Holiday Cheer

I've been working to come up with some designs for our annual Stamp-a-Stack which is coming up October 6th.  Since I've been neglecting my stamping for jewelry lately I'll post four cards at once.  I have another done, but haven't yet photographed it. 

 

 My new order from SU will be here on Friday so I'll have more stuff to play with and post then!  This first one is using the new Holiday Frame embossing folder.  I love how the Cherry Cobbler baker's twine looks but the punch I used on the corners is not by Stampin' Up! so I don't think we'll be making this one. 

For this one i stamped an ornament from Delightful Decorations on the Limited Edition DSP then embossed it with clear powder.  I have ordered the Cherry Cobbler powder so next time I can stamp with Versamark instead of the Versamark then Cherry Cobbler combination.  



 

This style of stamping has a name, something like Subway style?!?  Basically you just gather a large number of sentiments and stamp them in varrying directions.  I have at least 15 different stamps on here, many from very old retired stamp sets, all stamped in various shades of green.  The card base is Gumball Green, and it is finished off with some Cherry Cobbler Seem Binding.  Are you getting the idea that I like Cherry Cobbler for Christmas cards??

And finally... this one is actually Real Red with Always Artichoke and Naturals Ivory.  The tree, from Snow Swirled is an old favorite.  I embossed it in silver on the Limited Edition DSP then sponged over it with Artichoke ink.  If you're wondering, my sponge dauber had some other green on it and even though it was dry, it showed up more than the artichoke.  Next time I'll use a brand-new sponge dauber.  The tree ornaments were punched from the glittery red paper with a standard hole punch and the 1/8" hole punch. 

Thanks for visiting!  Why don't you let me know YOUR VOTE if you had to choose which of these you'd want to make at a Holiday Stamp-a-Stack. 

~Kristin

Pennant Tree

Sorry about the shadow... had trouble getting a good photo this morning.  Either too much shade or too much sun- couldn't find 'just right'.  How's this for a Clean & Simple Christmas card?  I enjoyed borrowing the sketch from Card Patterns for this one!

This one, or something similar might be in the running for the Christmas SAS I've been posting about lately.  (see THIS post for details)  I have a little surprise on the inside that you can see if you come to the SAS!  How's that for a little incentive?!  LOL

Gotta run, hope you like it! 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  All Holidays

Colors:  Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Pennant Punch, 2.5" circle punch, scalloped dotted ribbon punch, white gel pen, Crop-a-Dile (for red ornaments on tree)

Lovely as a Noel Tree



Good morning!  I've been busily working on Christmas designs for our upcoming Stamp-a-Stack (see THIS post for details).  Here is one I came up with which was inspired by the Stampin' Royalty sketch found HERE.  I'm trying to keep this simple so had to leave a few details off but the design was definitely driven by that sketch. 

I wish the picture could do this one justice- I think it is so pretty in person with the tiny little rhinestone at the top of the tree and the texture of the Woodgrain background on the Early Espresso card base.  In my mind this card kind of tells a story- which might be why I like it so much.  Our family has some neat memories, thanks to my mom, of going to the tree farm and selecting the perfect tree to take home for Christmas.  We'd have so many laughs and stories to tell by the time we got home- including little pranks the FSILs (favorite-son-in-laws) liked to play! 

So here is another picture in my attempt to get the best shot- neither is what I was hoping for but you get the idea.  If you'd like to see it in person (and maybe make one just like it) then be sure to sign up for our Christmas Stamp-a-Stack coming up on October 29th. 

Stop back tomorrow for another potential SAS card... and maybe a scrapbook page or two (I've gotten 12 done recently I could share). 

Thanks for visiting!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Lovely As a Tree, Many Merry Messages, Woodgrain background

Colors:  Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green

Accessories:  rhinestone, Very Vanilla ink, Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon, linen thread, Modern Label punch

Stacked Snowman

What do you think of this stacked snowman?  Isn't he just a fun idea!  Copied him from Connie Babbert's card HERE.  You'll notice his arms are missing... but do you think it matters?  I don't have that large snowflake punch and was trying to decide if I need to order it or leave him like this.  If it seems early to you to be making Christmas cards, well think again... because the ladies and I are working out the details for our annual Christmas card Stamp-a-Stack in October!!  I can't wait and you just might see this card design again.  If you have never been to a Stamp-a-Stack or have never even stamped before THAT'S OK!!  Scroll to the bottom of this post and I'll give you the details. 

This is the sketch I used for my snowman card.  Can't you see all kinds of possibilities with this?  Well, even if you can't the Clean & Simple blog has another sketch up already!  I'm just behind. 

That's all I'm going to say about that... supplies will be listed at the end of this post. 

 That was the view from my front porch this morning.  Isn't that amazing?!  I just want to stare at it- causes one to reflect on life a little bit doesn't it?! I'll take the 39 degree morning if it means having a gorgeous sunrise like this. 

So, you've read this far and you just might be interested in the Christmas Stamp-a-Stack details.  Look no further: 

When:  Saturday October 29th, 9:30am- 4pm

Where:  at the Mary Lou Johnson Library in Kenton, Ohio

What:  $35 to make 12 cards, includes $5 coupon, lunch and snacks

Let me know if you are interested!  We have plenty of room and would LOVE to share our love of stamping with you!  You are welcome to message me on my Facebook page HERE if you want, or just leave a comment on this post.  If you leave me your email address I can forward you the Registration form or find it on my sidebar here on my blog and you can print it out and mail in. 

Thanks for stopping by,

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Serene Snowflakes

Colors:  Pool Party, Island Indigo, Whipser White, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Accessories:  circle punches, Big Shot, dotted embossing folder, dotted scallop ribbon punch, scallop trim border punch

Not Exactly Traditional

 Elegant, unique, not exactly traditional:  that's what I lean towards (strive for) when designing Christmas cards.  It is rare to find a straight-up green and red card from me- not sure why.  I suppose because I like thinking outside the box and by the time Christmas rolls around I'm about sick of the red/green combo in my face.  Now that's not to say I don't appreciate cards in those traditional colors- because I do, truly!  Even some of my favorites have been true red and green.

With that said, I've chosen Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgandy and Vanila with a touch of Early Espresso for these two designs.  What do you think of that color combo??  I love it and can see it for so much more than holiday cards! 

These are both quite simple as I'm working on designs for my upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack.  Simple is always best for these events with 40 or so people wanting to do the same 12 cards in a limited time.  But simple doesn't have to mean boring or lacking that something special. 

So what do you think?  Would you be excited about making either of these two cards at a Stamp-a-Stack?  The first one entails sponging and a rectangle mask, with a rhinestone and some lovely narrow Espresso Taffeta topping it off.  The second one, which happens to use the CAS sketch challenge from yesterday on SCS, is a Sahara Sand base with monochromatic snowflakes and a portion of the tree showing from the set Snow Swirled.  The extra details include a few touches with the Bravo Burgandy marker on the tree and a rhinestone topper as well. 

Quick, simply and lovely is the goal.  What do you think?  Feel free to "vote" by leaving a comment- I'll let you know what I decide before the SAS on October 23.  If you are anywhere near Kenton, Ohio and are interested in joining me for this fun event I'd be thrilled to call you my guest!  Cost is $30 and that includes lunch and snacks, 12 holiday projects (all cards except one gift packaging idea) and lots of door prizes and fun!  Leave your email address if you're interested in getting the flyer.

Thanks for stopping by! I'm hoping to get some scrapbooking done today... we'll see what happens!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Colors: Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgandy, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Wide Bravo Burgandy grosgrain ribbon, narrow Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, sponge.

Elegant Christmas Wishes Trio

As promised, here are the three versions of this card I made, CASEd by Lyssa Z. I think this first one is my favorite and am regretting that this isn't the one we're doing today for my SAS. It is an unusual color combo for me, but the color wheel helped. Rose Red and Cameo Coral!

Here's the one in Night of Navy. I also used Bashful Blue with some Brocade Blue ribbon.

This is the one we're doing today. It is in Elegant Eggplant and Almost Amethyst. The sparkle on the dove is a key element that I left off the first two, but I do plan to go back and add it. I was just worrying about color choices at the time of design.

Here are the three of them together. So let me know which one you like best?

Have a great day! I know I will be enjoying a great group of ladies making Christmas cards most of the day- then I'll be home to nap!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies
Stamps: Gifts of Christmas

Colors: Listed above (plus whisper white)

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note, Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder, sponge, White organza ribbon

Lots to do!

If you've read my blog for any length of time (even a week would do it) you'll know that I am notoriously a procrastinator on things like planning! But, I have got all three of my designs done for my Holiday Stamp-a-Stack which is tomorrow!

This is the third and final design and it was CASEd from sweet blogger Lyssa Zwolanek. Now another thing you may have picked up from me is that I don't CASE (Copy And Share Everything) very often and when I do I generally change it up enough to be called my own with an influence or inspiration from someone else. Let me tell ya, not this time! I only made a few minor changes and mostly they were to accommodate the large numbers I needed the supplies for.

My colors for this card are Elegant Eggplant and Almost Amethyst. My Amethyst has been textured with the Big Shot and the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder. That's about the only difference. I so enjoyed this card that I actually made it in three different color combos then let my daughter choose her favorite and this is what she chose. I'll post the trio tomorrow.

Here are the three cards that I've designed for tomorrow. I'm happy with them. They demonstrate a number of different Stampin' Up! products, stamps and tools and are a variety of colors. Two of them are fairly traditional in color which is what my customers prefer generally. I'm looking forward to our event- wish all of you on-line pals of mine could join us!

{So I promised to announce the winner of my Candy Corn contest today. If you'll recall from this post you had a chance to guess the number of corns in the jar. The answer is 319. So the winner is: "I will guess 268..Melissa in WI"

Melissa in WI, won't you please contact me with your address so I can send you a card? }

Thanks for visiting today and for all the sweet comments you guys leave me, you're the best and make my day! Gotta run, I've got lots to do.

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Gifts of Christmas

Colors: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Almost Amethyst

Accessories: Top Note, Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder (Holiday Mini), Big Shot, Dazzling Diamonds, White Organza ribbon, sponge.

Neat New Post-it Note Covers

I found a great tutorial at Dawn's Stampin' Studio and decided to try my hand at these since I sold most of my craft fair stock at my Holiday Stamp-a-Stack on Sunday! These are so much faster and easier (and cheaper to do) than the chipboard ones I did last time. I whipped 9 of these out in not too long at all! Will do more for sure. Thanks for sharing your tutorial Dawn!


Here's a picture of the back side and the inside of one set. I tried to spruce up the inside on this set since I left the outside basic. Although the flowers do have some dazzling diamonds in the centers. For the closure I glued a Curly Label to the front then punched a word window on the back so the label could wrap around and slip inside. These will also have pens in the outside loop (where the ribbon is) when I buy them. For each set I used a different type of closure- large oval punch on one, and a cut out tag on the other. HTH! If you want supplies I used let me know... stamp sets are: Be Happy, Heartfelt Thanks, Tart & Tangy, and the inside sentiment is from an old set Happy Harmony which I'd almost forgotten about.

These are great for using up old designer series paper. I used Recollections, Spring Fling I think it was called and the current Summer Picnic (from right to left). I can't wait to do more designs!


My Holiday Stamp-a-Stack on Sunday was a success! I had 7 ladies here and I really enjoyed having them. They completed 16 cards (4 each of 4 designs) and 1 gift bag. I've posted pictures here. Everyone seemed to enjoy the projects, even though they did take some time (4+ hours) as I expected. I try, oh I try, to do simple super-quick projects, but I just can't leave well enough alone. And honestly, I think some of them would be disappointed with 1 layer, 1 minute cards! We also had dinner and snacks, door prizes and lots of laughs.


Anyway, don't forget to contact me about my Award-Winning Roof Garden Gift Set Class if you are interested. Because this class requires product ordered, payment is required with registration no later than Nov. 10th . Space is limited.


Details are as follows: November 23rd at 3pm, my house, $25 includes the Roof Garden Accents & Elements Tin, and 4 full size cards, 4 note cards, with matching envelopes. PLUS, you will have 2 full sets of the Accents & Elements (adhesive cardstock weight embellishments) left to make many many more cards and projects at home!


This class should take much less time (I'd guess 2 hours) since I will have everything completely prepared for you. You will be assembling the cards using your preordered A&E tin, and the only stamping is for the greetings. Don't worry, I will have optional greetings available if you don't really have a use for "To my Wonderful Sister-in-Law". :)

I'll post individual pictures of each of these cards tomorrow, plus hopefully more projects I get done today if I ever end this post! Don't forget, only 3 days left to celebrate Stampin' Up!'s 20th anniversary with their great 20% off deal! (Hint, some of these sets we'll be using in my Annual Birthday Bonanza in January so you just might want to take advantage of this!).

How's that for a post?!? Makes up for missing yesterday, eh?! Glad to have you here!

You Are Invited!

Holiday Stamp-a-Stack

Get a jump start on your Christmas cards plus a BONUS adorable gift bag*!

The class fee of $30 includes all the precut materials for 16 cards, 4 each of 4 designs, complete with coordinating envelopes and a bonus gift bag perfect for that little last-minute gift!

At this Stamp-a-Stack you will enjoy using the new Big Shot, stamps and gorgeous ribbon from the current Holiday Mini Catalog as well as a variety of papers, ribbon and versatile stamp sets that aren’t just for holidays!

Contact me today to reserve your seat in this great class!

Prepayment is required with reservation by October 19th.

*The original design for this gift bag is by SU Demo Diana Gibbs.