Merry Patterns

Good evening stampers!  Tonight I have a very non-traditional Christmas card to share.   Yes- I love the typical holiday cards but I also love fresh and new!  This card totally fits the bill!  

This card completely defies all aspects of a traditional holiday card.  Bold and bright colors are some of my favorites and just because the seasons have changed doesn't mean that summer color schemes need to go too!  

How about you?  Do you make non traditional holiday cards?  Or do you tend to stick with the typical red and green theme?  Share your thoughts in the comments below! I'd love to read your thoughts!

Spooky Spider!

Hey there stampers!  Halloween is my favorite holiday and since it's just a few short weeks away I thought I'd better get busy making my annual Halloween decorations.  My project tonight is absolutely adorable!  I'm not a spider fan at all but who can resist this lil guy?

He's 3 dimensional and so stinkin' cute!  To create him- I used the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits to cut out twelve of the third largest circle.  After all the circles were cut out- I folded them in half and adhered them to each other.  I added a piece of Solid Black Baker's Twine to the center of the sphere before I adhered the sides together.  This created  a nice large loop to hang the spider from.    Using 1/4" wide pieces of Basic Black card stock- I created legs and attached them to the body with Glue Dots.  There isn't an exact measurement for the legs- I just cut random lengths and trimmed as necessary to make them look realistic.

What do you think?  Cute!  Isn't he?

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday Montage #101- Guy Greetings

Hello there and welcome back for the bi-weekly Monday Montage blog hop. I'm so happy you joined us!  Be sure to visit all 10 stops to see what other amazing designers have created to share with you.

Do you ever find yourself creating cards that are geared towards one specific group of people?    I sometimes think that I create a LOT of cards that are feminine and it seems that I seldom create masculine cards.  It's not that I don't enjoy creating masculine cards.  I just don't send as many cards to men as I do women.

So tonight I challenged myself to create a masculine birthday card.  I've had the Guy Greetings Stamp Set ever since it was released but I've never used it.  I'm not really sure why as it's really a great stamp set to use when creating cards for the men in your life.

I paired this stamp set with the Post Script background stamp.  The person this card was created for loves traveling so it was a perfect fit!

To create the Post Script background- simply create a template by cutting a piece of card stock with a circle cut out that measures the same size as your top layer.  Lay the template on top of your card layer, ink up the Post Script stamp and stamp it onto the template.  The stamped image will then be stamped inside the circle on your card layer.  

I stamped the car in Early Espresso Ink onto a Very Vanilla scrap and cut it out.  To make the headlights pop- I added a Rhinestone Basic Jewel to each headlight.  This card is super simple to create and looks great!  I just know the recipient will love it!

I hope you have enjoyed my project!   Won't you join us for the rest of the hop?  Simply click the NEXT button to go to the fabulous Elizabeth Price or click the BACK button to head on over to the lovely Cathy Casey.  Thanks for stopping by!

JUMBO Pillow Box

I'm always looking for fun new ways to give a gift.  So tonight as I was working at my desk- I thought I'd play around and see what I could come up with.  It's nothing too fancy but it is super cute!       It's a JUMBO pillow box!  (and I do mean JUMBO!)

I first created a template from a sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" paper.  Then I cut out the template and traced it  onto some Spooky Night Designer Series Paper.  (This particular pillow box requires 2 pieces to be cut from card stock or DSP).  Next- I scored on all the score lines, added adhesive and folded it together.

The fun part is decorating!  This box is quite large so it does require a little extra embellishing.  Overall- it's super easy and oh so cute!

Interested in creating one of your own?  Check back for the template!  I will be posting it soon!

Did you know that I also shared a template to create some teeny tiny pillow boxes?  That template can be found in this post here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Got Coffee?

Can you believe that it’s September already? Do you know what that means? That’s right!  It’s time for a new Stampin’ UP! Holiday Catalog!  This is always one of my favorite times of year.  Not because it’s time for the kids to go back to school or because it means the end of the summer is near, but because it’s the time of year when Stampin’ UP! releases some pretty amazing products to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year….the holiday season.

This years catalog has got to be one of my favorites!  It’s FULL of fun and gorgeous new stamps, papers and embellishments that are truly must have’s.  Today I am sharing a few cards that were created with one of my favorite stamp sets from the new Holiday Catalog- Merry Cafe (item #144965). 

                                           

This fun stamp set has sentiments and images for all seasons!  The first card I created just had to have a pumpkin spice latte!  This card features a few patterns from the new Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper (item #144613), a pumpkin spice latte created using the Big Shot (item #143263) and the Coffee Cups Framelits Dies (item #143745).  A gorgeous new Jute Twine (Item #144625) bow was tied around the card layer for added interest.

                                           

Isn’t this next card the cutest?  To create the mummy- I began by cutting out a coffee cup using the Big Shot (item #143263) and the Coffee Cups Framelits Dies (item #143745).  Next I cut 1/2” strips of Very Vanilla Card Stock (item #101650) and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake (item #126975) ink.  I then adhered the Very Vanilla strips to the coffee cup in an overlapping pattern.  The eyes were created using the 1/2” Circle Punch (item #119869) and the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch (item #140396) and inserted between the Very Vanilla strips.    Way too cute and lots of fun!  My favorite for sure!

Here’s a close up of the mummy card.  It’s somewhat difficult to see exactly what’s behind  the Vellum Card Stock (item #101856) cup topper but there’s whipped cream complete with Pumpkin Pie sprinkles!  The sprinkles were created by flicking the brush end of the Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker into the cap (and onto the Whisper White Card Stock (item #100730) whipped cream).  The close up also shows a sampling of the fun new Spooky Night Designer Series Paper (item #144610).

                            

Since I made an adorable card for Halloween I felt it was only fitting that I create an equally cute one for Christmas.  This card features two patterns from the Quilted Christmas Designer Series Paper Stack (item # 144617) and a Santa Claus themed drink!  The Merry and Christmas sentiments were stamped a few times onto a strip of Very Vanilla Card Stock (item #101650).  I used Garden Green Classic Stampin’ Pad (item #126973) and Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad (item #126949).  Santa’s buckle was created using the Big Shot (item #143263) and the Layering Squares Framelits Dies (item #141708).   

                                               

Just like the mummy card- once again is a huge dollop of whipped cream complete with red and green peppermint sprinkles added to the top.  A peppermint straw was created using the Coffee Cafe Stamp Set (item #143677) and adhered behind the whipped cream.

                                                  

Last but certainly not least is another card that features yet another cute cup of coffee.  The “I love you and coffee” sentiment is an adorable way to share your affection!  This Valentine features two more patterns from the Quilted Christmas Designer Series Paper (item #144617).  That’s right- the Quilted Christmas Designer Series Paper (item #144617) works for more than just Christmas!  The colors are perfect for all occasions and when paired with this particular sentiment- it makes the perfect Valentine’s Day card!

         I hope I have inspired you to create a few (or twenty!) cards using the new Merry Cafe Stamp Set (item #144965).  

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' UP! Artisan Design Team Blog Hop- Painted Autumn

Hey there stampers!  Welcome back to another Stampin' UP! Artisan Design Team Blog hop!  If you are hopping with us today then you may have arrived here from the fabulous Cathy Caines.  Isn't she amazing? As we are a group of 20 demonstrators from around the world- our blogs are written in many different languages.  Please be sure to use Google Translate so that you can follow along in your language.  You don't wanna miss out on any of the fabulous details!

I'm super excited for our hop today as we are featuring the Painted Harvest Stamp Set and coordinating Leaf Punch.  I totally adore this set!  It's beautiful ❤.

When I first saw the Painted Harvest Stamp Set I imagined lots of gorgeous watercolored sunflowers. Since sunflowers are my favorite flower I just couldn't resist making a sunflower card.

Both cards I have to share today are exactly the same.  Well- not exactly but close enough! My first card has been "stepped up" compared to the other. I started out each card out the same- by faux watercoloring a sunflower, splattering Cajun Craze ink all over the front and by adding some Linen Thread with a bow.

For the above card- I stamped the leaf image onto some Vellum Card Stock and punched it out using the Leaf Punch.  Next- I pleated 12 inches of Garden Green Stitched Satin Ribbon and adhered it to the front of the card just below the leaf image.  I then added some Metallic Copper Thread and the sentiment to the top portion of the pleated ribbon.  

For my next card- it may appear pretty plain however I think it's perfect!  Even though there are many many options to step up this card- I think it's gorgeous just as is!  Sometimes less is more!

This card is actually my favorite of the two.  I'm sure if you've ever faux watercolored- you know that no two images come out the same.  That's why I LOVE how this image looks.  Even though the faux watercoloring has washed some of the sunflower away- you can still see all the texture and dimension that remains. It truly is gorgeous!

I hope you have enjoyed my projects today.  Please hop on over to the lovely Holly Stene to see what beauty she's whipped up to share with you today!

Allison Okamitsu

Aurelie Fabre

Cathy Caines

Dani Dziama 

Holly Stene

Jennifer Sootkoos

Jessica Winter

Katy Harrison

Kimberly Van Diepen

Louise Sharp 

Maike Ulbrich

Martha Inchley

Mercedes Weber

Mindy Bingamon 

Miriam van Eyden

Paula Dobson

Rochelle Blok

Shannon Lane

Sylwia Schreck 

Tanya Boser

Halloween Mini Pillow Box Favors

Hello there stampers!  Tonight I have a quick post- Due to an overwhelming number of emails in regards to the Halloween Mini Pillow Box Favors that I created a week or so ago I have decided to share my tutorial.  Ok- so it's not exactly a tutorial as Pillow Boxes are pretty self explanatory however it is the template I designed specifically for these adorable little treats.  

Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to help you out!  Before I go- I have a few tips.  The first being that these Mini Pillow Boxes work best with Designer Series Paper.  The second- it's necessary to use a strong adhesive to hold them together.  I prefer Tear n' Tape but you're welcome to use whatever you prefer.  

DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE PDF HERE

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the template!

Monday Montage #100

Hello there and welcome back for the bi-weekly Monday Montage blog hop. I'm so happy you joined us!  Be sure to visit all 10 stops to see what other amazing designers have created to share with you.

Did you know that this is our 100th hop tonight?  So excited to still be hopping with this fabulous group of ladies!  They all provide an endless supply of inspiration ❤.

For my project tonight- I'm featuring the Year of Cheer Product Suite.  You will totally LOVE this suite!  It's perfect both for weddings or holidays. The Year of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper features 4 foil designs- there are 3 sheets of each of the 4 designs.  This paper is single sided and thicker than regular DSP.  

The card I made to share is a shaker card that was created using the Year of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper, a Window Sheet and some Year of Cheer Specialty Washi Tape.  

As you can see from the picture, there are lots of metallic accents.  The Metallics Sequin Assortment was perfect for filling my shaker!

Here is a close up of the sentiment.  It's difficult to see in the picture but the JOY is actually embossed with Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder.  

I hope you have enjoyed my project!   Won't you join us for the rest of the hop?  Simply click the NEXT button to go to the fabulous Dara Gloden or click the BACK button to head on over to the lovely Cathy Casey.  Thanks for stopping by!

Scrapbooks and Cards Today- Stampin' UP! Saturday

Hey there stampers!  Yesterday my friend Mindy Bingamon and I were guest bloggers on the Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog for Stampin' UP! Saturday.  Here is the link to the original post:  http://scrapbookandcardstodaymag.typepad.com/scrapbook_cards_today_blo/2017/09/stampin-up-inspiration-saturday.html

Please head on over to the SCT website and and check our gorgeous projects out! Leave a comment on the Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog post and you'll be entered to win a the Painted Autumn Stamp Set and a package of coordinating Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper!  Your comment MUST be on THEIR site to qualify!

  The first picture is of both of my projects.  I wanted to share that one can create gorgeous cards/projects by using the images from the Painted Autumn DSP or by using the Painted Harvest Stamp Set. Either option gives beautiful results!

On this card- I have only used a sentiment from the Painted Harvest Stamp Set.  The sunflower image has been fussy cut directly from a piece of coordinating Painted Autumn DSP.

My next project was a series of 4 boxes created as Table Favors for Thanksgiving.  Each box is pretty much the same with the only differences being in the sunflower images and the name tags on the side of the belly band.  

To create the sunflowers- I began by inking the outer part of the sunflower with Crushed Curry ink and stamping it onto Watercolor Paper.  I then inked the top layer of the sunflower in Crushed Curry ink and stamped it directly over the first stamped image.  Using Early Espresso- I added the center portion of the flower.  Now comes the fun part!  Using a Stampin' Spritzer filled with water- I carefully spritzed the image LIGHTLY.  After the colors started to run- I knew I had spritzed enough!  Then I let the images dry and attached them to card stock layers onto a belly band.

This is a close up of the side of each box.  Using the Labeler Alphabet I was able to create a little name tag for each person and attach it to the box.  

Aren't they adorable?  Thanks for stopping by!  

Again- please head on over to the Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog and check out the rest of our projects!  

Spooky Cat Mini Pillowboxes

Hello there stampers!  Are you all enjoying the new Holiday Catalog as much as I am?  There are so many fabulous new products.  Lots of new bundles, Designer Series Papers, tools, accessories and so much more!  Still looking to get a copy of your own?  Just send me an email and I'll drop it in the mail to you!

My projects tonight are SO stinkin' cute it's ridiculous!   These Mini Pillowboxes are sure to delight!  To create them- I used the Spooky Night Designer Series Paper and the coordinating Spooky Cat Photopolymer Stamp Set.  The stamp set itself has 18 spooky images and coordinating sentiments to help make your Halloween a hit!

It's kinda hard to tell from the picture- but the finished size is around a whopping 2-3/8" long.  That's pretty small for a treat!  

There are so many possibilities when decorating these little cuties!  The Spooky Night Designer Series Paper comes with 12 sheets- 2 each of 6 double sided designs.  You can either stamp the images from the stamp set as shown below....

.....or you can fussy cut out the images instead!

Either way- it's sure to deight!

Are you wondering exactly what kind of treat fits into these adorable Mini Pillowboxes?

That's right!  A Hershey's Miniature.  Yes- there's 2 chocolates in the picture however each Mini Pillowbox only holds one.  

Thanks for stopping by!