A Stack of Crackers...

OK, I think that this will be my last holiday post, at least for this year! We recently went on a Christmas cruise with our kids and I had really good intentions of celebrating all the major holidays we missed this year but alas, all I made was these little holiday crackers. How many of you use these little things on the table for Christmas? I made these 8 to set at our final dining night on the cruise. Inside was a Christmas joke like...What do you get when you deep fry Santa?...Crispy Kringle. Lame, I know but I like it! I also had little candies and treats inside. They are not sealed in the picture because I was still filling them.

Happy New Year's...see you next year!

Looks Crooked but it's Not!

Funny lighting and the card is gone so I cannot take another picture of it. But I think you get the idea. I stamped the snowflakes from Endless Wishes with Coastal Cabana and Real Red. I then layered it quickly and simply. Added a snowflake charm just 'cause!

Seasonally Scattered in Red and Green

This one was done with traditional colors of Real Red and Garden Green. I love the way that it came out and is still very clean and simple.

CCMC335 - Sketch Challenge

It is a sketch! I do love a sketch and this one looked fun to me so I am jumping in after 3 weeks of no stamping. Yes, I said no stamping. I have been on hiatus with a family cruise and the holidays. I got all my posts done early and was able to relax. Today I am playing a little.

For this sketch I used some of the new Stacked With Love designer paper stack with some of the fall designer pack. I featured the steam ship from the Traveler set and the compass rose from The Open Sea. Basic Black and Whisper White. A simple, classic Thank You card. Perfect for after the holidays.

My Little Wreath

I had originally intended to just have the sparkly bow on the card but it seemed like it needed a little something. I tried the wreath but I had already stamped the words and so it was too big. Not one to be easily put off I just made my own little wreath. I colored the pearls with my Blendabilities. Speaking of Blendies...there will be new colors in the upcoming Occasions mini catalog!

Cheerful Christmas

As I said, I needed more cards and this one was so simple when I colored the main part with the Real Red Stampin' Spot that I was able to make 3 in the time it might take to think up one card! Very pretty!

A Few More Merry's

Technically I guess Christmas is over...however, I made a few more cards because I did not have enough to mail out and so I am posting pictures of them here. I will round out the year with Christmas cards/projects. Keeping it CAS!

Nutty or Nice?

By now, the gifts have been opened and shared for most of you. You know whether you got goodies or coal. Did you get to see a rendition of 'The Nutcracker' this year? We went so many times with our little girl and I still love that music and story. However, the dream of the mean rats is a bit gruesome! Thank goodness for the big nutcracker coming in to save the day!

More Peeps!

Yes, I was perusing a little store and found these very green Tree Peeps and couldn't resist. I know, they are so yummy to some and so yucky to others. If you are in the "Elf" category as I am, well, you know we like to eat candy! Since the trees were so bright I decided to use bright colors on the topper. Fun!

Merry Christmas 2014

Merry and Bright Snowmen

I made this quick little card in a couple of minutes. Remember I said that I was sending out all the cards that I made this year? Well, I need a lot more than I have shown you here on the blog so I have been making duplicates of some. This one was made using a piece of the DSP in the Santa and Co DSP. The snowmen are there and I cut the one sheet into four 4 x 12 sheets. I added a few snowflakes and the sentiment and Voila!

My...Where has the Season Gone?

It is so hard that the season is almost over! I just love Christmas and the holidays. You know how I like to keep it simple. Even as I am finishing the month of blogs here, today is just the 3rd here in OKC and yes, I am finishing the month of December! Yea! Time for relaxing and enjoying!

Today I am showing a couple of tags that would be perfect for a gift for a man/hubby/son etc...Not too fancy and not too cutesy.

Christmas Wishes Box

What a beautiful box from Stampin' Up! They do a great job...it is no small wonder that they are a million dollar company and totally in the black! Shelli  has built a creative team that never ceases to inspire me and others just like you. Thanks! 

Ornamental Pine Stamp Set

Paper
Kraft Cardstock
White Vellum Cardstock
Under The Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper

Ink
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories & Tools
Takeout Boxes
Natural & Olive Two-Tone Trim
1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon
7/8" Cotton Ribbon
Hot glue gun

Holidays Tiny Treat Box

Only 5 days until Christmas!!!!

25 Days Stamp Set
Watercolor Winter Too Stamp Set

Paper
Whisper White Cardstock
Nordic Noel Designer Series Paper

Ink
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools
Tiny Treat Boxes
Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder
Silver Metallic Baker's Twine
All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishments
Stampin' Dimensionals
Big Shot
Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies

Ornamental Pine

This is was one of the first sets that caught my eye when the holiday mini came out. I love the simplicity of the pine bough. I also miss all the pines of Georgia and the southeast. Boy, I never thought I would say that! But it is true, here as fall and winter descend...it is very brown for as far as the eye can see. Rarely might you see an evergreen. Ahh, such simple beauty!

Snow Much Fun!

I am crazy for Peeps and have been since I was a child. Of course, I am still very childlike and plan to never change! I was so excited when they finally started making Peeps for all seasons. These little snowmen are irresistable to me. So, I had to make some little Peeps Pals for friends.

Star Boxes...Check them out!

Star Boxes

Stamps Many Merry Stars Stamp Set Ink Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad Accessories & Tools Many Merry Stars Simply Created Kit

Red Bird, Red Bird

Red bird, red bird, what do you see? This is such a pretty bird and they really stand out in the winter snow and barren landscape. I am so glad that they do not fly away in winter! I made this card using Cherry Cobbler and watercolor paper. The blendabilities work perfectly with the watercolor paper!
You gotta try 'em!

Visions of Santa

I got this idea from Becky Roberts...a very cute stamp set and some very funny cards! Some might even dare to say 'risque' to see Santa in his long underwear! Gasp! Just makes me laugh!

Merry Muslin Bag

Stamps

Cheerful Tags Stamp Set

Paper
Whisper White Cardstock
Under the Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper

Ink
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools
All Is Calm Designer Washi Tape
Mini Muslin Bags
Silver Metallic Baker's Twine
All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishments
Note Tag Punch
Handheld Stapler
Silver Mini Staples

Tree Punch Card

For this tree I actually used the matching punch and then featured the Trim the Tree designer paper stack.  As you can see I used an embossing folder for the dots. It was very quick to make and I love the pop that the red makes for the tree!

Angel Ornament/Tag

I made these last year and they were so pretty I had to do them again. These were made using the bow template from last year's packaged bows that were recently on the Clearance Rack at Stampin' Up! I used Very Vanilla and stamped them using Cherry Cobbler and snowflakes. The gold glitter paper makes them really shine!

Remember Him Card

Stamps

The Newborn King Stamp Set

Paper
Lost Lagoon Cardstock
Shimmery White Cardstock
All Is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper

Ink
Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad
Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad
Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
Pistachio Pudding Classic Stampin' Pad
Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pad
Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad
Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad
Jet Black StazOn Pad
VersaMark Pad
Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

Accessories & Tools
Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder
Natural & Olive Two-Tone Trim
Frosted Sequins
Stampin' Dimensionals
Aqua Painter
Stampin' Spritzer

Ferrero Rocher Box

I had big ambitions of making each night special on the cruise and celebrating a different occasion each night. Alas, I don't think that will be happening this time. However, I still have 7 days from when I am writing until I cruise. So maybe...this could be a little gift for the kids.

Little Snowman

Isn't this little snowman so cute? I used the new and fun White Christmas set to make this quick and simple card. I used a piece of the Moonlight DSP stack for the background because it gives the effect of snow. The card is Pool Party. I colored again using my blendabilities.

Headed off to a Cruise...

Well, if you have been following me for any time you know that I was transplanted to OKC last year when my hubby got a job with a church here...you, 'where you go I will go...' So, here I am. And, we have been away from our children for almost a year now. Well, as fate would have it, or a God incidence; we started a cruise fund a few years ago. Putting a little away for birthdays and Christmas's instead of gifts we don't need. We put it in a fund and now we are heading out to spend some quality time with our 3 children and their mates. Yea! So, I am posting a few ideas from Stampin' UP! so I will not leave you, my readers in the dark. Today is a cute little Santa tag. Enjoy!

I will not leave you all alone, I am mixing the few Stampin' Up! ideas into a few of my own. Borrowing a few of SU! ideas is all part of my 'no stress' holiday mantra. Get her done so you can relax through December and just enjoy all that the holiday can be! I hope you have a little down time too to do what you love and I hope you love what you do!

Get Your Santa On Tag

Stamps Get Your Santa On Stamp Set Paper Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack Ink Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad Tuxedo Black Memento Pad Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Blendabilities Markers Color Lifter Stampin' Blendabilities Marker Skin Tone Stampin' Blendabilities Markers Smoky Slate Stampin' Blendabilities Markers Accessories & Tools 7/8" Cotton Ribbon Clothespins Stampin' Dimensionals 2-1/2" Circle Punch

Santa Suit Card

This one is so clean and simple. If I were making 'a' card this year this one might be it. I have decided that this year I am going to make and send out all the cards that I am showing on my blog. No one card for me this year. That way things will be even more simple and no worries of running out of one thing or another!

Olaf the Snowman

This is my attempt at making an Olaf card. I think my grandchildren will like it. Not sure I have it perfect but ... it is the thought that counts!

'Retired' Snowflake Project

I was cleaning my room up a little and came across an unopened package of these red ornaments/snowflakes. I knew immediately that they could not sit unopened any longer. I quickly put them all together and attached them to little whisks and filled with candies. They will be yummy/useful gifts for friends at work!

Another Festival of Trees Card

Aside from the shadow on the card, I think this one is about perfect! I love the Lost Lagoon with the Smoky Slate! They just compliment one another perfectly. The ovals are done with my Big Shot and of course the washi tape is perfect for a little extra accent. 

CCMC331 Challenge

Oh boy! It is a sketch. I love the sketches. Just add ink, stamps and maybe a punch and you are done. This one has stumped me for a while but at the last minute I am jumping in there with a post. I am playing with the tree punch and made graduated trees using DSP from the Trim the Tree stack. The sentiment is from Wondrous Wreath (because it was on my desk). The colors are Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green.

My Card...

Festival of Trees

For the next few days I will be featuring cards made using the Festival of Trees stamp set from the current mini catalog. This is a great and very versatile set. I have quickly and simply made several cards using it and I still have not featured all the different trees it has to offer! I used a piece of the Moonlight Designer series papers for the background and behind that is Lost Lagoon on a Whisper White card. I also used the pretty and fun All is Calm washi tape. 

Pals Paper Arts Sketch 229

What a fun challenge for this week. I jumped right in there knowing exactly what I wanted to do with this one. I am using the ever fun and festive silver and gold glitter paper for my circles! It really screams Christmas to me. Thanks for looking and for all your kind comments!

Merry and Bright Star Kit

Click the picture to go to a you tube video.

Make your own 3D stars this season in a variety of sizes and patterns. Use them for ornaments, home décor, place cards, and more. The largest star can take the place of honor on your front door or on your mantel. You get enough to create a 15" | 38 cm star and 25 smaller stars, 5 each of 5 sizes: • Printed, die-cut star pieces • Printed, self-adhesive die-cut side pieces • Wooden snowflakes • 7 sheets die-cut tags, banners, greetings, and accents Many Merry Stars Simply Created Kit We recommend the following to ensure your stars adhere together as they should: • Use additional adhesive—especially if you live in a region with high humidity. • Use a Bone Folder to make sharper folds and reduce stress on adhered joints. • Make sure your hands are clean of anything that might reduce adhesion (lotion, etc.) and avoid touching the areas with adhesive. • Take extra care to press adhered seams together firmly.

Creating Pretty Cards – Card Challenge #41

Here is our next Creating Pretty Cards – Card Challenge #41!!

Creating Pretty Cards – Sketch #41

I took a slightly different approach as my banner hangs in the trees!

Stop and Give Me Ten

Stop and Give Me Ten Wednesday, November 12, 2014 by June Hunt My road manager, Sharon, and I have come up with a simple game when we're traveling for when one of us notices that the other is especially grumpy or negative. We call it the "Stop and Give Me Ten" game, and I assure you that in spite of the title, it has nothing to do with push-ups. (If I attempted ten push-ups in a row in my current out-of-shape state, I might break my nose when collapsing to the floor.) The "ten" in the title refers to all the fingers on two hands worth of things we're grateful for. For instance, recently after a long day of delayed flights we got to our destination airport only to discover that the car rental company had given away the SUV Sharon had confirmed with a credit card and only had compact cars left. So after breaking two nails trying to cram all of our luggage and several heavy cases of books into the petitemobile, I climbed into the passenger's seat with a huff. Then I began to complain about all the inconveniences—the delays, disgusting airport food, tiny seats, etc.—that we'd had to endure in the span of eight hours. After listening to my whiney chorus for a while, she turned to face me and commanded in her best impression of a Master Army Sergeant: "STOP AND GIVE ME TEN!" So I stopped, partly because she was driving in Dallas traffic and I was afraid she was going to rear-end the car in front of us, and partly because I'd been on a really good griping roll! But then I submitted, held my hands up, and raised all ten fingers in quick succession: I'm thankful our flights were only delayed and not canceled. I'm thankful we're in a car instead of on foot. I'm thankful I make enough money on the road to pay my mortgage. I'm thankful I get to see women launch themselves into the arms of Jesus for the first time almost every weekend. I'm thankful I got to make it home in time to be with Dad one last time before he passed away. I'm thankful he and mom forgave each other and developed such a sweet friendship before he died. I'm thankful I have family and friends who've experienced my long list of shortcomings and yet still love me. I'm thankful God is so strong when I'm being such a weenie baby. I'm thankful He's slow to anger and rich in compassion. I'm thankful we're staying at a decent hotel tonight. And it's amazing how just thirty-six seconds of practicing gratitude totally changed my mood. I went from Eeyore to Tigger in less than a minute. I know it's a much more difficult thing to practice gratitude when your husband walks away, your baby dies, your cancer returns, or your company is downsized and you find yourself out of a job. But I promise it still works. Granted, it's more of a stretch, but extending past the pain of life to reach for the joy God promises is so very, very worth it. From Overextended...and Loving Most of It. © 2013 Lisa Harper (Thomas Nelson, Inc.) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Get Your Fat Pants On...It is time for Turkey!

Now, my card has nothing to do with my header but I thought you might like it! I am so thankful for this Thanksgiving. Even though we are not close to our families we have so many blessings to be thankful for. God is so good and He has not left us without his blessings! Plus, I am finished with my Christmas shopping!

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun...

\
Back to New York. When our youngest child was in the 10th grade her band was invited to play at the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade. Needless to say, we chaperoned. As we went all through New York City the city was not lit until on Thanksgiving Day. The windows are decorated but not displayed. They do not skip out on this important holiday. Thanksgiving I think gets the shaft! As soon as Halloween is over, maybe before, people are decorating for Christmas. Well, my blog waits! Plenty of time for Christmas. I might be working on it, but I am not posting it unitl after Thanksgiving. The reason I am working on it is because I do not believe the holidays are supposed to be about being crazy and getting cranky. Relax and enjoy. Remember the reason for the season and be blessed so that you may share His blessings with others!

CCMC330 - Color Challenge

I played along on Sunday but almost forgot to post my card! It sure would not be the first time. I have been so busy getting ready for the holidays that I have not been up in my craft room for a few days. So, I am running up here tonight to do my post for the CCMC this week. Thanks for looking!