Christmas Projects - Rolo Rascal and Mr. Grinch!

 A little seasonal trivia for you before sharing the projects to get you in the spirit!

The traditions of trees, mistletoe and elves stem from Druid and Paganism roots. In fact, a lot of Christmas traditions pre-date Christianity. 

Mistletoe was believed to ward off evil spirits, much later on earning  a reputation as a healing herb. When Christianity came to be, it was ruled that all mistletoe was to be pulled and destroyed. Consequently to this day, mistletoe does not grow on its own. The seeds must be introduced to a living plant where once it takes root, it will grow and thrive all the while destroying the host plant. It takes five years for the plant to reach its full maturity! Kissing under the mistletoe branch didn’t begin until the early 17^th century, believing it would bring good luck and fortune or possibly mend a broken heart. What few people know is that after kissing, they are meant to pick a berry off the sprig. Once the berries are all gone, the sprig then loses its magical powers. Anyone partaking in the tradition this year, remember to pull those berries. And if it’s a sprig without any berries, get away from it. 

On to elves ....  There is so much information on these wee folk … some good, some bad.  Basically the Pagans and Druids perceived them to be impish little folks. Very few were ever described as being good and helpful until Christmas celebrations came into existence. Although St Nicholas was first introduced as an elf in A Visit from St Nicholas (1823), elves were not introduced until 1856 in an unpublished work written by Louisa May Alcott entitled Christmas Elves. They were also popularized as Santa’s helpers by publications such as Godey’s Lady’s Book by putting them on their front cover in 1873!

St Nicholas, was a Greek Orthodox Bishop during the 4^th century. He is best known for quietly giving gifts to children in need, especially very good ones. He did have a little man by the name of Crumpus travel with him whose job was to hand out the coal to the bad children. Throughout the years one would see St Nicholas traveling throughout the lands in either a red, white, brown or green long coat. Today everyone sees Santa only wearing a red suit with white fur trim. Do you know why? Back in the 1930’s Coca Cola was running a Christmas advertisement. The company’s colors are red and white, thus they put him in the same colored clothes. The advertisement was such a huge success that everyone has perceived Santa in his outfit of red and white ever since! Europeans deemed the 6^th of December as St Nicholas Day, which is early in advent, so that his activities would not mar the holiest of days … December 25^th.

(thanks to Karen Sullivan for this bit of info!)

Before I forget AGAIN, I have to share some good news with you about a prize give-away offered by Stampin' Up!!  EVERYDAY in December you can enter the drawing (one entry per day!)  There will be 10 winners who will get their own copy of MDS PLUS all the downloads from 2013 which is over $1900 in product!  Can you say WOW!!!!  So, head on over to Facebook and go the My Digital Site and register there and enter the contest!!!!  If they hit 10,000 hits in their contest we'll all get a free thank you!!!  So run, head on over!!!

How about a few Christmas project shares?  I just love these little candy guys!!

Mr Grinch is a Heath bar - you can use any flat candy bar - Hershey, Skor, etc.  It's really quite easy to make him.  Measure the candy bar to see what size your wrapper needs to be.  You need to double the width and add an inch PLUS add an inch for the length too.   So, the Skor and Heath  bars are the same size, 1 1/2 by 6 1/2, so your wrapper needs to be 4 by 7 1/2. 

These are the punch pieces you will need for the Grinch.  The Curly Label punch and Owl Builder piece from Old Olive.  The yellow circles and black circles are from the Owl Builder punch.  The Santa hat is from the Pennant Builder punch (folded over.)  The white hat brim is from the Scallop Square punch, the white puff ball is from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, and the eyebrows are from the slot punch (retired) but you can just cut some strips of paper in brown.   Cut one foot from the Old Olive Owl piece to use as a nose, then glue it and the eyes to your Old Olive Curly Label Punch piece.  I used Real Red  to ink up the stamped piece (from Tags Till Christmas).  Punch it out with the 1 1/4 square punch and mount that on the Scallop square punch.  

Mr Grinch Candy Bar

And we can't forget the Rolo Rascal!  I made mine into a Santa but you could just as easy have a Grinch Rascal also following the punched instructions above.

Wrap Designer Paper (about 3 ¼” x 4 ¾” around the Rolos.  For the eyes... I colored 2  pearls with a black sharpie.   Cut the fabric  4" x 5" for the hat – I used the hot glue gun to make it stick or you can use the Red Line tape. 

 Punches:  1-1/4" Scallop  / ¼” circle for eyes / ½” circle for nose / 5 flower Punch for mustache.

Cut strip of black for belt & a square of Gold Glimmer paper for buckle.

Rolo Rascal Santa!

 Enjoy!!  I have 2 ladies coming over today from my Thursday Stamp Club to do their projects.  With just two, we should get a lot done.  I think I will be creating with them!!

It's that busy time of year!

It's that time of year .... soooo busy!  I have been working on projects for my Stamp Clubs to make this month.  I had several requests - tags, gifts, table gifts.  I tried to have several things on display for them to choose from which resulted in me having to bring most of the supplies from my craft room downstairs - most of the punches, Christmas stamps, paper, etc!  My Tuesday group was here today and they made a lot of different things even though they all grinched and groaned about how they were all sooo hard but they did fine.  I'll be sharing them with you soon.

I have been trying to also do some projects to send to my grandson for Christmas using My Digital Studio.  Here are a few games I made.  I just need to print them out with the game pieces that I made.  They can be played as is OR I could put some magnets on the back and they could be travel games played on a cookie tin!

Here is my card for the Paper Challenge this week.

All the Cuteness without All the Work!

What's NEW?

Check our NEW Arrivals by Clicking HERE!

New Bundle Deals!

Need a quick gift wrapping option for a teacher, friend or neighbor? With all this cuteness, how can you pass it up?  Order your bundles today and starting wrapping up in style.

IPad / IPhone App Plus Talking Tags!!

It's new, it's fun and it's a quick way to send an e-card love note or birthday wish!  For those times when you want to send a greeting on the fly, it's perfect!

Just use Stampin' Up!'s FREE Simply Sent iPhone (and iPad) app!  Create an e-card-from a template, add a photo or customize and then send it via e-mail or post it on Facebook.

 

Click here to download and try it now!

Talking Tags!

 

And are you ready for another cool new item from Stampin' Up!?  

Now you are able to send a talking message in your cards - technology and handmade come together to create the perfect gift!

 

With Talking Tag, you can send a gift that is uniquely you. Talking Tag is a message label you can attach to cards, invitations, gifts . . . anything! Personalize birthday cards, Christmas gifts or even record quick instructions for a recipe. Now your pictures really can say a thousand words!

How to Buy Talking Tags:

Buy 'em by the sheet! You get 10 tags for just $7.95 (item 129723).

Would you like to hear how they work? Click HERE to download more info and actually hear a message from Shelli Gardner, CEO of Stampin' Up!

 

Last Day for Sale! Paper Craft Challenge

 Today is the LAST DAY for Stampin' Up's Extravaganza Sale!!  Today's 24 hour specials are:

 Wednesday, November 28, midnight - 11:50 PM (MT)

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	24-Hour Sale Price
7	118941	Clear Block Bundle (A-I)	$66.95	$53.56
7	120279	Clear Block Storage Caddy	$16.95	$13.56
175	109127	Stack & Store Caddy	$34.95	$27.96

				Today is also the Paper Craft Crew's Sketch Challenge.  Here is the card I made using MDS.  The little birds are embellishments from a Christmas kit (don't remember which one!)
				Keep in mind - BLOG CANDY…   We will be offering SOME type of BLOG CANDY at least ONCE a month!  BUT you will never know which week the Blog Candy will show up.   We have to keep you on your toes and coming back for more!  NOTE: shipping of blog candy within the United States is free, unfortunately, we must ask our international winners to pay for shipping on any blog candy they may win.

Free download!

Well, I guess you can see what I did yesterday .... my blog header and background.  I love creating these using My Digital Studio but I won't tell you how long it took me - not because it was hard, but because I kept changing my mind!!  

Sonny finally went to the doctor yesterday and got a Z-Pack.  So, hopefully between that and the decongestant, he will be on the mend real quick.  He did go shooting this morning but wasn't sure if he would shoot with the guys or just sit in the clubhouse.  At least he is getting out!!

I have a few things to share today.  First is this Thanksgiving scrap page I created for a challenge SU is doing.  

Next is another card that my guest designer (Ashley) created while she was here.  I just love her use of buttons!

So simple but so great!  She used the cupcake punch for the clouds.  This is one idea I may be borrowing - a great way to use all those buttons you have stuck away in your button jar!

Finally today is Stampin' Up's Digital Download Day and they are offering a FREE download Christmas tag.  So make sure you go to my store and download it FREE and check out the other great items available to buy.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! 

Daring Adventure

Happy Monday!  Hope your weekend was a good one.  It was a pretty quiet one at our house.  Ashley left on Friday headed to Philadelphia, New York and DC!!  Sonny is still sick (over a week now) and didn't feel like going which was ok with me.  We did go to town on Sunday to get him a decongestant and to watch the football game.  The decong. seemed to work - at least he didn't sleep in his chair last night!  I called the dr. first thing this morning and he is on his way there to see the PA.  Now, just keep your fingers crossed that I don't get that little bug!

I am working on a new blog header for winter - time for the turkey to go.  Hopefully, it will be up tomorrow.  Have you been eating your turkey sandwiches?  I sure have!  But all we had in the house was a few slices of wheat bread.  I don't know about you but I have to have my turkey sandwich on white bread - Sunbeam is the best!  So that is what I bought yesterday.  I know a lot of people eat their sandwich with all kinds of sides like cranberries, dressing, etc.  I just like mine simple - Duke's mayonnaise and a little bit of salt with the turkey.  Yum .... can't wait till lunch!

I actually have some cards to share with you today!   Ashley was on a roll last week and made several so I took pictures.  She found 2-3 of my stamp sets that she really liked and used them for her cards.  The first ones are with the Daring Adventure stamp set.  Don't know if you remember, but this was one of my favorites last year when it came out. 

Aren't they great?  One stamp set can make two totally different cards!

Here are a couple of pictures I took on Thanksgiving.  Ashley took most of the pictures with her IPad but she hasn't sent them to me yet.

Marianne, Derek, Harrison, Ashley and Sonny

Angela looking for the chandelier!  (Mom and Greg also along with the back of Sonny's head)

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and as usual, ate too much!  But it was all soooo good!  After everyone left, Ashley, Sonny and I decided to watch a little tv.  Well, I think we took turns keeping our eyes open!  Every time I'd look at them, one of them was snoozing and I know I was!  We were sad to see Ashley leave this morning - those two weeks sure flew by.  But, we will be seeing her in a few weeks when we drive to Texas for Christmas.  Sonny is still not feeling great and he would have gone to the doctor today, but they were closed.  I tried to get him to go to a Minute Clinic but he wouldn't.  Guess he'll be going on Monday.  Marianne and I joined the Newcomer ladies and played a game of Hand and Foot (and we won!!)  Now, I'm just catching up on things and chilling out.  Sammie is looking for all the people that have been here.  With Ashley here for a couple of weeks and Marianne spending a couple of nights with us, she stayed busy keeping her eye on one of us at all times!

I love Stampin' Up's Kraft Boxes for decorating and putting small gifts in.  Last year I used them for cookies and decorated them for friends.  They are on sale right now ($2.07 for a set of 4) along with the Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper ($8.76).  That paper will make some great bows if you follow this tutorial -

PAPER BOWS

Happy Thanksgiving!

Paper Craft Crew Challenge 17 / Thankful!!

I have been super busy the past few weeks.  After Thanksgiving I promise to do more "meaty" posts!  Ashley arrived in Atlanta on Nov. 16 and Sonny and I drove there to pick her up.  We spent a few days in Atlanta before heading back home.  Then I had 2 Stamping Clubs and one Christmas Card Stamp a Stack plus working at the Soup Kitchen before we got in the car again and drove to Asheville.  We had a really good time there although Sonny got sick while we were there.  Luckily, it was after we toured the Biltmore House.  So Ashley and I were on our own on Friday night to wander around downtown Asheville - in and out of shops that Sonny would not have liked to do.  We found a hotel that was moderately priced right downtown and we were able to walk to everything.  On Saturday morning we were leaving our hotel room when we noticed that right on the street under our hotel room, the Christmas parade was gearing up.  So, we went back in the room and waited until it started and watched most of the parade from our balcony.  I don't think there was anyone left in Asheville.  People were lined up on both sides of the street about 3-4 people deep to watch the parade.  And, the parade was over 2 hours long!  We watched for a little more than an hour before checking out.  Then we walked up the street to get some lunch so we were able to see the parade as we were walking along it's path.  We came home on Saturday and Sonny has pretty much been under the weather ever since.  Today is the first day that he is venturing into town but he didn't want to go to lunch.  He is just going to the hardware store to get wiring to hang my chandelier in the dining room.  While we were out of town, it fell from the ceiling!!  Luckily, I did not have my china on the table yet.  The only casualty was a turkey planter that I had a dry arrangement in.  The chandelier is ok too - just needs to be hung better I guess!  So I am very THANKFUL that we were not all seated at the table and enjoying our Thanksgiving dinner when it fell!!

Here is my card for the Paper Craft Crew Challenge (#17).  I love these snowment!!  It is a download called Merry Winter.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are with your family and friends.  Don't eat too much and ENJOY!!

On-Line Extravaganza Sale!! Don't miss it!

This post will remain at the top of the blog from Monday, November 19th-Wednesday, November 28th. Please scroll down to see the new posts.

The Online Extravaganza promotion is Stampin' Up's biggest online sale of the year!  During these 10 days only (Nov. 19-28), you can get incredible discounts - up to 50 percent - on some of your favorite products!

Click HERE to see the great deals you can get.

In addition, there will be three products 20 percent off for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of the Online Extravaganza -  our very own doorbusters!   Woot!

For local customers : The sale starts Monday, but feel free to send me your order anytime to smaranich@yahoo.com  (if you don't want to order on-line)  If you want to take advantage of any of the Monday doorbusters, please have your order to me no later than 8:00 PM EST Monday.   OR if you want any of the Wednesday doorbusters, have your order to me no later than 8:00 PM Wednesday.

For my online customers: Starting Monday visit my ONLINE STORE (click on Shop Now) and shop away!  The sale starts Monday, November 19th.

Monday, November 19th ONLY

Simply Scored Diagonal Plate (125586)

Regular Price - $11.95 

DOORBUSTER PRICE - $9.56

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439)

Regular Price - $99.95

DOORBUSTER PRICE -$79.96

Big Shot Doctor's Bag (113474)

Regular Price - $69.95

DOORBUSTER PRICE - $55.96

 

Wednesday November 28th ONLY

Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I) (118491)

Regular Price - $66.95

DOORBUSTER PRICE - $53.56

 

Clear Block Storage Caddy (120279)

Regular Price - $16.95

DOORBUSTER PRICE - $13.56

Stack and Store Caddy (109127)

Regular Price - $34.95

DOORBUSTER PRICE - $27.96

 

 

As a test product, Stampin' Up! is currently offering the Sizzix Texture Boutique. The Texture Boutique works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not cut. Because this is a product test, the Texture Boutique is not branded with the Stampin' Up! logo. It comes in Sizzix packaging and is the same color and design as sold in stores.

There are only 4,000 available, so be sure to act fact in ordering yours today! This would make a great Christmas gift! You can choose to purchase the machine only for $29.95 (#132657) or as a bundle with the Flower Garden & Stripes Embossing Folders (#132700).

Click HERE to order through my online store...and don't forget to take a peek at all of the other Textured Impressions Embossing Folders we have available.

Check out the video below for more information on the Texture Boutique! 

Sale Dates: November 19th -28th

The ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA SALE is Stampin' Up's biggest online sale of the year! For 10 days only, you can get incredible discounts of up to 50 percent on some of your favorite stampin' products! In addition, there will be three products 20 percent off for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of Online Extravaganza.

The sale doesn't begin until November 19th, but if you would like to see what will be on sale, just click on the link here: Online Extravaganza Sale Items

Remember if you spend more than $150, you will also qualify for hostess benefits. It's a great time to do your Christmas shopping for your crafty friends or for yourself.  If you have any questions, please send me an email. If you would like to shop the sale, click HERE to visit MY STORE starting Monday, November 19th.    If you don't have a credit card, if you send me an email or call me, I will be happy to put the order in for you. 

Happy Shopping!

It's time for another Paper Craft Crew Challenge.  This week I decided to stay away from holiday cards this week and go with a fun colorful birthday card.  What do you think?

I downloaded a lot of kits a few weeks ago when Stampin' Up had their big MDS sale and I just have not had time to play with them.  So when I was searching for an idea, I saw this Topsy Turvy kit in my downloads and couldn't resist!  It's so bright and cheery.

To check out the other sketches, click HERE.

Have a great day!

Clean and Simple

Today is my son's birthday - 34!  Hard to believe my baby is that old!  Wish I could be with him today.

I am not so good at doing Clean and Simple cards but I do like how this one turned out.  It's hard for me not to add just one more thing when doing these types of cards. 

For this card, I spritzed the Crumb Cake card with Marina Mist and Summer Starfruit inks.  As you can see, I used lots of Framelits and Dies to make this card.  They make it so much easier!

We had a good time this weekend in Atlanta.  Before we got on the highway, we met Margaret & Graham in Charlotte for lunch.  Margaret called me Friday night to tell me they were in town - a last minute decision.  Too bad she didn't call earlier and she could have come to my Christmas Card Stamp a Stack!  We met Ashley and her friends for drinks and dinner when we arrived in Atlanta.  Sunday we walked over to the Coca Cola Museum and toured it.  It was really interesting.  Afterwards, we found an Irish pub to watch some football.  Ashley thinks we much have a touch of Irish in us!  Ashley went to her conference Sunday night to hear the opening speaker; Sonny stayed and watched more football and  I went back to the hotel for a nap!  This morning after breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and drove over to Underground Atlanta.  How disappointing!!  Back "in the old days" when Sonny and I were dating and were first married (early 70s), Underground Atlanta was THE hot spot!  I have many fond memories of bar hopping and having fun in Atlanta in the Underground.  Today though it is just a plastic, sterile shopping area with really junky shops and kiosks lining the roads.  You can still see some of the original architect - brickwork, granite archways, cast-iron pilasters, ornate marble, wooden posts and gas streetlamps from a centuries earlier but other than that, it's not worth the $3 we paid to park!  The only store we even wandered in to was the "Made For TV" store! 

I have a really busy week so bear with me if I don't post much.  Tomorrow Ashley and I are working in the Soup Kitchen early and then coming home for afternoon Stamp Club.  Wednesday I have my second Christmas Stamp a Stack and Thursday is my other Stamp Club.  After the ladies leave on Thursday, we are heading to Asheville for a couple of days.  Somewhere in the next week, I need to plan my menu for Thanksgiving and do a little grocery shopping.

Doilies and Christmas Ornaments

Just a quick post today.  I'm busy getting ready for ..... my Christmas Stamp a Stack, Stamp Club next week, Ashley's visit next 2 weeks, Thanksgiving ..... the list doesn't stop!!  Now I know why we had ham sandwiches for dinner tonight!!  No time to cook!! 

So, I had this card on my desk and forgot to share with you.  It came together really simply.  I haven't used the Doily Die much but I think I've figured out the trick so I'll be using it more often.  I was having a hard time getting it to punch out and then had all those little "chads" to punch out.  But I've discovered that If I use 3 vellum shims when running it through the Big Shot, I don't have too much trouble with it.  Every machine is a little different so you might have to experiment to see what works for you.  Anyway, back to the card ... the red circle is punched out and embossed with the Polka Dot embossing folder.  The ornament is from the Delightful Decorations stamp set (before I bought the Ornament Keepsakes).  Season's Greetings is from Curly Cute.

Have a great weekend!  I probably won't be posting since we are driving to Atlanta Saturday to pick Ashley up after her conference.

Holiday Ornaments

I told myself I didn't need any more holiday stamp sets but I just didn't listen to myself.  When Stampin' Up had the bundle on sale last week, I just couldn't resist.  And I've had fun making cards with it and will probably use it at stamp club next week. 

this one is my favorite!

close up of the ornaments

I had a busy day yesterday.  I left the house in the morning at 9:30 and didn't return until almost 6 pm!  I visited with my friends at the Newcomers meeting first.  Then I headed to Mooresville and did a little Kohl's shopping.  I have not been to that store in a long time until I went on Monday.  I bought some slacks and a top but when I got home, I had a 30% coupon in the mail from Kohls but the sale didn't start until Wednesday.  Well, I didn't need those clothes that bad.  So,  I took the items back, got credit and bought them again plus a couple more things using my coupon plus getting Kohls Bucks to use next week.  Then it was time for a haircut.  Boy, did I need one!  Although afterwards, she was sweeping up the hair she had cut and there was a lot of gray hair on the floor - don't know whose hair THAT was!!  Surely, not mine!  My next stop - after grabbing a bite to eat - was Dollar General.  Love that store!  Our Newcomers group collects baskets at Christmas for the Christian Missions Group.  They give the baskets to the elderly in our town who are in need.  So, I filled my basket with soap, hand cream, puzzle magazines, pencils, candy, etc.  We also donate a child's gift to the Christian Missions.  While I was at Kohls, I picked up the cutest Velveteen Rabbit along with the book for a child along with a few clothing items for a child.  Sure makes you feel good to do something like that.

 

And the winner is .....

Congratulations to Kathy Mc for winning my BLOG CANDY! 

Kathy said: 
"Red, black and white is one of my very favorite color combos, and this card is super. Wish I'd practiced more with my MDS software because I just don't use it. Couldn't have been too impressed with any of my Halloween costumes because I can't remember any in particular…but that was years ago. Thanks for the chance at your wonderful blog candy, Sharon!"

Kathy, contact me (smaranich@yahoo.com)  and send me your address so I can send the goodies to you.

NOTE:  I used the site, Random.org to draw Kathy's name but can't figure out how to show it here!!  It came up with #22.

Paper Craft Challenge 15

It's time for my sketch for the Paper Craft Crew.  We are trying something a little different.  We now have teams who are responsible for each week.  I am the leader for this week's team and we have some great cards for you.

Here is the sketch we were to work with:

And here is my card using My Digital Studio (of course!).

I will be drawing for the BLOG CANDY tonight .  So if you haven't left a comment HERE (for my give away) or HERE (for the grand prize), you better hurry!

How do you like my November blog header?  The turkey is made using flowers!  Love it!