Gorgeous Grunge Washi Tape Birthday Card

I made this card as a birthday card, but it kind of makes me think of New Year's Eve with the "confetti" background and the party hat.  Although there are never celebrations of that level at my house on New Year's Eve.  We have a long-standing tradition (this will be 19 years!) of getting together with college friends and just hanging out together.  I'm usually fighting sleep from about 10:00 on and have all I can do to stay awake to watch the ball drop.  I'm pretty pathetic. 

Tips & Tricks

• Washi Tape is an easy way to add a fun element to a card.  Simply tear off a piece and stick it to your card front.  I let it run off one edge here, and just folded it around to the back.  You could always trim the excess, but in my opinion, that's just an extra step that's not necessary.

• Since there are some see-through parts on the designs of the Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, I suggest adhering the tape, masking it off, and then stamping.  Otherwise, you'll see your background through the tape.  I've use lighter colors here, so that step wouldn't be necessary, however, darker colors would really show through the tape.

Supplies

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Pennant Parade, Itty Bitty Banners
Ink:  Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight
Paper:  Island Indigo, Whisper White, and Melon Mambo card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits, Pennant Builder Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, Island Indigo Baker's Twine, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat

So how about you?  What New Year's Eve traditions do you have?  Do you prefer big parties, or mellow get-togethers?

Pop-Up Gift Card Holder

I know, I know, Christmas is over.  I hope yours was wonderful.  Mine is always bittersweet, as I love watching my kids on Christmas morning, but miss the rest of my family, who are all in another state.  This year was especially hard, as my grandparents, who both passed away earlier this year, would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve.  It's always tough to be away from that part of my family, but especially so this year. 

Anyway, even though Christmas is over, I wanted to show one more project I made for this season.  This may just look like somewhat boring card, but when you open it....

...SURPRISE!  It's a gift card holder!  This is a very easy project, found on Splitcoast Stampers, and a very fun way to make a gift card a little more exciting.  Can you tell I don't like to give gift cards?  I sure do enjoy receiving them, though!  This looks complicated but is surprisingly easy to make, and could be made for any occasion.  It's also a great way to use up scraps of old Designer Series Paper.  Not that I hoard it or anything...

Prince of Peace

Luke 2: 10-11

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

The Prince of Peace came for all people, both you and me.  

May you know His love today as we celebrate His birth. 

Merry Christmas!

Easy Washi Tape Christmas Card

Today I have another quick and easy Christmas card to show you.  This one is perfect if you need a cute way to wrap up some gift cards.  If you haven't made Christmas cards to mail out at this point, I doubt you're going to be whipping up a bunch today, but there's always next year.

This card is soooo easy.  There are no tips and tricks to this one, just cut out an ornament shape with the Holiday Ornaments Framelits.  By the way, if you are wanting those, you only have until January 2 to get them!  The coordinating Ornament Keepsakes stamp set will also be unavailable after that date as well. 

Back to the card...once you've cut out the ornament shape, adhere a few pieces of Season of Style Designer Washi Tape to a scrap, and glue behind the opening.

So simple, and so cute!

Supplies

Stamps:   Christmas Greetings (retired)
Ink:  Old Olive
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits Collection, Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon

Simple Snowflake Christmas Card

Looking for a simple Christmas card to whip up at the last minute?  This is just the card for you.  We made this at club last night, and I think most people completed it in five minutes or less. 

Tips & Tricks

• It doesn't show up well in this picture, but check out the all-Crumb Cake version I made below...you'll see that there is a slight shimmer to the card.  I used to love to use shimmer paint and alcohol to create a sparkly look.  Unfortunately, Stampin' Up! no longer sells shimmer paint.  However, you can get a very similar, although a bit more subtle look using the Illuminate refill ink with alcohol. Simply fill a spritzer mostly full with rubbing alcohol and add some refill ink.  I don't have specific measurements...you'll just need to experiment until you get the look you desire.  The spritz the entire card front for a shimmery finish to your card.

• The rhinestones give this card the added touch of elegance that takes it from pretty to beautiful.  Those four little rhinestones pack a big punch for a small investment!

Supplies

Stamps:  Christmas Greetings (retired)
Ink:  Illuminate refill and Silver Encore Ink
Paper:  Crumb Cake and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Northern Flurry embossing folder, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon, spritzer

Stitched Gift Wrap

I thought I'd resurrect this post from the archives, as it's one of my favorite ways to simplify and save time at Christmas.  If you hate wrapping gifts, this post is for you!

You may not necessarily realize it unless you know me well, but I'm a pretty crunchy girl.  And I HATE waste of any kind, not just because it's not great for the environment, but because it's not great for my wallet.  For several years, the piles of wrapping paper littering my living room on Christmas drove me crazy (not just from our immediate family, but from the extended family that gathers here later in the day.)  It seemed so wasteful, but at the same time, how does one unwrap gifts if they aren't wrapped with wrapping paper?  I thought about it, and three or four years ago, decided to make a change:  cloth gift bags.  I asked my kids if they'd miss tearing into the wrapping paper, and they really didn't hesitate to say they could pretty much care less (they're awesome like that).

These are very simple bags:  three seams and a hem at the opening.  There are no drawstring closures, just an open bag.  I close them by tying a ribbon around the top.  So if you can sew a straight line, you're pretty much set and able to make these.

You may be thinking that purchasing all the fabric to make these will cost a fortune, but that doesn't have to be the case.  I didn't spend a dime on these bags.  I had piles of fabric in reds and greens that I was able to use.  Most people I know don't sew, so I tend to be given fabric on occasion.  Or perhaps my thriftiness is more commonly known than I think. ;)  If you aren't the hoarder that I am (I'm not really that bad, I promise!), you can often find fabric at thrift stores.  And while you're there, you may find old sheets, or even clothing that you can pick up inexpensively to recycle into gift bags.  It's easy to turn a shirt into a bag...many of mine were made from old uniform shirts that I had left over from an former part time job (see, now you do think that I am a hoarder.  I do tend to hang onto things that I think I'll use for something else...like gift bags!)  I even used the sleeves to turn into smaller bags.  Those were the easiest, because I didn't have to sew the sides. 

We only use these gift bags for our immediate family.  I still use wrapping paper for gifts for anyone who doesn't live in my house.  And the first year I did this, there was a mix of about half gift bags and half wrapping paper.  It took a couple of years to make enough for us to use them exclusively on Christmas, but now we're set.  Last year I picked up four rolls of wrapping paper after Christmas.  It will last us for at least another four years, unless my kids go through it more quickly.  They tend to me a bit more generous with the amounts they use than I do. :)

Joyful Christmas Gold Embossed Card

This card is so different than my typical style, but I was so pleased with how it came out.  I've been dusting off some of my old retired stamp sets that haven't seen a lot of ink lately, and it's been so much fun.  I love the look that the Musical Score background stamp gives to cards.  I would normally look at that stamp and think it had to be stamped in black on white or vanilla card stock.  But I thought just a tiny bit out of the box and embossed it with gold on black card stock, and the look is stunning.  In fact, I went a little crazy with the gold embossing on this card, but I don't think it would look as good if I hadn't carried the embossing throughout the entire card.  I love this card so much that I'm going to make a few more to send to the music lovers on my Christmas card list!

Stamps:  Joyful Christmas, Musical Score (retired), Christmas Punch (retired)
Ink:  VersaMark
Paper:  Naturals Ivory, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke card stock
Accessories:  Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Paper Snips, Decorative Label Punch, Crochet Ribbon, Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon

Winter Frost Circle Flip Cards

As I mentioned last week, I'll have a bazillion kids coming to my house this week to make all kinds of fun Christmas gifts.  These cards are one of the items they'll be making.  I didn't have enough supplies for all the kids to make the same thing, so half will be making the top one, and the other half will be making the bottom one.

Tips & Tricks

• These cards both use non-traditional Christmas colors, but I love them both.  I guess they are more of a winter look than a Christmas look, but a simple "Merry Christmas" on the front conveys the message. :)  Don't be afraid to use colors other than red and green!  It's good to think out of the box, but also nice that Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Papers help you do that.  I was really surprised to discover that the gray card is one of my favorites this year.

• I mentioned on Friday how stamping tone-on-tone adds just the right amount of interest to one of the panels on a flip card.  Well, embossing does the same thing!  I put the extra flap on the right into the Northern Flurry embossing folder and fell in love with the look.  It's subtle, but perfect.  

Supplies
Stamps:  Christmas Punch (retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Silver Encore Ink and Basic Gray Classic Ink
Paper:  Pool Party, Smoky Slate, Basic Gray, and Whisper White card stock, Winter Frost DSP Stack
Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

So, which card is your favorite?  Do you make Christmas cards that aren't red and green?

Label Thinlits Christmas Card

Next week I'll be holding several Christmas classes for kids.  It's always fun, but totally crazy. CRAZY.  I like to have the kids make beautiful projects that they can be super proud to give to their family.  The trick, however, is keeping things simple, so they can actually make them. 

This is one of the cards we'll be making.  I don't think it would matter one bit what was on this card, because the flipping feature is going to be all it takes to make the kids love this card.  But I won't love it unless there's a little bit more going on.  I used up some old Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper on this...I have so many scraps of this left over from a project I did with a huge group of people a couple of years ago.  I'm not sure I will ever run out. :)

Tips & Tricks

• It's barely visible in the picture, but there is a subtle like of pine boughs that run up the left side of the card.  To add a little bit of subtle interest, consider a tone on tone look.  I used Real Red ink on the Real Red card stock, and it is just the right amount to add interest without overpowering the rest of the card.

• The sentiment on this card is a very old set.  But it fit perfectly with this card, and I thought that the water coloring would be fun for the kids.  I didn't want to stamp with StazOn black ink, so I embossed with Early Espresso instead.  I like the look of the brown, but especially love that the embossing creates a wall of sorts to keep the water coloring where it's supposed to be.

Supplies

Stamps:  Gingerbread Christmas (retired), and Pine Bough Wheel (retired)
Ink:  Real Red Ink Cartridge, Garden Green Classic Ink and VersaMark
Paper:  Real Red and Naturals Ivory card stock, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP (retired)
Accessories: Big Shot, Label Card Thinlits, Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, AquaPainters, Stampin' Around Wheel Handle

Joyful Christmas Vellum Card

This is another card I made using Joyful Christmas.  This time I went with a more traditional Christmas look, pairing Cherry Cobbler with Old Olive.  I love that combination for Christmas!  What makes this card more interesting is that the poinsettia is stamped, then embossed, on vellum.  I used the very old (and long retired) vellum paper, rather than the thicker vellum card stock that Stampin' Up! now sells.  I much prefer the vellum card stock, because it's thicker.  However, I think the thinness of the vellum paper is what made the flower petals curl up like they did.  I'm not sure if the thicker vellum would give the same effect.  I used a sponge dauber and inked the front of the leaves and petals for a beautiful look.

The Most Important Tip

• Make sure your ink pad is well inked before stamping!  Ugh, I wish that greeting looked a lot better than it does.  That's a rookie mistake that this very experienced stamper made.  Oh well, now you know not to make the same one! :)

Supplies
Stamps:  Joyful Christmas
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive, VersaMark
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler and Naturals White card stock, Vellum card stock
Accessories:  Heat Tool, White embossing powder, Old Olive taffeta ribbon, sticky strip, Big Shot, Pretty Print embossing folder

Scentsational Season of Style Christmas Card

Do you like that title?  It's like one of those Jeopardy categories where they mash two phrases together, although for the life of me, I can't remember what that category is called.  For this card, I combined the retired stamp set Scentsational Season with the Season of Style Designer Series Paper.  I've already admitted that I'm a tad obsessed with making these flip cards...I can't help myself, they're so fun!  I'll also admit that a lot of my cards this month will be using some retired products.  That's a bummer for those of you looking for fun new stamps and tools to add to your collection, but a bonus for those who are looking for ways to use the things that have collected a bit of dust in recent months (or years).  It just seems a shame to me to use only current products when I have so many fun things sitting on my shelf!

One of those items is Scentsational Season, which in my opinion, was the cutest Christmas stamp set that Stampin' Up! sold last year.  I can't believe they retired it.  One of my most viewed and pinned cards of all time uses this set, which obviously proves that lots of people love this set as much as I do! :)

Tips & Tricks

• I only make flip cards with the extra flap on the right side...it just makes sense to give yourself a bit more room to write and not to waste card stock.  Cut your card stock 5 3/8" x 8 1/2" and let the right side stick out on top of the Circle Card Thinlits Die.  This will give you a nice score line instead of cutting the card stock.

• For a fun look, stick that extra flap into an embossing folder and run it through your Big Shot.  It adds a bit of interest without using more paper!

• Remember all the scented embossing powder that was available last year?  I have tons of it, and it is fun to use, since it makes my stamp space smell so yummy!  Did you know that you can combine colored embossing powder with the clear scented powder?  Play around with amounts to see what you like...the gingerbread man shown here was embossed using equal parts of Early Espresso and Sugar & Spice Scented embossing powders.

Joyful Christmas Sunflower Card

I've been making tons of Christmas cards lately, but I can't quite seem to bring myself to post one today.  By Monday, I'll fully be in a Christmas mood, but it's still November, so I'm going to enjoy my Thanksgiving decorations for at least one more day.  (Although I will confess that I'm pretty sure we're going to go get our Christmas tree today.)

I hadn't intended to get any new Christmas stamp sets this year.  But I've had my eye on Joyful Christmas since the Holiday catalog came out, and when the clear mount stamp was listed as part of the Holiday Sale (which is still going on!), the price was just too good to pass up on it.  I've been playing with this set for the past couple of days and have some gorgeous Christmas cards to show off in the next couple of weeks. 

Who Knew?

• You can totally turn a poinsettia into a sunflower!  I think that an additional layer of the petals would look better (and more sunflower-like), but I used glue on this card and didn't want to mangle it in an attempt to dismantle it and add another layer.

• Crushed Curry and Gumball Green look FANTASTIC together!  Never in a million years would I have thought to combine those two colors.  It makes me sad that Gumball Green will only be around for a few more months.

• Maybe you knew this already, but RUN to the Clearance Rack and stock up on single color packs of Core'dinations Card stock.  That's where I found this Early Espresso paper.  It's also available in the Neutrals pack of Core'dinations Card Stock.

Supplies

Stamps:  Oh Hello and Joyful Christmas
Ink:  Gumball Green Crushed Curry, and Early Espresso
Paper:   Gumball Green Crushed Curry, and Soft Suede card stock, Early Espresso Core'dinations
Accessories:  Simply Pressed Clay and Molds, Linen Thread, Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon, Sanding Block, Paper Snips

Truly Grateful Label Card

I think it should be obvious this week which products are my favorites!  But I love fall, and this is kind of my last chance to show off fall cards, because on Friday, well...let the Christmas season begin, right?

This is an upside down flip card, which I love.  It's nice to mix things up a bit and throw in some variety to one's card-making.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the card "upside-down", simply fold the opposite way you normally would.  It's really that easy!

• Pair up the Woodgrain Background stamp with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  It's a great combination!

• Sponging the edges of the Label shape for both sides of the card adds a really soft look.  Did you know that you can cut a sponge in four pieces (like a pie) and quadruple the value?  It's actually a lot easier to use that way, too!

Supplies

Stamps:  Truly Grateful, Yippee-Skippee, Gently Falling
Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, More Mustard (retired), and Cajun Craze Classic Ink
Paper:  Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock, Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Label Card Thinlits, Sponge, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Sanding Block

Gently Falling Woodgrain Card

Yay!  It's Thanksgiving week!  I do love Thanksgiving, a holiday I've really only come to appreciate as an adult.  But I'll confess that I'm excited about this week for other reasons.  As I may have mentioned in the past, I homeschool my kids, and one of the very best things about that is the ability to set our own schedule.  And because we can do that, we take the entire month of December off from formal schooling (but we're always learning, because that's how life works!)  Since Thanksgiving falls so late this year, it actually marks the beginning of our break.  We've been working our tails off to get finished up before Wednesday, and it looks like once we finish up a few things today, we can start our fabulous, gigantic Christmas break!  That is what I am especially thankful for today!

So let's focus on this card for a moment, shall we?  I love the woodgrain stamp in the Truly Grateful set.  I also realized that with a little bit of help from my Stamp-a-ma-jig, it fits well with the large tag in the Chalk Talk Framelits.  That was a very exciting discovery!  And you all know how much I love woodgrain and leaves together.  I won't bore you with my gushing about that again.

Tips & Tricks

• In order to make an embossed image pop a bit more, simply sponge a bit of ink lightly over the raised parts.  It makes a world of difference!

• When using the leaves from Gently Falling, I always stamp off the background stamp (not the outline one).  I'm always a lot happier with the final product if I do that.  Try it out and see what you think!

Supplies:

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Truly Grateful
Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar, Cajun Craze, and Crushed Curry Classic Ink
Paper:  Soft Suede, Baked Brown Sugar, Naturals Ivory card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Chalk Talk Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits, Linen Thread, Sponge

Linking up to the Fab Friday Challenge.

Prince of Peace Single Stamp Christmas Ornament

Despite the fact that I'm not at all in a hurry for Christmastime to arrive, I can't seem to help making Christmas projects.  Today I have a simple, yet very elegant ornament, that could also double as a gift tag.  In fact, that's what I'm planning to do with this one!

Tips & Tricks

• Who doesn't love embossing?  I know I love it!  I actually tried making this with glitter instead of embossing powder, but it was just too much.  Let the simple elegance of the silver embossing powder shine on this project by making sure you've cleaned off all stray flecks before whipping out your heat tool.  This is an especially important step when embossing on a dark color as I have here with Night of Navy.

• Chipboard is my new favorite element, but Framelits don't quite cut all the way through, especially if you've adhered Silver Glimmer Paper to it first!  A quick trim with your Paper Snips will clean up the edges and make your project look flawless. 

Every year my sister-in-law asks me to bring supplies to make a craft or ornament on Thanksgiving.  And every year I dutifully drag my supplies to her house, only to have them sit untouched the entire afternoon.  We'll have a smaller crowd this year, so I'm hoping that we'll actually get to make the ornament, and this is the one we'll be making.  Or at least the one I'll take supplies to make.

Supplies

Stamps:  Prince of Peace Single Stamp
Ink:  VersaMark
Paper:  Chipboard, Silver Glimmer Paper, Night of Navy card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Deco Labels Framelits, Heat Tool, Silver Embossing Powder, Rhinestones Basic Jewels

Christmas Tag

Last week I posted some Christmas tags that I made using My Digital Studio.  Today I have a tag I made with good old stamps and paper.  This one uses the Chalk Talk Framelits, and is intended to have a bit of a chalkboard look. 

Tips & Tricks

• The chalkboard look is so easy to create...simply stamp an image or sentiment in Whisper White Craft ink on Basic Black card stock.  Then take a sponge dipped in Whisper White ink and gently dab or rub it in random spots on the card stock...it will look like erased chalk.  I added some Christmas ornaments to this to jazz it up a bit, too.

• Stamp before cutting with your Framelits...that's the best feature of them!  Once you've stamped, you can line up your Framelits around the image, ensuring that it's perfectly straight and aligned!

Supplies

Stamps:  Merry Minis (retired), Ornament Keepsakes, Christmas Greetings (retired)
Ink:  Real Red, Garden Green, and Whisper White
Paper:  Whisper White and Basic Black card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Chalk Talk Framelits, Merry Minis Punch Pack, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, sponge

Holiday Sale

Woohoo!  Be sure to check out this awesome list of discounted products that will go on sale beginning tomorrow, November 20.  A few items will be discounted at 30% off for only 24 hours, so if you've been wanting the new trimmer, the diagonal scoring plate, or even our Many Marvelous Markers, be sure to contact me or place your order through my online store tomorrow!

Thanksgiving Place Cards

So last week I took a little blogging break.  It wasn't intentional, but definitely necessary.  Last week was insane, and my stress levels were through the roof.  So hopefully you'll forgive me for not posting...I just didn't have the time or creativity to come up with any projects to post.

This week I'll have a couple of non-card projects to show you.  Today is a simple, hand-stamped place card.  Since this one features a woodsy look in fall colors, it's perfect for Thanksgiving.  And if I were going to host Thanksgiving dinner, I'd probably consider putting these on the table.  OK, that's a total lie, because as an introvert, finding out that I have to sit next to someone other than my husband is terrifying to me.  Since I hate being assigned a seat, there's no way I'd do that to someone else.  However, there are definitely situations where place cards are appropriate, and maybe Thanksgiving is that time for you and your guests. 

Tips & Tricks

• You don't always have to use a background stamp in the vertical position.  For this card, I turned the Woodgrain background stamp so the grain is actually going across my card, instead of up and down.  I much prefer it this way!

• Let's talk about alphabet stamps...I give you permission to NOT line up your letters perfectly when spelling out a name or word.  In fact, I was trying to keep this casual and didn't want the letters to look perfect.  The haphazard placement of the letters in my name give it a relaxed, hand-made look, which is exactly what I wanted.

Supplies

Stamps:  Woodgrain, Gently Falling, Classic Alphabet (retired)

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, and Crushed Curry 

Paper:  Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock

Accessories:  paper snips, brayer

My Digital Studio Christmas Tags

Whether you want to believe it or not, Christmas isn't that far away.  Have you started getting ready?  I tend to shop through the year, but I still have lots of sewing to do, and cards to make.  I may end up with a mix of Christmas cards this year, just to keep it interesting.

One thing I always hand stamp each year are tags for gifts.  But I'm usually doing that at the last minute, and I get a little frazzled.  I think I've found a way to avoid that extra stress...making tags using My Digital Studio.

These photos show the front and back of a tag I made in about five minutes using MDS.  When a new project opened, I chose the Designer Templates, and then selected tags.  For this one, I went with the square tag, and used the Piece of Cake template.  But that's a birthday tag, and I wanted Christmas.  I simply swapped out the background papers, changed the text on the front, and swapped out the colors.  I also added a couple of ornaments to the back.  And seriously, five minutes.  I'm not kidding.  And the best part...it can all be customized to your favorite colors.  Or, if you are a serious type-A personality like me, to colors that match your wrapping paper.  Sadly, I'm not kidding about that, either.

My Digital Studio Downloads:  Piece of Cake tags template, Be of Good Cheer digital kit, and Tree Trimmings stamp set

Home Decor Using My Digital Studio AND Stamps!

No matter how hard I tried, I could NOT get a good picture of this project.  That probably has something to do with the fact that I was taking pictures at night instead of during the day.  But I knew that if it didn't happen last night, it wouldn't happen at all today, and I really wanted to make sure I posted this today!

This is a cool hybrid project that uses My Digital Studio AND stamps and ink.  I know I've already mentioned that I love the Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper, and sadly, it's retired.  I especially love it with the Day of Gratitude stamps.  What's a girl to do when she's out of her favorite paper?  MDS to the rescue!  I use the Autumn Spice download, and created a single scrapbook page with it.  I selected the striped paper you see here as the background for my page.  I then typed the text of Psalm 100 and centered it on the page.  I did have to take into account that my frame is an 8x10, while the page is 8-1/2 x 11.  That's nothing a little trimming can't fix.  At that point, I was done, and printed out my page onto Whisper White card stock.

Next I just went crazy stamping lots and lots of leaves in my favorite fall colors.  I resurrected More Mustard for this one, and was reminded just how much I miss that color.  I'm sorry, but as lovely as Crushed Curry is, it's no replacement for the perfect fall yellow. 

And if you're wondering if I cut all those leaves out, the answer is yes, yes I did.  And my hand still hurts.  I tied a few scraps of ribbon around the frame (TIP:  tie the ribbon loosely so there's room for the glass and backing to fit in the space!)  Then I used my sanding block to rough up the frame a bit.  It had been a hideous blue and unfortunately the only black paint I had was some high gloss spray paint.  It needed some distressing to tone down that shine!  And that was it.  It's now sitting on my piano and I love it.  It really adds some pizazz to that area of my home this Thanksgiving season.

Supplies

Stamps:  Day of Gratitude (retired) 
Ink:  Cajun Craze, More Mustard (retired...boo), Old Olive, and Soft Suede
Paper:  Whisper White and Very Vanilla Card Stock
Accessories:  PAPER SNIPS.  Ok, and some retired ribbon and the MDS download, Autumn Spice :)

Christmas Craft Class for Kids

This class will offer your children a way to create beautiful projects that they can give as gifts.  The projects this year will include two cards (and not just any cards...one in particular has a definite wow factor!), an ornament, and then a third surprise project.  (If you would really like to know what this project is, just email me.  I am not describing it here in the event that your child wants to surprise YOU with that gift!)

Dates:  Monday, December 9 OR
             Tuesday, December 10, OR
             Thursday, December 12, OR
             Friday, December 13
Ages:  7+
Time:  1-3 pm
Cost: $10, paid in advance no later than Wednesday, November 11.
Location:  my home

This class is for ALL kids (both boys and girls) ages 7 and up.  If there is interest in holding a class for little kids, I will consider adding a separate one.  Just let me know if you are interested in that option.

Also, this is a drop-off class, as I do not have space for moms to hang out.  If you have any concerns, please feel free to email me privately at a_l_stoudt @ yahoo.com  (no spaces).

Any questions?  Please let me know!  This is always a lot of fun for both the kids and for me, so I’m looking forward to helping your children make these projects!

My Digital Studio

I decided to mix things up a bit today and post a card I made in My Digital Studio.  I tend to prefer to make cards the old-fashioned way, with paper and stamps.  But every now and then I sit down to play with MDS.  One of the best features (at least in my opinion!) is that none of the digital downloads retire.  This card features two of my favorite products:  Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper and the Day of Gratitude stamp set.  Both of those are retired, but not in MDS!  I love that I can still play with my favorite paper, which is exactly what I did here. 

Check back later this week when I'll have a fun hybrid home decor project that uses regular stamps and card stock in addition to My Digital Studio!

Peekaboo Frames Window Card {Tutorial}

 

This is the other card we made a club this month.  It's an interactive card that uses the Peekaboo Frames Die.  Below is the card once the tab is pulled.  Fun, isn't it?  

I'm going to attempt a photo tutorial, and I'll admit right off the bat that it leaves much to be desired.  But you'll show me some grace, right, and just be happy for my attempt?  Thanks!  OK, ready?  Here goes...


The first thing you'll want to do is cut a standard card size in Pear Pizzazz and score it.  Cut a piece of Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper (DSP) to 4" x 5-1/4" and adhere it to your card.  You'll notice that I made three different variations of this card with different papers in this pack.

Yes, I took a picture of DSP on card stock, but don't have one for the next step.  Because no one knows how to adhere DSP to card stock.  Really, I don't think any of you are really that dense.  Next up, you'll want to cut out a piece of card stock using your Big Shot and the Peekaboo Frames Die.  Use the shape that looks like a big Curly Label Punch.  It's in the corner of the die.

After cutting, you'll need to score.  Get out your handy dandy Simply Scored Scoring Tool and line it up as shown below.  You'll want to score at 3/4" and 1-5/8".

Use your bone folder to fold on the two score lines you just created, as well as the original line made by the die itself.  Set that aside for a few minutes.

Take a piece of Daffodil Delight card stock, cut to 3-3/4" x 1-3/4" and insert one end into the Decorative Label punch as shown below.  This allows you to cut one end, leaving the length of the strip intact. 

After punching the end of your pull tab, stamp an arrow on the punched end.  I used one of the tiny arrows from the Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set.  I love how the stamp shows the color ink that you use.  Yes, I get excited about the little things.

Here's how it looks once it's been stamped.  This will indicate to the recipient that they should pull on the tab...you know, so they aren't completely confused about what they are supposed to do with your card.

OK, it's important to pay attention to this step.  Cut a piece of Whisper White card stock 2-3/8" x 2-1/4" and stamp your sentiment slightly to the left.  Do not do this:

 It should look like this...see how it's not centered, but slightly to the left?

And now it's time to start putting the whole thing together.  Place a piece of sticky strip on the front of the Daffodil Delight strip.  Be sure it's on the same side as the arrow, but at the other end.  Attach this to the back of the Pear Pizzazz piece.  It will adhere to the part with the little notch in it.  I've shown it here from the back and again how it looks from the front.  Don't worry that the Daffodil Delight is showing through...we'll take care of that later.

Now that you have that done, it's time to attach your sentiment.  The best adhesive for this step is Glue Dots.  Feel free to use whatever adhesive you like, but don't say I didn't warn you.  Put a glue dot right at the point of each corner, on the back of the Pear Pizzazz piece, as shown here:

Try to get the glue dots as close to the inside opening as possible, but don't stress about it.  These dots will be used to attach the window to the Whisper White piece that's stamped with the sentiment.  You have a little bit of play, so make adjustments if you accidentally stamped crooked. 

I find that it works best to pinch the window open while doing this...it makes centering the sentiment a bit easier.  Be sure not to get any adhesive between the Daffodil Delight card stock and the Pear Pizzazz card stock.

Go ahead and adhere this to the front of the card.  Keep your adhesive to the Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White.  Again, don't get any adhesive on the Daffodil Delight or the pull tab won't work.

Are you hanging in there?  The hard part is behind you and it's easy peasy from here on out.  You'll need a piece of Whisper White cut to 1-1/2" x 1-3/4" and a piece of Daffodil Delight cut to 2-3/8" x 2-1/4".  Stamp one of the splotches from Gorgeous Grunge in Daffodil Delight on the Whisper White card stock, then adhere that to the Daffodil Delight card stock.

To adhere this piece to the window, put adhesive only on the panel shown below.  If you put it on the entire thing, the window won't open and then you'll have to start all over.  You don't want that.

Next up is a step that I neglected to photograph.  Cut a teeny piece of Whisper White to 5/16" x 2" then cover it with a piece of Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape.  I used the floral, but any of them would look great.  Put some adhesive on the smallest part of the window (the part with the notch.)

Place your Washi Tape covered card stock on that section.  It should cover the notch and go right up against the Daffodil Delight piece.  Once done, embellish with an Island Indigo butterfly cut out with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and the Big Shot.  Use a Stampin' Dimensional so it pops. 

One more thing...if you'd like to add a little something to the inside of your card, stamp it with the Gingham wheel.  Since you're just going the width of a card, you can ink it up with an ink pad instead of a cartridge.  Just be sure to do your stamping on some grid paper, and not on the Simply Scored Tool, as it looks like I'm doing here. :)

And that's it...you're done!  I'd love to see your samples...be sure to add a link in the comments if you make one!  Or, email a picture of it and I'll feature it here!

Supplies

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Designer Typeset Photopolymer Set, and Gingham Wheel
Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo, and Daffodil Delight Classic Ink
Paper:  Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, and Whisper White card stock, Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Peekaboo Frames Die, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, Clear Block A, Decorative Label Punch

Easy Washi Tape Card

I'm finally getting around to posting the cards we made a club...over a week ago!  This month I featured the Gingham Garden suite of products, and this card showcases the Designer Washi Tape wonderfully!  I saw this card by Mindy Backes and knew it would be the perfect card for club.  Our other card was a bit more involved, so I wanted to be sure this one was quick and easy.  And it is!  With Stampin' Up!'s variety of Designer Washi Tape, it could be replicated for all kind of occasions.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm going to make a Christmas variation of this card.

Tips & Tricks

• Stamp before adhering the Washi Tape.  It's just easier that way. :)

• Washi Tape is great, because if it's not lined up right where you want it, just peel it off and try again.   

• After punching our your card stock with the Decorative Label punch, you may want to snip off the points at the top and bottom.  They just kind of look weird sticking out from behind the oval.  You can leave the ones on the ends...those look fine!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee and Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo Classic Ink
Paper:  Melon Mambo, Island Indigo, and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, Decorative Label Punch, Extra Large Oval Punch, Paper Snips

Mosaic Madness...for Christmas!

When I first saw Mosaic Madness, I wasn't exactly thinking Christmas.  But this versatile set makes great Christmas ornaments, which was perfect for my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack

This card has a definite wow factor, thanks in part to both the Circle Card Thinlits, as well as the Silver Glimmer Paper.  It looks complicated, but is really quite a simple card.  You've got to love deceptive cards like that!

Supplies

Stamps:  Mosaic Madness and Christmas Greetings (retired)
Ink:  Silver (available in the Holiday Catalog!) and Pool Party Classic Ink
Paper:  Pool Party and Whisper White card stock, Winter Frost Designer Series Paper Stack, Silver Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Mosaic Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Card {Ornament Keepsakes)

This card is one from my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack this past weekend.  This card is elegant, yet very simple, and is an easy one to mass produce.  The combination of sponging, Linen Thread, and the color choices of Naturals Ivory, Always Artichoke, and Cherry Cobbler give this card a very vintage look.

Tips & Tricks

• Since the Pretty Print Embossing Folder tends to weaken the card stock a bit, I find that it's easier to sponge the edges of that piece before it makes a trip through the Big Shot.  The sponging that's done on top of the embossed image will need to wait until after, though.

• Love the look of banners?  They are a great way to use up scraps.  There's no need to cut a strip of card stock the full width as shown here.  Simply snip the banner ends of a small scrap and tuck it behind the image.  No one needs to know that the card stock doesn't extend the full way across!

Supplies

Stamps:  Ornament Keepsakes, French Script (retired, but En Francais is a perfect substitute!)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Crumb Cake Classic Ink
Paper:   Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and Cherry Cobbler card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Labels Collection Framelits, Sponge