Year End Thoughts

Here it is, the day before the end of 2010. What a year it's been. So many ups and downs, twists and turns. But all in all it's been a good year for us here. Of course our greatest blessing has been our little grandson that we love dearly. Thought you'd like to see how much he's grown in 7 months, so here's a pic with him and his proud grandpa. My sister got him the plushy Santa suit and he looked just adorable. Don't you agree? For some reason he was the center of attention throughout the day, and he seemed to really enjoy it!



OK, on with something to share with you. Each year I have customers that want a gift certificate for a friend or family member. And each year I come up with one that I make from scratch. (I also make birthday and thank you certificates, but that's for another time! ) Since everyone probably has received their gift certificates by now, I figured it would be safe to share and not mess up the surprise.

This year I chose to use the Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper for the main theme of the certificates. The prints were all very cute and playful, but there really wasn't a problem deciding which one I wanted to use. The print with the trees and birds fit the size of my certificate very well, so that's what I chose. Here's a picture of one that I'm sharing with you...

Stamps: Occasional Quotes (hostess) and A Cute Christmas

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, and Candy Cane Christmas DSP
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Accessories: 1/4" Circle Punch, Designer Label Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Bone Folder, and Dimensionals

The holly leaves were punched with the small oval punch, then trimmed up with Paper Snips. I don't have a holly punch that's the right size, but it worked out well this way anyway. The inside of the gift certificate is printed on my computer on our white cardstock, then trimmed up and layered. This all fits into a small open-end envelope that's been stamped with the trees from A Cute Christmas to match.

That's it for today. Don't know if I'll get anymore stamping in this year as we're sort of running out of time. My best wishes to each of you for a happy and healthy new year. May God bless the next year for you with pleasant surprises and many warm memories with your family and friends. Happy New Year!
Sharon

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...

But we haven't gotten to the part where nothing was stirring, etc. I just finished wrapping the gifts and making the last gift card holders. The cookies and candies are all finished. At least, I've quit whether I was actually finished or not. And it's almost time to get ready for church. So what's left to do tonight? Share one more post with you! In fact, I should have called this the ornament edition. Yes, I've spent time during the past week or so making a slew of ornaments. My cat chews on the fake tree and then steals stuff off of it, so my delicate glass ones didn't even come out this year. Some I gave away before I got pictures of them, but these are a good representation of what was made.
There were a bunch of the snowflake snowglobe type of ornaments made this year. Those were really fun to make. These two just have glitter for shaking and none on the outside. Others have been glittered all over the place inside and out! Gotta make sure they shine on the tree, ya know!

I used both the Chunky Glitters and the Glass Glitter on the ornaments. It just depended on the look I wanted.



This was my favorite ornament when it was finished. The image has added glitz from the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint that was used over the bells. There was also some Frost White Shimmer Paint accents on the berries, holly, and ribbon. So very pretty!!








This picture might give you a better idea about the shimmer on the image. Like I said, this one's my favorite of all that I made this year. As you can see, I raided my stash of retired DSP's to make these ornaments. I was looking for certain colors to use, and this fit the bill.








My daughter will only put blue and silver ornaments on her tree, so these are for her. I also did a few of the snowflake style (1st one shown) done up with blues for her.

On the backs of the ornaments I used a retired gold/silver Zig Painty pen to add the names and/or years depending on who they're for. It surprised me that my pen was still in working order after sitting around since last Christmas. What a nice surprise for me!

Well, that's it for tonight. Time to get redy for the candlelight service at church tonight. I think this is always the loveliest service in the whole church year and something I never want to miss.

Wishing you a very Blessed Christmas! Take time to thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem. He came so you and I can be redeemed and and become children of God. This is the most glorious gift ever!
Sharon

Top Note Gift Box

Hi there! Today I've got a really quick post for you. One of my downline ladies, Phyllis Dahlstrom, made some of these cute little boxes for our Christmas party. Inside she had some homemade fudge. Yummy!! I can't give you too many details on how the box was made, because I've never made one of these. But I'm going to give it a try after Christmas. Hmmm..... The wheels are turning..... Wouldn't it be the perfect size for a Valentine box??? That means I've got to figure out how it's made. I'll get back to you on that later.

Stamps: Bells and Boughs, Serene Snowflakes

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black

Accessories: Big Shot with Top Note Die, Old Olive Satin Ribbon

Not sure for the ovals just what was used. I guess you need to use your imagination here.

Isn't it pretty? I think she did a great job on both the box and the fudge!! Hope you like Phyllis' idea as much as I do. After I track her down for some dimensions after Christmas, this is one of the first ideas I'm going to try my hand at. Check back later for another version for another occasion.

Hurry up now. Only 3 days left til Christmas! Hope you're not too frazzled to think about the true meaning of this holiday - when the Christ Child was born and God came to earth to live with us. What a blessing and honor to serve Him!!

Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family in the coming year.

Sharon

Last Minute Christmas Cards

What a week this is turning out to be - sheesh!! Yesterday I had an appointment to get my teeth cleaned. I know, who in their right mind would plan that for the week before Christmas. Me, that's who! Unfortunately I had to cancel my appointment twice in the previous 6 weeks, and I was determined to get it done before the end of the year. So my gums were sore from that. Then today while eating something quite innocuous, a section of one of my teeth just broke off. I called and they'd had a cancellation - could I come right now. So I spent part of this afternoon getting a temporary crown put on my tooth. Doesn't that sound like fun??? My jaw and gum area around the tooth still hurts. Boo hoo little me :( Oh well, I get to look forward to getting the permanent crown put on right after the first of the year!! Hooray! What a way to start out the new year! Well, I am thankful they could get me in today and I didn't have this happen over the holidays. Wouldn't that be the pits? Alright, enough whining here and let's get on with the cards!!

Ok now, I know it's only 4 days til Christmas and you've had all your cards in the mail eons ago, but I ran out of cards that I'd made and had to whip up a few more on Sunday. Seems to happen every year. I should know better by now and just make twice as many as I think I'll need. Anyway, I thought I'd use up a few segments of dsp that I had left and make up some super-quick cards. Here you go....


Materials for all three cards are as follows:

Stamps: Peaceful Season (hostess)
Cardstock: Crumb Cake and either Always Artichoke or Cherry Cobbler with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper
Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke on #3
Accessories: White Pearlized Smooch Accent Ink, Sponge Dauber, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, and the Ticket Corner Punch on card #3




These three cards are very basic, but because of the lovely Deck the Halls DSP used they are still gorgeous. I added the sponging on the DSP on each card to give them more of a vintage look.

On the first two cards, I used touches of the Smooch Accent Ink to give them a hint of luxury and opulence. Even if they only took moments to make, I still think they look quite nice. The Bells and Boughs Designer Paper has been one of the easiest to use with the prettiest results!!




This last card also used the slot punch for the ribbon to slide through. Then a tied bow was attached with a Mini Glue Dot.

Now aren't you glad you took a minute to check these cards out? Simple, but I'm still very happy with them.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope your Christmas preparations are going better than mine!

Sharon

Birthday Hydrangea

Ok, today I have another class project for you. One of the nicest sets in the catalog can't be purchased, but you can get it free when you're a hostess. Can you guess which set I totally love?? It's called 'Because I Care', and I'm really excited about using it. I've done several cards with it already that I like, but I've always veered toward using very subtle colors. This time I got a bit bolder and used richer versions of my beloved subtles. See what you think of it....

Stamps: Because I Care and Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, and Whisper White

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Daffodil Delight, and Certainly Celery

Accessories: Big Shot with Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Sponge Dauber, Striped Organza Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Aqua Painter, and Dimensionals

For this card, the ladies also got to choose whichever sentiment they wanted. Most all of the stamps in the Sincere Salutations set fit nicely into the scallop oval punch, so there was alot of switching around and changing minds of what stamp they really wanted to use. Sometimes having choices just makes it harder to make a card. (At least that's what they tell me!)

Seems like I cut a few too many cardstock sets of this sample, so I think I'll get them stamped up today before I get everything put away. Yeah, I know, I should have put it all away last night after class, but I got lazy. Oh well. That just means it's time to stamp today before I get on with getting my own cards finished, addressed, and mailed. And it's not even 3 days before Christmas yet!! Wow - this might be a new record for getting cards out on time! I'll let you know if they actually get finished today!

Have a great day! Take a deep breath, you still have 8 days before Christmas to get everything finished!!! Help.......

Sharon

Happiness Shared Case

Hey there! It's snowy outside and Christmas is just around the corner, but this week's classes were focused on just about anything but Christmas! The ladies all said they'd already decided on their cards and didn't want any more ideas to make them want to change their minds at this late date. So instead we had birthdays, sympathy, thinking of you, etc., etc. It was a fun break from everything holiday.


The first class project was very feminine and elegant. This card was sent to me by my sister Connie. She had used it for a class project a couple of months ago and it was a big hit for her. So, why reinvent the wheel when you've already got a winner?? Of course, there was a little tweak or two, but not many changes. It definitely looks harder to make than it is as long as you have some directions. And that's what I'm here for!


Stamps: Happiness Shared
Cardstock: Basic Black, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, and Whisper White
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, and So Saffron
Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Curly Label Punch, Aqua Painter, and Striped Organza Ribbon

I had thoughts of dry-embossing the Pink Pirouette layer, but decided I liked the simplicity and clean lines as it was. Instead of the sentiment from the set across the front, several ladies chose to use either a birthday or sympathy sentiment. Each of those worked equally well with the card design and colors, so I'd say this was one very versatile design and I'll probably be making more or these to keep on hand. Thanks Connie for sharing such a fabulous card idea with me!!! The ladies in class all loved it!

Hope you give this idea a try too. Clean, simple, and absolutely lovely! Thanks for stopping by. Have a cozy evening and try to stay warm.
Sharon

Welcome Baby

A good friend of mine from church is a new grandmother!! Her daughter had her baby this past week, and my friend is walking on air right now! Having a new baby in the family can really do that to you. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about! lol So, I sat down to make her a card and thought I'd share it with you. I'm sure you've seen lots of the onesie shaped cards already, so it really isn't anything super-special. But I've never made one before and didn't have a pattern for one either. Therefore the dimensions might be a bit different. I just started with a regular sized top-fold card and started in with my punches. Actually it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. I only have one big problem. Now that the card is done, I can't send it! It turned out waaaaay too girlish for me 'cuz the new baby is a little boy. I thought I'd be okay with the colors, but I sure was wrong. It's back to the drawing board for a more boyish version.

Stamps: retired "welcome baby" and Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pacific Point and Real Red
Ink: Real Red and Basic Black
Accessories: Paper Snips, Word Window Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, and Star Punch









Like I mentioned earlier, I thought these colors would be boyish enough, but the scalloped edges really sends a different message. They do make the onesie cuter, but takes away the masculine appearance. Not sure what I'll figure for the next one. Maybe I should give up on the idea of a shaped card altogether and do something much more traditional. Not as much fun, but at least I know how to make it look like it's for a baby boy!!





Here's another shot for you. I just loved the idea of the pocket! But way too cutesie for a little fella.

In case you're wondering, I used the Word Window Punch to get started on the arm sections. I punched at an angle a couple of times to give me the shape I thought it should have. Then I trimmed the shape nicely with my snips.

Ok, that's it. I'm off to try this card again. Wish me luck with this one. Otherwise I'll end up with a stash of new baby cards and nothing to send!
Thanks for stopping by today.
Sharon

Latte Love Remake

Last month I was working on a Valentine card for our stamping night at church. I posted the card for you here, but thought I'd do a remake on it. Sort of caseing myself I guess. I liked the layout, but wanted to punch it up a little. I had just read an article in a stamping magazine that said that gray was the new black. Soooo...... Why don't you check the two and let me know what you think. Which one do you like better? The original, more traditional colors and look, or a more updated version??

Stamps: Pun Fun

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, and Very Vanilla with Lap of Luxury Designer Series Paper

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Blushing Bride, and Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Two Step Owl Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Subtles Flower Brads, Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, and Dimensionals

So what do you think of the changes? I have to admit I like them both myself and I'm having a horrible time choosing which I like better. They both have their good points. Awww shucks, guess I just can't choose! I can like both of them!!

Well, that's it for tonight. I have to get cracking on the last project for classes next week. I seem to be hung up on the last project. Nothing seems to be coming together. Who knows, after playing around with this card, maybe something might click and everything will fall into place. At least that's what I'm hoping for anyway!! When I get the class projects taken care of I'll be back to share them with you.

Take care out there! We've got a winter storm heading this way later tonight. Hope it's not too bad out there in the morning and I can get to church. Stay snug!!
Sharon

Change of Pace

Today I'm sharing something with you that I don't normally do. This card was made with two contraband stamps. Oh, no, treason!! Shhhhh, don't tell anybody that I'm actually using something other than Stampin' Up! So if you're a SU! purist, stop reading right now and come back tomorrow!

Actually this stamp and the sentiment have been in my stash for close to 18 years. It was one of my go-to stamps when I just wanted to cheer someone up. But it's been tucked away for years and really needed just a little touch of love before it gets tucked away again. And horrors!, the golden yellow cardstock is not SU! either!! It was given to me by one of the ladies from church that come to make cards for the soliers last month. She thought I could find a use for it. When I saw the color, I immediately thought of this stamp to go along with it. So here's one of the cards we made on Tuesday night....


Stamps: non-SU!
Cardstock: Whisper White and non-SU!
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Colored Pencils, 2-Way Glue Pen with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Word Window Punch, Regals Mini Brads










Isn't this chubby little bee cute? It always brings a smile to my face, so I hope the soldiers that choose this card will love it too!

There was something a little quirky that happened when I made this card. Can you see on the wings where I used the 2-Way Glue Pen and glitter? I used only white pencil lightly on the wings to keep them transparent looking. Yet each time we used the glue pen it left a rosy mark on the card. I checked the glue pen and there was no red on it at all. So where did the rosy color come from???? Very strange indeed.

Well, hopefully I'll get a chance to stamp today for a little bit and then I'll have something using Stampin' Up! stamps and products tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that I can actually get to it! Toodles...
Sharon

Beary Nice Birthday

Ok, I sat down yesterday and worked on the little girl's birthday cards. For some reason, little girls (and big girls too!) seem to be much easier for me to plan out. Don't know why, but it just is! I hadn't played with my bear stamps in quite a while. In fact, all the stamps I own in the "Growing Up" category are sadly avoided. Maybe with that little grandson in our lives those stamps will get used more regularly now. At least that's the plan. So, on with the card I worked on yesterday. The ladies did a wonderful job of coloring the bears with chalks and I think they had fun doing something a little out of the ordinary for us.

Stamps: Beary Best Friends and Beary Nice Wishes
Cardstock: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, and Apricot Appeal (sadly retired) along with a retired Designer Paper that I don't remember the name of - sorry!
Ink: Tempting Turquoise and Apricot Appeal (retired), and Basic Brown (also retired!)
Accessories: Stampin' Pastels




It's been awhile since I had my chalk pastels out too. So it was fun sharing with the ladies how to use them, and they did a great job coloring the bears. It's always fun to try 'new' products when you're still sort of a new stamper and not a totally addicted stamper the has just about everything already!! Hope the little girls that get these bears for their birthday cards like them as much as we enjoyed making them.

Just a quick update on our stamping for the soldiers last night. Because of everything going on at church this month (including a MOPS Christmas Party tonight that 4 of my regulars were at!) we still accomplished quite a bit for only 5 of us that were there. Out of the 5, four of us had worked on the Ladies Guild Christmas Dinner Monday night so we were all exhausted and just a little bit slap-happy. We laughed so much last night it's a wonder we got anything made at all. Surprisingly, we actually finished 117 cards!! Woo Hoo!!! Now it's time to get them all boxed up for the "From Our Hearts" ladies and off to the Post Office.

Thanks for stopping by today. Relax, enjoy your day, and find some time for stamping!
Sharon

Choo Choo Birthday

I know Christmas is right around the corner and all, but today I'm taking a break from all things Christmas. At least for this post anyway! Many of you have read that I make cards every month with a group of ladies from church. We send these to From Our Hearts for the military personnel to use. Since the last of our Christmas cards were sent in early October, we've been concentrating on Valentine cards. But all the mushy red and pink stuff has really been a bit much lately. So this month we're taking a break and making more general style and birthday cards. Don't you think this little train card will be perfect for some little boy that's crazy about anything with trains?

Stamps: Choo Choo and On Your Birthday

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, and Basic Black

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, and Going Gray (retired)

Accessories: Spiral Border Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch

This card is very straight forward - what you see is how you make it! My friend Michelle Glennie suggested using the Spiral Border Punch to give the black layer a look of train tracks. It was the perfect touch!

Those of you that have used the sentiment stamp (look who's...) know how hard it is to get a clean impression with no residual ink inside the parenthesis, so I got around that by adding a 1/2" circle of Bashful Blue cardstock. It fits in the parenthesis just like it was made for it. (hmmm, maybe it was!) Anyway, for the stack of cards we'll be making tonight, it will be a big help!! And it helps to focus on the number that the user can write in there. All in all it works out well.

Thanks for stopping by today. It's back to the creating table to get another card idea planned out and all the materials cut and packed. I think this time I need to find something for a little girl to even out the cards alittle. Don't you agree? Have a great day...

Sharon

Tiny Gift Bags

It's been said that good things come in small packages, and I've got just the right sized package for some wonderful gift. One of the first things I learned to make when I became a SU! demonstrator fourteen years ago was a bag-a-lope. I was totally blown away that you could make a gift bag from a 10x13 envelope. How cool was that?! Fast-forward a bunch of years, and I'm making a little tiny version with a handle. And I still think they're cool!!

Stamps: A Cute Christmas stamp set and Christmas Chatter Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: White Medium Envelope, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Whisper White cardstock with Jolly Holiday Designer Paper

Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Basic Gray pads with Always Artichoke Marker

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Jumbo Handle, Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/8" Hole Punch, Tag Punch, White Gel Pen

Sure seems like a lot of materials to make a tiny gift bag, but it's well worth it. And while you've got everything out to make one, why not make several more? This little bag is perfect for a gift card, or why not tuck in one of our Simply Adorned Charms and Chain for a truly Stampin' Up! Christmas gift?

Since we don't have any Always Artichoke ribbon of this style, you can just make your own. I ran a line of Always Artichoke ink with a marker right over the center portion of the taffeta ribbon. So easy and you've got whatever color you need.

If you haven't made one of these little bags yet, it's very simple. Start with an envelope, seal it well - it helps to use SNAIL adhesive along the edges of the flap. Wheel or stamp your background design. Score along both sides and the bottom at 3/4". Punch down along one side edge with the Tag Punch in as far as you can. Slide it out partially to take out the rest of that side. Do this again on the other side so you've created the handle. Fold and crease the score lines with a bone folder. Then it's time to manipulate the sides and bottom to make it look like a paper grocery bag. Add any embellishments you like and you're almost done.

The last touch is the crinkle shreds for the bag. Can you believe it's just the kraft packing paper from your SU! order boxes? I folded several layers of paper and cut skinny strips. Then I crumpled them up in my hands really tight. Shake them loose a bit and stuff your bag. Fun!!

Hope you give this idea a try. You never know when you're going to need one of those tiny little gift bags for something special! Thanks for stopping by today.

Sharon