My Christmas Card 2010

Merry Christmas! I sent out 160 Christmas Cards this year and it still wasn't enough to send one to all the special people in my life! So consider this a Cyber Card for all of you who check my blog regularly. I wish you all the happiest of Festive Seasons and many blessings throughout the New Year. Blog land would be a very lonely place without you all!

I decided to use a stamp from a non-Christmas stamp set this year. The swirly stamp is from Elements of Style, and I've used my favourite Christmas red, Cherry Cobbler. To get the 2 shades, I stamped it twice without re-inking. I gave the whole card some shimmer by mixing some Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint with some Isocol (rubbing alcohol) in a spray bottle and giving the card a quick spray. I've tried to capture the effect in the second photo, but it looks much better in real life!
I hope you have a lovely day, surrounded by loved ones!

...and a few more Christmas Projects

I've used the Big Shot to make some more quick and easy Christmas Projects.
Here's a purse that's perfect to fill with a bag of Treats, made using the Scallop Circle Die:And a Gift Card Holder, inspired by an Incentive Trip swap I received from Claire Daly:

here's the inside view - you can pop your gift card in the Scallop Envelope:

And a batch of Christmas tags, so quick to whip up using the Ovals and Circles Dies:

One last Stamp-a-Stack

This is the last Christmas stamp-a-Stack from 2010. A crisp and clean design using Holiday Hoopla. If you're paying close attention, it may look a little familiar... I actually CASEd my own design from back HERE. I just changed the colours around to give it a Christmas twist. It's a good trick to have up your sleeve when you need to make some cards in a hurry!

Candy Cane Mice & Top Note Treat Pouch

I've seen gorgeous Candy Cane Mice on a few blogs (I'm not sure, but I think they originated HERE) and I just had to make some for our team Christmas dinner, since our team is called Stampers Anony-mouse. I adapted mine a little and I have them hanging on little Top Note Treat Pouch. Here are the punches I used for the mice:
Body - Wide Oval + Heart-to-Heart (use the 'fat' heart)
Outer Ears - 2-step Bird (use the wing)
Inner Ears - Small Heart (cut in half)
Eyes - Owl (draw pupils with a marker)
Nose - Crop-a-dile
Hole for the Candy Cane Tail - Itty Bitty Shapes (flower)
I secured the Candy Cane to the back of the mouse with some Sticky Tape.

To make the Top Note Treat Pouch, cut an A4 sheet in half length ways and fold in half. Place the folded edge on the Top Note Die, just inside the perforations and run it through the Big Shot. This gives you a folded Top Note, which by the way, makes a great note card. Now score 1.5cm from the folded edge on both sides. Fold back on both score lines and you'll have formed the base of your pouch. You can fill a small cello bag (they fit perfectly and they're on SALE at the moment in the December Frenzy!) with treats and tape or staple it to the inside of your pouch. I decorated the Pouch with the Sassy Sparkles wheel (super quick and easy!) and I punched a handle with the Small Oval punch, and secured the top with a ribbon.
Amy liked the mice so much she made a bunch of them for her friends!

A Simple Chocolate Wallet

Hopefully not too many of my friends and family check this blog, because I made a stack of these to give out this year! You can make these using just half a sheet of 12x12 DSP and 2 Top Notes. And it opens up:

They are sooo simple to make. Just fold up one edge of the DSP about 10cm to form a pocket. Then fold it in half and half again, accordion-style. Put some adhesive (I used SNAIL on the inner folds and Sticky Strip on the 2 outside 'open' edges) to separate the individual pockets. Then stick a Top Note to the front and back, tie it closed with a ribbon, and decorate as desired. You can slip anything you like into the pockets. I used chocolates, but other ideas would be tea bags, sachets of hand cream, vouchers, diamond rings...

FYI, the chocolates I used are from Aldi, called "Moser Roth" - $2.49 for a pack of 5 chocolates.

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 12

Here I am, just in the "nicker" time again! I've left my favourite set - Contempo Christmas - for last. I think this set is the most versatile of the new Christmas sets on offer. I've also snuck in an extra bauble (from Delightful Decorations) on these cards. After all, once you've bought the punch, you need extra variety in baubles, right?!
Did you notice how I've stuck 3 baubles together to make them dimensional? The kids and I are going to be making some more of these for our tree (and for their own little tree that they have upstairs!)
I love these colours together - all from the Subtles family, but I've used the three colours with the most oomph from that range - Rose Red, Wild Wasabi and Marina Mist. The background stamping is done with a stamp from Confetti. These background stamps are so versatile, and so easy to stamp. I pull them out all the time.
Finally, I've added some Dazzling Diamonds for a bit of sparkle. I just applied 2-way glue over the areas that I wanted to bling up and then sprinkled the glitter on top.
Well, that brings me to the end of the 12 cards...although you've really had value for money since I've showed you three cards every day and four cards on one of the days, so I should be calling it 37 cards of Christmas...I hope you've found some inspiration in there somewhere!
I still have some more Christmas projects to show you over the next week, as well as my own Christmas card for this year, so don't go too far away!

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 11

Another non-traditional colour combination, this time a bit of a twist on the red and green, we have Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive, with a dash of Tempting Turquoise thrown in. I love this Delightful Decorations set, it makes for very quick and easy cards and tags. I've also used the new Pinking Hearts Border Punch, available in the Summer Mini.
Just a quick one from me today. I have both kids home from school now (Amy finished on Friday, and Jacob yesterday) and we have put together a long list of Christmas "jobs" to do (all fun stuff like wrapping presents, doing Christmas baking, and watching Christmas DVDs!)

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 10

Much as I love the red and green of Christmas, sometimes it's nice to have a change. How about purple? Here we have Concord Crush, Perfect Plum, Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake. I've used the gorgeous Dasher stamp. I love that for only $14.95, you can add a fresh stamp to your Christmas collection.
I've made my Dashers shimmery, but the shimmer hasn't shown up very well in the pic (try clicking on the photo to see a larger version). I mixed 3 drops of Platinum Shimmer Paint with 3 drops of Concord Crush re-inker and applied it to the stamp with a dauber. I've also highlighted some areas of the Finial Press embossing folder by applying Frost White Shimmer paint with a Blender Pen (Just pick up some paint from inside the lid with your pen).
Back again with more tomorrow... Hopefully you're not sick of me yet!

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 9

I just went to upload the next Stamp-a-Stack cards and realised I haven't taken a photo of them yet! ooops! So, that will be today's job. Rather than keep you waiting, I pulled out some stand-in cards instead. I actually made these for a magazine a while ago now. I was asked to use one stamp, 3 ways. I rock'n'rolled, coloured with markers and sponged on ink to get 3 different looks. I did the backgrounds with versamark and clear embossing powder, but kept the rest of the cards pretty simple, to keep the focus on the main panel. The card on the top-left is actually an ornament card - the main panel has been stamped on both sides, and sits in a cut-out window so it can be removed and hung on the tree. You could also put a photo on the other side...
Back agian tomorrow!

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 8

More Vintage Style! Maybe I'm getting the hang of this?? This was another popular Stamp-a-Stack design. Lots of ladies commented that they hadn't liked this stamp set -Winter Post- until they used it at this Stamp-a-Stack (and then they were cursing me because it was another Christmas set that they "had to buy"! LOL)
I admit that I wasn't sure about this set when I first saw it either. I think it was those ice skaters that put me off initially. I have nicknamed the man "sleazy skater" ...he just looks a bit serial-killer-like to me (notice that I haven't used him on these cards, but he's on page 26 if you want to check out his creepy leer).
Sleazy Skaters aside, The colours I've used here are Riding Hood Red (a lovely soft "vintage" red, Chocolate Chip and Crumb Cake. I've also used Naturals Ivory, which is a lovely antique cream. Lots of sponging again, and the Big Shot Scallop Envelope Die fits perfectly on a card-front...just the right size to slip a note, or photo into.
Make sure you come back top see the last 4 cards...and then I'll also have some Christmas projects to show you, including this years Chocolate Wallet!

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 7

Lots of people told me that this was their favourite Stamp-a-Stack card that we made. It surprised me, because I've never thought that I do "vintage" very well. I "borrowed" this colour combo from the US Holiday Mini. The Welcome Christmas Stamp set just cries out for vintage colours. Lots of sponging - I sponged every layer of cardstock in the same colour ink, and I sponged the Very Vanilla Top Notes in Crumb Cake ink. Crumb Cake is the best colour to sponge in if you want that 'aged' look. I also wheeled some backgrounds using the Music Notes wheel and the Very Vintage wheel. The final "vintage" touch was some stick-on pearls.

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 6

Did you think I'd forgotten? I'm scraping in, just in the nick of time (incidentally, when I was little I used to think it was "Just in the nicker time" and that it had something to do with underpants...)
Card 6 is Sparkly and Bright, using Jolly Holiday DSP. I just love this DSP. The spots and stripes seem to go with every stamp set. I've also used the Ovals Die in my Big Shot. Putting the smaller ovals inside a rectangle is a good trick for giving smaller images more oomph. It's hard to tell in the pic, but I've also dabbed on some fine Galaxy Glitter (I mixed it with Crystal Effects and painted it on with a toothpick) to bling these cards up...they do say "sparkly and bright"after all!

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 5

If you're ever having trouble coming up with a colour combination, try going to a piece of your favourite DSP. In this case, I went to the US Holiday Mini for my colour combination! I would never have thought of putting Real Red, Baja Breeze, Garden Green and Blushing Bride together, but I love the result.

And here's a TIP: to secure a knot of ribbon in place, attach your ribbon to the card first with a brad, and then simply tie your knot (a single one will do) over the top of the brad. Voila - a perfect knot that will never fall off! You can tie bows in place in a similar way. No adhesive required (and you can use up brads in ugly colours too ;o)

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 4

Here's another quick design for you, and a great way to use up paper scraps too. The Chocolate Chip piece on these cards is 10.5 x 7cm, and that fits 3 squares across, and 2 down perfectly (using the 1 1/4" Square Punch to punch them out). This design is easily adapted to suit any paper you like (I've used "Holiday Treasures" now retired, on mine) to make cards for any occasion. Why not whip up a quick batch of cards and give them as a Christmas gift -it beats tackling the crowds at the shops!

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Spotlight on Christmas (retired), Winter Post, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
ink: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red
card: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
other: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon (retired), 1 1/4" Square Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Word Window Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Holiday treasures DSP (retired)

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 3

I always like to make a few cards in non-traditional colours. Blue is always a favourite of mine. This particular shade of blue, Bordering Blue is now retired (it wasn't back in July when I made these cards!) but you could substitute another shade like Baja Breeze or Marina Mist. This design was actually CASEd from a card I received from a stamping friend last year, Ngaire Anderson.

Each card has a vellum overlay, which gives a lovely soft effect:

The stamp set, A Wish for Peace is a favourite of mine. Hope you're enjoying these...I'll be back again tomorrow!

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: A Wish for Peace, Best Yet (retired Hostess Set)
ink: Not Quite Navy
card: Bordering Blue (retired), Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Vellum
other: Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 2

Here's another very simple Stamp-a-stack that I designed. This is such an elegant colour combo - Bravo Burgundy, Pear Pizzazz and Very Vanilla, on a base of River Rock. The addition of some shimmer paint really makes these cards sparkle.

I just lightly sponged the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint on using a sponge dauber. To get this effect, just shake up the paint and then dip the dauber into the lid where there's a small pool of paint. Use a really light touch to apply it just to the raised areas of the embossing. This works best on folders with a large amount of raised area, like the Petals-a-Plenty folder I used here:

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Perfect Punches, Four the Holidays
ink: Bravo Burgundy
card: Bravo Burgundy, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, River Rock
other: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Petals-a-plenty Embossing Folder, Vintage Wallpaper Embosssing Folder., Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Champagne Mist Shimmer paint, Sponge Dauber

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 1

I've been running Christmas Stamp-a-Stack classes since July. The ladies make 10 cards each month, so that after this week's class, they will have 60 cards made. Each month I do 2 new designs. Each design also has 3 variations, so you can see with this design I have used the same pieces of cardstock for each card, but made the cards look quite different. The ladies have the option of choosing their favourite variation, and making their 5 cards all the same, or they can make a mixture of the 3 variations. This design is really simple, so even if you haven't started your cards yet, you could whip up a few of these.

I just love using the Top Note Die. I can cut out 4 at once, and it stands really well on it's own on a card, without requiring any matting. The first wreath I made using Pocket Silhouettes. I made a temporary mask from the 1 3/8" circle punch using a post-it note and stuck it in the centre of the wreath, and then just stamped the leaves around it. The second wreath was made using the 2-step Bird Punch (just the branch). I stuck the leaves on top of a Scallop Circle with the centre punched out. Here's a close up:The final card was made using the Little Leaves die in the Big Shot. Easy Peasy!
The red gingham ribbon in these cards has now been retired, but you could easily substitute some other ribbon. The Real Red Narrow Taffeta Ribbon would work well.

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Heard from the Heart
ink: Old Olive, Real Red
card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive
other: Scallop Circle Punch, Bird Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Little Leaves Die, 2-way Glue, Dimensionals, Real Red Gingham Ribbon (retired)

12 Cards of Christmas 2010

For the past few years, I have done a "12 Cards of Christmas", and shown a Christmas Project every day for 12 Days. Well, I'm happy to say that I'm doing it again this year! Normally I'd have started by now, but the past few weeks have been sooo busy. Jacob had his 10th birthday, along with a party and several family dinners. We had our team Christmas dinner on Friday night (an absolutely awesome night that you'll hear a bit more about during the next 12 days) and my classes are still going too (finishing up this week), so as you have no doubt noticed, the blog has been somewhat neglected! I'll make up for it over the next 12 Days, I promise! Starting today...watch this space!

Summer Mini Shares Bundle

Would you like a sampling of some of the gorgeous accessories from the Summer Mini?
I've put together a Shares Bundle so you can try them all!
Here's what you get:

Crochet Trim - 1.15m each of 2 styles
Vintage tags and trinkets – 3 tags and 12 trinkets
DSP - 18 6x6 sheets of Presto Patterns, Travel Journal and Island Oasis
Itty Bitty Buttons – 16 buttons in 4 shapes

To buy all of these items would cost over $90, but if you join my share instead you will pay just $23 (or $25 mailed to you) and get a sampling of them all. Just email me if you would like to join in the fun! I'll need 4 people for the Share to go ahead.

The Closing Date for Shares is 17th December, 2010

The New Summer Mini!

In all the excitement of the FRENZY yesterday, I forgot to mention that the new Summer Mini Catalogue is out! There's lots of gorgeous new goodies. You can check it out online HERE, or if you send me an email I'll be happy to pop one in the mail for you.

I'll also be running some Shares from the Mini too, so stay tuned for that...

Grab a Bargain!

Stampin' Up!s December Frenzy Promotion starts today and boy oh boy are there some great bargains to be had! Some items are 50% off! These are available until December 29, while stocks last!
Click HERE to see the flyer and email me to place your order.

Last Day to Dress up Christmas!

Just a reminder that today is the last day to take part in Stampin' Up!'s "Dress Up Christmas" Promotion. When you purchase one of 4 bundles, you get to choose a free roll of ribbon! None of this ribbon is available in the catalogue, and some of the DSP in the bundles is also not in the catalogue. The only way to get your hands on this delightful stuff is by purchasing one of the bundles:

Description	Wood Mount Item / Price	Clear Mount Item / Price
Gifted Bundle Gifted Set and Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper	124041; $66.90	124042; $56.90
Welcome Christmas Bundle Welcome Christmas Set and Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper	124045; $69.90	124046; $59.90
Season of Joy Bundle Season of Joy Set and So Swirly Stampin’ Around Wheel	124043; $67.90	------
Delightful Decorations Bundle NO LONGER AVAILABLE	------	------

And you can choose your FREE roll of Ribbon:
Mistletoe Ribbon Originals (value $21.95)
Sleigh Bells Ribbon (value $15.95)
Riding Hood Red 1-1/4″ Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (value $19.95)
Real Red 3/4″ Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (value $19.95)
Email me if you would like to order a bundle and get some free ribbon!
This offer is available until November 30, or while stocks last.