Stampin' with Kristin

Merry Christmas Frame

Today's project is one I'll be displaying in my home from Black Friday through the end of the Christmas season.  I purchased this frame from Walmart back in July while purchasing frames for my Moonlight DSP Sampler class.  Personally, I don't shop at Walmart all that often.  I prefer to go to Target.  There's not really a Walmart that's convenient for me.  BUT, I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with some of the stylish frames that are available there - and how affordable they are!  When I spotted this silver beauty, it immediately made me think of Stampin' Up!'s Striped Scallop Thinlit die.  And, the silver made me think of Christmas and Winter.

The background Designer Series Paper is from the All is Calm Specialty collection in the Holiday Catalog.  The colors are Lost Lagoon and Pear Pizzazz.  The Christmas sentiment was the tricky part.  I needed to find a sizable "Christmas" that also coordinated with the style of the frame.  I found my answer in the Cheerful Christmas stamp set. 

I made sure my stamp was COMPLETELY clean.  I didn't want any "ghost images".  I then simply covered up all of the parts of the image that I didn't want inked with post-it notes.  Maybe "simply" is the wrong word!  It was definitely an exercise in creative masking - especially since the "i" in Christmas extends down to the "h"in Cheer!  But, you can't tell, can you?

I used the Little Letters Thinlits to cut out the "Merry" and very carefully replaced the centers of the "R"s.  Behind the cut out "Merry", I adhered some silver foil paper.  The pattern on the DSP was just too busy behind those letters.  And the silver ties it together perfectly with the frame.

Christmas in Blue and Silver

I had so much fun creating this soft and elegant Christmas card.  The color scheme is Soft Sky, Lost Lagoon, and Silver.  I love making these wreaths.  They're SO EASY to line up because of the tabs and the fact that it's photopolymer.

I stamped the full wreath in Soft Sky followed by the second wreath layer in Lost Lagoon.  I heat embossed the berries using my Versamark ink and Silver Embossing Powder.  I cut the wreath using the coordinating Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies.

I stamped the Hardwood background stamp in Soft Sky as well.  I stamped the sentiment and wreath hanger directly on the Hardwood background in Versamark and heat embossed them both using the Silver Embossing Powder as well.  I popped the wreath up using dimensionals and then adhered a Lost Lagoon bow made using the Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon.

Wondrous Wreath
Wondrous Wreath Stamp Set & Wonderful Wreath Framelits Bundle - Item 137624 / Price $43.25
Wondrous Wreath Photopolymer Stamp Set - Item 135047 / Price $25.95
Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies - Item 135851 / Price $24.95

Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon (10 yards)Item 135841 / Price $5.95

Christmas Curvy Keepsake Boxes

Yesterday I shared some Halloween-themed Curvy Keepsake Boxes.  And, as promised, today I'm sharing some Christmas-themed boxes.  Again, I can't take credit for these, they were all designed by Lynn Starzl (I believe).  However, in some cases I made some minor tweaks to the original design.

Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Dies:
Item Number - 135853
Price - $32.95
Order Now

 Here are the supplies I used for each of them:

Penguin:
- Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White Cardstock
- Owl Punch (eyes and nose)
- Extra-Large Oval Punch (belly)
- Modern Label Punch (feet)
- White Gel Pen

Snowman:
- Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock
- Silver Glimmer Paper
- Subtles Candy Dots
- Pool Party 1/4" Cotton Ribbon
- 2-1/2" Circle Punch
- Paper Trimmer

Santa:
- Real Red and Basic Black Cardstock
- Silver Glimmer Paper
- Owl Punch (buttons)

Santa Stache!

I have fallen completely in love with Santa Stache.  I loved coloring and shading Santa's hat using my Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities and his face using the skintones.  It was nice to sit down and color for the fun of it last weekend!  I stamped his mustache a second time and cut it out using the Mustache Framelits Die in the Annual Catalog.  It's SO fun!  I can't wait to go color the nutcracker image!

I layered my Santa over some Whisper White, Garden Green, and Sahara Sand Cardstock along with some of the Trim a Tree DSP stack.  I added just a little bling to his had using my two-way glue pen and dazzling diamonds.

Santa Stache
Wood Mount - Item 135032 / Price $21.95
Clear Mount - Item 135035 / Price $16.95

Mustache Framelits Die
Item 133741 / Price $7.95

Introducing Classes To Go!

I'm starting a series of Classes To Go!  These are perfect if you can't attend my classes in person.  I'll be adding more as I dream them up!   If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call (856-503-7459) or e-mail me ([email protected])!

Isn't this little countdown calendar fun?  It contains 13 pages plus a cover page so you can countdown the days to Christmas all December long!  I thought it would make a perfect Class To Go!  It's a simple as 1, 2,3!

1 - You order the 25 Days Stamp Set (shown below) from my Stampin' Up! online store. 

2 - You order the class kit from me which include the white frame, 2 rings, 24 sheets of Trim a Tree DSP (2 each of 12 double-sided designs), ribbon/embellishments, card stock, and instructions with a photo of the cover and 25 countdown pages.

Class Kit & Instructions - $30.00 (includes Priority USPS Shipping)

Class shipping schedule:
Kits ordered by September 10th will be mailed by September 25th.
Kits ordered by October 10th will be mailed by October 25th.
Kits ordered by November 10th will be mailed by November 25th.

3 - The additional supplies you'll need to provide are ink (Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand, Garden Green, and Early Espresso), adhesive, paper trimmer, scissors, and punches.  If you don't have these colors or wish to order additional items, you can add them to your order when you purchase the 25 Days Stamp Set.

Project inspired by Heather Conklin.

Santa Fry Boxes!

Yesterday I posted the first of two designs for the Treat Holder Swap in which I'm participating.  Today I'm sharing the second design.  I'm loving these Santa Fry Boxes.  I spotted a project on Pinterest that inspired them.  I have to believe that I'm not the first person to do this with the Fry Box!  I know I've seen them decorated for fall/Halloween.  These were super simple to make - they'd make great favors for treats for school or favors for a holiday gathering.  The box is created from a 1/2 sheet of 8.5 x 11 cardstock cut using the new Fry Box Bigz L die for the Big Shot.

Do you recognize the sentiment on the flag?  No, it's hot handwritten.  That's a sneak peek of an AWESOME new Hostess Stamp Set that will be available soon - I'm guessing the Holiday Catalog.  I AM IN LOVE with this hostess set.  It's like the best hostess set...EVER!  Seriously!  I love the font, I love the phrases...I love it all!

Introducing Christmas Bliss

Hello!!!  Did you wonder where I'd gone?  The month of July has been crazy hectic for me.  Between July 1st and July 11th, I was home for a whopping 15 hours!  YES!  But, I've been getting caught up this weekend.  I've pretty much locked myself in my craft room to prep for this week - Stampin' Up!'s Annual Convention!  So, you can be sure I'll be posting lots of info and sneak peeks on my blog and my Facebook Page later this week!

While I was gone, Stampin' Up! introduced a couple of CHRISTMAS stamp sets including this limited edition photopolymer set, Christmas Bliss.  After making a stack of swaps for an organized swap with it, I realized that it might not stick around very long!  As you may know, our Photopolymer Stamp Sets that are not pictured in the catalog sometimes FLY out the door!  I hope the gals I'm swapping with love it.  It would be easy to swap out the stamps.

Do you recognize the Cherry Cobbler Ribbon?  I'm guessing you may not.  It's actually 1-1/4" Cherry Cobbler Striped Grosgrain Ribbon that I cut down!  I embellished with some Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Whisper White Candy Dots.  The DSP is actually from the Sweet Taffy DSP collection.  I thought the olive and the circles worked perfectly for this Christmas card!

Here are all of the supplies I used to create the card:
- Christmas Bliss Stamp Set - 138897
- Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
- Sweet Taffy DSP (on sale during July - All $10.95 DSP collections are Buy 3, Get 1 FREE)
- Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, and Old Olive CS
- Regals, Brights, and Neutrals Candy Dots
- 1-1/4” Cherry Cobbler Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
- Project Life Corner Rounder Punch
- Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch

It's Another Christmas Card!

Besides finding the card from Melissa when I returned home from Texas, I also found this cute MDS Christmas card in my stack of mail.  My dear friend and upline, Claire, made this little card.  Isn't it adorable?  Recognize those trees?  They're from Lovely as a Tree!  Did you know that MDS "stamp sets" never retire?  That means we'll have Lovely as a Tree forever!!!

Another Christmas Card!

And you'd thought I'd shared all of my Christmas cards!  This one arrived over the weekend and I hadn't had a chance to share it yet.  Don't worry, Denise, I hadn't forgotten!

I love that she used tin foil as her back layer!  It embossed beautifully!  And, I'm glad to see it held up in the mail.

Thank you everyone for including me in your Christmas card list.  I was truly overwhelmed by the number of cards we received this year.  I had hoped to bind them and make a book.  But, I may have too many!  They fill a shoebox!  I'll definitely let you know what I end up doing to preserve them.  I'm so blessed to know all of you.

Thanks!!!

Your Christmas Cards - 11

Before I dive into today's assortment of Christmas cards, I wanted to let you know that more items have been added to the Clearance Rack today!  Race on over there and check it out!  Supplies are limited!

I still have Christmas Cards to share!  Here are a couple that I received earlier this week and I didn't want you to miss out on seeing any of them!  I'm playing with one of my Christmas gifts.  I finally asked for a portable photo studio.  Granted, I thought I'd finally found a solution that worked well for getting good light.  But, I love that I can take photos anywhere at any time of day and get good lighting!  Yay!  So, these are the first two cards that have been photographed in my photo studio!  I still want to play with the light positions - I think I can get better.

This first card was created by a friend and former demonstrator of mine, Cindy.  I love her card!  I love how she used the framelits to make a Christmas tree frame!  What a great idea!  I love the little details she added - like the linen thread tied around the grosgrain and rhinestones inside the card.

Next up is a card I received from my Facebook buddy, Denise.  I believe this may be the very first card I have ever received from her!  I met her at one of my first workshops over 5 years ago.  We keep up with each other's lives through Facebook.  And, I was so pleasantly surprised when I spotted a card from her!  She made this lovely pointsettia card.  I'm guessing it's a die or punch of some sort.  It looks like it would be a lot of work to sponge and adhere each of those petals/leaves to the card.

More Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String And...

I did it!!!  I wrapped all of my gifts using brown paper and TONS of embellishments.  I took LOTS of photos - and so did some of the recipients!  I shared a few last week.  It was so much fun to create these pretty packages. Some of them were difficult to open - I used quite a bit of hot glue!  Here they are....

I purchased the brown paper in bulk from a large packaging materials company.  It came in a roll that was 970 feet long.  So, I have PLENTY to use for MANY years to come!

This is one of two gifts I gave to my nieces.  Instead of using one of the tags you'll see on all of the gifts that follow, I die-cut their initials in Silver Glimmer Paper adhered to coasterboard.  I spotted one of my nieces attaching the bow to her wristlet (the actual gift) to save.  I believe the ribbon on this one is from a large greeting card retailer.  The bells were purchased online - but I'm sure you can find them in most craft stores.

This next gift was for my mom.  I used the same black ribbon.  And you can get a good view of one of the tags I made this year.  This was my chalkboard tag.  I used the nativity image from the Best of Christmas stamp set.  It fit perfectly on the 2" wide tag.  I stamped it in Whisper White Craft Ink, added a little dazzling details to the stars, and sponged some white ink to the edges to give it a chalkboard look.

This next package features ribbon I picked up at at a large store that sells tons of products that contain things.  The crochet lace trim was from an online craft supply wholesaler.  You can kind of see the second handstamped tag that I created this year.  The deer image is also from the Best of Christmas Stamp Set.  I added some Dazzling Details to his antlers and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details to his nose.

I love the wintery look on this next package.  The ribbon is a wired burlap ribbon with some gold sparkle to it.  The gold likes to flake off and makes the packages look all gold and glittery.  It's SO pretty!  I picked up the pinecones online.  I hot glued them to the branches which are actually garland ties.  The garland ties are about a foot long and I cut them to size.  I had planned to visit the floral department at my local craft store, but these were PERFECT!

The following gift was for my father-in-law.  You can see the handstamped tag I described above REALLY well here.  The ribbon is some Gumball Green Sweater Trim.  I wrapped it around the gift five times and then hot glued some pinecones to the bow.

The next gift is a simpler version of the first one pictured in this post.  The ornament and ribbon are both from that giant retailer that sells tons of products that contain things.  They have an AMAZING gift wrap section set up this time of year.  And they have the wrapping products sorted by theme so everything coordinates!  Oh dear....as I sit here and type this post on the day after Christmas I'm wondering what kinds of after Christmas deals they're offering today!

This next gift is very similar to some of the others I showed.  The thick ribbon is from a very larger greeting card retailer.  Yes, I go to card stores but I don't buy the cards!

This next gift doesn't really follow my theme, but I couldn't help myself.  I used the same thick red ribbon and tied one of those little hand sanitizer holders because it didn't fit inside of the box.  My step-daughter likes penguins - or if she doesn't she better speak up because she gets LOTS of them!

Here's another gift that's similar to one I've shown.  But, it's a smaller box and I cut down on the number of pinecones.  I hope I didn't melt the chocolate inside this gift with the hot glue gun!!!

I had just a little of the Cherry Cobbler Ribbon from the Holiday Catalog remaining so I used it up on this gift.  I love the white edge.  I also tucked some of the white crochet ribbon underneath.  It's normal to layer ribbon on gifts, right?  I think this gift was my step-daughter's new tablet.  I wanted to make sure the giftwrap was extra special.  She got it all!  Two ribbons, pinecones, jingle bells, and branches!

This next gift was for my mom and another one of my favorites.  I bought tons of these red snowflakes but I think this is the only gift that got one!  Look out next year!  The green ribbon and the red snowflake are also from that retailer that sells tons of products that contain things.

This next pair was for my mother-in-law.  She got TONS of CDs.  I wanted to disguise these a little so I packaged two together to make them a little thicker.  The gift on the left features a red ribbon that's similar to the green above and of course I hot glued some branches and a pinecone.  And, the one on the right is also similar to ones I've shared above.

And, finally, the last package I photoed was this one - also similar to ones you've seen above.  I think this one was for my husband.  I LOVED this really wide, red ribbon.  It's all gone now (sad face).  But, of course his gift had to have it all, too - pinecones and branches and jingle bells...and lots of hot glue!

For my litlest niece and nephews, I went the more traditional giftwrap route.  I didn't really think my 6 month old niece would appreciate the effort!  However, watching the adults unwrap these pretties was definitely just as fun as "making the pretty happen".  Look out next year!!!

Your MDS Christmas Cards!

In addition to receiving SO many gorgeous hand-stamped cards, I also received a couple of cards made with Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio software (MDS).  I've only received two (so far). I have a feeling I'll be receiving at least one more.

This first card was created by my fellow demonstrator, Melissa.  I know that over the past year, she's really embraced MDS.  She's made some gorgeous pages, tags, and cards.  Her Christmas card is just one of them.  The front is a collage of family photos.  The back is a quick "year in review".  I love it!

This next card was created by my friend, Shanna.  You may recognize her from your Stampin' Up! catalog.  She's the youngest of Shelli's daughters.  We've gotten to know each other a bit at a variety of Stampin' Up! events.  These days we keep in touch through Facebook.  Her family very recently moved from Utah to Connecticut.  I loved how she incorporated the map from the Fifty Nifty MDS Kit to highlight the move.  Both sides of her card are absolutely adorbale.

Your Christmas Cards - 10

Happy Christmas Eve!!!  I'm thrilled that I still have hand-stamped cards to share with you today.  In fact, I've got TWO batches of cards.  Another batch will be posting later today - all MDS cards! 

You may remember that yesterday I shared a grouping of four blue cards.  Today's grouping uses more traditional Christmas colors.

This first one was created by one of my Stamp Sorority team members, Nancy A.  I've known Nancy for quite a few years now.  She's incredibly talented.  I'm thrilled she finally decided to join Stampin' Up! this fall.  Her card features the Lovely as a Tree stamp set.  It's so simple and elegant.  She's added a little bling using Dazzling Diamonds to the trees.

Today's second card was created by another of my stamp club members - Annemarie.  I love how she incorporated the "Tape It" stamp set!!! She added a little Crystal Effects to the ornament to add a little shine.  Very nice and very Christmasy!

Today's third card was created by my neighbor and friend, Karen.  Now...I probably should show you the inside of this card - because it's my favorite!  Don't get me wrong, I love the front, too.  But, inside she addressed the card to Mike, Kristin, and Baxter.  But, she actually hand-sketched a picture of Baxter - ears and all!  I LOVE IT!!!

This morning's fourth card was created by Elaine V, another one of my customers.  I met Elaine through my annual yard sale.  I've really enjoyed getting to know her better over these last few months.  I love the punches she found!  How cute are they?  They make a great, festive scene!

Your Christmas Cards - 9

Happy Monday!  I'm sharing some cards a little late today, but I didn't want to miss a day of sharing!  I have a stack of new cards to share!  Today's grouping is all blue-themed.  It's definitely a popular color scheme this year.  I'm going to assume it's partly due to the Winter Frost Designer Series Paper in the Holiday Catalog.  And, two of today's card incorporate the DSP into the cards.

The first card was created by my friend Melissa E.  I love her Christmas tree!  I think I spotted a similar idea on Pinterest but didn't get a chance to case it.  I absolutely love how she mixed in some silver glimmer paper.  And, I especially love her embellishments.  It's a gorgeous card!

The next card featuring the DSP was made by one of my downline members, Gail.  I instantly fell in love with this little snowman as soon as I saw him.  I really like Gail's choice to make him blue.  It totally works!  And I love how her snowflake coordinates perfectly with the pattern in the background.

Today's third card was created by Anne - all the way from Canada!  I really love Anne's style and find myself casing quite a few of her card designs!  I can't believe she COLORED her Christmas cards!  Insane!  Coloring can be a lot of work.  But, I love her card!

Finally, today's fourth card was created by Meggan.  This one may look a little familiar.  We stamped these together at a brunch earlier this month with a group of Philadelphia-area demonstrators.  Meggan is one of the newest members of my stamping team.  I've forgotten who designed this card - but I know Meggan created it.  I love the Wisteria Wonder!  I don't think I would have used Wisteria Wonder on a Christmas card!  But it works!

Your Christmas Cards - 8

I cannot believe it!  It's happened TWICE this year!  I received ANOTHER duplicate hand-stamped card!!!  I LOVE IT!!!  I know that Kyra and Debi stamp together.  I'm guessing they made their cards together.  I posted Debi's way back on December 13th!  It's an absolutely gorgeous card and I'm thrilled to have two of these beauties!

Oh, by the way, today's theme is Christmas Flowers.  This second card was created by Lynn.  She's been on my team of demonstrators for over five years.  I love how she used the pointsettia!  She used it to make a background and heat embossed it in silver on black.  SO elegant and formal.  Most cards that use this set have cut out the flower.  I love this variation.

The third card was made by my fellow demonstrator and Facebook friend, Ginnie.  I love her all white version of the pointsettia.  She hand-cut two layers of the card.  But I love that she embossed the flowers with clear powder so that the veins are subtle.

Your Christmas Cards - 7

Happy Saturday!  Are you out shopping today?  I hear it's one of the busiest shopping days of the year.  Well, I'm glad you've tuned in to see the next three Christmas cards I've received!

This first card was created by one of my Facebook friends, Allison.  I always feel funny calling people "former" customers.  But, I recruited a friend of her daughter's!  But, I'm glad we can still connect.  Now, I know she used all kinds of non-SU products including the border and the AMAZING branch!  Is that a punch?  Is it cut using an e-cutter?  I dunno...but I like it!

The next card was created by Eileen, another of my customers.  I love the patterned paper she used!  It's not Stampin' Up! but it's PERFECT for "hanging" those stockings.  What a fun idea....and it's the "Night Before Christmas".  Okay, maybe the verse gives it away.  But...."the stockings were hung by the chimney with care".  LOVE it!

The final card of the day was created by my life-long friend, Kelly.  And, like so many of you, it was addressed to Mike, myself, and Baxter!  I love that so many of you included our dog!  I'm embarrased to say that I didn't even include my dog.  (Don't tell him.)  I'll be sure to correct that oversight next year.  ANYWAY...I love the color scheme that Kelly chose.  She used Very Vanilla - probably because it coordinates with the ribbon.  But it gives it a whole different, softer look!  I would have gone with crisp white.  Such an amazing difference that subtle change makes!

Your Christmas Cards - 6

Happy Friday!!!  I'm SO excited about today!  It's my last day of work in 2013!  You may or may not know that I work in Human Resources at a local bank.  I support the HR, Benefits, and Payroll departments.  I've done this sort of work almost my entire professional career in some capacity.  It can be a busy time of year as new benefits go into effect, PTO balances get rolled over, last pays of the year are processed, and other year-end wrap-up activities.  Because of the type of work, it's rare that I get to take much time off during the holiday season.  But, I planned all year long to take two weeks of vacation time at the end of the year.  I haven't done that....EVER!  Sure, I stopped working in a traditional office and only worked my Stampin' Up! business for about 6 months, but it wasn't over Christmas.  And, I've taken 2-week vacations before...but not over Christmas.  I feel like a kid again!  And the best part?  After my 2 week vacation is over, I go back to work for three days and then go on vacation AGAIN!!!  I'm over-the-moon excited!

Anyway....I'm sure you tuned in hoping to see some stamping.  Well, today I have my sixth round of hand-stamped cards!  As of last night, I've received 27 hand-stamped cards, 10 photo cards, and 18 store-bought cards.  I'm always SO happy when the hand-stamped cards outnumber the store-bought cards!!! I'll be sharing the last 10 handstamped cards today and over the weekend.  I promise to share them all...it just takes me some time as I do compose these blogs a few days in advance.

I've chosen four cards to share today because they all coordinate so nicely!

This first card was created by one of my customers, Terri.  A lot of work went into this card.  But I have a question to ask....Terri, do you own the Label Bracket Punch?  It looks like you may have hand-cut the sentiment.  You did a great job!  But,I can help you with that!  Ha Ha!  She heat embossed the two snowflakes on Vellum and cut them with the coordinating framelits.  I also love her addition of the embossing folder.  It's such a gorgeous card!

The second card was created by another of my customers, Nancy.  I doubt Terri and Nancy worked together on their cards, but the coordinate SO well!  They used similar colors AND the same embossing folder AND they heat embossed!  Nancy's stamps came from last year's Holiday Catalog (I think).  I don't recall ever seeing it in this color scheme, and I LOVE it!  I think it's SO elegant!

The third card of the day was created by my customer Barb S.  She had me completely fooled!  At first I didn't realize it was a hand-stamped card because it's a tad larger than the traditional Stampin' Up! card that comes in a "medium envelope".  I was pleasantly surprised when I found a hand-stamped card!  I'm not sure if you can see the little snowflake embellishments.  It's a little subtle bling when the light catches them!

And, finally, the last card was created by Mary.  I love her card, too.  I especially love the stamp she chose.  I'm guessing it's not Stampin' Up! - unless it's before my time.  For some reason it reminds me of our church.  I think it must be the steeple or something.  'Cause the building isn't the same.  And our church doesn't sit in a such a rural setting.  But, it reminds me of home.  And I smile whenever I look at her card.  She added all kinds of bling using Dazzling Diamonds.  And, I love how she accented it with just a little Silver Ribbon in the two corners.  Just stunning!

Remaining Stamp Sorority Holiday Gifts

Way back on December 9th, I posted the gifts that members of my Stamp Sorority team made and swapped with each other at our annual Holiday Party.  One of the gals was unable to attend.  I wanted to wait until everyone had received their gifts before I posted the remaining pictures (including the gift I received)!

This first picture is the gift that Jennifer made me!  I absolutely LOVE it!  I always love the samplers that people make.  I've admired quite a few of them this year but haven't taken the time to sit down and make one myself.  And, now I don't have to!!!  I have it displayed in my living room on top of our electric "fireplace".  I had a hard time getting a photo without glare so you can't really see all of the detail that went into her project.

Next up is the gift that Lynn made for Meggan.  She stamped some seasonal images on fabric that fits perfectly around a yankee candle.  Only 2 of the sleeves are shown here.  She still has 2 more to make.  But, this should hold her over through winter and spring!

And, finally, the last gift was made by Meggan for Patty Jo.  It's another shadow box filled with jingle bells.  I just love this idea!  She punched an assortment of designer series paper using the Postage Stamp punch for the background.  I also love the rustic frame she found!

All of the gifts my team made this year were fabulous!  They definitely set the bar VERY high for next year!

Your Christmas Cards - 5

Today I'm sharing the fifth round of Christmas cards. I received these last weekend.  My dining room wall is looking pretty full!  And there are still plenty of mail delivery days before Christmas!

This first card was created by one of my Stamp Sorority team members, Patty Jo.  She did something I wasn't brave enough to try - she tied a bow using the Cherry Cobbler ribbon!  I didn't think the post office would like that ribbon, but it made it to me safely!  Yay! 

Today's second card was created by Janis. I always refer to Janis as my "original customer".  She was the first customer I had in my Stampin' Up! business that wasn't a friend or my mother!  She was one of three people to attend my very first open house.  I love her little punch art Christmas tree!  The tree is made from one of the scallop circle punches - including the tree trunk!  I also like her use of the rhinestones.  Very cute, clean, and simple.

Next up is a card created by Stacy.  Her card might look familiar to you!  She cased one of the cards I had in one of my Christmas stamp-a-stacks.  It's so funny...this card has grown on me.  When I originally designed it, I wasn't a fan.  Maybe because I thought it was too simple.  But, so many of you have said you love this card.

Today's final card was created by Darlene.  She's the same Darlene that created that Lovely as a Tree work of art!  And this card isn't exactly simple, either!  It looks like she stamped the pointsettia in Versmark and heat embossed with gold powder.  Then she colored it with Real Red and outlined it with Cherry Cobbler, maybe.   I'm honestly not sure how she made the leaves!  It looks like she stamped them in a darker green and then added some sketching to the veins and colored it with a lighter color green.   And then she sponged some real red.  It's a gorgeous, very Christmasy card.

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String

For quite a few years, I've wanted to go over-the-top with some gift wrapping.  Something happened this year that's letting me do many of the things I haven't had time for in the past.  I really wish I knew what it was - 'cause I'm enjoying the season this year!  

I thought I'd share several of my packages with you.  Many of them incorporate Stampin' Up! products - including some Sneak Peeks from the 2014 Occasions Catalog! 

I'm using Kraft Wrapping Paper that I bought in BULK online.  I could probably wrap the globe with the amount of paper that I ordered.  That may be an exageration.  But, I do literally have enough to reach the length of three football fields!  I've already got ideas for how else to use it - especially since Stampin' Up! no longer uses Kraft paper in their shipping.

I turned to Pinterest and Google Images for some inspiration - I use Google Images at work (shhhh) because Pinterest is now blocked.  In one of the pictures I stumbled upon, they had pleated the wrapping paper.  How COOL!!!  I knew I wanted to try that on one of the packages.

This first package features the pleated paper.  Isn't that a fun effect?  The only Stampin' Up! products on this first package is the tag.  The ribbon and snowflake I purchased elsewhere.  The tag was made with a product from the Occasions Catalog!  It's a tag-topper punch.  It's SO QUICK and easy to make tags!!  You've seen this tag shape in previous posts.  I rounded the corners of the bottom of the tag.  It looks like something you'd buy in a store!  The reindeer is from the Best of Christmas Stamp Set.  The sentiment is from the Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set that is sold out.  I embellished the deer with some Dazzling Details and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details.

When I showed Mike this next gift he said "That's a lot of work!"  AND...I am giving THREE of this gift away this year so I've wrapped this three times!  Unlike the first package, almost everything you see here is Stampin' Up!  The only thing that isn't is the Ivory/Gold Burlap Ribbon.  And, there are THREE sneak peeks on this package!  Let's break it down...

First, the main bow is embellished with snazzy Gold Sequin Trim.  Yep!  It's coming out in the 2014 Occasions Catalog! 

Second, you'll notice that there's a Stampin' Up! Muslin Bag attached to the bow.  It contains an accessory that goes with the main gift.  I stuck with the ivory/gold theme and used a sponge dauber to add some gold dots with Gold Encore Ink.

Third, let's look at the tag.  There are two more sneak peeks there!  You know about the tag punch.  I decided that I needed to make some Very Vanilla/Gold Encore tags to go with this wrapping since Kraft/Cherry Cobbler wasn't working for me.  Do you recognize that Ivory/Gold Baker's Twine?  That's the third sneak peek from the 2014 Occasions Catalog.  It's a little thicker than our other Baker's Twine.  And, if you don't want the gold thread, it's EASY to remove it.  I'm sure I'll be doing that at some point.  But, the gold totally worked with this gift!

The third and final package I'm sharing today was also inspired by something I saw online - I loved the fact that the yarn was wrapped around the package three times.  I used some Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim that's currently on the Clearance Rack for only $3.59 - or at least it was when I composed this post on Sunday.  I added a few jingle bells and the same tag from the first package.

If you were hoping to see more of the Christmas cards I've received, never fear!  I'll be posting a few more tomorrow!

Your Christmas Cards - 4

Getting the mail is awesome these days.  Have I said that?  Finding all of these wonderful cards just brightens my day.  Poor Baxter doesn't get to do his business some days because he has to wait for me to look at the cards.  Is that cruel?  I guess it is!  Sorry, Baxter!

Today's first card was created by my friend, Becca.  We met in college and were in a singing group together.  We lost touch for quite a few years, but thanks to Facebook keep in contact.  We also realized through Facebook that we share a love of stamping, too!  She used to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  And, she made the long drive down to visit me at my last open house.   I love her color combo choice on this card!

Today's second card was created by Kate.  I met Kate quite a few years ago.  She was a wonderful customer until I "recruited" one of her friends to be a demonstrator!  Unfortunately, I don't get to see her that often, but I love that she still sends me cards.  Her card is interactive!  I love the pull-out tag.  Such a fun idea

Today's last card was created by Amy - another friend/customer I hardly ever see because I "recruited" her friend to be a demonstrator.  I love Amy's punch art trees and her use of ribbon as tree trunks.  Silly me wouldn't have thought to do that!  I would have painfully cut 1/4" strips of paper.  A great, reproducable Christmas card!

Your Christmas Cards - 3

Well, this is a first!  I received the same hand-stamped card TWICE this year from two different people!  It was a design I used at several workshops and clubs last Christmas.  I just giggled when I realized I'd gotten two!

This first card is the official first card I received this year.  It was given to me by my stamp club along with a gift certificate to the Container Store!  I joked that I wasn't sure if I should be offended or not - were they trying to tell me I'm unorganized???  They tell me they know I love the store.  And, I DO!

And here's the second version of that card - from Heidi, another one of my customers!  I did love this card - I just love those ice skates.  And, technically they aren't identical  They positioned the focal point differently.  And, I must have cut the paper differently for each group! 

This next card came all of the way from Texas from one of my former stamp club members, Sherry.  Like I mentioned in Friday's post, I never would have thought to use the map stamp on a Christmas card.  I love how Sherry incoporated it.  It's kind of a "let there be peace on earth" theme.  I'm gonna have to remember this idea for next year!

Today's final card was created by Charlotte, another one of my customers.  I love all of the elements and bling she incporated.  I'm not sure what flashy paper she used on her back snowflake, but I love it!  She used the framelits from the Holiday catalog to make those. 

Your Christmas Cards - 2

Did you see my post from yesterday?  I shared the three of the Christmas cards I've received so far this year.  I'm sharing them in no particular order.  But, I do plan to share them all!  I love and cherish each and every one of them.  I know how much love and effort goes into designing and creating cards!

This first card today is the first card I received in the mail.  You may remember me mentioning it a couple of weeks ago.  It was created by one of my demonstrators, Deanna.  I know many of you love making cards.  And, I know many of you like to include a family photo.  I absolutely love how Deanna has accomplished both in her card this year!

This next card was created by Suzie, one of my customers.  I love the embossing folder she used!  It's not Stampin' Up! (and that's okay)!  I love how she embossed the ornaments and then added some punched "ornaments" of her own.  What you can't see is the inside.  She embossed the ornaments again on the inside but left one section unembossed where she stamped her sentiment.

Today's third card was also created by one of my demonstrators - Susan.  I'm fairly certain her inspiration came from the holiday catalog.  This card took A LOT of work!  She turned the frosted finishes embellishments gold. I'm guessing she accomplished this with Gold Encore ink.  It's a stunning card.

Sharing Your Christmas Cards

I always love to get the mail - even if it only contains bills and junk mail.  I love it.  But, December has to be the BEST month for mail!  I've already received a couple dozen Christmas cards in the mail.  And, I'm excited to say that the majority of them have been hand-stamped!!!  I will be posting all of the cards I receive on my website throughout the month.

But, first, how do you display your Christmas cards?  I came up with this idea this year - it was adapted from an idea a co-worker showed me last year.  I don't exactly remember the display, but I think it showed cards hanging on ribbons, attached with clothespins, hung from the kitchen cabinet.  It's the same display that has inspired my open house displays recently.  Well, this season, I decided to string them as you see below.  I'm LOVING it...well, when I'm not too OCD that they all aren't the same size or hanging the right direction.  I found these awesome 1-3/4" clothepins online.  They're PERFECT.  Regular clothespins are just too big.  I bought HUNDREDS of them last month - so I'm prepared for LOTS of cards!!!  But, really, I'm ready for my next open house!

I have a feeling that I'll have to lose the "be merry" banner at some point this season (or so I hope) to make room for more cards.  It is helpful that my dining room walls are green!  It makes for a festive display!  I used some hemp twine and those cool removable hanger clippy things that don't take off your paint!

So, would you like to see some of these cards up close?  I'll be sharing a few each day in no particular order.

This first card was created by one of my demonstrators, Hallie.  It's an amazing card.  I'm thinking she must have masked Santa and then sponged color over the map.  I never would have thought to use the map background stamp for a Christmas card - but a couple of you did!

This next card was made by one of my customers, Rita.  Her card is absolutely stunning!  I never would have thought to go black and white, but it's gorgeous!  I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo, but I believe she used the dryer sheet technique.  I love it!

The third and final card I'm sharing today was created by Debi, another customer.  She hand-delivered this card ('cause mailing that brad would have destroyed the card).  And, the flower didn't get squished.  Can you see the gold shimmer on the flower in the photo?  It's gorgeous.  I love the vintage look of this card.  I love how she used the same embossing folder but used both sides of the embossed design to add dimension.

I'm in complete awe over the cards I've received.  I feel a little guilty that mine weren't as involved as some of these.  Check back tomorrow for the next set of cards created by YOU!

Holiday Shoebox Swap

It was a week for parties last week!  I hosted my Stamp Sorority team party (and I still have pictures to share).  And, Claire hosted her Philly Inkers team Holiday Shoebox Swap and Brunch.  Most of Claire's downline are from the Philadelphia area.  I don't get to see many of them that often.  So, I was excited when I realized I could attend.  Besides chowing down on yummy breakfast baked goods and soup and baked ziti and quiche and more, we also made lots of holiday cards.  I joked that I was going to make a Valentine's Day card - I'm just about OVER making Christmas cards this year.  Valentine's Day is a holiday, right???  But, I knew that's not what Claire meant.  The card I brought for everyone to make was this one. 

Are you familiar with Shoebox Swaps?  Everyone in attendance designs a card that can be made in about 10 minutes and brings supplies for everyone else to bring their cards!  It's a great way to get a variety of cards in a variet of styles.  And, Lovely as a Tree made a STRONG appearance!

Here are the cards I made that everyone else designed:

Holiday Party Favors and a Sneak Peek

For this year's holiday party, I made sure to save time to make favors for everyone.  I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to make until the week of the party.  I knew I'd have all of the supplies from the upcoming Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-Bration Catalog.  And, I knew that many of them were waiting to order until they saw the products in person.  So, I made Designer Series Paper sample packs of all of the Designer Series Paper from both new catalogs and some new vellum.  I tied them up with some new baker's twine.  Sorry - I can't show them!  But, I can show you the packaging!

I used the tag a bag bags from the Annual Catalog and created a punch art snowman.  The tags, like yesterday, were created using one of the new tag punches from the Occasions Catalog.

Amazing Stamp Sorority Swaps - Lovely as a Tree

Yesterday I posted the first batch of Secret Santa gifts exchanged by some of the members of my downline.  At my downline holiday party, we also made and swapped cards.  One of my downline members, Darlene, has been asking me for quite awhile (years if you ask her) if we could all use the same stamp set to make our swaps.  I hesitated knowing chances were slim that we'd all have the stamp set.  We actually picked the stamp set back in July, I think!  Most people already owned it - and others bought it - the "oldest" stamp set in the Stampin' Up!  catalog - Lovely as a Tree.  It's an oldie - and definitely a goody.  The swaps made using this set were OVER THE TOP AMAZING!  We always hang them up on a board and then vote.  There was no voting this time.  There was no question who the winner was this month - it was Darlene!!!   However, many of these cards were worthy of the "prize" - one of the 2014 Sale-a-Bration items!

Here is Darlene's "card" - I'll be framing it.  It's not a greeting card.  It's a work of art.  It is absolutely stunning.  The photo does not do this card justice.  There is texture.  A couple of the trees appear to be heat embossed.  But, she's also used acrylic paint - I'm guessing for the snow.  She's hand-sketched the "weeds".  She's done all kinds of masking.  Based upon the ingredients, it appears she PAINTED the cardinal using Real Red Reinker and a paintbrush.

Next up is Patty Jo's card.  She's stamped her trees on Vellum Cardstock using a black pigment ink. I'm guessing (although it's not in her ingredients) that she might have heat embossed some iridescent ice embossing powder/glitter over the trees.  I also like that she coordinated the whisper white background with the Winter Frost DSP stripes.

The next card is unsigned.  By process of elimination, it might be Ellen's.  I don't really remember who made swaps.  I love this card, too!  Like Darlene, she sketched snow on the trees.  I'm thinking she might have used the chalk marker, but I can't be sure.  I expecially like the layer of glimmer paper behind the tree.

The only non-wintery/Christmas card was this one made by Shelly.  I always love what she comes up with.  I love that she used the tree for the background.  I love the earth tones.  And, I love the way she's sponged/brayered the color behind the flames.  I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture, but the flames are coated in Crystal Effects.

The next card was created by Jane.  I'm honestly not sure how she stamped the trees.  I'm thinking she stamped the trees in white ink.  But then I wonder if it's Versamark Resist.  I don't think so, though.  I love the wintery scene.  She stamped the sentiment in Gold Encore Ink.

This next card was created by one of my newest demonstrators, Nancy.  This one's a little over-the-top as well.  She's sewed a frame around the background of the card.  I also love the bow and the linen thread wrapped around the bow to attach the bell.  And, I love the doily poking above the top.  I never would have thought to do that! 

My "upline", Claire, made this next card.  It's a great mailable card.  I love how she added glitter to only a couple of the trees.  Very nice.  Very mailable.  Very duplicatable!

The final card was created by ME!  This one probably looks fairly familiar to you.  I cased the card I posted on Saturday.   I made the tag a little differently - I used a new punch that'll be in the Occasions Catalog to make the tag.  It's SO easy to make cute tag tops now using this punch.  I'm sure you'll be seeing me make LOTS of tags over the next few months.  The tree is stamped in Silver Encore Ink and heat embossed with iridescent ice heat embossing powder.

Stamp Sorority 2013 Annual Christmas Party

Wow!  It's a winter wonderland out there and I LOVE it!!!  I'm always asking for a blizzard - so I'm in heaven!  I even see more snow in our forecast this week.  YAY!  However, while I'm excited, I do hope everyone is safe.  Mike is traveling home from a weekend in Utah and was diverted to Pittsburgh before being allowed to fly on home to Philly.  He made it to Philly but I insisted he stay at the hotel at the airport instead of drive home.  Luckily I booked him the room at 1:00 yesterday afternoon - long before we realized how bad it would get - just in case.  And, it's a good thing I did!  It was only a couple of hours later that every hotel around the airport was sold out (at least those of the Marriott variety).

Anyway....last week I hosted my downline's annual Christmas Party and it was A LOT of fun.  We snacked, swapped cards, and some of us even exchanged Secret Santa gifts - oh...and I had every product out of the upcoming Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-Bration Catalog on display for them to see.  As you know, it's always SO much better to look at and touch the actual products.  Of course I snapped lots of pictures...check them out!

It was a "covered dish" party and I asked everyone to bring an appetizer or dessert.  WOW!  Everything was so good - and there were LOTS of gluten-free options, too!

This next picture is one of my favorites - can you see the dining room table in there?  That's where all of the Occasions Products are displayed?  You can't see it?  Oh...I'm sorry!!!  I can't show pictures of the products until January!  But, I'm sure I'll be posting pictures of samples made with the products later this month.

By the way...the party is NOT in my house - it's at my grandmother's house - that should explain the wallpaper!!! 

Next was the gift exchange.  The gifts always blow me away!  These gals are SO talented and think out of the box!  This first picture is of Lynn as she opens her gift from Darlene.  Darlene made beautiful jewelry (earrings, necklace, and bracelet) out of rolled up Winter Frost DSP.

I didn't really get pictures of others opening gifts - most of them are blurry.  I brought a real camera but left the memory card at home.  So, I was forced to use my phone.

This next photo is a picture of the pin that Nancy made for Jen.  I LOVE those flowers!  It's absolutely gorgeous!!!  Even the packaging on so many of these gifts was beautiful!

Next up is a recipe board Patty Jo made for Darlene.  I love that she stamped and embellished each of the postcards - those didn't come that way!

This next gift was made by Shelly for Nancy.  It's a tool holder made from old Stampin' Up! catalogs.  And there's even a spot for Post-It notes!  What a great idea! 

Next is a desk set that Ellen made for Shelly.  She stamped an "S" on every page of the note pad.  I love the paperclips and magnets, too!

The final picture I'm sharing today is a wreath made by April for Ellen.  I love her little snowmen heads.  I might have to case those for some Christmas tags!

I'll be posting more from the party over the next day or so!  I'll share the AMAZING swaps, several more gifts, and the favors I made for everyone!

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 5 - 2013 Annual Christmas Cards

Are you tired of my Christmas cards yet?  Today's is the sixth of the seven designs.  This one probably looks familiar to you if you attended my Holiday Card Stamp-a-Stacks!  I liked this one a lot.  It was inspired by this card by Beth McAlexander.  Beth used different colors and different ribbon.  For some reason I just thought this card needed to be Midnight Muse.  I loved the deep blue color.  I only made 32 of these - I started to feel guilty that the knot in the ribbon would cause the Post Office headaches.  I believe most of these cards went to family members because I really prefer to send cards with a religious message.  However, I know a few of you also received this design.

It's funny - when this card was part of my Stamp-a-Stack, I didn't include the rhinestone.  I don't know why.  I don't remember if I was creating the card from memory or if I just wasn't paying attention.  However, Suzie who was in one of the stamp-a-stacks decided the star needed a rhinestone.  I liked the idea so I also added rhinestones to my Christmas cards.  And, now that I look back to give credit, I realize the original had a rhinestone as well!

I hope you'll tune in tomorrow for my seventh and final card.  AND...it's the only original design of the bunch!

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.

Day 1 - 2013 Annual Christmas Cards

Last night I finished this year's Christmas cards.  It was quite the undertaking.  I entered the weekend having 97 card fronts completed.  I ended the weekend with 362 completed cards in my mailbox - ready to be picked up!  That's the most Christmas cards I've ever mailed!

This year I challenged myself to send more cards.  I mean, seriously, I teach card-making classes!  What does it say if I don't actually mail cards???  I have done my best to mail a thank you card for every order (no matter the size) to everyone this year!  I haven't mailed as many as I could have - and I'll be working on that next year.  BUT, I'm thrilled that I've been able to mail 1,264 cards (so far) this year.  I hope that means that I helped put 1,264 smiles on YOUR faces! 

I know I smile - and sometimes cry happy tears - when I receive a handstamped card in the mail. In fact, I received my first handstamped Christmas card in the mail on Saturday (second card if you count the one I received from my stamp club a couple of weeks ago).  When my husband carried in the mail on Saturday, I immediately spotted that Stampin' Up! envelope before he was at the front door.  I was like a little kid!  I was jumping up and down, clapping, and making happy sounds (and crying a little).  Someone had made a card for me!!!!  I couldn't wait to see who it was from and admire the card.  Can you relate? 

Well, many of you will be receiving cards from me over the next week.  Unfortunately, I've already identified about a dozen people who somehow fell off my list this year.  I'll be working hard to fix that!  But, each of you will only receive 1 card from me (I hope).  It's not impossible that you receive two.  But, I think I removed the duplicates!  Wouldn't you like to see them all???  Over the next few days, I'll be posting the cards I made this year.  If you haven't made your cards, maybe they will inspire you!  I can consider only one of my designs this year a true "original".  The rest were inspired by one or more cards.  So, I don't mind if you case these!

I made two different versions of this first design.  Unfortunately, I now realize that I only took a picture of one of them.  So, you'll have to use your imagination if you weren't one of the 80 to receive the Whisper White/Coastal Cabana/Real Red version!  It looked an awful lot like this one.  However, it was mounted on a Coastal Cabana card base.  Unfortunately, the Endless Wishes Photopolymer stamp set was CRAZY popular and is no longer available for purchase.  The Crumb Cake version pictured above was inspired by a card that was designed by Shannon Jaramillo.  Her version had a strip of DSP and some baker's twine that I thought distracted from the stamping.  So, I took it off and I love it.  Now, I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I decided to pop the top layer up with dimensionals.  I think it adds something - maybe time!  Ha!  But, I loved this card.  I made 97 of the crumb cake version.

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

Endless Wishes!!!

You gotta get this stamp set.  Seriously.  It's been SO SUPER POPULAR - and CUTE!  It flew out of the Stampin' Up! warehouse in record time.  I hadn't even received my stamp set before it was GONE!  Thankfully, Stampin' Up! got more.  But, who knows how many more they'll have.  Why?  It's Photopolymer.  Photopolymer is still in the "test period".  Stampin' Up! has released a few stamp sets to see how you like them.  Some have been cute.  But, I haven't sold a ton....until this one.  I LOVE IT!  And, when I incorporated it into my Die Cut Divas class last week, everyone bought it!  Okay, Nancy hasn't bought it yet...but she's placing her order at stamp club next week.  I don't want you to miss out.  It's only $13.95 for a 19-piece stamp set.  If you've never used a Photopolymer (all clear) stamp set, I encourage you to give this one a try.  It'll be great for adorable cards and tags this holiday season.

I cased today's card from the promotional flyer for this stamp set that Stampin' Up! put together.  It's actually the card that MADE me buy this stamp set.  I love how SIMPLE it is!  Hello!  Talk about a crazy, simple (don't forget inexpensive) Christmas card, right?  This will be one of my Christmas cards this year.  I used Soft Sky, Coastal Cabana, and Real Red Classic Inks and then embellished with some Rhinestones.  Cute, huh?

Endless Wishes Stamp Set - 133455 - $13.95

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?

CAS Very Merry

I'm not sure how Clean And Simple this card really was.  It certainly LOOKS Clean and Simple, but it sure was a friggin' headache to line up all of those stupid little letters using my Stamp-a-ma-Jig!  However, I do love the way the card turned out, but I WILL NOT be making a stack of these!!!  Each letter needed to be positioned twice - once for the outline and once for the sketch portion.  Oh how I wish this stamp set came in Wood Mount!  I stamped the outline in Black Stazon.  I stamped the sketch in Garden Green and Real Red.

Here are links to the stamp sets if you wanted to give it a whirl!  I do, honestly, love these letters.  Each stamp set is $19.95.  I made a stack of Thank You cards a few months back using them.  They're so fun and can be used for ANY occasion!

ABC-123 Sktech Alphabet & Numbers -130565

ABC-123 Outline Alphabet & Numbers - 130568

And, if you don't own one yet, you probably need a Stamp-a-ma-Jig - click here to order yours!

November Die Cut Divas Projects

Last night was my final Die Cut Divas class of 2013.  Wow.  I can't believe I'm wrapping up my 2013 classes.  I just have a couple of Stamp-a-Stacks later this month and then I'm on "vacation" for the month of December.  But, don't worry - I'll still be stamping and blogging and here for your questions! 

My Die Cut Divas got to make these three projects this month.....

I posted a sneak peek of this first card on my Facebook page over the weekend and it was a hit!  So many of you loved this card.  And, so did I when I saw the inspiration.  I cased a card designed by my friend, Maggie Patterson.  I'd spotted it on Pinterest and knew it would make a great project for Die Cut Divas.  I changed the sentiment and I chose to use Red Glimmer Paper instead of plain Real Red Card Stock.

You probably recognize this next card, it was inpsired by a swap I received at my downline meeting created by Lynn.  I modified it slightly by adding a sentiment.  I love this alternate use of the snowflakes to make a wreath!

Finally, they made a cute treat bag.  The bag is one of the Chevron Tag a Bag Gift Bags.  They come flat, but I showed them how to turn it into a gusseted bag.  We had a lot of fun creating the tags.  The circle layer in the back is made with DSP-covered coaster board.  I thought it made a much sturdier base for the tag.  The sentiment is from the Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set and cut out using the Chalk Talk Framelits.

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.

Ugh...Am I Colorblind?

I sat down yesterday to create the projects for this week's blog posts.  And, for the second time this weekend, I was putting the finishing touches on a project and realized that the green in the Season of Style DSP is NOT Gumball Green.  Its Old Olive.  WHY do I keep trying to switch it out?  They CLASH when put next to each other.  UGH.  I had to tear apart my This and That journal on Saturday because of the same mistake.

On today's project, I decided to just stick with what I had.  And, the Old Olive dots on the strip of DSP on this card don't look bad next to the Gumball Green - they look almost like Gumball Green - so I'm going with it.

I LOVE this card.  This is the first card I've made just for the heck of it in a LONG time!  I'm usually designing cards for classes, workshops, clubs, or making thank you cards.  BUT, as of noon yesterday, all of my design work for the next two weeks is done!  And that means - STAMPING FOR THE FUN OF IT!  YAY!!!

But, I was stuck for ideas (story of my life).  So, I turned to some of my favorite blogs for inspiration - and the first one I turn to is Mary Fish's blog.  We have similar style and she always has unique card layouts.  I stumbled across this post which featured a guest blogger, Debbie Crowley.  If you go over to the original post, I'm sure you'll immediately recognize the elements I cased.  While I loved the black and white color scheme, I was in the mood for some Christmas.  And, while square cards are fun, they can be expensive to mail if you're using a square envelope.

I stamped the tree image in Black Stazon from the Color Me Christmas stamp set using my Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Baked Brown Sugar, and Marina Mist Stampin' Write Markers.  The sentiment is from the absolutely fabulous Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set which will be coming back very, very soon.  It blew out of the warehouse much faster than anyone had anticipated.  Thankfully they are able to get more.  YAY!  Currently it's being reported that this set will be available again this Wednesday!

I used a couple of sets of framelits on this card - the Squares Collection and the Chalk Talk Collection.  I'd been wanting to make a window with the squares for quite some time.  The circles were made using our punches (1/2", 3/4", and 1" circle punches).

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.

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.

Chalk Talk Framelits - 129983

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). Chalk Talk Framelits Dies are designed to cut images from Chalk Talk, Notable Notion, and Lovely Romance Stamp Sets.

* 7 dies (largest: 2-3/16" x 3-1/2")
* Cuts a single sheet of paper

Price:  $24.95
Click here to order the Chalk Talk Framelits now.

Pretty Packaging

Stampin' Up! offers all kinds of solutions for pretty packaging this holiday season.  Over the weekend I finally pulled out my Christmas Tagables Stamp Set - it's part of the Pop & Place Collection.  I love that this little Photopolymer stamp set coordinates with all of our punches and dies.  It makes it SO easy to make adorable tags for your gifts.

Something you need to know about me - I'm a hoarder.  I get it from my mom (sorry, mom).  When we were in San Diego, one of our pillow gifts was packed in this amazing, almost Island Indigo crinkle shred paper.  I came home with a HUGE box full of it - and I've saved every shred!  I thought it would coordinate perfectly with the Winter Frost Specialty DSP - and I was right!

I'm in love with the Tag a Bag Gift Boxes.  I love that they come with an acetate sleeve already scored!  No adhesive required to assemble the box!!!  To make the tag, I used one of the stamps from the Christmas Tagables stamp set and punched it with my Artisan Label Punch.  Of course I couldn't stop there!  I cut out a snowflake out of Silver Glimmer Paper using the Festive Flurry Framelits.  I added a little embellishment with rhinestones, Winter Frost Specialty DSP, and Pool Party Seam Binding.  I tied the bow up with Whisper White Organza Ribbon.

Don't you think cookies or candies or some other small gift would fit perfectly inside this box?

Tag a Bag Gift Boxes - 130927

Easy way to create party favors, gifts, treats.
Coordinates with the Tag a Bag Accessory Kit. Sturdy Kraft boxes with acetate sleeves.

* 8 boxes, each 6-7/8" x 2-1/8" x 2-1/2"
* Food-safe

Price - $6.95
Order Tag a Bag Gift Boxes Now

Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set - 134623

Christmas is a time for tags; you need tags for gifts and treats for everyone. This photopolymer stamp set coordinates with the Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Book to help make it easy to create tags. Stampin' Up!'s photopolymer stamps offer a versatile all-clear stamping option. You’ll find that our photopolymer is top-quality and gives a perfectly stamped image every time. The stamps stick amazingly well to Stampin' Up!'s clear blocks (it is recommend that you use the C block with this stamp set) and are easy to place just where you want them. And best of all, you get to enjoy tons of images for a great price!

Price - $13.95
Order Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set Now

Stamp Sorority Christmas Swaps

Wanna see some gorgeous Christmas cards?  My Stamp Sorority Team of demonstrators swapped these beauties with me last week.  It's always so hard to pick a favorite!  But, if you remember, we have a swap contest each month and we HAVE to vote on a favorite (not an easy task).

Here is this month's favorite - created by Shelly.  She used LOTS of heat embossing and handcut the gorgeous Pointsettia from the Joyful Christmas stamp set.

This next card was created by Darlene.  Recognize that stamp?  It's from the Warmth & Wonder hostess set from the Holiday Catalog.  Darlene colored the stamp each time with her Stampin' Write markers!  WOW!  I love the color scheme.

How fun is Jane's card below?  She used an EXTREMELY popular Photopolymer stamp set - Everyday Wishes - for her sentiment.  This stamp set was SO popular, it flew off the shelves in 2 weeks!  But, don't worry - more are coming in.  Jane learned this technique in the monthly Stampin' Success magazine that demonstrators receive.  It turned out great!

Jennifer couldn't make our meeting on Tuesday, but her swaps did!  I never would have thought to use the Chalk Talk framelits with that sentiment from Christmas Messages - but it totally works!  We missed you, Jennifer!

Deanna took advantage of nap time to make swaps!  She LOVES punch art and I love her use of punches on this card!  Such a great, reproducible card for Christmas this year....hmmm....

I think this card was created by Patty Jo.  It's not signed, but I remember her saying she made swaps.  I know some of you absolutely love this little reindeer.  I still haven't used him on any projects this year - maybe I'll have to change that in the near future.  She also used the Oval Framelits which are on sale through Monday!

And last but certainly not least is Lynn's swap.  I immediately loved this one because of her creative use of the Festive Flurry Stamps and framelits.  Who knew those snowflakes could double as a wreath?!?  She also did a TON of paper piercing around that wreath. 

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.

Merry Minis Swap

Wanna see the card I swapped at our monthly downline meeting?  It uses the Merry Minis Punch Pack.  Haven't seen it in awhile?  Don't worry, it's one of the items from last year's Holiday Catalog that are still available! 

I punched the trees out of the Season of Style DSP, the ornaments out of the Polka Dot Parade DSP, and the star out of Champagne Glimmer Paper.  The sentiment is from the Greetings of the Season Stamp Set. 

This card takes a little bit of work - ya gotta punch out 16 little shapes and glue them down (I used glue dots).  BUT, this is a VERY postal-friendly card!

Holly Jolly Christmas Card

Tonight is my monthly downline meeting.  I'm SO excited - my team has grown 50% this month!  And, my team isn't that small!  I can't wait for the newbies to meet the rest of my team!  It'll be a fun night - there's always a lot of energy when new demonstrators join the group. 

If you remember, we've been having themed swaps each month at my downline meetings.  This month's theme is Christmas.  I CANNOT wait to see what everyone comes up with.  They're such a talented group of stampers. 

Today's card is one of the ideas I was playing around with for the Make-and-Take but I ended up dismissing it.  I thought they might kill me because of the hand cutting!  It was inspired by a card I spotted in the most recent Stampin' Success Magazine - a publication just for Stampin' Up! demonstrators.

I used Real Red Card Stock as the base and layered some Season of Style DSP over top.  I added a silver glimmer banner embellishment.  The stamped images come from "A Banner Christmas" stamp set.  It's a cute one that I'm constantly overlooking.  I think it's super cute and a fun, new layout to case on future cards!

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".

File Folder Christmas Card

Have you seen lots of file folder cards online?  I know I have!  They're incredibly popular and easy to make using the new Envelope Punch Board.  My stamp club got to make this card last week.  It features one of the new Single Holiday Stamps.  I'm absoutely in love with some of the sentiments in that collection - they definitely fill in some much-needed religious sentiments for Christmas Cards this year!