Simple Christmas Card

Last weekend I hosted an "Only Christmas Cards" workshop, where participants created two each of five cards.  It was a rather long class, but judging from the chatter (or lack thereof when everyone was concentrating) it was a huge success!

I'll share some of the cards over the next few days...first up, an easy one:

I saw a similar card on a fellow demonstrator's website, but unfortunately I've lost the info.  So if you are thinking you have seen something similar, you are probably right.  But I did add a few things, along with some heavy sponging...let's get started on the how-to's.

The base is Cherry Cobbler, cut 4-1/4" x 11" and folded in half.  The next layer is also Cherry Cobbler, but is heavily sponged with Cherry Cobbler ink.  The edges are then distressed using (what else?) the Stampin' Distress Tool.

A piece of Under the Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper was cut and a strip of Champagne Glimmer Paper was adhered to the bottom.  This was placed on the card with SNAIL adhesive.

I love the flying Santa and reindeer from Holiday Home; it was stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink onto Crumb Cake cardstock, then cut out using the medium Star Framelit.  Faux stitching was accomplished using the Project Life Journaling Pens.  The star was then adhered to the card front with Dimensionals.

Ho! Ho! Ho!  Such a perfect sentiment for this card--from the hard-to-get Good Greetings special set (hostess only, and is no longer available--oh snap!).  Stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Whisper White cardstock and trimmed into a banner, it's placed with SNAIL on the star end and a Dimensional on the flagged end.  A cute Gold Basic Metal Button, threaded with Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine finishes off the card.

Easily duplicatable, these are perfect for holiday card making.  

All items can be ordered here.

What have you created today?

Grateful for You!

Where have I been?  It's been a few days since I've had time to sit down to post, and I apologize.  I had a fun Christmas card class last weekend that kept me busy, and then went right into Thanksgiving preparations, without a moment to breathe.  So here is one final Thank You post, and then tomorrow, I'll be jumping into the Christmas holidays.

As a little thank you to my supervisor staff at my "real" job, I had picked up some pretty coasters while visiting Cape Cod last month.  Now the coasters were lovely, but of course, I HAD to put them in a pretty package!  So, pulling out my trusty (and favorite new tool) Gift Box Punch Board, I created a set of boxes:

This punch board makes a variety of differently-sized boxes, from itty-bitty (think jewelry) to a perfect cupcake-size 4" x 4".  I chose a 1-1/2" x 4" box.

The boxes have interlocking tabs (there's a "reverse punch" on the top of the punch board that makes these); here is a photo with the inside tabs closed;

And here is the box closed up.  So cute!  I made these out of the extra-heavy card stock, Under the Tree Specialty Designer Paper.  It's like a lightweight cardboard, and makes a beautiful, sturdy box.

Using this cardstock means there is little decorating involved--just a pretty tag and a tie, and I'm done.  I stamped the "chart" from The Open Sea, and adhered it to my tag (using the Scalloped Tag Topper punch).  Then I stamped the anchor from the same set (after stamping off once) and added the sentiment from For All Things on top.  I used the oval framelits to make the next layer and adhered this on the tag.  Finally I created a shell:

A fun trick I experimented with during the creation of my Convention swaps last summer--I took the shell stamp from By the Tide, inked it with Versamark, and stamped it onto a flattened piece of the Simply Pressed Clay.  After it dries, you can just cut it out with craft scissors.  It was then applied to the tag with Glue Dots.

So what do you think?  Isn't this a pretty way to give a gift?

All items used can be purchased here.

What have you created today?

Gift Box Punch Board

$19.95

Under The Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper

$12.95

For All Things Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.95

For All Things Wood-Mount Stamp Set

$24.95

White Simply Pressed Clay

$6.95

The Open Sea Wood Stamp Set

$26.95

The Open Sea Clear Stamp Set

$18.95

By The Tide Wood Stamp Set

$27.95

By The Tide Clear Stamp Set

$19.95

Tag Topper Scalloped Punch

$22.95

Ovals Collection Framelits Die

$26.95

Big Shot

$99.95

Glue Dots

$4.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Weekly Deals

Check out what's for sale this week in Stampin' UP!'s weekly deals:

	Rosette Designer Bigz Xl Die Item # 125594 Regular Price: $42.95 US/$52.95 CAN Discounted Price: $32.21 US/$39.71 CAN
	Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item # 127751 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$7.46 CAN
	Alphabet Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item # 130916 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$7.46 CAN
	Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details Item # 127845 Regular Price: $2.50 US/$3.25 CAN Discounted Price: $1.88 US/$2.44 CAN
	Argyle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item # 127750 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$7.46 CAN
	Label Petite Curly Punch Item # 129405 Regular Price: $12.95 US/$15.95 CAN Discounted Price: $9.71 US/$11.96 CAN
	Merry Monogram Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download Item # 132716 Regular Price: $9.95 US/$10.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.97 US/$6.57 CAN

Some good buys (LOVE that Rosette die!)...but before you choose any embossing folders, head over to the Online Extravaganza and see if you can get them for even less--only $5.00 for most of our embossing folders!  Woo hoo!  You can see the list of Online Extravaganza items here.

All products can be ordered here.

What have you created today?

Sign Up Now! Special Offer

Ever thought of becoming a Stampin' UP! demonstrator?  Well now is the BEST time EVER to join!  For one week only, Stampin' UP! is offering a 25% discount on the starter kit, AND 5% cash back.  Woo hoo! 
The normally $99 kit has been reduced to only $74.25.  But you get to choose up to $125 in Stampin' UP! product, including sale and online extravaganza items...making this the best bargain all year. AND any orders placed during the month of December qualify for a 5% cash back bonus.  What a deal!

The starter kit ships for FREE.  And if you place an order within the first 45 days, you save 30% on your items.  There's never any obligation to continue, and you can quit at any time without ANY penalty. 

This special is only good for 1 week...decide now and join by December 2nd.

Here's the fine print:

• All orders must be finalized in the month of December to qualify for the five percent cash back offer.
• A demonstrator must remain active to receive the five percent cash back.
• The five percent cash back will be awarded in January.
• Deadlines:
  • Mail: All Starter Kit orders must be received by the end of the business day on December 2 .
  • Online: All Starter Kit orders must be finalized on December 2  by 11:50 PM (MT).
  
  
  So what are you waiting for?  Click here to join now!  Can't wait to have you join us!
  
  What have you created today?
  

November Paper Pumpkin

Have you gotten your Paper Pumpkin yet?  No?  Look what you're missing!


I invite my Paper Pumpkin subscribers to a special Pumpkin Pals get-together each month where we create an alternative project with the supplies we get in our orange boxes.  This is a FREE benefit for my subscribers.  

Want to get in on the fun?  Click the My Paper Pumpkin link on the right and sign up now. 

What have you created today?

Online Extravaganza!

Have you been good this year?  Want an early Christmas gift?
 
For eight days you can save a ton (up to 50%!) on selected Stampin' UP! items.  Starting Monday, 11/24, there are fabulous bargains to be had.

Look at these "door buster" items, on sale ONLY on Monday 11/24:




Anyone who comes to my card clubs knows about embossing folders.  These add texture and interest to cards in 30 seconds!  Such fun, and so easy.  And now they are on sale for $5.00 each!  Wow!  (Please note that this sale excludes four embossing folders:  Stylish Stripes, Chevrom, Beautifullyl Baroque, and Woodgrain.) 

And that Envelope Punch Board?  Now on sale (Monday only) for just $13.96!

But wait!  There's more!  Want to see what else is on sale?  Preview sale items here.  

Sale ends Tuesday, 12/2, but there will be more "door-busters" on Monday, 12/1.  So be sure to come back and see what else is on sale.


All items can be ordered here.

What have you created today?

Weekly Deals

It's time for another round of Weekly Deals, and these are fantastic!  I use my 1" square punch and my 1/4" circle punch all the time.  I just ordered some of those wonderful Silver Basic Metal Buttons, so watch for them on my projects soon. 

Take a look and see what you'll love:

1" Square Punch Price: $15.95 $11.96	1/4" Circle Handheld Punch Price: $8.95 $6.71	Autumn Spice Digital Kit - Digital Download Price: $9.95 $5.97	Clear Oval Accent Bigz Die Price: $21.95 $16.46
Deco Labels Framelits Die Price: $24.95 $18.71	Early Espresso Cut & Ready Card Bases Price: $4.95 $3.71	Silver Basic Metal Buttons Price: $7.95 $5.96	Smoky Slate Stampin' Emboss Powder Price: $4.95 $3.71

All items can be purchased here.

What have you created today?

Banner Blessings

Here's a new photopolymer stamp set from Stampin' UP!  What's photopolymer?  It's a completely clear stamp that is SO easy to use.  Super sticky, they adhere very well to our clear blocks.  And being clear, it's easy-peasy to place them just where you want them on your cardstock.

The newest offering, Banner Blessings, is such a versatile set, I think everyone should have one.  Some of us enjoy using scripture verses for inspiration and strength, while others will just like the phrases and background words.  At only $15.95, it's a perfect set to add to your collection.  Take a look:


Banner Blessings can be ordered here.

What have you created today?

Hello December Project Life Collection

Have you experimented with Project Life by Stampin' UP! yet?  Like to save memories/photos/memorabilia but don't have the time for traditional scrapbooking?

Check out Project Life by Stampin' Up! and this wonderful offering to make your holiday scrapping fun and soooo easy!


All products can be ordered here.

What have you created today?

Weekly Deals

Here are this week's Weekly Deals.  Do you take advantage of these?  I just ordered last night, using last week's deals, and got a few bargains for an upcoming class.  (Stay tuned for details around Thanksgiving; and if you are in the Davis, CA area and want to make Christmas Cards, come join us on November 21st or 22nd...contact me for details).

So take a look:

	Window Frames Collection Framelits Die Item # 129021 Regular Price: $26.95 US/$32.95 CAN Discounted Price: $20.21 US/$24.71 CAN
	Daffodil Delight 1/2" Ribbon Seam Binding Item # 125583 Regular Price: $6.95 US/$9.50 CAN Discounted Price: $5.21 US/$7.13 CAN
	Blushing Bride 3/4" Chevron Ribbon Item # 130013 Regular Price: $8.95 US/$12.50 CAN Discounted Price: $6.71 US/$9.38 CAN
	7/8" Circle Scallop Punch Item # 129404 Regular Price: $12.95 US/$15.95 CAN Discounted Price: $9.71 US/$11.96 CAN
	1/2" Circle Punch Item # 119869 Regular Price: $5.95 US/$7.95 CAN Discounted Price: $4.46 US/$5.96 CAN
	Brights Designer Buttons Item # 130028 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$10.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$8.21 CAN
	Wonderfall Kit - Digital Download Item # 131218 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$8.95 CAN Discounted Price: $4.77 US/$5.37 CAN

All products can be ordered here.

What have you created today?

Gift Decorating

I love to give pretty presents.  I tend to purchase all kinds of wrapping paper (LOVE double sided wrapping paper!), ribbon and gift bags.  I also like to create my own wrappings.

A recent Paper Pumpkin offering (and one of my favorites) came with gift bags to decorate.  I ended up buying the refill kits (as a Paper Pumpkin subscriber, you have access to refill kits for purchase), so now I have a whole bunch of craft "shopping bags" to play with. 

I pulled one of these out when celebrating a birthday.  Look:

Using the Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, I created a pocket on the outside of the bag.   This was decorated using Four Feathers, Borderettes, Burlap Ribbon (LOVE!), Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon, and the Autumn Wooden Elements. 

But wait!  There's more!

Because the vellum is "see through" I needed a fun card to go inside:

Using the File Tab Edgelits, I cut a piece of Naturals White cardstock, and stamped "Cheers!" from And Many More on the tab.  Then I made a mask (just used a rectangle die in the center of a piece of cardstock, placed the negative space of the mask over my card), and took my Aquapainter to scribble ink across the center (Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist and Mossy Meadow).  Then I stamped "it's your birthday" from Big News right over the color wash.

Once the card is inserted into the pocket, the color shows through, and the tab makes it easy to pull out.

Gotta go make some more bags! 

All supplies can be ordered here.

What have you created today?