Wise Men From Afar for NC Blog Hop

It's the end of the month which means .... NC Blog Hop!  I haven't had time to participate in the blog hops in the last couple of months so I thought I'd make an effort this month!  Our theme is anything Christmas or Hanukkah.

I borrowed this stamp set, Wise Men from Afar, from my downline, Debbie, and made this beautiful card.  Black isn't a color you usually associate with Christmas cards but this one is an exception.  What do you think?

I stamped the kings in Black Archival Ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and using the Big Shot and my favorite, Stitched Shapes framelits cut the oval out.  Next I cut out two of the largest scalloped ovals from Black and Champagne cardstock.  (You really only need half of the black oval.)  I cut a 3" x 5" piece of Vanilla cardstock and layered it onto Champagne Foil paper which was then adhered to the black card.  Stamp the sentiment with Black Archival ink.  The star is punched using the Starlight thinlets dies with a small rhinestone in the middle.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have now changed gears and are sliding into Christmas preparations.  We had a great Thanksgiving with my daughter in town (from Hawaii!) and my family that are local at my house for the Thanksgiving festivities.  Of course, we all ate too much.  But to top it off, yesterday we went to my sister's house where we ate more!  Ashley and I made gumbo and my sister made 2 different chilli's in the crock pot plus another crock pot full of chicken!  After all that, we sat outside around their fire pit and toasted marshmallows for smores!   Ashley leaves on Sunday for DC for work for a week before flying back to Oahu.

If you want to order this great Christmas stamp set or any of the other items Stampin' Up sales, now is the time!  Sunday, Nov. 26 is the last day for the Online Extravaganza special.  BUT Cyper Monday (Nov. 27), SHIPPING will be free for all Stampin' Up! orders.  This is a great offer and gives you another day to check off everything on your wish list with FREE shipping!

Hop along to the rest of the blogs from our NC group.  Sue is the next stop along the hop.

Tamra Davis -

http://www.theCardLadies.com/nc-demos-blog-hop-will-swap-for-art/

Jo Anne Hewins -

http://luv2create.typepad.com/my_blog/2017/11/its-christmas-for-the-nc-demo-blog-hop.html

Tracie Evans Langley -

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/traciesallaboutstamping/blog?directBlogUrl=/blog/86481/entry/nc_demos_november_blog_hop1

Sharon Maranich -

https://inkiefinger.blogspot.com/2017/11/wise-men-from-afar-for-nc-blog-hop.html

Sue Root -

https://stampin-with-sue.blogspot.com/2017/11/nc-stampin-up-demos-november-blog-hop.html

Sue Stapp -

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/suestapp/blog?directBlogUrl=/blog/2152011/entry/n_c_demonstrators_november_blog1

Frances Wagner -

https://wagstamps.blogspot.com/2017/11/nc-demo-november-blog-hop.html

Christina Walker - http://papergears.com/wise-men-traveling/

November Stamp Club

We had Stamp Club last week and made two cards, our December calendar and a Birthday Reminder Box.

Here are the pictures and instructions:

2 pieces of Thick White Cardstock –

·        #1 measures 11” x 7”

·        #2 measures 7.5” x 6”

·        Score Piece #1 on it’s longer side & .5” / 3” / 8” / 10.5”

·        Use the Diagonal Score Plate & score at the 8” mark (see diagram)

·        Flip the page completely over (to the back side).  The first diagonal (@ 8”) should now be in the opposite corner.  Score again at the 8” mark diagonally.

·        Fold & cut off the corners

·        Add strong tape (Red Line or Sookwang tape) to the two 5” flaps on the side.

Piece #2: 

·        Score at .5” and 3” on the longer side. 

·        Turn 90 degrees and score at .5 & 5.5” on the shorter side.

·        Trim ½” flaps as seen in diagram

·        Place strong tape on ½” flaps.

Adhere Designer Paper to box before putting it together.  Side panels are cut 7” x 2 ¼”.  Front panel is 4 ¼” x 4 ¾”

·        Fold the ½” flaps up & align them along the inside back of Piece #1.  Adhere.

·        Fold in the “wings” and adhere them to the base flaps.

·        Fold up the front & adhere to the remaining ½” flaps.

To make the notch, measure in half-way from the sides & make a pencil mark.  Use a Circle Punch & punch a half circle.

You need 6 Dividers cut at 6” x 4 ¾”

DSP for the dividers is cut at 5 ½” x 4 ¾” – scored at 5.5” & 2”

If you want to make additional boxes (nice Christmas present!), here is the link to directions AND a link to printing the calendar inserts.

https://wizardshangout.blogspot.com/2012/06/lucy-birthday-card-keeper.html?m=1

Thanks to Marianne for this card!  She gave me the one on the right for my birthday in October.  I gave the ladies a choice between Wisteria Wonder and Fresh Fig.  This set comes with framelits but I did not use them on the card.  We just stamped directly on the white cardstock.

BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET

Supplies:

Ø  Ink:   (your choice)

·        Card #1 – Garden Green, Daffodil, Fresh Fig, Sugarplum

·        Card #2 – Wisteria, Daffodil, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green

Ø  Cardstock:  Whisper White, Fig OR Wisteria

Ø  Stamps:  Beautiful Bouquet

Accessories:   

Ø   Twine or Ribbon

Instructions:

·        Stamp stem with green ink.

·        Stamp flowers in your choice of colors.

·        Stamp sentiment of your choice.

·        Make a bow & adhere it with Glue Dots.

·        Adhere white cardstock to purple card.

This card is so much prettier in real life.  I actually got a new club member thanks to this card!  It was a great way to introduce everyone to the new Stampin' Blends!

VINTAGE LEAVES

Supplies:

Ø  Ink:    Black, Cajun Craze

Ø  Cardstock:    Very Vanilla (8 ½” x 5 ½” AND 5 ¼” x 4”), Thick white cardstock

Ø  Stamps:   Vintage Leaves, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories:   

Ø   Stampin’ Up Blends Markers

Ø   Classic Label Punch

Ø  Woodland Embossing Folder

Ø  Leaflets Framelits

Instructions:

·        Run the smaller piece of Very Vanilla cardstock through the Woodlands embossing folder.  Adhere to card.

·        Stamp leaves onto Vanilla cardstock, color with Blends Markers & die cut. 

·        After die cutting leaves, use Blends marker around edges so white is covered up.

·        Adhere leaves to card – use dimensionals on some of them.

·        Stamp sentiment on scrap of Vanilla, punch out & adhere to card.

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Supplies:

Ø  Ink:  Cherry Cobbler

Ø  Cardstock:  Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Be Merry DSP, White

Ø  Stamps:  Be Merry, Wrapped in Warmth (retired)

Ø  Cable Knit embossing folder

Instructions:

·        Run Green cardstock through Big Shot with Cable Knit Embossing Folder.

·        Stamp cup & lid onto Be Merry paper & cut out.

·        Cut a strip of Be Merry paper and wrap around middle of cup. 

·        Adhere cup & lid to green card.

·        Stamp sentiment in Cherry Cobbler; cut and mount with dimensionals

Online EXTRAVAGANZA

Each year, Stampin' Up! hosts a fantastic sale called the Online Extravaganza.  This year it begins on Monday, Nov. 20th and runs through Nov. 26.  Monday (11/20) there will be a special 24 HOUR door buster sale with lots of items for you to purchase.  Don't miss out!!

Click HERE for the list of items on sale!

Have fun shopping!  Please use my HOSTESS CODE when you place your order (located at top left of this blog).

Reserve your Stamparatus!!

Stampin' Up is full of big news these days!  After months and months of research, Stampin' Up has come up with the most innovative tool yet for perfect stamped image placement!  I know what you are thinking - you have seen these before.  Hey, I have a MISTI but I will be buying the STAMPARATUS!  You have not seen a tool quite like this one.  The Stamparatus (don't you love the name???)  will change the way you stamp and you will wonder how you ever did without it!

Why do YOU need one? You’ll fall in love with stamping all over again when you learn everything you can do with it!

• Make multiples with ease
• Consistently stamp crisp, clean images
• If you want a darker impression, apply more ink and restamp—no need to start over
• Make fewer mistakes, saving time and money
• Easily create 2-step, 3-step, and 4-step stamped images using reversible plates
• Develop new and specialized stamping techniques with adjustable stamping plates and precision placement

I need product details!

• Compatible with Stampin’ Up!’s red rubber and photopolymer stamp
• Foam mat to use with photopolymer stamps
• Rulers and gridlines for quick measuring
• 2 open sides so you can stamp on larger paper
• 2 reversible plates: a total of 4 surfaces to work with
• 2 magnets to hold the paper in place
• Magnet storage areas
• Retail Price–$49.00 USD/$65.00 CAD

Reserve now for the November 16 – 30, 2017 reservation window with delivery on or around February 1, 2018. The reservation window opens at 2:00 PM (MT) on November 16. While supplies last.

• Reservation quantities are while supplies last.
• You may participate in multiple reservation windows.  
• 1 tool per customer per reservation window.
• In order to reserve your Stamparatus, you are required to provide your credit card information.
• Credit cards will not be charged until the Stamparatus ships from our facility. When you close your order, be sure to verify that your credit card and shipping information is correct.

RESERVATION	AVAILABLE TO SHIP
November 16–30, 2017	Approx. February 1, 2018
December 5–30, 2017	Approx. March 19, 2018
January 15–30, 2018	Approx. April 15, 2018

Using Stampin' Up Blends

I shared the information about the new Stampin' Up Blends last week.  Now they are available for you to order them!!  I have ordered most of the colors and made this card using them.  I stamped and colored the leaves onto Thick Whisper White cardstock and had great results.

It was so easy to do the shading on the Vintage Leaves!  I used the framelits to cut out the leaves.  Next I took matching Blends and went around the edges of the leaves where it was white.  I used the Woodland Textured Embossing Folder to mount the leaves onto.  Simple card to make!!

Enjoy watching these videos that give you tips and tricks on using the new Blends Markers.

Perhaps you would be interested in the Color Me Happy kit which is available now!

Christmas Card Stamp a Stack

I will be holding my annual Christmas Card Stamp - a - Stack on Dec. 2 this year from 10 - 1:00.  This is always a lot of fun.  Once you pick the cards you want to make, I will cut all the card stock and do a lot of the die cutting in advance.  When you arrive, you will have a packet and complete your card.

I would love to have you join us if you live in the Mooresville, Newton, Sherrills Ford area of North Carolina!

I have kept the price the same for several years.  The price includes envelopes.

$35 for 20 cards   /   $65 for 40 cards   /   $95 for 60 cards

(amounts will be pro-rated for other quantities)

You can pick your cards from the ones below.  Please, when picking, make sets of 5.  Keep in mind that you can switch up the sentiments on most of the cards.  I will also have a lot of sentiments for the inside for you to choose from.

If you can not attend but would like a packet to do at home, contact me and we will work out the details.

WREATH 

CHRISTMAS QUILT

CHRISTMAS PINES

REINDEER

EMBOSSED SNOWFLAKE

SNOWFLAKES - PEACE

TIS THE SEASON POLKA DOTS

TIS THE SEASON PLAID

SWIRLY SNOWFLAKES

THREE WISEMEN

Stampin' Up Blends

The new Stampin’ Blends are on their way.

You can purchase them on November 1st.  I am SOOO excited for you to get your hands on them.  I played with mine today and they seem much better than the SU Blendabilities.  Here is the results of my playing today.

FAQ regarding Stampin’ Blends:

Q)  Are these markers the same as Blendabilities?

A)  Yes and No.  These are alcohol based markers.  However they have been reconfigured and are MUCH better than the previous product released.  I love them and would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to start learning how to use alcohol markers for card making.

Q)  Are these the same kind of markers as Copic markers?

A)  Yes.  They are an alcohol based marker.  Just like Copics, Spectrum Noir and several others on the market.

Q)  Why would I buy these instead of buying Copics?

A)  The price point on these markers is much lower than Copic markers.  I highly recommend them for someone that is considering trying it out but doesn’t want the commitment of a large investment.  Or the time involved in learning how to use Copic markers.

Q)  What kind of paper should I use?

A)  The very best paper for any alcohol based marker is a paper designed specifically for that.  I love using  Crafters Companion Spectrum Noir card stock.  However, with that said I have tested the Stampin’ Blends on Whisper White Thick card stock and you do get a nice blend.  The difference is marginal.  I would NOT recommend using an inexpensive card stock, like Walmart or Michaels brands.  They will not give you nice stamped images or blended coloring.

Q)  Are Stampin’ Blends refillable?

A)  No.  They are not.  Their price point is such that purchasing a new marker is less expensive than buying a refill.  You can purchase the markers individually.

Q)  Can I buy the entire set of Stampin’ Blends?

A)  YES. There is an option to purchase the entire set.   

Q)  When will the Stampin’ Blends be available to purchase?

A)  Nov 1, 2017

Stamp Club

Today is my birthday!!  Maybe I should be sharing birthday cards but I will do that one day next week.  So far, I have had a nice day.  I just talked to my daughter and missed calls earlier from mom and Marianne while I was at church.  I've decided to join the church I have been visiting for the past several months so ended up staying late today for "Pizza with the Pastor" for people wishing to join.  I'm hoping to join in November when Ashley will be here.

I had Stamp Club last week.  After designing a few more difficult cards in the past couple of months, I tried to make the cards simpler this month plus I die cut a lot of the elements to avoid waiting in line for the Big Shot.  It paid off and the gals noticed!!  I also concentrated on fall cards with one special card in honor of October Breast Cancer awareness.

This card uses some non-Stampin' Up DSP.  The local stamp store in Mooresville closed recently and I got a lot of their Bo Bunny DSP at a great price.  Vintage Leaves stamp set was used for the background on this card.  The die cut leaf is from Seasonal Layers Thinlits in Copper.  (It makes it easy to adhere if you use the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet on the back of the Copper.)  The cup and sentiment is from Merry Cafe stamp set which is in the Holiday Catalog.  I love this set because it is very versatile.  I am not a coffee drinker but this set has sayings about tea and apple cider plus sentiments for fall, Halloween, Christmas and New Year.

I love the layout of this card.  The Rich Razzleberry (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") and Night of Navy (4" x 5 1/2") cardstock are layered with a piece of white cardstock as the top layer (3 1/4" x 5 1/2")  The only part that opens is the DSP (3 1/2" x 6").  The DSP is scored at the top and sandwiched between the Night of Navy and Razzleberry pieces.

This is our November calendar.  I used the Paisleys and Petals stamp set and thinlits.  The colors I used are Tranquil Tide, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, and Night of Navy - so fallish!

My favorite Painted Harvest stamp set!!!  No matter what color you use, the cards all looked wonderful.  The gals picked their colors and stamped away!

I had to use Ribbon of Courage for breast awareness month.  The DSP is some retired I found in my stash (love using up the old stuff to make room for new!)  I stamped the ribbon on scrap paper but the gals opted to stamp directly on the white.  The detailed stamp is stamped in Blushing Bride full strength.  The plain ribbon is stamped on top of the detailed stamp with Blushing Bride but stamp off first.

Swirly Snowflakes

I've been working on Christmas cards.  I am trying to come up with designs for my Christmas Card class.  It's a little hard thinking about Christmas though when it's 90 degrees outside!  It is hard to believe that it is 2 weeks into October and we are still in shorts!!  This is the kind of weather I left behind in Texas .... I thought!!

The cards I am sharing today use the thinlit die, Swirly Snowflakes.  I did not purchase the matching stamp set because I knew I had several sets with snowflakes.  BUT .... I love the die!!

For this card, I did a little watercoloring on Shimmery White card stock with Pool Party and Lemon Lime Twist.  I stamped the snowflakes (from Tin of Tags) with Versamark and embossed them with white powder.  I layered two Pool Party snowflakes on top of each other and adhered them with glue dots.  The copper swirls  and the punched out dots at the top are from the Swirly Snowflakes thinlits also.

This card didn't photograph well.  I used Be Merry DSP and stamped the sentiment from Christmas Quilt directly on the DSP in black ink.  I stamped a snowflake on each section of the die cut and adhered a rhinestone in the center.  Very easy card!

The snowflake cut out doesn't have to be just for Christmas.  Here I've used the Daisy DSP with the die cut and layered two more pieces behind it - white and Calypso Coral and I have a card that can be used for any occasion.  Don't you love that ribbon???  It's the Crinkled Seam Binding and makes bows wonderfully.

For this Christmas card, I used the Winter Wonder embossing folder (pg 37 Holiday Catalog).  I die cut three snowflakes with glitter paper (this color is retired.)  The sentiment is punched out with the Pretty Label punch.  I made this card using Mint Macaron - one of my favorite colors that is unfortunately retired.  I stocked up on it before it was all gone!

Sorry again about the photography!  Gonna have to fire the photographer!  This is a beautiful card up close - believe me.  I used the Winter Wonder embossing folder to emboss half of the snowflake at the top and half at the bottom of the Powder Pink card stock.  I used the Swirly Snowflake thinlit and cut out two triple snowflakes from Vellum paper.  I punched out the white snowflakes and adhered each one to the vellum.  Next I stamped the sentiment (retired) on Shimmery White card stock with Versamark and embossed it with white embossing powder.  I watercolored with Powder Pink ink on the Shimmery White paper and over the sentiment making it "pop."

I hope you have enjoyed these cards.  If you want to purchase any of the supplies, please contact me.  My contact info is at the top and you can shop in my store.  If you do, please use my October Workshop Code ZFFJKXYC.

HOPE - Ribbon of Courage

I made this card for one of the gals in my bowling group this week.  She has cancer and is just starting chemo.  She is such a sweet gal and is really suffering from this terrible disease.  I CASE'd this card from Pinterest and made a few changes.  Hope you get inspiration from the card.

Front of card

Close up of one of the panels.

I used Ribbon of Courage with Fresh Fig, Berry Burst and Sweet Sugarplum card stock.  The flowers are from a retired stamp thinlit (Botanical Blooms.)  The letters are also stamped from a retired letter set that I have but if you have the Letter Thinlits, they would work great!  (I don't!)  I stamped the letters with Sweet Sugarplum, then pressed my VersaMark pad on top and used Heat and Stick powder and glitter.