Judi's Cuties

The Paper Players Design Team Call

2012-02-15T21:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, bear with me for this one. I am applying to be a designer! I will be showing repeats from recently for this blog and then will move on to new stuff. But hey, since I am doubling up I figure you can handle it!
My name is Judi Sparks. A little about me...I am a Christian wife, mother of 3, life long crafter and a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I also have a full-time job as a nurse with special needs children. I stay very busy but am able to make time to craft by skipping TV! I love to work with paper and play with challenges. I am posting 3 very recent projects for you to view. Thanks!

Week 4 Create with Connie and Mary Occasions Challenge

2012-02-15T19:53:00.001-05:00

A LITTLE TREAT FOR SOMEONE SWEET! That is the theme for this week's special occasions challenge. I just so happened to see this heart box on Christena Bagne's blog and went on to create one. Well, it is after Valentine's so I am either late or early for next year! I prefer to think I am just way ahead of time. Click here for her tutorial. Now, without further ado...here is my box.

Would be yummy with m&m's in there!

Valentines Box

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

We made this little box at my recent Valentines SAB class. I was inspired to make it from the one I got at Leadership. I changed the embosslits and filled it with candy when I was done. This was the little treat bag for my little preschoolers for Valentines. Don't you love the little Fancy Favor box die cut? Gotta love that Big Shot!

Ooh La La, Rue Des Fleurs

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

How about that corset? Isn't she a beauty? I would never wear one myself but if I did it sure would not cinch in the waist like this one. I love the flowers sticking out the top. The DSP I used is again from the Attic Boutique and the little tags were done using Tiny Tags. Love the lace!

A Punched Puppy

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

This little card is from Leadership and was made by Michelle Suit. Click her to see her blog at disneysuitsme.blogspot.com She was kind enough to give me her swap even though I did not have a swap to give to her. I love all the punches and creations you can do with them and this one is certainly a great example of the versatility of punches. Thanks for sharing! She used the P.S. I Love You set for some of the elements.

A Heart Felt Expression for My DH

2012-02-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

I wanted something a little more special for my DH. He is so understanding and tolerant of my need to stamp and blog! I saw this heart on the Stamping School blog and stopped everything to make it. I used the retired Newsprint DSP but you could use the First Edition Specialty DSP. It is a large heart that was hand-cut and folded to make it look like an envelope. It might be called a Heart-a-lope? In any case, I am attempting to show the folds in the photos. First fold it in half to cut the heart, then fold the outer humps of the heart to the center. Now, fold the top down and bottom up. Clear as mud, huh? I closed it by stamping a piece of Very Vanilla with the circle from Artistic Etchings and punched the red circle to go over it and added a piece of the bakers twine to tie it shut to the red circle fire brad.

A Glittery Valentines to You

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Inside of Card

Ok, this is a glitter card for Valentines. I used Real Red and stamped the flourish from Creative Elements with VersaMark and used the Heat and Stick powder to make the glitter stick. The other elements were done with Crumb Cake and the glitter paper. I stamped the buterfly on Pink Pirouette to soften it a bit. The scroll work was done using the Subtles DSP and the Lace Ribbon Border punch. I think it turned out great!

Create with Connie and Mary 188

2012-02-10T21:12:00.004-05:00

Here is the sketch and the challenge is to make a Stampin' Up! only card or project using this sketch and any colors or stamps that I choose. If you want to play along click here for all the deets!
For my sketch I took the layout seen in the mini and made it into a card. I started with the Soft Suede card stock and used some of the beautiful Attic Boutique DSP for the elements. So, what do ya' think?

This one will have to be hand-delivered or packed in bubble wrap!

A Manly Valentines Card

2012-02-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

This is one of the projects I recently made for Valentines. It is always a bit challenging to make manly cards and an occasion like Valentine's is no exception! This one was made using the Basic Grey, Whisper White and Real Red card stock. As you can see I used the new heart embossing folder for the middle of the card. The sentiment comes from the ever useful Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Take it to Heart Again!

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of the cards I took to Leadership. As per my style I kept them rather simple and easily duplicated. Of course the sentiment is from the set called Kindness Matters which is available for FREE during Sale-a-Bration. I used Certainly Celery, Rose Red and Bashful Blue for this one.

CCMC2 - Week 3 Sketch

2012-02-08T12:52:00.001-05:00

I am again playing with the Create with Connie and Mary Occasions subscription challenges. This week is a sketch challenge and I am really excited about this one! I love sketches because they seem so much easier for me to do. Here is the sketch...

And now, here is my interpretation of their sketch. What a great challenge this one was. I started with a strip from Beyond the Garden DSP. I made a strip of ribbon from the SAB ribbons and decided on butterflies instead of flowers. I think it turned out well.

That's all I have to say about that!

Black, White and Beautiful

2012-02-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

In my opinion it is really hard to mess up a black/white card. For this one I added a splash of the Wisteria Wonder. The DSP is from the Timeless Portrait. The little heart is from the set Take it to Heart. The circle is done with the Big Shot and the Perfect Pennants die. The bow was my attempt at a double bow!

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

You know how much I love, love, love the vintage stamps and this set has vintage all over it! This is from the Rue Des Fleurs stamp set in the new mini. I used the beautiful matching DSP called Attic Boutique and used the trumpet image for the focal point on this one. I left it without a sentiment on the front to make it more versatile.

Remember the Alamo!

2012-02-06T19:35:00.003-05:00

This is a shot of the Alamo that I made one of the nights as me and my hubby strolled through San Antonio while we were at Leadership in January. Being from Texas I had to post this one!

Happiness Always

2012-02-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Although I named the blog for the stamp sentiment it actually comes from the set Happy Greetings. I cased this card from somewhere making a few changes to make it mine. Then I realized it was smaller than I expected and found out that if you used the largest framelit label it will still fit in an A-2 envelope. So, live and learn. It still made a great card. With the set Apothecary Art and the wonderful ribbon and sponging I think it is simply sweet.

Check it out...Gnomeo and Juliet

2012-02-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is another FREE set I got from Stampin' Up! just for booking a party. It really isn't something that I would have normally bought but now that I had it I had to make something cute with it. My DH thinks the card is too Christmassy! I just wanted a sweet Valentine card.

Create with Connie and Mary 187

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

It is another color challenge! I know I would never have put these together so I go to my trusty stash of DSP and ... just as I feared, I got nuthin! Looks like I am on my own here. Ok, so I decided to go back to a very simple SAB card format, square squares in the above colors! I used the SAB set Elementary Elegance and came up with this one.

Not my favorite combo but "it'll do."

Announcing a New Class - Framelits

2012-02-03T21:04:00.001-05:00

Click to see it up close!

Have you seen all the framelits in the new mini? Well, they are fabulous but if you don't know how to use them they can be a bit overwhelming! That is why I have scheduled and planned a new class featuring these little gems. This class will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11th at 10 AM. The cost will be $25 to make 6 cards and a beautiful box to store them in or to use as a gift box. Please RSVP so I can get all your supplies ready. Email me or call at 678-910-9891. Thanks!

Cookies Anyone?

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I got a cute little cookie like this from a girl scout that I know at church for Christmas. I immediately knew she was on to something. Maybe this idea is not new to you but I don't remember seeing it posted recently so I am sharing this one with you. I used a DVD sleeve cover and lined the back with a sheet of wax paper to keep the oils from messing up the back. Then I baked some delicious cookies, stamped the envie with I (heart) Hearts, made a little tag and Voila! I am making these for my co-workers at school this year! Fun and Yummy, one of my favorite combos!

Free MDS Trial

2012-02-02T17:36:00.001-05:00

Have you been wanting to try digital crafting but have not wanted to spend the money for it for a trial? Well, you are in luck! From now until the end of February you can try a limited version of My Digital Studio for FREE. Click here to download and get to trying it today!

What do you do once you try it and like it?
Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.)

Twitterpated Again!

2012-02-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

At least that is what the DSP is called, Twitterpated. I used that for the background of my card. Again I used the labels collection framelits and the stamp set Apothecary Art. I water colored the image for a softer look. Look at the Baja pleated ribbon. So pretty! I posted this card to Shirley's blog hop as seen here!

Elementary Elegance - A SAB set

2012-02-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

If you love the look of this card you need to get your party on because this is a limited Sale-A-Bration (SAB) set that will be gone on March 31st. I used the SAB DSP and the brad is also from a special SAB selection. It made a very pretty card and I can give the credit for this card to Cathee. I completely cased her for this one (well, I might have changed my brad choice!) And I layered my card on Very Vanilla.

CCMC186 - Sketch Challenge

2012-01-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

It is time for my weekly Create with Connie and Mary (regular) challenge. Today is a sketch challenge. Here is the sketch...

A great sketch, huh? Anyway, I have been challenging myself to use the Beau Chateu side notes I bought at the beginning of the new catalog season and so I used one for today's challenge. I chose the Mon Amour piece since it is Valentine's season. I backed it with Pretty in Pink and used the matching DSP for the background and embossed the Marina Mist on the botton. Since I backed it all on the Crumb Cake card stock I used the matching ribbon. Very simple but that is my style!

Queen for a Day

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I quickly made this card for Sale-a-Bration using 2 of my favorite colors...Pink Pirouette and Early Expresso. I used the sentiment from the You're a Gem stamp set and the SAB set called Elementary Elegance. I cased the layout from a fellow stamper I saw on SCS. Thanks! This card will be for a co-worker of mine whose birthday happens to be today. She is out of town so I have a little time.

It's the Occasions Create with Connie and Mary Challenge

2012-01-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

What does the Occasions Create with Connie and Mary mean? Create with Connie and Mary is a blog with challenges but whenever the new mini comes out they do special tutorials for the mini that are subscription based. I love these tutorials because they are so doable and they post great instructions. So, I joined again and will have 2 challenges per week. This is the 1st challenge that I am playing with even though it is week 2. This is a color challenge. Find out more by clicking here.

To play along I had to use the above colors in a card of my own. I chose to CASE a card I made at regionals by using the colors and a few different embellishments to build the card. This is a 3x6 card. I used the fun flowers from the mini called Blossom Builders on page 18. The bottom flower was punched with the Blossom punch also seen in this new mini.

close up of flowers

It might not show very well but the center brad is from the fire circles collection and the friend tag is whisper white not the weird pink it is looking like on the computer!

One More Apothecary Art card

2012-01-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

You might get tired of this set but I am hoping you will love it so much that you will just have to have one for yourself! Once again I used the Twitterpated DSP and the colors were inspired from it. The little bow is a fork bow. Intriqued? Leave me a comment and I will send you the directions to make one. Yes, you use a fork!

Packed for Baby

2012-01-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

Another FREE stamp...Packed for Baby. I used the Flirtatious Specialty paper for my inspiration on this card. I wanted to make a girl card for an upcoming shower and once I stamped the image and cut it round I just had to go with it. I only used a little color on the stamped image and I stamped and cut the little piggy on Pretty in Pink and then cut and glued it to the bib. The B is from the Occasions Alphabet set.

Apothecary Art

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have seen so many beautiful samples made using this set. I will be showing stamps from it on a couple of upcoming cards including this one and I am sure I will have lots more to show after Leadership! For my colors I looked to the DSP called Twitterpated. I love the colors in it...Island Indigo, Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White. Note to pleated ribbon and do you see the new shape? Yes, Stampin' Up! has jumped into the framelits craze!

Take it to Heart

2012-01-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

My post today is a very fun and pretty card that was simple to do. Although Stampin' Up! does not have the Whisper White pleated ribbon and because I love that look I made my own using the Whisper White tafteta ribbon and snail. After I stamped the focal point and then glittered it using the Heat & Stick powder and Dazzling Diamonds I just snailed the back edge of the heart and pleated the ribbon as I went around. It makes a great pop for the center heart!

Sale-a-Bration is Here!

2012-01-24T07:00:00.005-05:00

Woo Hoo! It is the most wonderful time of the year to be a hostess with Stampin' Up! You can get more FREE goodies if you host a party now! Why not book yours now and see how much FREE stuff you can get! Who doesn't love FREE! BTW, this card was completely done using My Digital Studio. Click here to see the special Sale-a-Bration booklet.

Information for Customers

Information for Hostesses

Information for Demonstrators or Decision Guide

Big News from Leadership!

2012-01-24T07:00:00.004-05:00

The Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference just ended on Friday in San Antonio TX. During the conference many new things were announced including a major change to our catalogs. I'm really pleased with the change and feel it will benefit us all.

Overview of the catalog changes:
"In a nutshell, starting June 1, 2012, Stampin' Up! will release one annual catalog, comparable to (but smaller than) the current Idea Book & Catalog, and two seasonal catalogs, comparable to (but larger than) the current mini catalogs."

The current Idea Book and Catalog 2011-2012 will expire at the end of May instead of the end of June as originally planned.

The Occasions, Summer, and Holiday Mini Catalogs will be replaced by two seasonal catalogs called the Holiday Catalog and the Spring Catalog.
- The first Holiday Catalog will run from August 1, 2012 through the beginning of January, 2013
- The first Spring Catalog will run from the beginning of January, 2013 through May 31, 2013.

The seasonal catalogs will be larger in both size (8 1/2" x 11") and page count (about 40 pages) than the current mini catalogs.

Items that will be discontinued as of June 1st, 2012:
Décor Elements and Simply Adorned

There may be other retirements/items discontinued (which is normal at the end of a catalog time frame), and these will be announced later in the year. Decor Elements and Simply Adorned is being announced now as they are complete product lines not individual product that is being discontinued. This way if you love the line, you can still pick up items before they are no longer carried by Stampin' Up!.

If you want anything from the Decor Elements or the Simply Adorned lines, now would be the time to order before they disappear. Click here to order directly or drop me a line by leaving a comment.

Apothecary Art Heart

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

For this card I mixed the Apothecary labels collection with the hearts collection of framelits. I first cut the heart, then I sewed on the pleated ribbon. I stamped, cut and layered the focal point of the card and finally stamped a greeting in the corner. Again, the DSP is from Twittererpated. You are going to love all the new things in this mini!

About Sale-a-Bration

2012-01-22T07:00:00.003-05:00

Can you hear the drums beating in anticipation of Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!'s biggest promotion of the year? From Jan. 24 through March 31, 2012, customers will earn a free Sale-A-Bration gift for EVERY $50 they spend on Stampin' Up! products (including the on-line clearance rack). Spend $150 or more and you will receive both Sale-A-Bration gifts AND earn Hostess Benefits!

SALE-A-BRATION STARTER KIT DEAL! Sale-A-Bration is an ideal time to take your stamping skills to the next level and SAVE $$$! Starts Jan. 24, 2012.The Starter Kit is discounted to $125! SAVE $50 and it ships FREE. Over $340 in products! See Standard Starter Kit contents.

BONUS! Receive your choice of either FREE Designer Series Paper (you pay for shipping) or a FREE My Digital Studio Download (no shipping charge) EVERY MONTH that you are active, from Feb. through Dec., 2012. Up to a $120 value!
Enjoy demonstrator discounts and benefits thru June 30, 2012 with no obligation to purchase anything further or host workshops. There's no penalty to drop. Learn more...

STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR BENEFITS:
Receive 30% off your first order of $150 or more (or keep it as "instant income" from sales). Redeem in the first 45 days.
Get 20% off Stampin' Up! products or keep as "instant income."
Earn additional income (called a volume rebate) on your monthly product sales of $400 or more. Together, your instant income and volume rebate can reach up to 40% of your personal sales.
Pre-order select Stampin' Up! stamps, tools and embellishments a month (or more) before the customers sales period. One of my favorite perks!
Earn free stamps with Stampin' Start, Sale-A-Bration and other promotions.
Qualify for cash bonuses, product bonuses, incentive trips and other awards.
Decide to recruit and receive downline override compensation based on your recruits' sales.
Earn free hostess sets and merchandise.
Receive Stampin' Up!'s exclusive monthly demonstrator magazine, Stampin' Success.
Enjoy 2 free months of a personalized Stampin' Up! on-line store and blog (optional $12.95/mo. after trial).
Be inspired by video tutorials and project ideas on the Stampin' Up! demonstrator web site.

Valentines Sale-a-Bration Class

2012-01-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

I am offering a very fun class this Saturday, January 28th at 10 AM or 2 PM. We will be making some gifts for our sweethearts/children and some Sale-a-Bration projects all for only $20 or FREE with a $30 order (before S&H). See one sample here and please RSVP by Friday to hold your spot. Just e-mail or call to hold your spot.678-910-9891. Let's get together and play soon!

Back from Leadership!

2012-01-21T11:39:00.002-05:00

Wow! What an experience I had. Everything was so well planned out and done up to Stampin' Up! standards. When I signed in I received a cute bag that had my name tag and detailed instructions inside. What a cute bag, plus, it can be used 3 ways, as is, without the bottom part or the bottom part of the bag is reversible to one color design!

I had to leave before the last session so I am sure I missed some of the give-a-ways but still I got some handmade chocolate in a cute box made by someone at the home office. It had dark, milk and white chocolate in it so you could have it your way. BTW, the theme this year is "My Way." I got to rub noses with some of the biggest sellers and of course I saw Shelli and Sterling!

Stampin' Up! also gave us the cutest little organizer made from the same fabric. I think this is going to be in the next mini...Holidays. Shelli actually signed all the tags for the 1350 organizers. I bet she had writer's cramp!
Here is the little box they had the chocolate in it. I am sad to report that the chocolate is gone (Mike helped). It was very good chocolate.

Stampin' Up! announced some changes and I will be sharing them with you in the next few days as I remember them! Had fun, see you soon.

Candy Conversations

2012-01-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

This card just sort of evolved. It is not what it started as but this is how it turned out. Yes, I hand cut each heart! I also hand colored each one. I wanted a clothesline effect so what's a girl to do?

Art Show Project

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

This one is way over the top but yet so doable! I would love to make something like this for my guest room. Instructions are included!

Lamp frame and table runner

Paper

Always Artichoke Textured Card Stock
Pear Pizzazz Textured Card Stock
Rose Red Textured Card Stock
2010-2012 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper
First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper
Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper

Accessories & Tools
Pear Pizzazz 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon
Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
Natural Hemp Twine
Linen Thread
Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric
Subtles Designer Buttons
Pearl Basic Jewels
Simply Adorned Clear Crystal 5/8" Bauble
Simply Adorned Vanilla Pearl 1/2" Bauble
Stampin' Dimensionals
Blossom Petals Punch
Blossom Bouquet Punch
1" Circle Punch
Simply Scored
Big Shot
Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die
Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die
Blossom Party Originals Die
Floral Fusion Sizzlits Die
Sewing machine and thread

Instructions

To make the fabric table runner

Cut Pear Pizzazz Patterns Designer Series Paper to measure 12" x 9". Cut trim from fabric using Big Shot and Tasteful Trim Die. Sew trim along long edges of paper using sewing machine and thread.

To make the frame

Cut First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper to fit inside frame; adhere to inside back of frame.
Punch leaves from Always Artichoke Textured Card Stock using Blossom Petals Punch. Score center of leaves and curl slightly at score lines. Cut thin strip of Always Artichoke Textured Card Stock for stem. Adhere stem and leaves to Designer Series Paper.
Punch bottom two flowers from Rose Red Textured Card Stock and Designer Series Paper using Blossom Bouquet Punch. Cut top two flowers from Rose Red Textured Card Stock using Big Shot and Floral Fusion Sizzlits Die. Thread Linen Thread through holes in Designer Button; adhere to center of flower. Adhere flower to top of stem using Stampin' Dimensionals.

To make the lamp

Cut fabric to fit lampshade; adhere to lampshade. Cut strips of Pear Pizzazz 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon and adhere along top and bottom edges of lampshade.
Cut four pennants (front and back) from fabric using Big Shot and Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die; stitch front and back of three pennants together at top of pennant using sewing machine and thread. For last pennant, cut two smaller two-edged pennant shapes from lighter-colored fabric; align top edges of front and back pennants and smaller pennants and stitch using sewing machine and thread.
Adhere pennants to lampshade; adhere pearls between pennants.
For left-most pennant, punch circle from scrap of card stock using 1" Circle Punch; adhere to center of pennant. Score strip of First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper (5" x 1") at 1/4" marks for rosette; fold score lines; adhere folds and ends to create rosette; adhere rosette to circle on pennant.
Punch flower from Rose Red Textured Card Stock using the Blossom Bouquet Punch; adhere to center of rosette; adhere Designer Button to center of flower.
For left-middle pennant, cut strip of 3/8" Pear Pizzazz Pleated Satin Ribbon (3-1/2" long); adhere to pennant. Thread Hemp Twine through holes of Designer Button; tie bow; adhere button to ribbon.
For right-middle pennant, cut flowers from Pear Pizzazz Textured Card Stock and First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper using Big Shot and Floral Fusion Sizzlits Die; layer flowers and adhere to smaller pennant shape; adhere Designer Button to center of flowers.
For right-most pennant, cut four flowers from First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper using Big Shot and Blossom Party Originals Die; curl petals; layer flowers and adhere to pennant.
Gather center of scrap of fabric to create bow-tie shape; adhere to center of flower; thread Linen Thread through holes in Designer Button; adhere button over fabric to center of flower.
For base of lamp cut strip of fabric (1" x 8"); tie around neck; tie strip of Seam Binding Ribbon to fabric strip. Attach pearl bauble to crystal bauble and attach both to Seam Binding Ribbon.

A Love Frame

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

		Love frame
Stamps P.S. I Love You Set Sweet Cake Set Candy Conversations Single Stamp Paper Cherry Cobbler Card Stock Very Vanilla Card Stock Ink Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad 2011-2013 In Color Stampin' Write Markers Accessories & Tools Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Clips Assortment Stampin' Dimensionals Full Heart Punch Heart to Heart Punch Small Heart Punch Big Shot Hearts Collection Framelits Dies Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits Dies

Instructions

Cut letters for "Love" from Cherry Cobbler Card Stock using Big Shot and Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits Dies.
Stamp various Valentine images in Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, and Early Espresso ink on Very Vanilla Card Stock, leaving room for die-cut letters.
Cut scallop heart from stamped Very Vanilla Card Stock using Big Shot and largest heart from Hearts Collection Framelits Dies.
Adhere die-cut letters to scallop heart.
Stamp heart full of hearts in Calypso Coral ink on Very Vanilla Card Stock, and punch out using Full Heart Punch. Attach clip to heart. Tie ribbon in bow, and adhere to heart.
Adhere heart full of hearts to scallop heart using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere scallop heart to Very Vanilla page using Stampin' Dimensionals.
Punch hearts from Very Vanilla Card Stock using Heart to Heart and Small Heart Punches. Fold some hearts in half to create dimension. Adhere hearts to Very Vanilla page. Frame page.

Snowman Cover Project

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Let's think cold weather and snow...hey, I could always miss a couple of days of work to play with my stamps!

Winter Snowman

Stamps

Letter It Set
Merry Winter Set

Paper
Basic Gray Card Stock
Peach Parfait Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Blushing Bride Textured Card Stock
White Waffle Paper

Ink
Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' Pad
Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools
Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit
Baja Breeze 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon
Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine
Neutrals Designer Buttons
Twitterpated Designer Fabric
Stampin' Dimensionals
Circle Scissor Plus
Doily Punch
Full Heart Punch
1/16" Circle Punch
Big Shot
Paper Doily Large Sizzlits Die
Hot glue gun
Foam balls

Instructions

Attach stick arms to mid-sized foam ball.
Punch snow from Whisper White Card Stock using the base image of the Doily Punch. Adhere to foam balls.
Adhere foam balls together to form snowman.
Punch several additional pieces from Whisper White Card Stock using third Doily Punch image. Adhere randomly to snowman. Save one for hat.
Adhere Neutrals Designer Buttons to snowman for eyes, mouth, and buttons.
Cut two circles from Basic Gray Card Stock using Circle Scissor Plus. Wrap 2" wide piece of Basic Gray Card Stock and adhere ends to form cylinder. Adhere one edge of cylinder to large circle for hat. Adhere second circle to top of hat. Adhere Baja Breeze 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon around hat. Adhere Whisper White punched doily to top of hat.
Wrap Twitterpated Designer Fabric around neck for scarf. Tie ends of scarf with Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.
Wrap Peach Parfait Card Stock into a cone to form nose. Adhere to snowman face.
Cut six snowflakes from Whisper White Card Stock using Big Shot and Paper Doily Large Sizzlits Die. Cut off outermost portion of image.
Stamp "Winter" in Baja Breeze ink on Whisper White Card Stock. Cut out each letter.
Adhere letters to White Waffle Paper, then adhere to Doily snowflakes. Thread snowflakes onto Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine. Tie twine to twig arms.
Stamp sentiment in Basic Gray ink on Blushing Bride Textured Card Stock. Punch out using Full Heart Punch. Adhere pink rhinestones to heart. Punch hole in heart using 1/16" Circle Punch. Thread Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine through hole in heart and tie to twig arm.

Heading to San Antonio

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to be heading to San Antonio for the annual Leadership Conference Stampin' Up! does. This is the first year I have ever been to it and I am really looking forward to meeting some of the most forward thinkers of Stampin' Up! It just so happens to coincide with a conference that my hubby and I are attending in Killeen, TX. We are flying in and out of San Antonio with FREE tix (they bumped us last year) and so I decided to throw my hat in and see what all the hoopla is about!
While I am gone I will be posting some of the great ideas that we demonstrators get to see in our monthly magazine called Stampin' Success. I look forward to sharing with you as soon as I get back. I am also entering some cards that I am making using new stuff from the current mini so be ready! It is a great one. Also, Sale-a-Bration is right around the corner starting on 1/25.

Check out this very cute shoe and purse idea by Carol Lovenstein.

Carol Lovenstein's Shoe and Purse

Paper

Basic Black Card Stock
Silver Glimmer Paper

Accessories & Tools
Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon
Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Crop-A-Dile
Owl Punch
3/8" Circle Punch
1/2" Circle Punch
Big Shot
Flower, Daisies #2 Bigz Die
Frame, Oval Scallop Bigz Die
Top Note Bigz Die
Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Another Valentine

2012-01-15T07:00:00.004-05:00

This was the 2nd project for my Stamper's Club last week. This time we made a very decidedly masculine Valentine card. The colors are Real Red, Basic Black, Basic Gray and Whisper White. I used the postage stamp punch and some of the Neutrals DSP and layered it all together. The letters are from Sixxiz, called Round-a-bout. I got them on a major sale quite a while back and just had to use them for this project. The heart is the largest one from the new embosslit and I attached it with a very manly black brad.

Stamper's Club Project

2012-01-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

My stampers club met last week and we made 2 projects. The first one is just like the post I showed on the CCMC 183 but with different colors. For this one we used, Marina Mist, Pear Pizazz and Calypso Coral. We made the hearts using the new Hearts embosslit using the 2nd largest. Then we smooshed the hearts into VersaMark and then covered with Iridescent Ice and heat set them with the heat gun. I popped them up using the dimensionals. The edge of the Whisper White is scored for a little detail. The sentiment was made using just the words from the single stamp Candy Conversations.

Occasions Mini is Here

2012-01-13T09:46:00.025-05:00

Wow is all I can say! If you have not seen the latest mini...well, what are you waiting for? Just click here to see it in full, living color!

I simply had to have one of everything… and if you repeat that to my husband, I WILL deny it. But I will be sharing the new samples in the days to come!

There are AMAZING accessories and three product ‘suites’ that feature sets that coordinate with accessories:

The ‘Twitterpated’ product suite
The ‘Attic Boutique' product suite
The ‘Sweet Shop' product suite

Technique - Z Projects

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know I can't do Michelle's talent justice so I will just send you to her website. She has so many beautiful cards and she does FREE tutorials online!

CCMC 184 - A Sketch Challenge

2012-01-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

This is the sketch for the week and I sat down and made a card for it right away. I am leaving for 2 conferences back-to-back on Sunday and I will not have a chance to play while I am away. So, I first went with hearts but after seeing all the samples I changed my mind and used butterflies. I used all the In Colors for this year with a little piece of the Paisley Petals DSP. The sentiment is from the Signature Shelli Collection of stamps called Creative Elements. Without further ado, here is my take on the above sketch.

Technique - Z is for Zen Brayering

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Forgive me Michelle! But if you ever come close to me, I would love to take your class!

Technique - "Y" Projects

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

How about 3 projects this time?? Does that make up for the lame title with Y?

Create with Connie and Mary CCMC 183 - A Color Challenge

2012-01-10T19:32:00.000-05:00

Well, it is a color challenge this week and I was again a bit stumped. But, have no fear I have triumphed even if the colors are a bit unorthodox for the occasion. Here are the colors:

You have got to love the snowflake effect even though it is 60* here in the South right now. We have been having some weird weather but hey, it is the South so anything is possible! So, being that I am getting ready for Leadership (my first time ever) and I was wanting to use something from the new mini and I only have a couple of sets...I chose the Candy Conversations and the new hearts embosslit. Without further ado...

Clean and Simple

Technique - Y is for Yea! Embossing Folders

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Another stretch, but if you can come up with a better Y - Just let me know!

Technique - "X" Project

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I made up for the X technique by showing you 2 projects instead of just 1. It is still fun and I especially like the look on the dark colors of card stock.

Technique - X is for FauX Stitching

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, it is a little stretch but at this point in the process I had to keep going with the alphabet thing!

Technique - W Projects

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I found 2 great cards to show with this project. So, get out your iron and wax paper and make some cool backgrounds. While you have it out, iron some cool images on your velvet too! Irons are not just for laundry!

Technique - W is for Wax Paper Resist

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Technique - "V" Project

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

You can get velvet paper at any craft store. Sadly, SU stopped carrying it a few years ago.

CCMC182- A Sketch Challenge

2012-01-04T10:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I am getting this one in at the very last moment. I saw it all week and did not get inspired until today! So I quickly made this "no stamping" card using the wonderful Beau Chateau Side Notes from the catalog and they go perfectly with the Beau Chateau DSP so voila! I added one of my satin roses at the end for the button. Colors used are: Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, and Soft Suede.

Technique - V is for Velveteen

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

As a side note, you can also do this with real velveteen fabric to make a cool image on a pillow!

Technique - T Projects

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Just a couple of quick photos. The bottom one is the magnet and it is made on the back of a white domino.

Technique - T is for Tile Stamping

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, did you notice that I blew right by the letter T? I did not until I was all finished and double-checking. So, although it is totally out of order I am throwing it in anyway. Oops!

Another New Years Card

2012-01-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

This card features the clock from the new Forever Young set found on page 70 in the Idea Book and Catalog. I love the look of this set especially the clock and the tree. I started with the DSP Timeless Portrait and used the clock sheet of paper with the river rock. That is why my card is River Rock. I layered it with Indigo Island and added touches of black and Cherry Cobbler. It turned out well, don't ya think!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

Cardinals definitely brighten the cold winters here in Atlanta. You will look out your window or be driving along and see a flash of red and it is a cardinal. I am so glad they stick around in the winter! Anyway, I already had this whisper white embossed and looked and thought the tree would fit in and it did so I added a red cardinal that I popped up and made it a new years card. Very simple. The photo does not really show it but the layers under the white are Early Expresso and the card is Real Red.

Little Charmer Scrap Book Page

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

This adorable scrapbook page was a snap to make with our Country Club Simply Scrappin' Kit. Each kit comes with Designer Series Paper, textured card stock, and self-adhesive die cuts for a look that' s perfectly coordinated. Click here for all the supplies used.

One Final Christmas post for 2011

2011-12-29T07:00:00.006-05:00

In case you did not get one of these, this was the Christmas card I made and sent out to 30 friends far and near. It is very monochromatic and surprisingly has no glitter (I have a lot of kids with trachs). Plus, with having to make so many I wanted to keep it simple. This features 4 different stamp sets: Elements of Style, Bells and Boughs and Welcome Christmas and Hand Penned Holidays on the inside. I just love the vintage feel of it.

Are you ready to say Goodbye to Christmas?

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready to say Goodbye to Christmas...me neither. I have a couple of more posts for you and then I promise to move on the New Years and then to the promised Techniques. Remember I said we would finish them all at once after the holidays. Any way, here is another Pines & Poinsettias card. The colors used are Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla and Soft Suede. The sentiment is form the set Bells and Boughs. Another simple, understated elegant card.

Another little Christmas Goodie Box

2011-12-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was a quick and easy triangle box that I saw on a blog here. It was for Halloween so I changed it to be for Christmas. It was so cute with little chocolate candies in it and since it used only 6x6 pieces of paper it did not cost much for a little 3-D gift for friends. Bookmark this one for upcoming holidays or events.

Snow Much Fun

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I saw this card on stampercampers blog and had to copy it! It is so cute and I had not used this little snowman yet from that set. I water colored the snow man and the rest was stamped using Crumb Cake and Real Red. The hardest part was cutting out the snowman!

French Doors for Christmas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

No, I didn't get french doors for Christmas and I don't have french doors but I saw this card on Stampin' Connection and immediately set out to make one like it. The card is standard sized 5 1/2 x 4 1/4. I scored it at 2 1/8" from either end. The folded it and the door met in the middle. I set about cutting the panels and I sponged around the middle one to add depth. The top panel is on a dimensional. The wreaths are made using Garden Green and I punched a 1" circle and them punched again using the scallop circle punch. The red berries are the smallest pearls colored with a red sharpie marker. the door knobs are the gold basic glimmer brads. I am showing it open and closed for you today.

Present Time

2011-12-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas! I hope you got all that your heart desired for the holiday of gift giving. If you missed anything Stampin' Up! and it was on your must have list, you can always get it here! Plus, Sale-a-Bration is coming when you can get more stuff for FREE! Hang in there for all the details.

This little card was made with the one of the new colors, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White and the glittery red and silver papers. I just live glitter and sparkly stuff. I wish my whole tree could have presents as sparkly as these. (It is much prettier in real life!) The sentiment is for the set Hand-Penned Holidays. Again, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

A Pretty Snowflake Ornament

2011-12-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

This very pretty ornament was made by a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in Stampin' Success

Stamps

Day of Gratitude Set

Paper

Whisper White Card Stock

Ink

Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools

Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Square Ice Rhinestone Brads

Mat Pack

Paper-Piercing Tool

Snowflake Punch

Welcome Christmas card

2011-12-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Stamps

Greeting Card Kids Set

Heard from the Heart Set

Paper

Always Artichoke Card Stock

Cherry Cobbler Card Stock

Crumb Cake Card Stock

Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (retired, but the fabric could be used)

Watercolor Paper

Ink

Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad

Jet Black StazOn Pad

Accessories & Tools

Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim

Stampin' Dimensionals

Scallop Trim Border Punch

Playing with CCMC180

2011-12-21T10:22:00.001-05:00

I am actually using an older post for this challenge as I have been swamped and we are still in school here in Cobb County! One more day because they generously "furloghed" us without pay on Friday. Anyway, I knew I had a card that would fit the challenge even if it uses retired stuff.

Peace on Earth frame and trees

2011-12-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Wow! Isn't she a beauty?

Stamps

Four the Holidays Set

Parlor Prints Background Stamp

Paper

Shimmery White Card Stock

Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink

Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' Pad

VersaMark Pad

Accessories & Tools

Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder

Neutrals Designer Buttons

Fleurettes II

Pearl Basic Jewels

Stampin' Dimensionals

Blossom Petals Punch

Boho Blossoms Punch

Doily Punch

Fancy Flower Punch

Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

Big Shot

Fun Flowers Bigz L Die

Flower Folds Bigz XL Die

Blossom Party Originals Die

Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Foam cones

Frame

Hot glue gun

Straight pins

Instructions

To create trees

1.Emboss several pieces of Shimmery White Card Stock using the Big Shot and the Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

2.Stamp Parlor Prints background image in VersaMark ink on several pieces of Shimmery White Card Stock. Cover with Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder and heat emboss.

3.Cut flowers from Silver Glimmer Paper and both sets of embossed Shimmery White Card Stock using punches and the Big Shot with the Fun Flowers Bigz L, Flower Folds Bigz XL, and the Blossom Party Originals Dies.

4.Layer and attach flowers to foam cones using straight pins.

5.Adhere pearls, buttons, and Fleurettes to flower centers.

To create frame

1.Emboss Shimmery White Card Stock using the Big Shot and the Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Place inside frame.

2.Stamp sentiment in Baja Breeze ink on Shimmery White Card Stock and cut into pennant.

3.Cut flowers from Shimmery White Card Stock using the Big Shot and the Blossom Party Originals Die. Punch image from Silver Glimmer Paper using Doily Punch. Layer flowers, doily, and pennant using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere pearl to center of doily. Adhere to frame using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Christmas Gifts Stampin' Up! Style

2011-12-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Stamps

Hand-Penned Holidays Set

Distressed Dots Background Stamp

Contempo Stampin' Around Wheel

Paper

Cherry Cobbler Card Stock

Whisper White Card Stock

Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper

Ink

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

Basic Black Craft Stampin' Pad

VersaMark Pad

Accessories & Tools

Black Stampin' Emboss Powder

Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Cherry Cobbler 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Stampin' Dimensionals

Scallop Trim Border Punch

Simply Scored

Instructions

To create hat box:

1.Stamp Distressed Dots Background image in VersaMark ink on hat box. Apply Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter.

2.Wheel Contempo image in Cherry Cobbler ink on Whisper White Card Stock. Cut out and adhere around edge of hat box top. Adhere Rhinestone Basic Jewels to Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon at 1/2" intervals. Adhere over Contempo wheel image.

3.Punch one edge of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock using Scallop Trim Border Punch.

4.Score punched Cherry Cobbler Card Stock and piece of Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper every 1/4" using Simply Scored. Create rosettes. (See page 22 of the November 2011 Stampin' Success for more details on how to create a rosette.)

5.Layer rosettes and adhere to hat box using Stampin' Dimensionals.

6.Stamp "Merry Christmas" in VersaMark ink on Whisper White Card Stock. Cover with Black Stampin' Emboss Powder and heat emboss. Cut into pennant (1-3/8" x 8"). Cut strip of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock into pennant (1-1/2" x 8-1/4"). Adhere pennants together. Score 1" from each end of pennant; score again 1/4" from previous score mark. Fold at score lines to give pennant dimension. Adhere over rosettes.

To create bottom box:

1.Wrap box in Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper.

2.Tie Cherry Cobbler 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon around both gifts.

Merry and Bright Card

2011-12-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Stamps

Merry & Type Set

Paper

Very Vanilla Card Stock

Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper

Ink

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools

Old Olive 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon

Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Stampin' Dimensionals

Blender Pens

1" Circle Punch

Peace on Earth Tag

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Stamps

Merry & Type Set

Paper

Cherry Cobbler Card Stock

Old Olive Card Stock

Very Vanilla Card Stock

Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper
Ink
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools
Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon
Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
Crop-A-Dile
Decorative Label Punch
1/2" Circle Punch

Big Shot

Two Tags Bigz Die

Snow Banner

2011-12-17T07:00:00.004-05:00

I think little banners like this one seen in our Stampin' Success magazine make great quick little gifts for friends and neighbors that they can use for years. In fact, I think I will make one for my neighbor now!

StampsSnow Much Fun Set
Paper
Lucky Limeade Card Stock
Not Quite Navy Card Stock
Pool Part Card Stock
Soft Suede Card Stock
Very Vanilla Card Stock
Watercolor Paper
Ink
Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin' Pad
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad
Jet Black StazOn Pad
Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker
Frost White Shimmer Paint
Accessories & Tools
Dazzling Details
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter
Not Quite Navy 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Not Quite Navy 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon
Filigree Designer Brads
Basics Glimmer Brads
Silver Mini Brads
Stampin' Dimensionals
Blender Pens
Modern Label Punch
Big Shot
Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die
Serif Essentials Alphabet Bigz Die
Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Merry and Bright

2011-12-16T07:00:00.002-05:00

Maybe I am sentimental at heart but I love these old looking ornaments. When we were kids we had lots of these old ornaments that disappeared over the years. I am sure that we broke them just to get new ones. It really makes me sad now especially when I see what people are selling them for in antique booths.

Clearance Blitz Now!

2011-12-15T16:37:00.000-05:00

Dates: December 15, 2011-January 5, 2012

Details:
Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items are being added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail--while supplies last!
Things to Remember

Only demonstrator and online orders qualify for this promotion. Orders can include non-Clearance Rack items, as well.
The Clearance Rack Blitz includes old-body style punches.
There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.
Qualifying Clearance Rack orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards.
Demonstrators will receive instant income on all Clearance Rack purchases made through the Online Store: DBWS subscribers will receive 20 percent and non-DBWS subscribers will receive 10 percent.
Following the Clearance Rack Blitz sales period, some blitz items may remain in the clearance rack; others may be removed and reappear at an undesignated time in the future.
Clearance Rack Blitz items are only available while supplies last. There are no refunds or exchanges on Clearance Rack items.
You may view Clearance Rack Blitz items in my personal website by clicking here.

Snow Much Fun

2011-12-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Speaking of snow, how about this cute little snowman card! It was so simple to make and really a no layer project. Easy to make, fits in a regular envelope and just enought glitter to give it the Wow! factor. Enjoy.

Let it Snow!

2011-12-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Well, we rarely ever get a white Christmas here in Atlanta. I hear we got one last year but alas, I missed it! I say bring on the snow and leave the ice alone. This card has a giant snowflake on it for a little inspiration.

Come to Bethlehem

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

It is still not too late to get those cards in the mail. I am posting another of my Christmas in July class cards today. It is pretty simple and easily duplicated. Don't have the supplies? Leave me a message and we can make them together here.

Dasher card

2011-12-12T07:00:00.005-05:00

If you think you are seeing double...well, I am re-posting the cards we made at my Christmas in July card class. Since they are all Christmas and seeing as I need to get ahead so I can move on to shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, mailing etc...I am going to show these 5 cards again. Please forgive me and get over it. (LOL)

This one took the most time with all of the layering, sponging, cutting aligning etc.. Everyone also loved it.

Joy Banner

2011-12-11T07:00:00.006-05:00

This one practically bounces off the page with all the glimmer papers on it. I wanted something that would be eye catching but not too overwhelming and this is it. It is a simple and oh so pretty banner. Not too hard, I did it by starting with the letters that I handcut and then layered it all from there. Of course, I had to do more of the beautiful poinsettias.

A Christmas Memory Book

2011-12-11T07:00:00.005-05:00

Front Cover

A look at the pages all together


Pages 1 & 2

Pages 3 & 4

Pages 5 & 6

A quick glimpse of the pull-outs

Ok, so I saw this idea last year on 1/8 to be exact and saved it for such a time as this. The original can be seen by clicking here. She offers a tutorial but I just kind of looked at it and made my own. I used some retired DSP and some current and retired embellishments to make the book. Each page has a 2 sided pull-out. I hope my pictures help you understand how I did it.

Create with Connie and Mary CCMC 179

2011-12-10T16:13:00.001-05:00

I am playing for blog candy! Oh yeah! Well, I love the challenges and a little candy can't hurt. Anyway, this week is a color challenge. I was stumped for a few days but finally got a handle on it. I pulled out the sewing machine (even though the light is out) and put a few touches on the card. The colors are:

I used the Snow Much Fun set and some of the 6x6 DSP that is in the In Colors stack for 2010-2011 on the background. It sort of reminded me of snowflakes. I used the cute chubby snowman and colored him in using the Many Marvelous Markers.

Another Goody Box

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have said it before and I am sure I will say it again, but you can never have too many little gifts handy for this time of year and who wants to spend $$$$$. Why not make your little gifts for your friends and neighbors? They will surely appreciate them even more than some cheesy thing you happened to pick up at the Dollar store.

I made this box in minutes, literally. I think it took me about 20 minutes to make but if I were making more I would surely do them in assembly line style. Why not make them up for teacher gifts. This box has 2 pockets for holding little goodies. I put the yummy Coldstone Creamery hot chocolate packs in this one but you could put anything in them. Be creative! Contact me if you want to dimensions for this box.

A Candy Treat

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love having little gifts laying around to share with co-workers or friends and this one hits the spot for anyone. It is a little box filled with chocolates. Some are wrapped in DSP and some are wrapped in stickers that I stamped using the It's a Wrap Holidays stamp set. I finished it off with dsp wrap and another poinsettia and a little tag from Tags til Christmas set.

Come to Bethlehem

2011-12-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

I love the simplicity of this set and the simple way our Lord came to earth...he made himself a little lower than the angels so that we could have salvation! Praise him now and forever more. That is what Christmas is about is it not? This card says it all... Oh, come let us adore Him...

Pines & Poinsettias

2011-12-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Don't you love the paper bow that is featured on this card? You can see the tutorial by clicking here. It was fun and easy to make. I used some of the designer paper from the Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' kit. What a fun and pretty card when it all came together.

Create with Connie and Mary CCMC 178

2011-12-06T12:34:00.000-05:00

Sorry, it is not a Christmas post. Note, no red or green type. But I had to play with Connie and Mary for a chance at that blog candy. See their post here. I used Early Expresso, Blushig Bride, Pear Pizazz and Whisper White for my card. The set used is called Circle Circus a very fun circle set. See you tomorrow for another Christmas all the Way post.

Snowflakes or Doilies?

2011-12-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

I was struck with how cool these doilies would look as snowflakes and made a card showing just that. It is simple in Basic Black and Whisper White. I embossed the snowflakes in silver to make them shine a bit kind of like looking out the window at night while it is snowing.

A Standing Z-fold Card

2011-12-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

closed

open & standing

I was inspired by ????? Sorry, I can't remember right now. Anyway, I saw her card and decided to make mine similar to hers. I used the beautiful Letters to Santa DSP for my inspiration along with the Merry and Bright stamp set. I love the vintage look of the paper as well as the ornaments. The card is Crumb Cake and other supplies used were: Early Expresso & Whisper White card stocks. The inks are Cherry Cobbler and Marina Mist. I added a touch of dazzling diamonds to make it sparkle a bit. I think it turned out lovely!

Butterflies for Christmas?

2011-12-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but down in the south we don't usually decorate our Christmas trees with butterflies but last year I was out of the country on Christmas. While we were in Curacao and Bonaire we saw lots of trees that were decorated using butterflies. A bit different but just as pretty as ours. That inspired me to make a butterfly Christmas card. I kept it simple: Whisper White and Real Red card stock. The only ink was versamark and I embossed the Hand Penned Holiday sentiment with silver. Then I used my Big Shot and the butterfly sizzlit to make these little butterflies.

Sour Cream Containers - A Tutorial

2011-12-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

It has been a really long time since I made these little sour cream containers. I guess they got their name because they look like the sour cream containers some fast foods use. Any way, I had some retired DSP and I decided to use it for these. I have decided to fill them with goodies (like cash) and hang them on the tree for the kids to find! They are really simple to make and I am sharing a quick tutorial here for you.

Tutorial

Cut a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 sheet of designer paper.


Roll it long ways and attach the 2 sides (like a toilet paper roll)

Showing the close-up of the sealed end shown below...open ended

Now seal one end and fill with goodies

Seal the 2nd end on the different angle as shown

Crimp the ends with your crimper tool

Now embellish and hang on your tree or fill a bowl for a party

Pretty Poinsettia

2011-12-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

I saw this card posted on Robin Merriman's site in October and quickly followed her tutorial to make the beautiful poinsettia shown on this card. As you can see, I have also attached the tutorial for you. I used Shimmery White, Garden Green and Red Glitter card stock. I also used an antique brad for the center and lots of stampin' dimensionals. The Merry Christmas is from the set Four the Holidays. I embossed it with the silver embossing powder. Doesn't this make a special wow card?

Greeting Card Kids

2011-12-01T07:00:00.003-05:00

Don't you love the vintage feel of this card and stamp set? I know I do! I have been collecting antiques since way before I was one so naturally I am drawn to this kind of set. In fact, the very first set I bought from Stampin' Up! 11 years ago was a vintage set. This card has a soft set of colors with the Bashful Blue, Basic Black and the Whisper White. Note the glitter on the little girls coat. When my daughter was 3 we had one of these coats in red. I better close this post before I get all mushy.

A Lopsided Lollie Tree

2011-12-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

Ok, since I made the cute pumpkin for the fall I have been wanting to make a Christmas tree with the lollies. I just got around to it after my wonderful cruise with my hubby and so I am posting it here today. I used the pattern I got from here. Mine is of course different but who knows what the master looked like! The base of my tree was made using an empty mushroom can.

"Inchie" Countdown Project

2011-11-30T07:00:00.010-05:00

OK, you all are going to love, love, love this one and say, 'Why didn't you show it earlier?' Well, I just didn't, don't ask me why! But, you can just drop everything and make it tonight. Hey, that is what I did when I saw it! There is a full tutorial on Qbee's website. You will need lots of card stock and a little patience. It took me about 2 hours to make it. Get going...time's a wasting. Call me if you need any supplies and I can get a rush order together for you provided that I have it all.By the way, each number opens to a little box that holds a candy kiss!

Create with Connie and Mary color challenge - CCMC 177

2011-11-29T16:30:00.000-05:00

Funky colors for Christmas but hey, I gave it a whirl!

Ok, I used a sketch I had used once before and made the colors match the challenge. At first my snowman was just the River Rock color but it looked so dirty that I took my Signo gel pen in white and colored him blurring it as I went. Then I took the 2 way glue pen and added glitter to the accents on the snowman and on the snowball.

2011-11-29T07:00:00.002-05:00

Can you guess how I made this ornament? Yep, I used my Big Shot and the Petal Cone die. I used Cherry Cobbler for the base and cut more of the Letters to Santa DSP to cover the triangles of the ornament. The silver piece is also from the Big Shot die called, Perfect Pennants. The sentiment is from the set Bells and Boughs. This ornament is very sturdy and if packed right should last for years.

2011-11-28T08:44:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the late notice...I have just gotten back from my holiday cruise with hubby and just had time to get on the website and find this special.

Click here for more details.