Rejoicing in Blues

One of the nicest sets in the Holiday Mini Catalog this year is the 'Rejoicing in Christmas' set. It has perfect, clean lines and the Bible verse and sentiment make this one a special card for your Christmas. I've made this simple design in both a white and an ivory version. I really thought I'd prefer the Very Vanilla, but now that they're both made, I'm opting for the second version in Whisper White. Which one do you like better??

Stamps: Rejoicing in Christmas

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, and either Whisper White or Very Vanilla

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Big Shot with Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Aqua Painter, either Whisper White or Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, and Dimensionals

Other than the basic cardstock used, the cards are identical. I'm not sure why the colors in the photos look so similar. IRL there seems to be a major difference between the two cards. The star on the vanilla card seems to get lost, but stands out quite nicely on the white. I'll probably be making more of these to send to family and friends, because I usually send out cards with a very definite Christian theme. I mean, that's what Christmas is all about, isn't it?!

I want to remind you that we're still enjoying the Smokey Mountains. Just a few more days and we'll be heading back home. Wish this vacation could go on a bit longer, but I've got so much to get back here and do! I'm still planning on more cards for stamping on Tuesday the 5th for our soldiers. We'll be making more Christmas cards, so back to planning!!

Sharon

Softly Styled

Ok, I thought you might like to see something besides Christmas today. Well, whether you want it or not, that's what you're getting today. One of my good friends, Brenda K. shared a card she made with some retired elements on it. I thought it was very soft and pretty and had to make my version of her card using current products. This is what I came up with...


Stamps: Elements of Style, Baroque Motifs, and Thoughts and Prayers
Cardstock: Very Vanilla and Bashful Blue
Ink: Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Sponge quarter, and Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon

Since I've been needing so many get well and sympathy cards lately, I thought I would use the words "Praying for you..." as it would then be appropriate for either need. I usually leave the inside blank until I'm ready to send it out. Seems like whenever I finish off the inside of a generic type of card, along comes a need but the card has the wrong sentiment inside. So you have to sit down and make another one when there just isn't enough time. You ever have that problem? It really pays to have a few sympathy and get well cards on hand for those last minute deals. Especially since my daughter is now coming by and raiding my stash on a regular basis. lol Oh well, at least she likes my cards enough to send them!
Sharon

Cutest Christmas

I'm so excited and frazzled as I sit here writing this. You'll be reading this as I'm enjoying our little family vacation, but I've got some packing to finish before we leave. So why am I sitting here typing away instead of packing? 'Cuz I'll miss you when I'm gone. (pout) But I'm so ready to get out of here for a few days!! By the time you're reading this, we'll be enjoying the breathtaking views in the Smokey Mountains. Ahhhh, I can just feel the stress oozing out of me already! But don't worry, I hustled up a few ideas to share with you while I'm out of here. And here's the first one...

Stamps: A Cute Christmas
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, and Whisper White with Candy Cane Designer Series Paper
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, and Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and Dimensionals

Now, this is a test. Can you see what I did wrong?? Look closely. I'm sure you can find the mistake. It's so funny! I didn't even catch it until I saw the card on my computer moniter.....

Can you believe I put the printed paper design on upside down?! OMG, is my face ever red!! I guess that's what happens when I'm in a hurry and stamp without my glasses on. Oh dear, it's a real bummer getting older! Notice I didn't say old - I'm not admitting to that yet!! So, let's just pretend that the cute little designs are hanging right side up and enjoy it!!

Hope you're having a great weekend so far! I know I am!!!!
Sharon

Candy Cane Christmas

Ok, this is the last fabulously gorgeous card I have for you. I wish I had lots more, but alas, you'll just have to look at what I create after today, not what my talented friends whip up in their spare time! lol Unfortunately it's true, I hang out with people that are so much more creative than I am. And I keep hoping some of it will rub off on me. It's bound to soon, don't you think? Osmosis or something like that??

Anyway, here's the last card of the talented ladies that I was stamping with last Saturday. This card was designed by Kendra Diserens. When I first saw it, candy canes jumped to my mind so that's the title I gave it. I just wish there was some little girl I could send this to on Christmas. Wouldn't it be perfect for a little rosy-cheeked darlin'? Well, since I have a cute little BOY grandbaby, I'll have to think of someone else to treat with this little Victorian snowgirl.


Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Season of Joy
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, and Whisper White with Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede pads, and Daffodil Delight Marker
Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Aqua Painter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and Coluzzle (retired)





Isn't she just the cutest little girl? And can't you just about feel the cold breezes and pepperminty goodness? It makes me want to check the stores for candy canes! I just love peppermint candy canes, and this card makes me think I can taste them! Thanks Kendra for designing a very special card. I love it!

Well, there you have it. The tri-fecta of awesomely gorgeous Christmas cards. From now on it's back to my quick and easy designs. And yes, I'll be having more to share with you very soon.

Thanks for stopping by today. I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and I love to read your comments, so keep them coming. Come on back soon, I'll work on getting something new up for you to peruse.
Sharon

Bells and Boughs Card

Ok, ready for the next installment of some absolutely fabulous Christmas cards? Well, I promised that you wouldn't be disappointed, and I'm pretty sure that is very true. What?

You don't want me babbling on??

Just get on with the card?

Is that what you just said???

My goodness, some of us are getting just a little impatient there, aren't we? All right, here's the 2nd installment of some fabulously awesome Christmas cards. This one was designed by Phyllis Dahlstrom. She almost always has some cut-out layers on her cards that really make them a 'cut above' the rest.

Anyway, it's lovely, isn't it?

Stamps: Bell and Boughs

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, and Soft Suede

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Wide Oval Punch, Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, and Dimensionals

I love the vintage feel of this card. All the colors and images are working together to make it just gorgeous. And that fabulous Deck the Halls DSP - wow - really makes this card look rich!

Cutting out the bells and ribbon was a bit of work, but so very well worth the time. Having them popped up over the holly sprig really makes them stand out.

If you like the vintage look, consider getting this stamp set, and absolutely get the Deck the Halls DSP! It's a 'must-have' on my list for making cards this Christmas!!!

Ok, are you ready for one more fabulous Christmas design? Come on back tomorrow for the last of the awesome, gorgeous cards we made last Saturday. Have a terrific evening...

Sharon

Bethlehem Christmas

Oh my goodness!! Have I got some gorgeously awesome cards to share with you in the next few days! A few of us got together on Saturday and had a shoebox swap. The ladies' cards were just fabulous and I can't wait to share them with you. You're gonna flip when you see them!!

The card I'm sharing today was designed by Elizabeth O'Hagan, and it's a beauty! She always comes up with lovely designs, but she really outdid herself with this one.

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler

Ink: VersaMark and Basic Black

Accessories: Heat Tool, Gold Embossing Powder, Big Shot with Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Ticket Corner Punch, Mat pack and Piercing Tool, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Basic Rhinestones, and Coluzzle (retired)

Isn't this card fabulous? The colors are so rich and just perfect for the design. I'm sure those Three Wise Men would approve of this card.

It's hard to see from the picture, but there's a rhinestone in the center of the star. IRL it's just the 'frosting on the cake' as far as I'm concerned! Very elegant, but surprisingly not too hard to make. I think there just might be a few of these going out to some very special people on my card list this Christmas.

Make sure you check back tomorrow for another installment of fabulous Christmas cards! You won't be disappointed, I can assure you of that! Have a restful night and I'll be seeing you tomorrow with more goodies!

Sharon

Halloween Four Square Card

Here's another card (or two) from stamp classes this week. I couldn't decide which I liked better, so I made two versions and the ladies had a choice on which one to make. The choosing was pretty even between the two. Which one do you prefer?

Stamps: Batty for You and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White and Nite Owl Designer Series Paper

Ink: Basic Black ink pad, with Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Basic Black Markers

Accessories: 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Everything used is exactly the same for both cards, except for the different design of the paper chosen and different stamps from the set that were used. All the ladies could choose which paper to use and had a choice of 8 images for the squares. Needless to say, everyone's card turned out just a tad different, but that's part of the fun. Isn't it??

When polling them on why they made their choices, it depended on how young the recipient would be. Skulls and darker for the older kids, brighter and cuter for the youngsters. There you have the results of my very unofficial poll just in case you need to know something as important as that! lol

Hope you're having a great week. I know my week is always great when it's peopled with friends and stamping. toodles....

Sharon

Elegant Ornament Take Two

I mentioned several days ago when posting the first ornament card that I'd give you the latest version after classes were finished on Wednesday, so here it is. I was right wasn't I - it's better than the earlier one, isn't it?

Love, love, love the lines of the card - very elegant. But I love even more how dog-gone easy it is to make this card. And so did the ladies at classes this week! It was a real hit with them, and will probably be the card I make bunches of for our personal Christmas cards. Isn't it just gorgeous??


Stamps: Tags til Christmas and Seasonal Sentiments
Cardstock: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, and Brushed Silver
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Big Shot with Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, Rich Razzleberry 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Ornament Punch, and Dimensionals

Each time I make one of these cards I can't believe how quick it comes together! This is one of those great 10 Minute or Less cards that are a life saver when you're in a real time crunch. And who isn't scrambling for more time during the holidays? I guess I need to get my rhinestones, ribbon, and silver cardstock ordered before they're backordered!! LOL Just thinkin' ahead, don'tcha know!

Have a great day and get planning those Christmas cards while you still have time!
Sharon

Another Leaf Card

Yes, yes, it's leaves again today. I seem to be stuck on leaves right now. Maybe it's the cooler weather? Who knows. (shrug) I was wanting to make another card for Thanksgiving using the French Foliage set, but I was looking to make it a bit more masculine than yesterday's version. So here's the latest. Do you like it as much as yesterday's card? Let me know what you think...

Stamps: French Foliage, Woodgrain, and Teey Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Cajun Craze, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Pear Pizzazz, and Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Sponge quarter, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (retired), and Cutter Tool

My most favorite part of this set is that the leaves are substantial, but not entirely solid. It's so much fun to layer them all over each other, but you can still see each leaf without it getting muddy looking. Did I mention this is one of my very 'favoritest' sets?? If that's not a word, I think it should be!

The woodgrain background stays with the tree/leaf idea so it was the perfect choice. The colors are bold, but still within the bounds of natural. Do you think it meets the masculine challenge?

Thanks for stopping by. I love to hear your ideas and comments. Now get those stamps out and start inking! Time to get going on all your fall and winter ideas.

Sharon

Skeleton Leaves

Ooh, I just loooove autumn and all the wonderful sights and smells! Apple orchards with cider and donuts. And you can't forget the carved pumpkins and crunchy leaves underfoot. Can't wait to take the grandbaby to the pumpkin patch. Do you think 4 months old is too young for a visit??? We're not even officially in the fall season yet and none of the leaves have changed color here, but that doesn't stop me from creating my very own pile of colorful leaves!! The stamp set used is one of the fabulous new ones available in the Holiday Mini, and it's really one of my very, very favorite ones. It can be elegant or fun depending on how you use it, so it's one of those versatile sets I'll hang onto and use many times over in the coming years. Today's idea is more of the fun version. Hope it inspires you just a bit.


Stamps: French Foliage and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla cardstock with Newsprint Designer Series Paper
Ink: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, and Soft Suede
Accessories: Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches, Clip (retired), Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon (retired), Sponge Daubers, Cutter Tool, and Dimensionals






This card uses every single stamp in the French Foliage set. That's something that I don't usually do, but for this card it just seemed right to have a little bit of each of the stamps on there. After using the Newsprint DSP for a background, I love the addition of the french script stamp used on the main layer. It just seems perfect to me.

The main layer is also heavily distressed. There's ripping, sponging, and using the distressing tool on some of the edges. Like I said earlier, there's "a little bit" of everything here.

Hope you enjoyed this idea and give it a try. And thanks for stopping by today. Have fun stamping!!
Sharon

Apple Cider Thanksgiving

I have a real quick card to share with you today. This is one of the cards we made last Tuesday when we got together at church to make cards for our soldiers. I love the chance to get out some of my favorite retired Stampin' Up! cardstock and Designer Papers. And that's exactly what I did with this card. Hope you like...


Stamps: Falling Leaves
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Really Rust (retired), Chocolate Chip with Apple Cider Designer Series Paper (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, and Really Rust (retired)
Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice Texturz Impression Folder, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, and 1 3/8" Circle Punch, and Dimensionals

Again I've used one of my favorite embossing folders to give the background some wonderful texture. What would I do without it?? Guess I don't really want to know! lol

I really love using the circle punches to accent the circles in the DSP. Nice compliment. And there's just something about these colors that makes me feel cozy and think autumn and apple cider. Ah well, I've just about used up my excess of Really Rust cardstock, so I'll have to move on to something else now. Anybody have any Really Rust cardstock just sitting around that they don't want or need? I've got more Apple Cider DSP that could really use some Really Rust cardstock. I'd be happy to use it for our card-making evenings at church. We make cards to donate to "From Our Hearts" and we could really use more. Contact me if you want to get some off your hands. :)

Thanks for stopping by today. I value your comments, so take a moment to say hi!
Sharon

Elegant Ornament Card

It's been busy this week as usual. Our grandson is a treasure, even when he has one of those fussy days like yesterday. Nothing was quite right and he was tired as all get out. But he wouldn't keep his little eyes closed. Oh well, today was another day and he was back to his happy smiley self again. He took such a good nap today my hubby and I got a batch of tomatoes canned! Hooray! Just thinking about making chili or spaghetti sauce makes me feel like fall is coming soon. And what comes right after that? Why Christmas and all those cards that need to be made and mailed out!! Tonight I was checking ideas on Stamping Connection, a website for demonstrators, and found a lovely idea by Becky Jensen. It looked quick and easy, but still very elegant. Of course, there's a little tweak or two, but what do you expect?

Stamps: Tags til Christmas

Cardstock: Whisper White and Brushed Silver

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Big Shot with Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Ornament Punch, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

I thought the card turned out pretty, but I got to thinking about it and did a few more changes to the design. But I can't show you that one just yet. Next week is my week for classes and the new, improved card will be one of the projects. I just loooooove the newest version and can't wait for the ladies to see it. Still quick and easy enough to make large multiples for Christmas, but oh so elegant! I promise I'll share the Elegant Ornament Card 3.0 with you next week. You'll just have to be patient and check back after classes are finished on Wednesday. Okay??

Well that's about it for tonight. I'm beat and don't think I can manage to stay up any longer. I'm off to bed.

G'night,

Sharon

Thanksgiving Wishes

It's been a crazy, fun, busy, happy, long weekend and it's drawing to a close. Good thing too 'cuz I'm just about dead on my feet. It's so wonderful seeing family again after more than a year, and weddings are always fun. So roll that all in all into a long holiday weekend, and you have a fantabulous several days! I was sorry to see everyone go, but that gave me a chance for a little stamping! This past week I've been putting together the projects my 'church ladies' will be making for our soldiers and actually finished planning and packaging 2 more projects tonight. I think that makes 6 in all that we'll be stamping tomorrow night. That is unless I have a quiet day tomorrow and can sneak downstairs during my sweet grandbaby's nap time. We'll see..... But I thought I'd quickly share with y'all one of tomorrow's projects. It's sort of new and old all mixed in together.

Stamps: Autumn Days, Woodgrain, and Seasonal Sentiments (new mini)

Cardstock: Mellow Moss (retired), Soft Suede, and Naturals Ivory with Wanted DSP (retired)

Ink: Mellow Moss (retired) and Soft Suede

Accessories: Sponge Dauber, Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon, and HodgePodge Hardware clip

I love finding ways to use up my retired stash of supplies. There's certainly nothing wrong with them, and honestly, Mellow Moss is one of my favorite colors. I've had a hard time not reaching for it many times. But, when making cards for our soldiers, I don't think they much care whether a ribbon or cardstock is retired or not. As long as they have a hand-made card to send home their love and caring, well, that's all that matters in my book.

So I hope you don't mind too much that there are days when I share retired items. And who knows, maybe you have those very same items sitting tucked away on a shelf and this will give you an idea to use.

Hope your night is quiet and God gives you restful sleep, and then you're ready and rarin' to go first thing in the morning. Have a great day tomorrow!

Sharon

Quickie Birthday Cards

I needed to make a large batch of birthday cards for two friends of mine the other day. They both needed to get them quickly, so I needed an idea that I could easily make multiples of and that wouldn't take too much time. Have you seen those cute cards that look like they have shopping bags on them? I love them myself and have made a good number of them already, so I knew that would be just the ticket for what my friends wanted. Now you could probably make these cards using just about any Designer Series Paper that you have on hand. But I have two friends that love purple everything! Luckily I still had some retired Tea Party DSP and retired Lavender Lace cardstock around to make these cards in their favorite colors. So here they are...


Stamps: On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Lavender Lace, Whisper White, and Crumb Cake with Tea Party Designer Series Paper
Ink: Lavender Lace
Accessories: 1 1/4" Square and 1 3/8" Square Punches, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Designer Label Punch, Hemp Twine, Sticky Strip tape, and little bits of tissue paper




See how simple these are to make? Just pick out a grouping of DSP that coordinates and start punching away. I will admit that I used different prints on the bags as I went along assembling these little bags. It was so much fun choosing 3 that went together. Almost as much fun as actually shopping for cute little bags!! But not quite. I guess we'll save the shopping for another day....

Are you ready for the holiday weekend? I'm so excited - my brother, SIL and one of their daughters are coming to visit. They'll be here shortly, so I've got to run! Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend whatever you do! Who knows, maybe you can even find some time to stamp!
Happy stamping,
Sharon

Halloween Swap

Well, actually it wasn't a Halloween swap, but a Holiday Mini Catty swap that I participated in. I chose to use the Fang-tastic set, hence the 'Halloween Swap' name. Anyway, the cards arrived today , yippee!! So I figured it was safe to share my card for the swap now that I'm done drooling over all the fabulous cards I received. Oh yes, there were some awesome ideas in that little bag of swaps and I can't wait to share them with my customers! Anyway, back to what I'm sharing with you today. I hadn't gotten the bat punch yet, so I made do with the Round Tab Label punch. Look and see....

Stamps: Fang-tastic

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Whisper White with Nite Owl Designer Series Paper

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Basic Black, and Rich Razzleberry pads, and Real Red Marker

Accessories: Big Shot with Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, AquaPainter and Wonderful Watercolor Crayons, Round Tab Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Cutter Kit, Sponge Daubers, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

After writing out all the 'ingredients', I was surprised at how many products were used to make this little card. But it really is all the little things that make a difference when making a card. Sometimes it's the extra layers, or ribbon, or other doo-dads. Sometimes it's something really simple like sponging the embossed layer to make the embossing stand out. Or adding little droplets of blood coming from dracula's mouth.

Whatever you need to do to make it special, always keep it fun. It took a couple of tries to get some 'bite' marks on the sentiment layer, but I thought it would make it look cuter. I ended up using the Scallop Oval punch and just punched it in different directions from the inside of the punch. Something simple, but still fun.

Hope this card inspires you to play with this Fang-tastic set. It really is cute and you too can make adorable cards for kids (or those young-at-heart) this Halloween.

Happy stamping....

Sharon