards, flip flop cards, swing cards, and more-but they have always been a bit tricky to create. Not anymore! The amazing new Thinlits Card Dies cut and score to create a card that flips in just one step.  There are some products you just have to see in action before you realize how much you need them, right? This is one of them! I'll have them (and samples) on display at my Open House!

These new card dies come with extra die pieces that have versatile designs, so you can use them on other projects, not just flip cards. (The Circle Card Thinlits Die comes with 10 total pieces; the Label Card Thinlits Die comes with nine total pieces.)

 
Best of Halloween

And, just like every other month in 2013, there is a brand new "Best Of" stamp set today, too!  Just in time to get ready for the fall holidays, Stampin' Up! has introduced the Best of Halloween Stamp Set.  I just LOVE the images in this set.  Click here to buy yours today!

Item Number: 134381
Cost:  $14.95

Want to Make a Stack of Christmas Cards This Year?

This fall I will be offering four DIFFERENT stamp-a-stack classes over the course of four months (August, September, October, and November). If you attend all four sessions, you'll end up with 48 handstamped Christmas Cards ready for you to send in December! Doesn't that sound great? You don't have to worry about designing the cards or cutting the supplies! I do all of that for you! You just have to show up and stamp!

Each month will feature four different card designs.  You'll make three of each of the designs.  All supplies (including adhesive and envelopes) are included in the cost of the class.  You're more than welcome to sign up for more than one class in a given month if you want to make even more cards!

So far I've designed the cards for August and September (you can see them in the photos below).  If you'd like to register for either or both of these classes, click on the class name/month and you'll be taken to the registration page.  I'll be designing cards for the other two months in the coming weeks. 

August - Stamp-a-Stack Series 1

September - Stamp-a-Stack Series 2

Each month will feature four different card designs.  You'll make three of each of the designs.  All supplies (including adhesive and envelopes) are included in the cost of the class.  You're more than welcome to sign up for more than one class in a given month if you want to make even more cards! - See more at: http://kristinstamps.typepad.com/elmerstamper/christmas-stamp-a-stack-series-1.html#sthash.VD8yJ8r8.dpuf

Fancy Fold Birthday Card

Yesterday I shared a Christmas card that I cased from a convention project.  Today is another project inspired from convention.  This time I'm case-ing Shelli.  She shared some pretty over-the-top cards this year and I loved each and every one.  However, today's project has to be my absolute favorite.  I admit, it's not exactly a mailable card, but that's okay! 

Sure, the card is pretty and colorful, but the really cool part is how it opens!  You flip the top flap (the bow) up and the inside of the card slides out of the top!  We'll be making a card similar to this and several other fun fancy fold cards in a class next month!

Like yesterday's card, this card also features a really cool sneak peek - THE BOW!  I have to admit, I was NOT in love with the Gift Bow Bigz Die featured in the Holiday Catalog.  I'm a ribbon fan.  Why would I want to create a bow with paper when I can tie a pretty one out of ribbon?  I now know why.  I saw so many ideas with this die, this was the first thing I had to make when I got home. 

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:
- Gift Bow Bigz L Die (Holiday Catalog)
- Polka Dot TIEF
- Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die
- Chalk Talk Framelits
- Chalk Talk Stamp Set
- 2013-2015 In Color DSP Stack
- Eastern Elegance DSP
- Crumb Cake Card Stock
- Coastal Cabana Card Stock
- Chocolate Chip Card Stock
- Whisper White Card Stock
- Strawberry Slush Card Stock
- Coastal Cabana Classic Ink
- Strawberry Slush Classic Ink
- Sticky Strip
- 2013-2014 In Color Boutique Details
- Linen Thread

A Christmas Sneak Peek

I saw so many inspiring projects at convention last week.  A couple really stood out to me.  So, when I got home I knew I had to sit down and recreate them.  This first card wasn't a card at all at convention.  Today's card was inspired by a This and That Journal cover shared by Bonnie, one of the Stampin' Up! employee presenters.  It features several sneak peek products from the upcoming Holiday Catalog.  I know many of you have already received your catalogs in the mail so you can probably spot them.  This card was came together pretty quickly and could easily be a very reproducible Christmas card for this season.

Here are the supplies I used to create this card:
- Expressions Thinlit Die (Holiday Catalog)
- Circles Framelits Die
- A Banner Christmas Stamp Set (Holiday Catalog)
- Season of Style DSP (Holiday Catalog)
- Stylish Stripes TEIF (Holiday Catalog)
- Cherry Cobbler Card Stock
- Crumb Cake Card Stock
- Gumball Green Card Stock
- Paper Doilies (3)
- Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
- Merry Minis Punch Pack (Carried over from last Holiday Catalog)
- Basic Rhinestones

Convention 2013 - Be The Difference - Swaps 2

This year I did something I don't usually do - I designed two different swaps.  I shared my first swap earlier today.  This one includes several Sneak Peek items from the upcoming Holiday Catalog!  I only made 42 of these (that's how many I could get out of a roll of the burlap ribbon).

When I flipped through the catalog initially, this stamp set really caught my eye  I think it was the cool background image stamped here in Daffodil Delight.

Except for fraying 84 ends of burlap ribbon, this swap came together quickly.  Here are the supplies I used to create this card:

- Express Yourself Stamp Set (Hostess Set)
- Truly Grateful Stamp Set (Holiday Catalog)
- Daffodil Delight Classic Ink
- Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
- Whisper White Card Stock
- Soft Sky Card Stock
- Chocolate Chip Card Stock
- 1-1/4” Burlap Ribbon