Christmas Cards

I have been working on a few Christmas cards.  Aren't they fun to make?  Just wish I had someone who would sit down and address them for me and put a little note inside!  I used to send out a Christmas "newsy" letter letting everyone know what we had been up to during the year, but doesn't seem like there's much to say anymore!  So, that's one thing I can cross off my list!

This first card is made with the Patterned Pines SU set.  I embossed the card ... except for the center oval ... with my Big Shot and Cuttlebug embossing folder.  Then I used the Nestabilities and cut out a thin scallop oval to put around it.  The trees have Stickles on them - hard to see in the scan.

This card I just love the way it came together and it was by accident!  I stamped the Delightful Decorations in gold ink and popped up the red one in the middle.  I punched small holes to thread the cording through.  Then I used Baroque Motifs to do the scrolls at the top.  I stamped in red first; then, using my Stamp-a-ma-jig, I overstamped in gold off-setting it just a tad.  The red scallop border is also popped up.

This is another card using the Delightful Decorations stamp.  With the Ornament Punch, they are so easy to punch out!  I embossed 2 of the ornaments and popped up the middle one. The ribbon is from the mini catalog (Sleigh Bells) and the DSP is Holiday Lounge.

Monday Mailer/ Thanksgiving Cards to Share

I have a few cards to share that I have either made in the NC Monday Mailer program.  October's theme was using the Big Shot or Cuttlebug and November's theme is Winter Holiday cards.

This is the last October Monday Mailer that I sent.  I don't think I have shared it with you.  If so, you get to see it again!!

I used Dusty Durango cardstock and ribbon with DSP from the Mini Catalog (Autumn Meadows).  The stamp is from the Hostess set, The More the Merrier.  The turquoise is half of a Big Shot Top Note die.

This one is one of my favorites!  It is my November Monday Mailer using the single stamp "Gobble Gobble"  I love that you can just buy single stamps!  This one is found in the Holiday Mini Catalog on page 31, but also check out the single stamps in the big catalog on page 208.  I again used the DSP from the Mini Catalog - this paper is just perfect for fall!  I stamped Mr Turkey several times in Chocolate Chip, More Mustard and Dusty Durango and popped him up (see detailed picture below).

Today's Class

I taught another class today at my local stamp store.  It was another box and set of 4 cards.  I got the directions from Andrea Walford (you can find her blog in my sidebar).  Here is a picture of the project that we made using various stamps and papers sold at my LSS.

Here is the project that I made using Stampin' Up paper and the Fifth Avenue stamp set:

Double Embossed Christmas Card

Well, I've been on a roll lately with my card making.  I had a dry spell for a while and it seemed like every time I'd sit down to make a card, I'd end up turning around to the computer and "surfing" or playing games!  I have seen a lot of cards that did this technique where you can leave a blank space in the center using your embossing folders.  Well, after trying many different things tonight, I finally got it right.  In this card, I cut an oval out of 2 pieces of cardboard and taped them together.  Then, I put a piece of Glossy White paper in my Petals A'Plenty embossing folder and put the cardboard (w/oval cut out) on top of the folder and ran it through my Big Shot.  Voila! 

Holiday Gift Guide Promotion from Stampin' Up

Dates: November 1, 2009-January 4, 2010


Details: You'll love the convenience of our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide! With gift ideas for kids, teens, neighbors, and more, it's your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs. When you spend $50 on products in the guide, you'll get a Décor Elements for FREE (up to a $16.95 value)!

Things to Remember:

There is no limit to the number of free Décor Elements a customer can earn. For every $50 purchased from the Gift-Giving Guide, you will receive a free Décor Element valued at $16.95 or less.

FAQs

Q: Can a customer earn more than one FREE Décor Element?

A: Yes! For every $50 a customer spends on products in the Gift-Giving Guide, she can choose a Décor Element valued up to $16.95.

Q: Does a customer have to spend $50 on products in the Gift-Giving Guide to qualify or can she spend $50 on any Stampin' Up! products?

A: In order to qualify for the free Décor Element, a customer must purchase $50 worth of products from the Gift-Giving Guide.

Q: If a product is shown in the Gift-Giving Guide, but is not listed, does that product qualify for the promotion?

A: No. Only products listed in the Gift-Giving Guide qualify for the promotion.

Check it out HERE!

My Digital Studio Card

I worked on getting my certification for My Digital Studio today.  Stampin' Up has provided us with "webinairs" to watch.  There is one for making an album, making a card, making a calendar and doing multi-media projects.  The webinairs are about an hour each and are really quite helpful.  So, I learned a lot tonight!  Then we have to take a quiz on each of them.  Whew!  I feel like I'm back in school!!  Anyway, here is the card I designed that I am sending in to Stampin Up.

inside of card

Can't wait to receive it back and sending it to SU for printing!

Deal of the Week #2

Check out this week's deals!  If you want to order one of these great buys, contact me by next Sunday.

FLOWER BURST EMBOSSLIT DIE

RETAIL PRICE $11.95  -  SALE PRICE  - $5.99

THREE TIER CAKE POP UP DIE

REGULAR PRICE - $39.96 - SALE PRICE  - $25.49

PERFECT SETTING BIGZ  DIE (from mini catalog)

REGULAR PRICE - $42.95 - SALE PRICE - $25.99

Digital Studio scrapbook page

I had to take my Mom to the doctor today.  But, when I got home, I had a little more time to play with My Digital Studio.  I made this scrapbook page from a picture my daughter in law recently posted on her blog.  They just returned from a Disney vacation and cruse.  This is a picture of the two youngest kids on the beach.   I thought it was priceless!

This is rather basic because I'm still learning but I did get the picture resized, added photo corners and a stamp in the bottom corner!

My Digital Studio Project

I got My Digital Studio yesterday, but just opened it today and played around for a bit.  I have a lot of learning to do!!  But, here is a card I made while playing with it!

Monday Mailer - last one for September

We went to a Comedy Club tonight at the Galway Hooker, an Irish restaurant/bar in Cornelius.  The comedien was soooo funny!!  It is good for the soul to just laugh out loud once in a while and we definitely did tonight!  The comedian was Craig Shoemaker.  He was named Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards on ABC and his half-hour Comedy Central special was voted by viewers as one of the network’s “Top 20” stand-up specials of all time.  He was also on The View last year (one of my favorite shows!)  Additionally, he has had his own nationally syndicated radio show, which after only ten months on the air, won the prestigious Communicator Award “Crystal” prize. Two of Craig’s stand-up comedy routines made it to the Top 10 list on XM Radio, with “Playing Army” ranking #1. His “Lovemaster” routine was voted Most Popular Comedy on XM Radio’s Big Schtick Awards and he did his Lovemaster skit tonight .... really, really funny!!    Anyway, he was great and we had a good time with our friends.  They gave me the Award for the Year for suggesting we go tonight.

I realized today that I did not share my last Monday Mailer of September.  I really liked this card and need to share!!

I used the birds from the Big Shot dies, Birds and Blooms.  Isn't it cute???  Just "go-jus" as Jan Tink would say!

Deal of the Week, Digital Studio and movies to see!!

Back again this year ..... During the month of October, Stampin' Up! will offer several discounted products as "Deals of the Week." No limits and no minimum purchase required.

Trio Flower Punch - $10.99
5 Flower Punch - $10.99
My Way Punch - $11.99

The Digital Studio is now available for purchase.  Watch a video HERE.  I have seen lots of cool things made with this software package.  It is not just for scrapbooking!  I don't have it yet so I can't give you any first hand knowledge.  BUT .... it is on my birthday want list.  My birthday is coming up in 3 weeks and I have already mentioned it to Sonny.  (Although I think it might have fallen on deaf ears ..... Ashley .... hope you are reading this!!)

I accompanied Sonny to the doctor's office today for that wonderful colonoscopy.  The procedure itself is not bad - you're out and don't feel anything.  If they could just come up with a better solution to the "prep work."  But, when you consider it's a test for colon cancer, I guess it's all worth it.  The doc did find a polyp and it was sent off for evaluation.  Unfortunately, that puts him on the "short list" and he'll have to do it again in 5 years!!  Maybe they'll come up with something better by then!

After the procedure, we enjoyed a good breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then headed to the movies.  Our choice today was The Informant with Matt Damon.  Uhhh ... not so good, in my opinion!!  I was falling asleep in the first hour so I got up and wandered around the theatre trying to find another film more to my liking!!  I found the Jennifer Anniston movie Love Happens.  I really enjoyed it!  Yep, it was a chick flick but I like chick flicks!!  Another thing I loved about the movie was all the great views of Seattle!  As you know, we moved to NC from there 3 years ago.  It is one beautiful place!  Anyway, I would recommend the movie although it is not getting good reviews. 

Swaps - part 2

I've been working on making calendars this week.  Every year I make calendars for my friends and family.  I've done calendars that go in CD cases and calendars that fit on bar coasters.  This year I am doing them a little differently.  Sonny is making wooden holders for my calendars.  I'll share later!  So far, I've made 3 calendars - only about 8 to go!!

Here are a few more swap cards to share with you.

Recipe:  by Nicole Johnson (StampinNicole06 on SCS)

Stamp:  Greeting Earthlings

CS:  Brillant Blue; Black; Yo Yo Yellow; WW

Ink:  Black Stazon; watercolored w/stamp pads: Gable Green; Yo Yo Yell; Only Orange, Orchid Opul.

Acc:  Top Note; Movers & Shapers Modern Label Die; Modern Label Punch; gingham ribbon; rhinestone fire & ice

Recipe:   by Vicki Stys (CraftCrazy98 @ SCS)

Stamps:  Falling Leaves; Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel

Paper:  Kraft; Soft Suede; Naturals Ivory

Ink:  Versamark; Soft Suede; Old Olive; Crushed Curry; Dusty Durango

Acc:  Clear Emb Powder; Modern Label Punch; Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon

Recipe:  by Tandra Boyer (Inkalicious @ SCS)

Stamp:  Twick or Tweet

CS:  Basic Black; Night & Day DSP; Pumpkin Pie DSP

Acc:  Frost White Shimmer Paint; Scallop Circle Punch; Modern Label punch & die cut; Scallop Square die; 1 1/4" black striped ribon (rubbed w/Pumpkin Pie Ink)

Recipe: by Crystal Spencer (caspen1973 @ SCS)

Stamps:  Serene Snowflakes; Teeny Tiny Wishes

CS:  Real Red; Soft Suede; WW; Christmas Cocoa DSP

Ink:  Soft Suede; Real Red

Acc:  REal Red Grosgrain Ribbon; Linen Thread;  Modern Label Punch; Backgrunds I Texture Plates; Top Note Die; Word Window Punch

Another Swap

I did another swap last month and just got my cards back.  Wow!!  They are really great.  These are images from the new catty as well as the mini catalog.  This is Jami's swap (who is an ex-Dirty Girl on SCS) so the cards are always good. They always have lots of layers.  I always participate in her swaps for that reason.  I'm worried though that she will be giving up Stampin' Up because of the new rules.  She also designs for other companies. 

Recipe: by Jackie Pedro (strappystamper on SCS)

Stamps:  For All You Do

CS:  Bermuda Bay Texture; Crushed Curry, WW, Thoroughly Modern DSP

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede

Acc:  Crushed Curry ribbon; Scallop Circle punch; Circle Punches; Modern Label Punch, Top Note; Eyelet Border Punch

Recipe: by Crystal Spencer (caspen1973 on SCS)

Stamp:  Herb Expressions

CS:  Cert. Celery, Old Olive; WW, Rich Razzleberry DSP

Ink:  Black Staz On; Rich Razzleberry, Cert Celery, Old Olive

Acc:  Cert Celery 5/8" growgrain; Cert Celery Brads

Punches:  Scallop edge

Recipe:  by Jennifer Moneagle (jened @ SCS)

Stamps:  Circus Circle; Kind & Caring Thoughts; Sanded Backgd.

CS:  Rich Razzleberry (reg & text); Melon Mambo; Razz. Lemonade DSP; WW

Ink:  Versamark; Melon Mambo

Misc:  Gold Emb Powder; 1 1/4" square punch

No recipe included on this one, so I'm gonna guess!

CS:  Vellum; Rich Razzleberry; Taken w/Teal; Black

Stamp:  Lots of Bots

Acc:  Spiral Punch; Tag Punches; Library Clips; Goggle Eyes

I'll publish more tomorrow!

Monday Mailer, Oct week #3

I just love the way this card turned out!  I am putting it in the mail Monday a.m. to my Monday Mailer partner.  I used the Medallion stamp - stamped it in Versamark and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  Then I sponged a little Soft Suede and Crushed Curry on to the Medallion.  I then cut it out and "popped it up" with dimensional tape. 

What do you think?  The Medallion stamp is the top seller for Stampin' Up!!

I'm published!!

I picked up a copy of  Take Ten magazine, Autum edition yesterday while in town.  Last night, while catching up on my "soaps," I browsed through the magazine.  What to my surprise, there was one of my cards on page 91!!!  I sent a bunch of cards to them many months ago and had given up on seeing them in the magazine.  They used to send you a complimentary copy of the magazine when they printed your card so you would know it was in there.  But, the last two times I have had a card published, I have just stumbled upon it.  It's still a good feeling!!

Here's the card and the "write-up" -

Monday Mailer - Sept #1

This is the Monday Mailer card that I made and sent this week.  I really like the way it turned out.  I used the stamp set, Autumn Days with the new in-colors, Soft Suede and Dusty Durango.  I cut out the 3 small leaves in Versa-mark and then in Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (3-4 times).  Very fall-like, don't you think?  That's our theme this month.

Oh .... by the way, my Steelers WON last night but it was a nail biter!!  Went to overtime and I didn't get home until after midnight!  Hope this is not a clue to what the whole season will be like.  Unfortunately, we lost one of our best Defensemen, Troy Polamalu.  Hopefully, he'll only be out 2-5 weeks with his sprained knee. 

My swap cards

It's just dawned on me that I didn't share the cards I made for the swap!  How could I forget something like that!!

Recipe:  Stamps:  Autumn Days; Inspired by Nature

CS:  Old Olive; Crushed Curry; Razzleberry

Ink:  Soft Suede; Olive; Razzleberry

Acces:  Top Note; Large Grommet; Razzleberry ribbon; Key Tag Punch (Retired)

Recipe:  Stamps:  Circle Circus; On Your Birthday

CS:  Razzleberry; Black; Pretty in Pink; WW

Ink:  Razzleberry; Black; Pretty in Pink

Acces:  Razzleberry Ribbon; Circles Punches; Scallop Circle punch

Final 2 Swap Cards

I had a fun day today.  Sonny went target shooting with his friends and I stayed home and played all day!  I made a cool card box with 4 matching cards that I will be sharing with you as soon as I take pictures of it.  Tonight I went to Bunco in my neighborhood and actually won $10 for losing!!  I only won 3 games (out of 12!) so I was the big LOSER!! 

Here's my final 2 cards from the swap.

Recipe:  Stamp:  Birthday Bliss

CS:  Choc Chip; Old Olive; Textured Bermuda Bay & Razzleberry Patterns DSP

Markers:  Choc Chip; Bermuda Bay, Razzleberry & Old Olive

Acces:  Lattice Bigz Die; 1 3/4" circle punch; Razzleberry Ribbon; jumbo brad, corner rounder

Recipe: Stamps:  Greetings Earthlings

CS:  Sahara Sand; Bermuda Bay; Soft Sand; Thoroughly Modern DSP

Acces:  Soft Sand & Bermuda Bay Ribbons; Designer Label Punch; Distressing Tool; Jumbo Grommets

More Swaps for you

Hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend.  I certainly did!  We went out on our boat again this afternoon.  I ended up sleeping most of the time trying to get rid of a headache.  I haven't had a bad headache in a long time - think I might have been dehydrated. 

Here are a few more of the swaps I'd like to share with you.  I hope you are enjoying them as much as I did!

Recipe:  Stamps:  Out of the Box; Three Little Words

CS:  Bermuda Bay, Lovely Lilac, WW, Choc Chip; Choc Chip DSP

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Choc Chip; Lovely Lilac

Misc:  Bermuda Bay Ribbon; 1/4" , 1" & 1 3/4" circle punches

Recipe:  Stamp:  C is for Cat

CS:  Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, WW

Ink:  Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry

Acces:  1" & 1 1/4" circle punches; spiral punch, paper piercer; 1/2" polka dot Crushed Curry ribbon

No recipe was included with this one - sorry!

Recipe: Stamps:  Greenhouse Garden; Oval All

CS:  Cottage Wall DSP; Orchid Opulence; Rich Razzleberry; WW

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry; Orchid Opulence; Old Olive

Acces:  White organza ribbon; medium oval punch; scalloped oval punch

Swap Cards to Share!

I know .... it's been a long time since I've shared any artwork with you. Well, sit back and prepare to be "wowed." I did several swaps in August. One of them was waiting for me when I returned home last week. They are cards from the new catalog and they are done by members of the "No More Bad Swaps" group. They are all just fabulous and have made me add a few items on my "must have" list - like the Lattice Die!

So .... drum roll please ..... here are a few of them (with recipes underneath each one):

Recipe: Stamp: Herb Expressions

CS: Nouveau Chic DSP; Black; Basic Gray; Sage Shadow; Whis White

Ink: Black, Apricot Appeal, Sage Shadow markers

Acces: 5/8" basic black ribbon; Photo Corners Punch, Apricot Appeal brads

Recipe: Stamps: Greenhouse Garden; Falling Leaves

CS: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Thoroughly Modern, Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive

Acces: Bigz Lattice Die, Big Shot; Word Window & Modern Label Punches; Gold Brads

Recipe: Stamp: Friends Rock, Rockin' Wheel
CS: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay, Autumn Traditions DSP
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, In Color markers
Acces: Scallop edge punch; 1" & 1 1/4" circle punches, arrow punch, Orchard Ribbon Originals

Recipe: Stamps: Wonderful Words, Out of the Box
CS: Melon Mambo; Choc Chip, Whis. White; Old Olive; Choc Chip DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo; white craft
Acces: Gold Brad; Scallop Punch; Old Olive 5/8" ribbon; 1/4" circle punch