Stampin' with Kristin

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.

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!

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

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

The Kortonick's Homemade Holidays

This year Mike and I decided to make some homemade goodies to give as gifts this year to our family.  We had fun experimenting with some new recipes and making some old favorites.  We made six different varieties of cookies plus homemade marhsmallows.  Here are the cookie varieties we made:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cranberry Cookies
- Gingerbread Cookies (made using the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps)
- Fluffy Sugar Cookies
- Shortbread Cookies

I found awesome food gift boxes at a local shop.  I didn't really want to use tins as I wanted the recipients to feel like they could throw them away and not add to the clutter left behind by the holiday season.  However, I have a pretty good feeling my mom kept hers.  The boxes had a bit of a glossy/waxy finish so I heat embossed snowflakes and sentiments on all four sides.  I also found printed, waxed paper to line the boxes that coordinated perfectly with the Cherry Cobbler ribbon and embossing.  We tied them up with some Stampin' Up! ribbon and some jingle bells.  No one wanted to unwrap the boxes (I rewrapped a couple upon request).

We packaged the marshmallows separately in the Gusseted Cellophane Bags from the Holiday Catalog.  If you didn't get any, don't worry, they're still avaiable.  Anyway, I had NO idea you could even make homemade marshmallows!  But, my demonstrator friend, Mary Ellen Byler, gave me some at a Leadership Conference a couple of years ago and I never forgot!  I stumbled across a recipe this holiday season and knew this was the year to make them.  THEY ARE AMAZING and pretty simple to make.  Mike and I have already agreed that we'll be making a batch to serve at my Sale-a-Bration Open House later this month - I'll also be sharing the recipe to everyone who stops by.  I think I may be starting a new Open House tradition - recipe giveaways!

A Few Remaining Christmas Cards

Well, the Christmas holiday came and went and I didn't get a chance to post the last three handmade/MDS cards I received.  I didn't want anyone to feel left out!!!

This first card was created by one of my college friends, Rebecca.  Rebecca and I got to know each other through a traveling music ministry team.  We lost contact, but through the beauty of Facebook, reconnected a few years ago.  I'm sure most of you can relate!  Also through the beauty of Facebook, I learned that she's a former Stampin' Up! demonstrator!!!  How fun is that!?!?  She made this beautiful card.  I don't think the photo does it justice.  She stamped the solid image of the tree under the word-image in the new Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Ink.  Don't worry if you missed out on the stamp set or the ink, they're BOTH still available from the Holiday Catalog.

This next card was created by a demonstrator "sister" of mine, Chris.  I love how she created a window in the front of her card using the Ornament Punch.  She used another ornament on the inside of the card.  And, her scraps didn't go to waste!  She punched the large Scallop Circle from the Artichoke layer and used it inside of her card.  AND, I'm pretty sure she used some of the ornament scrap to layer the pieces on the inside of her card as well.

The final card I'll share of the season (unless one of you is REALLY late getting your cards out this year) is from my stampin' momma, Claire!  She's my upline.  She's the demonstrator I joined through over six years ago.  You may remember that I shared a handstamped card that I received from her a couple of posts ago - I wasn't sure if it was her Christmas card or not.  It wasn't.  She used My Digital Studio to create this postcard!

It Had to Happen Someday

That's right.  I knew it was coming - the day that I'd come home from work and there would be no handmade cards waiting in my mailbox.  That's what happened on Thursday.  I DID receive cards, but not of the handmade variety.  However, I was thrilled to find two more in my mailbox on Friday.  I'm not entirely certain that one of them is a Christmas card.  I'll explain when I get to it....

This first card is from my Canadian demonstrator friend, Anne.  It's my first international Christmas card this year (but probably ever).  I've gotten to know Anne over the years through e-mail, at Stampin' Up! events, and via Facebook.  My favorite thing about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is having the opportunity to make friends with so many other women (and men) all over the country AND world who share my passion for stamping.  Isn't her card the cutest?  She turned the owl upside down to make a reindeer.  The antlers were made using the (now retired) snowflake punch.  TOO CUTE!

The second card I received is from Claire.  I mentioned that I wasn't sure if it was a Christmas card or not because I think it might have been this month's "congrats" card.  Either way, it's Christmas-themed and going on my piano!  I will miss the Scentsational Season stamp set next year - my guess is that it's not carrying over.  So, BUY IT NOW!  Her card is such a great, mailable, reproducible card!

They're Still Coming!

I want to share another great assortment of gorgeous handmade Christmas cards with you today.  I received these last Wednesday.

This first card was created by one of my customers, Lois.  I love these triple layer cards.  Have you made one?  You stack all three layers of card stock, stamp them, then adhere them to the layers.  There are so many options for these cards. 

The second card of the day was from another of my customers, Annemarie B.  I'm pretty sure that she stamped the large background stamp in navy ink and sponged other shades of blue all over.  She then used a two-way glue pen to trace the word Peace and applied Dazzling Details glitter.

The final card of the day is from one of my downline members, Shelly.  I love how she heat embossed the green ornaments.  All of the gold you see is heat embossed in gold.  The sentiment is heat embossed in white.  I think it's a super fun idea to use some of the pieces of the stamp set to make the background!  So creative!

My First MDS Card of the Season!

I absolutely love the assortment of cards I received on Tuesday.  For the first time this season, I'm sharing the first card that was not HANDmade.  I've been pretty careful to say "handmade" - not "homemade".  But, today I'm making a special exception for the very first My Digital Studio card I've received this season.  How can I NOT share MDS cards?!?!?  I love them!  If you don't have MDS, why not download a 30-day FREE trial?

One of my co-demonstrator friends, Melissa L, created the MDS card.  And, one of the things I love about MDS is that you can design the front AND the back of the card!  I'm no pro on those "other" photo card companies (you know who they are), but none of the dozen or so other cards I have received have had photos on BOTH sides!  AND, I have to say, NONE of them were printed on the quality of cardstock as Melissa's!  And, you've gotta love the little hand-written message on the back of her card - clearly she's been following along on my blog series! 

(Just a quick note....I don't want to offend anyone who sent me a photo card from one of those "other" companies.  I loved them.  They were gorgeous.  Some were especially creative.  And they are ALL proudly displayed on my piano as well.)

Tuesday's second card was from my friend, Dawn.  Her's has TONS of shimmer.  She used the new Snowflake die to cut the Red and Silver glimmer snowflakes.  But she also glimmerized the Whisper White embossed layer.  I love the festive Real Red, Gumball Green, and Whisper White color scheme!

Finally, I received this lovely card from one of my demonstrators, Clorinda.  I've never met Clorinda.  I've never seen her style before now - and I love it!  I love that she layered Soft Suede on Soft Suede.  I'm going to have to try that tone-on-tone thing.  I also love her CRAZY PERFECT BOW!  Seriously!  That's how it came out of the envelope.  Her ornament is actually cut from the soft suede with DSP layered behind the "window".  Such a delightful card!

A Good Problem

It's a good problem to have, but I'm starting to run out of room for all of these cards on my grand piano!  But, please don't let them stop!  Today I'm sharing with you the cards I received on Monday.

This first card was created by one of my customers, Terri S.  I love the fresh color combo she chose! It looks like she chose Melon Mambo, Pacific Point, and Rich Razzleberry from the Brights family!  Now that's thinking outside of the box for a Christmas card!  There might even be some sponged Daffodil Delight inside of the background Top Note background.  What a fun card!

The second card was created by Ginnie R.  She's a demonstrator friend of mine.  In the "family" of demonstrators, Ginnie would be my niece (I think).  Ginnie heat embossed the tree from the Scentsational Season Stamp Set and then colored in the different lights/ornaments on the tree.  I also love how she chose to add bling to the card by adding the silver glimmery strip.

Something Positive to Come Home To

Happy Hump Day!  Last Sunday I titled my blog post "You Brighten My Day" and I had no idea how that particular day would be ending when I composed it.  You see, last weekend Mike and I went up to New York City for the weekend to check out the holiday decorations and excitement.  We took the train up on Saturday morning.  It was a gorgeous day in the city.  It was CRAZY and packed with people.  I've been in the city before during the holiday season, but this was beyond anything I'd ever seen.  We had a blast!  But, on our drive home from the station on Sunday, we were involved in a 3-car accident.  Everyone is fine - just broken cars.  When we finally got home, I found FIVE handmade cards in our mailbox (in addition to several store-bought and photo cards).  THANK YOU!!!  They put a smile on my face. 

This first card was created by one of my customers, Stacy.  She was inspired by a card I had on display at my Open House in the fall.  I love her version and her color combo.  She mentioned to me that she made a TON of these cards this season - and she patiently punched the ribbon border hundreds of times (I was exhausted after making just one).

This second card was created by Sharon.  I love her festive Real Red and Whisper White color scheme.  She adhered some of the Whisper White felt snowflakes from a few holiday mini catalogs ago.  I LOVED those - and was thrilled to see them in my mailbox.

The third card was created by one of my downline gals, Gail.  She, too, used the Scentsational Season gingerbread man.  She created a festive frame using framelits.  The Gumball Green layer is adhered over top of the Soft Suede layer.  Adorable!!!

Next up is a card created by one of my Facebook Demonstrator friends, Ylita.  This color combo is a personal favorite of mine since it was my wedding color scheme!  I love the layer of bling.  Ylita also added some silver to the hooks of each ornament using the Silver Stampin' Dazzle Marker.   And, like Sharon, Ylita pulled out another of my favorites from an older holiday mini catalog - I just LOVE that espresso ribbon.

And, last but certainly not least, is a card I received from another of my downline members, Susan.  She was inspired by a card in the current Holiday Catalog.  Susan swapped out the Cherry Cobbler ribbon on the card in the catalog and also punched a crazy amount of ribbon border punches to create the scalloped edge.  She added some Dazzling Diamonds over the embossed oval.  Just beautiful!

 

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You Brighten My Day

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 12

You thought I forgot, didn't you?  Life just kinda got away from me this past weekend.  You'll read more about it in tomorrow's blog post with my Saturday Christmas cards.  But, I didn't forget.  Wanna do a happy dance with me?  I came up with 12 different projects over these past 12 weeks!  I hope you've enjoyed the inspiration.  To be honest, I had no idea what many of the projects would be when I started.  In fact, today's project was inspired by a photo I spotted on Facebook on Sunday night!  My friend (and customer), Kacey Crawford, posted a picture of AMAZING "cone trees" that her mother had made.  It was a fun assortment of eight gorgeous "trees" that her mother had made using materials that were just laying around - feathers, twine, fibers, cotton, metalic garland, etc.  I'm sure you have some things around your house, too.  When I saw the photo, I knew IMMEDIATELY that I wanted to make my own! 

I restricted my supplies to just a limited assortment of Stampin' Up! supplies.  But, you could make them out of just about anything, really.  Kacey mentioned that the base of her mom's cones were cereal boxes.  Keeping mine SU, I used the heavyweight cardstock that comes in each and every pack of Designer Series Paper.  I know you have some of that laying around!  I used Sticky Strip to adhere the cone shape.  And, no, I'm sorry I don't have dimensions or measurements.  I just rolled it into a cone shape that I liked.  For two of my trees, I wrapped some Gumball Green and Whisper White Sweater trim around them.  Before wrapping the sweater trim, I adhered a single strip of Sticky Strip from the top to the bottom to help hold the trim in place, but I'm not sure if I even needed it!

For the green tree, I poked some Brights and Neutrals glimmer brads right through the base of the tree.  For the white tree, I punched some stars out of Silver Glimmer Paper and adhered them to the tree with glue dots.  Tombo Multi-purpose liquid adhesive may have been a better bet.  The silver glimmer tree is just that - silver glimmer paper.

I challenge you to have fun with them.  They'd make a great decoration or holiday table centerpiece!

Mail Call!

I have SO many Christmas cards to share with you this week!  But, first, I want to share with you the single handmade Christmas card I received in the mail last Friday.  It is from one of my customers, Charlotte N.  What a fun (and elegant) card!  She used the clear Scallop Square Bigz Die to make the card base.  But, to make it rectangular, she cut it twice.  Now, why didn't I think of that?!?!?  By making the card this way, it fits into a regular envelope.  Otherwise she would have needed a square envelope and it would have cost more in postage!  She also solved another problem some of you experienced with this particular embossing folder - the wrinkles on the edges - there are none!   The flower on the front is not SU, but I love it!  Thank you!

More Handmade Christmas Cards

I'm a couple of days behind on posting the handmade Christmas Cards I received, but I wanted to be sure to share these two cards with you that arrived in my mailbox on Tuesday.

This first card was created by Suzie R.  We've been stamping together for years.  I just love this elegant card!  Suzie folded her background layer before embossing it to create the cool design.  Such a fun design element!  She also patiently paper-pierced around the entire focal point.  Such a gorgeous card!

I also received this super-fun card from Julie.  I LOVE her family's twist on the ever-popular family portrait postcards.  I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that her husband sketched the family portraits.  Julie stamped some subtle, tiny snowflakes on the green and red cardstock layers using Versamark.  How fun is this card?  Maybe they could start a new trend in Christmas Cards!!!

A Christmas Card From All of Us!

Yesterday my co-workers went out to lunch for our annual department lunch.  I was tasked with making a card to give to our boss even though I'm not the only Stampin' Up! demonstrator on our team.  This is the card I made for us to give to Brenda. 

This is a hybrid card - I used MDS to print the sentiment in Gumball Green.  I didn't own a stamp with the sentiment "Happy Holidays From All of Us" - let alone in the correct size, style, and font!  So, I quickly printed on the Whisper White card stock in Gumball Green!  It was SUPER easy.  I thought it would be fun to punch out an assortment of mittens to represent the team.  Granted, there are about a dozen employees on our team - but I just couldn't squeeze that many sets of mittens on the front of the card.

For the card base, I wanted something sturdy.  I knew the mittens, sweater trim, and layers of card stock and glimmer paper would be a bit heavy for a Whisper White card base.  So, instead of using card stock, I cut down a piece of the heavy weight card stock that comes with each package of Designer Series Paper!  It was PERFECT!

The finished card is 6"x6" so I also had to make an envelope - thankfully we have the Simply Scored Tool and the Diagonal Plate.  It wasn't a problem!

Thank You Cards

Earier this week I sat down and stamped a bunch of these thank you cards to send out to customers who placed online orders from me in November. 

I kind of got away from my challenge to use all of the products in the Holiday Catalog, but I still have another month, right?  This card uses an embellishment I haven't used before - Flourish Designer Frames (127835).  I've always been frustrated that there's never a perfect layer for the Decorative Label Punch, but it doesn't matter a bit if I can frame it so nicely with these adorable, metal frames!  I used the 1/8" Mini Brads (122941) to attach them to the card.

Here's the complete list of supplies I used to create this card:
- Snowflake Soiree Stamp Set W-127922 or C-127925
- Lacy and Lovely Stamp Set W-122885 or C-122887
- Whisper White Card Stock
- Marina Mist Card Stock
- Not Quite Navy Classic Ink
- Marina Mist Classic Ink
- Decorative Label Punch
- Flourish Designer Frames
- 1/8" Mini Brads

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 10

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here, but it certainly doesn't feel like it!  It was close to 70 degrees here in New Jersey today.  Yuck!  But, that's not stopping my holiday prep!  I successfully mailed out 160 Christmas Cards this morning.  I'm sure I'll be sending more out as I remember people I may have accidentally forgotten or whose address I'm still trying to hunt down.  I'll be honest about that.  I love getting the bulk of those out the door - it allows me to stamp for fun for the rest of the month!  I don't know about you, but I don't feel like I can stamp for fun until I get those need-to-do projects off of my list.

When I first saw the Watercolor Winter Stamp Set, I immediately thought of all kinds of non-card projects that I wanted to make.  One of my Christmas sets of China (yes, one of) is the traditional Lenox Holiday pattern.  And the holly in this stamp set coordinates beautifully!  I can imagine menus and place cards and invitations....and candles!  An entire coordinated Christmas dinner table!

It's been years since I've made one of these candles - and they're super easy!  Here's what you do...

- Cut a piece of white tissue paper the size of your candle. 
- Stamp your images on the tissue paper.  For my holly candle I actually used my Cherry Cobbler and Gumball Green Markers, along with my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, to create the coordinating holly.  For the pointsettia candle, I simply stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  I "stamped off" the solid layer of the images for both candles.
- When you've completed your stamping, lay the tissue paper around the candle. 
- Next, wrap a layer of waxed paper around the candle - covering the tissue.  I like to keep my waxed paper a little longer so that I have a handle. 
- Using your heat tool (on the low setting), move the heat tool all over the candle like you would if you were heat embossing.  You'll see the candle start to look moist as the top layer of wax begins to melt.  At that point, move on.  You don't want it getting too melted.
- When the entire candle has been heated, gently remove the waxed paper.  Sometimes I'll "touch up" the candle over any spots where the tissue didn't melt into the wax or to smooth any rough edges.  I simply hit those spots again with the heat tool (again, on low).
- Then embellish!  I tied some Cherry Cobbler Seam binding around the tall candle.  I dotted the middles of the flowers using some Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details.

Introducing Holiday Packaging Bundles - 20% Off!!!

Around the holidays, we're are always looking for cute ways to package little treats and gifts for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, and friends. At 20% savings, holiday packaging bundles are an affordable and adorable solution. Simply add a treat or gift and assemble.

These bundles are available November 29 through January 2.

Trimmings & Tags Bundle - Item 132769
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Bundle Includes:

• Gusseted Cellophane Bags (25 bags; 5" x 3" x 11-1/2")
• Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags (25 double-sided tags; 4-1/2" x 3-1/8")
• Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Sweater Trim (10 yards)

Petite Treats Bundle - Item 132770
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Bundle Includes:

• Glassine Bags with die-cut edges (10 bags; 3" x 5" x 1-1/2")
• Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt (8 pieces)
• Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (10 yards)

Make a Mitten!

Did you read yesterday's post?  If not, scroll down!  Today's card is the second card that Annemarie requested for stamp club this month.  She also spotted it on Patty Bennett's blog.  I changed a few elements around.  I didn't have the wheel that was used in the background.  Instead, I swapped out the wheel for some Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations Cardstock.  I just LOVE this card stock. I chose it over the standard smooth because I love the textured side.  I thought the "woven" look would coordinate with the mitten.  Does that make sense to you, too?

This card was a bit tricky - the strips of paper on the Tag aren't really strips.  It's part of a specific sheet from the Snow Festival Designer Series Paper.  Luckily I had enough for everyone in club.  I didn't want to change it up since I think I remember that Annemarie likes owls.  I'm guessing that's why she liked this card.  One other change - I didn't have the stamp set with the sentiment.  Mine came from the No Peeking stamp set from the Annual Catalog.

Fun Stamp Club Christmas Card

Last night was my final stamp club of the year.  I've been stamping with this club every month for several years now!  They've become wonderful friends.  Each month a different member of the club is our hostess - she gets the free goodies.  I also let the hostess dictate what we're making (but I do reserve the right to overrule).  This month's hostess was pretty specific.  She had spotted a couple of cards over on Patty Bennett's blog from earlier this month and she asked to make them and a "frameable" project that could feature a photo. 

Today's project is the first card Annemarie liked.  I changed it up a bit.  You probably can't tell in the photo, but I "painted" the white embossed cardstock with Frost White Shimmer Paint using a sponge dauber.  It added an extra (subtle) shimmery effect to the card.  Patty's card also featured a punched mitten.  Since the second card Annemarie requested also featured the mitten, I replaced the mitten with one of the clear faceted buttons and adhered a large pearl in the center.  Finally, I cannot believe there's only a little over a month left to use the sweater trim!!!  I keep saving it "just in case".  I know I'm not the only one who does that.  Well, if I don't use it, I'll have several brand new rolls of retired ribbon for my next yard sale!  I'd rather use it.  Now, I'm not saying that I know anything about what's carrying over and what's not carrying over from the Holiday Catalog, but I think it's a pretty safe bet to assume the sweater trim isn't carrying over - "specialty" ribbons like that rarely do.  So, stock up now!  It comes in Whisper White (129937), Gumball Green (127838), and Cherry Cobbler (129938). 

Emergency Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack

Are your Christmas Cards done?  Have you always wanted to make Christmas Cards but didn't know where to start?  Do you love Stamp-a-Stacks?  Do you need just a few extra Christmas Cards this year?  If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, this is the class for you!

I've designed some Seriously Simple, Positively Postal-Friendly, and Crazy Cute Christmas Cards for you in this Stamp-a-Stack.  AND, you'll have the opportunity to make more than ever before!  I'm pretty pleased with myself for putting together the variey of styles in this class - I think you'll find a card for just about everyone on your Christmas Card list.

In this class, you 'll make four of each of the cards displayed over there on the right for a total of SIXTEEN cards for only $20!  That's cheaper that your local card store and SO much more special.

Want to make SIX of every card for a total of 24 cards?  Simply bring a friend who has never attended one of my classes before and you get to make 24 cards for the price of 16! 

Dates/Times:
- "Small Business Saturday" - Saturday, November 24th - 10am
- Wednesday, November 28th - 6:30pm
- Saturday, December 1st - 10am

Materials Fee:  $20 (All supplies provided - including adhesive and envelopes)

Register:  Use the form below or e-mail me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) to register!

Event management for Christmas Stamp-a-Stack powered by Eventbrite

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 7

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK?  It's the earliest Thanksgiving can ever fall - which means that the official Christmas Shopping Season is longer than ever!  I officially started my Christmas shopping over the weekend.

I'm in love with today's projects.  The Santa Favor Box was created last year.  I saw them over on my friend, Heather Summers' blog.  I made a couple dozen of them to give as little gifts to co-workers last year.  I filled them with some homemade snacks.  They were CRAZY popular.

The Angel Favor Box was inspired by a project my friend, Ronda Wade, posted on Facebook.  Her angel was a bit different.  She didn't use the Petal Cone Die.  She had her angel "mounted" on a Fancy Favor Box.  She also used glimmer paper instead of Vellum Card Stock for the wings.  This little angel could also be glued to the front of a card.  My Die Cut Divas made the angel last week.  They LOVED it.

I thought I might start a tradition of featuring a new holiday favor box using the Petal Cone Box.  Hold me accountable next year, okay?

Here's how I made the Angel:
- Assemble the Petal Cone "box" out of Whisper White Card Stock.  Set aside.
- Cut out an additional "triangle" using the Petal Cone Die (121810).  Trim off the tab and the half circle.  Emboss the angel using an embossing folder of your choice.  I used the Vintage Wallpaper Folder (120175).
- Cut out two wings from Vellum Cardstock (101856) using the Elegant Bird Bigz Die (125593).  Glue the wings to the back of the embossed triangle.
- The face was made using a variety of punches:  The face was punched out of Very Vanilla using the 1-1/4" Circle Punch (119861).  The hair was punched out of Soft Suede using the Owl Builder Punch (118074).  I actually cut the owl in half from the bottom to the top.  I glued the pieces to the back of the face and trimmed off any excess.  The bangs were also made using the 1-1/4" Circle Punch.  I snipped them with my Paper Snips.
- I drew her facial features using my Basic Gray and Riding Hood Red markers.
- I punched her halo out of Silver Glimmer Paper using the Large Oval Punch (119855). 
- I glue-dotted the halo to the back of her head, glue dotted her face to the top of the triangle, and then used Snail to adhere the angel to the petal cone box!

Here are the ingredients/tools for Santa:
- Boho Blossom Punch (silver glimmer "puff" on top)
- 1-3/4" Circle Punch (bottom of the hat)
- Large Oval Punch (face)
- Cupcake Builder Punch (eyes)
- 1/2" Circle Punch (nose and mouth)
- Bird Builder Punch (moustache)
- His beard was embossed using a folder that's now retired.  But I think there are plenty of current folders that would work!
- Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Basic Black, and Pink Pirouette Card Stock
- Silver Glimmer Paper
- White Gel Pen

Brown and Blue Holidays

While I was casing cards I spotted on Pinterest, I made this one designed by Kirsteen Gill.  Hers was actually a birthday card, but I love brown and blue for any occasion (okay, maybe not a baby shower for a baby girl).

This was the second card my Divas made last week.  The colors are Midnight Muse (YUM) and Crumb Cake.  I used several dies on this card:  Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, Floral Frames Framelits, and the Snow Flurry Bigz Die - LOVE LOVE LOVE this die!  I cannot stop using it.  Die Cut Divas this month was certainly a good test for everyone to see if they could make the correct "sandwich".

Merry Mini Christmas Card

Here I go again....I spotted this card on Pinterest the other day.  I thought it would make a fun card for my Die Cut Divas.  Yes, I know, not much is Die Cut, but it was too cute NOT to make.  It was designed by Mindy Backes.  I haven't used the Merry Minis stamp set and punch pack much - so I was racing to my stamp set shelves to find it and recreate this card.  I also realized we still sell White Craft Ink.  Yes, I'm terrible - I'm embarrassed that I did not know that.  Craft Ink (available in Basic Black and Whisper White) are pictured in the bottom right hand corner of page 157 of the Annual Catalog.  I made the mistake of assuming we no longer sell any ink when it wasn't pictured with the rest of the Neutrals Collection.  I sponged a little White Craft Ink around the edges of the Crumb Cake Card Stock using a sponge dauber.

The Garden Green scallop across the top was made using the Large Scallop Edgelit.  I paper pierced the scallopand the ornament "strings" using my Paper-Piercing Tool (126189), Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199), and the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (126187).  All of those are pictured on page 181 of the Annual Catalog.

Seriously Simple Christmas

I received this seriously simple swap card in the mail from my upline, Claire, last week.  I think if you asked me today, the Scentsational Bundle in the Holiday Catalog would have to be my absolute favorite!  There are just SO many different ways to use the framelits and stamps.  You could crank out (literally - since you need the Big Shot) a big ol' stack of these for Christmas this year.

Thanks so much for the card and the idea, Claire!

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 6

Wow!  Can you believe we're already halfway through my Twelve Weeks of Christmas Series?  I apologize that I'm a day late in getting this to you.  But, I focused on cleaning my craft room this weekend.  Can you relate?

I spotted the idea for this week's project on Pinterest weeks (if not months) ago!  I think it's a super fun gift package idea.  And it's super inexpensive!  I took an empty toilet paper roll, wrapped a large scrap of Designer Series Paper around the tube, and adhered it with some Sticky Strip.  Finally, I wrapped some cello wrap and tied the ends with some Sweater Trim. 

Now, my first thought was that these would be great for packaging candy.  UM - we're using TOILET PAPER ROLLS.  Empty ones.  Empty ones that have been in a bathroom.  SO, while I like the size of the toilet paper roll, I thought that maybe a paper towel roll might better.  But, I'd think that the toilet paper rolls would be just fine for small, non-edible gifts!

Christmas Card Idea

You may remember me posting about my Shoebox Swap last Sunday.  I played around with a couple of card ideas before I settled on my card.  This is one that didn't make the cut.  I cased a card that was on the Stampin' Up! Facebook page and created by Amy Bollman.  Her's wasn't a Christmas Card.  But, I cased the layout.  I didn't like the focal point which is why it didn't make the cut.  I'll keep playing with the design and might include it in my All That Glitters Card Class.

The colors I used were Baja Breeze, Gumball Green, Whisper White, and Cherry Cobbler.  The sentiment is from the Joyous Celebrations Stamp Set from the Holiday Catalog.

Introducing: All That Glitters Card Class

I know many of you have been waiting to see the projects in my All That Glitters Card Class.  Well, the wait is over.  In this class you'll make one of each of the four cards displayed to the right.  You'll also receive a special glittery product bonus when you attend.

Want to make TWO of each card?  Simply register yourself and a friend who has never attended one of my classes before and you'll get to make two of each card for the same price!

Dates:
Thursday, Novemer 8th - 6:30pm
Saturday, Novemer 10th - 10:00am
Thursday, November 15th - 6:30pm

Materials Fee:  $20 (includes all supplies, adhesive, and envelopes)

Please use the online form below to register using your credit card.  If you'd prefer to pay by cash or check, please e-mail me at kristinkortonick@yahoo.com.

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2012 Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Four

You may have caught a sneak peek of this week's project in the open house pictures I posted yesterday.  I'm pretty excited about this project.  My college roommate inspired this project (and she doesn't even know it)!  She had pinned a non-SU version of this project on Pinterest awhile back and I've been wanting to make one ever since.

The idea behind this "12 Days of Christmas" project is that you write an activity on each card (tucked inside of each day's pocket) for you and your family to do together in the 12 days leading up to Christmas - Christmas Caroling, Baking Cookies, Reading the Christmas Story, or something like that.  Granted, if you're like me, and you don't have kids, you could write a romantic activity for you and your spouse/significant other to do together each night during the busy holiday season leading up to Christmas.  I was joking with some of the women at my open house that you could write up ideas inspired by the popular Fifty Shades of Grey books!  He he!  Some women were thinking of ideas like "Go Out to Dinner".  That's the best part - you can make it whatever YOU want! 

I am offering a class where you can make this project!  And, I'm offering a long distance kit option as well!  Neither class includes the frame.  The finished project is 12x16 and is mounted on a sturdy canvas panel (included in the class fee).  It doesn't even really need to be framed!

The in-person class includes everything you'll need to complete the project, including adhesive!

The long distance option does not include stamps, ink, or adhesive.  But, you will receive all of the pre-cut letters, numbers, other punched/die-cut elements, and embellishments to complete your project.  I'll include instructions and photos that correspond to each pocket.  If you have other questions about this class, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com).

In Person Class Date/Time:  Thursday, November 29, 2012 - 6:30pm
In Person Class Fee:  $35
Long Distance Kits Will Be Mailed on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 after registration closes
Long Distance Class Fee:  $40 (includes shipping)

Please use the registration form below or e-mail me to register if you'd prefer to pay offline.

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Open House Fun!

What a wonderful day it was yesterday!  It was a perfect fall day.  Lots of people were out and about in Elmer enjoying the Harvest Festival.  And so many of you stopped by my Open House.  My house was never empty the entire 7 hours!  And I loved that I had the opportunity to visit with everyone who stopped by.  It truly was a perfect day.  But, I know many of you would LOVE to see my displays.  I posted some pictures on Facebook yesterday before everyone arrived. I was actually ready 30 minutes before it started which was a record!  That's mostly because Mike was a HUGE HUGE HUGE help!  He assembled the boards, put together (and stamped) the recipe cards, prepped the make & take supplies, cleaned the bathroom, moved furniture, and more!  We made a great team.  So, I know...on with the photos..

The first display area everyone saw first was my Christmas display.  You'll see more about the wallhanging tomorrow in my Twelve Weeks of Christmas series!

The next stop was my Holiday Catalog Accessories display.  Each and every die, punch, special ink, DSP, and embellishment was on display on this board (if they weren't displayed elsewhere).

As they continued to walk through my living room, they encountered one of my two large display boards.  These featured swaps I'd recently received at Disney, convention, or downline meetings.  I also had a few fall items on display (and my gingerbread cookies).

As they looked left, the final living room display was Halloween.  Have you noticed the "kraft paper" table cloths?  I used packing material from my SU orders to cover my tables, tv stand, piano, and piano bench.  I stamped images from the stamp sets on them!  I realized that there are four stamp sets that I don't own out of the Holiday Catalog!  That might be a record!  I usually buy it all - and there was a time when I bought it all in both clear AND wood!  That was just silly (the buying both in wood and clear part).

As they entered the dining room, I'd set up a small "coffee bar" with my Keurig and a wide variety of coffee, decaf, tea, hot cocoa, and apple cider.  Besides the gingerbread cookies, I'd also baked brownies, cupcakes, and pumpkin bars.  I'd also purchased an Cinnamon Apple Walnut Coffee Cake (from QVC) that was dubbed the "best cake I've ever eaten" by one of my guests.  It was pretty darn good for something that I ordered off of the tv!  My dining room was set up as a place everyone could sit and order from the catalog.

The next stop was the Make & Take in my classroom.  They wandered down the hall and could look through my hallway display rack (sorry, I didn't snap a picture).  I had a second large display board of swaps in there for everyone to enjoy.

Bootiful Winter

Last night I stamped with my monthly stamp club.  They get to make several projects every single month.  This month our hostess, Kim, requested some very specific projects.  This card is one that I made for them.  I cased a Halloween card I spotted on Splitcoast designed by Kim Singdahlsen.  She had some cute spider web accents that I replaced with some snowflakes from the brand new Snow Flurry Bigz Die (127813).

I stamped the bootiful boot image in Jet Black Stazon Ink and colored it with my Pool Party Stampin' Write Marker.  I also added some bling to the boot with my two-way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds.  I know Kim loves her glitter!  I also layered in some Island Indigo and Raspberry Ripple.

I created the tag with the Apothecary Accents Framelits.  It's "suspended" with some Pool Party Baker's Twine.  I fell in love with this card and I hope you do, too!!!

Don't forget that Saturday is my Open House.  I'm SUPER excited about it!  I don't think I've ever had this many cards and items on display.  I've counted - there are easily over 200 cards plus lots of projects that you can use as favors, gift wrap, plus I'll be unveiling some fabulous new holiday classes!  I hope you can stop by.

2012 Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Three

Today's project idea is a fabulous gift packaging idea for a small piece of jewelry or other small gift.  Shelli shared this project idea with us on the Southern Caribbean cruise back in 2010.  I've been saving empty Glue Dot rolls and wanting to make one of these since then! 

Unfortunately, I don't have measurements for these.  I actually used the empty glue dot roll as the template.  I traced and measured. 

I'm excited to announce that you can make an adorable box like this in my Gift Packaging Class next month!  Stay tuned for more details around that class.

A Gingerbread Christmas for Judy

Yesterday I was invited to Judy's house for brunch and to stamp with her friends.  She asked me to design two cards using two different stamp sets.  You may remember yesterday's post.  That was supposed to be the card they made, but I switched it up when I received her request.  She asked to use the Gingerbread man.  Honestly, that was the one image in the Scentsational Season Stamp Set that I hadn't really used.  So, I was up for her challenge.  I'm sure you'll recognize the layout from yesterday's card.  I changed up the background because I FINALLY received the Distressed Dots Background Stamp from the Annual Catalog.  I've loved every card I've seen made using this stamp.  I finally broke down and purchased it.  The Distressed Dots and the Gingerbread Men are embossed using the new Gumball Green and Early Espresso Emossing Powders.  The sentiment is from one of my new favorite holiday sentiment stamp sets - More Merry Messages.

More Candlelight Specialty DSP

I shared a card on Thursday that used the window sheet from the Candlelight Christmas Specialty DSP.  I wasn't entirely happy with it.  Then I sat down to create some cards for a workshop that's later this morning.  I was flipping through Pinterest for inspiration and came across a card created by Becky Jensen.  Her's is landscape and a bit more simple, but I loved the way she layered the window sheet over white and then adhered it to a white card base.  So simple and elegant.  But, if you know me, I couldn't stop there!

I turned the card to be portrait, added a layer of Red Glimmer Paper, and changed the sentiment layer.  I just love the sample in the Holiday Mini that uses the dotted scallop border punch similar to the way I have here.  I'm officially in love with this card!

Remember, you can get the Festive Paper Piercing template set absolutely free this month when you purchase this specialty DSP collection and the Ornament Keepsake Bundle!!!

Snow Festival Tree

Last summer at convention, Carrie Cudney showed us some adorable projects.  One of them was this cute Christmas card.  She rolled up strips of Snow Festival DSP and then embellished with Brights Glimmer Brads, Rhinestones, and some Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine bows.  I fell in love immediately.  So, when I sat down to create some projects for you, I knew I was going to case her card!

To make the rolled paper, I used varying widths of DSP that were 1-1/2" long.  I rolled them around the end of a long-ago-retired Stampin' Up! paint brush.  But, any small pencil, marker, or other small round object will do!  I adhered them to the card using Sticky Strip.  I think it's a fun idea for a card you want to give to someone special.  I wouldn't be cranking these out for the masses!

Evergreen and Candlelight

I was sitting around playing with some of the Holiday Catalog items I haven't really used yet and came up with this card.  I'm not entirely sold, but I like it enough to share it!

I layered the flocked window sheet from the Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper over some silver glimmer paper to make the base of this card.  It really reminds me of some vintage wrapping paper!  But after I'd created that beautiful background, I wasn't entirely sure what to do with the card.  Has that ever happened to you?  I decided to pull out the Evergreen Stamp Set and stamp it in Lucky Limeade and the sentiment in Jet Black Stazon.  It works, but I'm not sold.  I'll keep working on it and share it again when I've nailed it!  I also layered some of the Whisper White Organza Ribbon and some Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon.

Don't forget - when you purchase the Candlelight Christmas Specialty DSP along with the Ornament Keepsakes bundle this month, Stampin' Up! will throw in the Festive Paper Piercing Template absolutely FREE!!!

Holiday Catalog Tour - Owl Occasions

Thank goodness I swapped with my dear friend Ilina Crouse at convention - I don't think I purchased this stamp set.  Lucky for you, she swapped this card with me.  Well, she pity swapped with me.  I think I was out of swaps when she gave me a whole stack of cards!  THANK YOU ILINA!!!

The Owl Occasions is an adorable set, but I'm not a real "cutesy" style kinda stamper.  There's a lot of work on this card.  She hand cut the stocking, markered the owl, and probably hand-cut the Merry Christmas banner.  It would also be great for Christmas Tags.  Hmmm...maybe I'll have to invest!

Owl Occasions Clear Mount - 128003 or Owl Occasions Wood Mount - 128000
Page 13 - Holiday Catalog

2012 Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Two

I've been anxious to share today's project with you for weeks.  I know this ornament is ALL OVER the internet, but it seems appropriate to share it with you now because it's part of the October promotion for Stampin' Up! 

I'll be honest, these ornaments aren't exactly something you can churn out quickly.  The first one, the one that's on the cover of the Holiday Catalog, took me an hour and a half to create!  It took 30 separate stamped and scored ornaments!  But, it's totally worth it.  In fact, I love it so much that I'm in the process of creating an entire Christmas tree full of these ornaments!  My tree is shaping up nicely.  It'll be on display at my open house in two weeks.  Today I wanted to share with you two of the ornaments I've made so far.

To make the ornaments, I stamped three ornaments for each section.  I scored each ornament down the middle then glued the halves to each other to create the section.  I then adhered them to a circle that I'd cut from card stock.  There are so many different variations.  My favorite so far is second one with the glittery snowflake. 

Don't you think these would be fantastic gift tags on a gift for that special someone?  I love using holiday ornaments as gift tags.  This would be perfect!

This month, when you purchase the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (w-128048 or c-128051) on pages 3 of the Holiday Catalog with the Candlelight Designer Series Paper (126901) on page 4, you get the coordinating Festive Paper-Piercing Pack (127857) on page 30 of the Holiday Catalog absolutely FREE! 

Simple and Elegant Christmas Card

A lot of my posts recently start with "I spotted a card on Pinterest".  I really haven't spent much time on there, really.  If I'm on there too long I get hungry!  But, it's a great place to go for inspiration!  A few days ago a friend of mine pinned an all-white, embossed card.  I don't remember much about it.  But, I liked it!  Here's my version - in vanilla (and crumb cake and soft suede).

Can you see the embossed snowflakes in the background?  I stamped a variety of snowflakes from the Snowflake Soiree Stamp Set in Versamark and heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.  It's a nice, subtle, elegant background.  How many adjectives can I use???  For the sentiment, I stamped the word Merry in Soft Suede Classic Ink and cut it out using one of the Apothecary Accents Framelits.  I layered some Victoria Lace Trim and Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon.  Finally, I adhered a Brushed Bronze Designer Button.  I cannot stop using these buttons!!!

Create a Christmas Keepsake

Stampin' Up! is offering a fabulous Christmas Keepsake Box kit for you this holiday season!  I sat down with one of my friends on Monday night and we made our boxes together.  They turned out super cute!  You can check mine out in my classroom.  I'll have it on display for the remainder of the year.

The kit is a fabulous value!  It includes instructions and most of the supplies you'll need to complete the box including fabric, buttons, ribbons, an entire container of champagne glitter and an entire package of self-adhesive pearls!  You'll have extra supplies to use on other projects! 

Christmas Keepsake Kit:  129024
Price:  $19.95
(No minimum purchase or limits apply!)

There are a few supplies that are not included in the kit:

• Pines & Poinsettias stamp set - Item # 123762 (W) or 123764 (C)
• Early Espresso, Real Red, and Wild Wasabi Stampin’ Write Markers
• Adhesives
• 3/16" Corner Punch
• Paper Cutter
• Paper Snips
• Needle
• Glue gun (I used Sticky Strip, Glue Dots, and Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive instead)
• Simply Scored (optional - the instructions don't call for it, but it would be MUCH easier if you have a scoring tool)

Christmas Lodge

The Christmas Lodge stamp set is probably my favorite Christmas stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I used it to make 126 Christmas cards for my Founder's Circle swaps - you'll get to see those next week!  And, I'm not tired of it yet!  I created this card, inspired by a card I saw on Dawn Olchefske's blog.  But it was actually designed by Jan Carlson.  I made some minor changes, but it's essentially the same card.

I stamped the lodge in Early Espresso.  I added some "snow" to the lodge and ground using the new Dazzling Details on page 41 of the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The sentiment (also from the Christmas Lodge stamp set) was stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  I added some layers of Whisper White, Garden Green Cherry Cobbler, and Frostwood Lodge DSP.  The ribbon is some Cherry Cobbler seam binding which I'd completely forgotten we offered!!!

Snow Much Fun

Today's card is the second card we made at Mary's workshop.  Just like yesterday's project, I wanted to highlight the DSP that's on sale now - Buy 3 Get 1 Free.  This card uses the new Holiday DSP - Letters to Santa.  I specifically used it because she told me she didn't like it!!!  Now, I'm not generally a mean person, but I wanted to show that this paper could be so much fun!

I stamped the snowman (from the Snow Much Fun Stamp Set) in Versamark and then Stazon and heat embossed him with Clear Embossing Powder.  Why didn't I use Black Embossing Powder?  I don't know.  I then bleached the entire snowman using an old blender pen and bleach.  I learned this trick from one of my downline members at our downline meeting last month.  It's so much fun!  Two of my demonstrators show us a fun technique each month.  This one was taught by Hallie!

After he was dry, I took Stampin' Up!s markers and added some color to my snowman in Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray, and Early Espresso.  I stamped the sentiment from the Merry & Type Stamp Set in Marina Mist Classic Ink.  I went a little overboard with the layering.  The colors are Pear Pizzaz, Early Espresso, Whisper White, and Marina Mist - the same colors used in the DSP.  I then teased them a bit with some of the new quilted Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon that will be coming out in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Christmas Home Decor

Tonight I'm stamping with Heather and about 16 of her friends!  I'm SO excited!  It's my last workshop of 2010 - and it sounds like it's going out with a bang!  She asked for a 5x7 frameable project, so here is one of the designs I came up with (I'm still toying with the idea of changing it).  I  LOVE this design (and so does she), but she originally asked for something that could be used all winter.

This frame was easy to make (as it should be if 16 people are going to make it).  I ran some Very Vanilla Card Stock through the snowflake embossing folder (the official name is escpaing me right now).  I then glitterfied the sheet with the champagne mist/rubbing alocohol mix that I'm completely addicted to!  After it dried, I stamped the tall tree from Lovely as a Tree in Always Artichoke.  Then I bunched some more ribbon - Cherry Cobbler Seam binding this time!  I added a tiny pearl to the end to give the appearance that it was tacked down.

The Seasons Greetings sentiment was fun to make!  I made a REALLY long designer label background.  I've included a photo that shows you how I did it!  But, basically, I inserted a strip of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock into the punch and punched off one end.  I then adhered the Seasons Greetings sentiment (on Very Vanilla) to my Cherry Cobbler and then put the strip back in the punch to punch the other end!  This way it looks perfectly centered!  I added some more pearls and it's done!  Voila!

Here's a close up of the strip in the Designer Label Punch!

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Six

Welcome back to my Twelve Weeks of Christmas!  This week I wanted to share with you a treat bag we made at a workshop this week.  I designed it using products from another one of the Holiday Promotion Bundles - The Gift Packaging Bundle.  I think I might have to make a bunch of these to use as favors for our annual Christmas Party!

The Gift Packaging Bundle contains a package of Mini Lunch Sacks and the Gifted Stamp Set for only $19.92 or $26.32 - depending upon if you choose wood or clear mount stamps).

I also added some Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper, Old Olive Card Stock, Very Vanilla Card Stock, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, and 1-3/4" Circle Punch.  They were so quick and easy to make!

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Five

Friday gets here quicker and quicker each week it seems!  But, I was ready for today's project!  If you attended my Die Cut Divas class this month, you were lucky enough to make this adorable banner absolutely FREE!  Yes, hard to believe, isn't it?  But, my Die Cut Divas get to attend a class every month for free.  Usually they make three projects, but this month they only made this one.  It was a bit more involved than the usual projects.  How do you become a Die Cut Diva?  Easy!  Just buy a Big Shot from me!  It's that simple.  Do you already own a Big Shot?  No problem, you're welcome to join, too, but I ask that you pay a small materials fee.

So, onto how we made this banner!

• I cut chipboard pieces into 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" squares.  This enabled me to get one banner out of our chipboard sheets.  The excess was used on the letters.
• Because I was preparing supplies for twelve banners, I glued an entire sheet of 9-3/4" x 9-3/4" Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper to a 9-3/4" x 9-3/4" Sizzix Adhesive sheet.  I then ran it through my paper cutter to cut the squares down to 3-1/4" x 3-1/4".  Does that make any sense?  I ended up with DSP stickers!
• I repeated that step with each of the four patterns of DSP. 
• I then cut 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles of chipboard out of the excess created in the first step. 
• And, similar to the DSP, I adhered a sheet of card stock to a Sizzix Adhesive sheet and cut the card stock into 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles in Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Early Espresso. 
• That was my pre-work!

When my Divas arrived, they did the following:

• They carefully cut scallop squares out of the new Scallop Square Due Die in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  It was a tight squeeze, but it definitely worked!  They then cut their letters out of the Alphabet Simple Numbers die.
• They adhered the letters to the scallop squares using Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
• Next, because they are Divas, I simply put out an assortment of coordinating embellishments so they could customize their banners.  But, do you know what?  I think they all copied mine!  (I'm flattered because that means they approved!)
• For the "N", I ran a strip of Snail (yes, Snail) down the left side of the scallop and bunched some of the Always Artichoke Seam Binding (in the Holiday Mini) and trimmed up my edges.
• For the "O", I took an Always Artichoke button (in the Holiday Mini) and tied Linen Thread through the holes and tied a bow.  I attached mine with Glue Dots, but some of the girls used the Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
• For the "E", I actually decorated the background first because the "e" is over the trim.  I cut a piece of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock using the Ribbon Punch.  I then wrapped more Linen Thread around the square twice before making a bow.  To finish the edges, I snipped the Cherry Cobbler with my paper snips as close as I could after it was glued to the square.  I then took a sanding block and smoothed the edges.
• For the "L", I simply adhered three of the Basic Pearls - I think I used the large ones.  I also took a small piece of the Victoria Lace Trim and glued it to the back.
• Finally, to string them all together, we laid our finished squares out on top of some Early Espresso Striped Ribbon to figure out spacing.  We then took a hot glue gun and adhered the squares to the ribbon.  We left a loop at the top - I used a HUGE O-Ring as a hook on mine.  Some didn't glue the top until they got home if they wanted to use something else.

Everyone who has seen this banner seems to like it.  And, as much as I was worried, my Divas didn't complain that they only made one project.  This is one I hope that they'll proudly display for years to come!

Christmas Class - Only Four Seats Left!

Did you see my Christmas Card Class?  I took the samples to Kim's workshop last night and everyone LOVED them.  There are still four seats left in my class on Thursday, November 18th!  Simply e-mail me or use the form below to register online!

In this class you will make five Christmas-themed projects in varying colors and styles!  You'll even learn a technique or two (or more).  I will provide all of the supplies needed to complete the projects!  Hope you can attend!

Dates:
- Thursday, November 18th - 7:00pm
- Sunday, November 21st - 2:00pm

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Inspiration for these cards provided by: Kimberly Van Diepen, Kelly Acheson, Kim Peck, and Glenda Travelstead

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly

That's the tune that I hum every time I talk about the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set!  Truthfully, that's how I remember how to pronounce "bough".  In this class, every attendee will go home with the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set AND an entire pack of Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper!  Each attendee will get to make four projects using their brand new "Bells & Boughs" stamp set. 

The class is being offered on two different dates because there seemed to be A LOT of interest in this class!  However, because I need to order your supplies, I'll need you to RSVP by November 5th to ensure everyone's products arrive in time!

Please use the form below or e-mail me at kristinkortonick@yahoo.com to register!

Thursday, November 11th - 7pm
or
Wednesday, November 17th - 7pm

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Inspiration for these projects was provided by:  Diana Gibbs, Mary Ellen Byler, Vicki Edwards, and Nikki Leman.

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Two

It really feels like I was posting the week one post just a few minutes ago!  WOW!  Christmas is now one week closer and I'm not any more prepared!  But, never fear, I still have a Christmas idea for you.  How about a home decor project?

Luminaries are really fun to make.  I've seen all sorts of luminaries online.  I designed this particular projects for a workshop tonight.

I took an 8.5x11 sheet of Real Red Cardstock and cut it in half.  I scored the long edge at 4" and 8" leaving a 1/2" tab for adhering on both halves of cardstock.  Next, using our Paper Trimmer, I cut a window in each of the four sides.  I adhered some cardstock vellum to the inside and then stamped my images.  I used markers, Whisper White Craft Ink, and blender pens to color my images - from the inside.  For a final touch, I used my Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive on the front and adhered some Glass Glitter around the edge for a finishing touch.

This style folds flat - perfect for storage!  And they're SO easy to make.  I can just picture a display of assorted luminaries as a holiday centerpiece!

Stampin' Up! Starter Kit

I LOVE the new Stampin' Up! Starter Kit!  I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with it this summer when Stampin' Up! invited me to present at their national convention in Utah.  You may remember me blogging about that. 

Right now is the perfect time to invest in the starter kit.  Not only do you get over $310 in products (for only $175), you also get this gorgeous tote bag AND a bonus stamp set out of the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog - it's super cute!  What I love most about the starter kit is how flexible it is!  You can mix and match and swap out most of the items in the kit!  So, last night I sat down and customized my own starter kit using many of the stamp sets in the current Holiday Mini Catalog.  Why?  Because I'm hosting an event TONIGHT where you can learn more about the kit!  Myself and a couple of demonstrators on my team are getting together to answer your questions.  So far about five people have RSVP'd to join us - and it's not too late if you're interested, too!  There's absolutely no obligation to purchase the starter kit if you join us.  Feel free to drop in just for the snacks, socialization, and stamping!

We'll be here to answer your questions, go over some of the highlights and benefits of being a demonstrator and give out door prizes while you check out the standard starter kit and make a couple of cards!  Do you want to see the cards we'll be making tonight?  Everyone who comes gets to make both of these cards absolutely free!  These are the cards I made with my "Holiday Mini" version of the starter kit.  Here's what I used (and I didn't use everything that you can get in the kit):

• Day of Gratitude Stamp Set
• French Foliage Stamp Set
• Christmas Postcard Stamp
• Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker
• Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker
• More Mustard Classic Ink
• Old Olive Classic Ink
• Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Cajun Craze Classic Ink
• Regals Card Stock
• Regals Designer Paper Stack
• Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Blender Pen
• Stampin' Sponge

Even the Water Bottles Were Festive!

I'm wrapping up my posts about my Holiday Mini Open House - I have one more to go - and it's one of my favorites.  Check back tomorrow!

But, I just had to share this one!  I even decorated my water bottles for the Open House!  I picked up 70 bottles!  I cut the label off of the bottle and replaced it with a 8" x 1-1/2" strip of Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper.  And, don't worry, if you missed it, I'm sure I'll be serving them up for the next month or so at my events!  I still have a few left!