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