Christmas Bauble

Can I just say that it's killing me to post Christmas cards when it's still fall?  I can't stand how the minute Halloween is over, Christmas stuff is EVERYWHERE.  What ever happened to fall and Thanksgiving?  OK, so clearly this is a pet peeve of mine, but it does drive me nuts.  However, I have a pile of Christmas cards to show, and not a lot else, so that's what I'm posting! :)

This card uses the new single stamp Christmas Bauble.  I think it pairs so well with the Filigree Frame embossing folder.  I highlighted the embossed parts of this cute folder by using a sponge dauber and Pool Party ink.  It came out a little heavier on the ink than I had intended, and I loved seeing the variations different people did when making this at my Christmas card event.  Some went even heavier, and some very light.  I love that five people can make the same card and they will all have a unique element to it.  That's what creating is supposed to yield--a unique product that shows a little of the person creating it. 

The banners on the card are just pieces of three of the All Is Calm Designer Washi tapes, and I just snipped the ends to give them a more finished look.  The bauble is embossed in silver, then water colored.  See below for the exact colors I used.  It's kind of an unconventional color scheme for Christmas, but it's such a pretty combination.

Supplies
Stamps:  Christmas Bauble
Ink:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Smokey Slate, Pear Pizzazz
Paper:  Pool Party, Whisper White, and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Filigree Frame embossing folder, All Is Calm Designer Washi Tape, Sponge Dauber, Aquapainter, Stampin' Dimensionals, and Paper Snips (yes, that bauble is cut out by hand...no Framelits for this one!)

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. :)

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

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

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!

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

Nativity Luminaries Class

 

Looking for unique, handmade décor that focuses on the real meaning of Christmas?  This set of three luminaries is perfect for your own home and for gift giving.  Each luminary features four scenes from the Christmas story, focusing on Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, the shepherds, and the wise men.  The background contains passages from the books of Matthew and Luke, relating to the scenes shown.  Each cube measures 4”x4”x4” and is made of sturdy coaster board.

I’ll teach you how to make these beautiful decorations, and provide all the supplies and tools needed to create as many as you’d like.  Each class will be identical, and you may choose from three date options.  Multiple sets can be made on one date, however, if making several sets, it may be necessary to attend more than one class.

Dates:  Friday, November 15, 6-10 pm OR

             Saturday, November 16, 2-6 pm OR

             Sunday, November 17, 1-5 pm

Cost:  $15 per set (please let me know if you’d like to make additional sets)

Location:  April’s House (directions provided upon payment)

RSVP:  no later than October 30.  Pre-payment in the form of cash or check is required to reserve your spot.  Email me at a_l_stoudt@yahoo.com with any questions or to RSVP.

Pennant Parade Christmas Tree

In the spirit of making Christmas cards out of current, non-Christmas stamp sets I already own, here's an adorable little Christmas tree made from the Pennant Parade set.  Conveniently, there is a little star and pot for the tree included in this set, so clearly, my idea to use it as a tree was not original.  This card is so simple to create, and makes a cute and fun card to give this Christmas.

Tips & Tricks

• Five of the little Cherry Cobbler banners will fit in the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder at one time...great when mass producing this card!
• I love how the Ovals Framelits make layering perfect.  I cut them out using my Big Shot and the new Magnetic Platform, of course!
• The Season of Style Designer Series Paper Stack is a tremendous value!  At just $6.95, it's a bargain you just can't miss!

Supplies

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Christmas Greetings (retired)
Ink:  Old Olive, Crushed Curry, and Soft Suede Classic Ink
Paper:  Naturals White, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, and Old Olive card stock, Season of Style DSP Stack
Accessories:  Big Shot, Ovals Collection Framelits, Pennant Builder Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Paper Snips

I'll be holding another Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack on October 20.  If you'd like to attend, please contact me for details.

Daydream Medallions Christmas Wreath Card

This past weekend was the first Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack of the year.  When I sat down to design cards for this event, I came to the sad realization that all but one of my Christmas stamp sets had retired.  I really didn't want to spend money on new Christmas sets when I have a shelf FULL of them, so I was determined to make use of what current sets I did have.

I loved Daydream Medallions when I first saw it, although haven't used it a lot, for some reason.  But it makes the most gorgeous wreath, and I think this may be my most favorite use for this set! 

Tips & Tricks

• The Magnetic Platform is a must for cutting out these layers.  Used with the Floral Frames Framelits, the Magnetic Platform takes all the worry of shifting Framelits out of this project!  You can get yours here, or contact me to place an order.
• When adhering the layers of the wreath to one another, be sure to put adhesive on the backs of the "petals" of the smaller layer.  You'll be punching out the center of the wreath once the layers are adhered to each other, so you want to ensure that they layers stick together!
• Allow drying time for the Dazzling Details "berries" before placing the bow on...you don't want to get ribbon stuck in the wet glue!
• For a more vintage look, sponge the Naturals Ivory strip with a bit of Crumb Cake ink

Supplies

Stamps:  Daydream Medallions, Petite Pairs, French Script (retired, but En Francais is a close match!)
Ink:  Crumb Cake and Always Artichoke Classic Ink
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Naturals Ivory card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Floral Frames Framelits, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details

Season of Style Washi Tape Card

I know, I know, it's barely even fall, but yes, this is a Christmas card.  I broke out some retired items for this one, including the glitter and the "Merry Christmas" stamp.  It's my favorite Christmas sentiment stamp, and I pretty much use it every year, even if it is retired.

Tips & Tricks

• Washi Tape is so easy to use!  Don't be afraid to just stick it to your card stock.  It's easy to reposition if you don't like how it looks.  In fact, I moved the Crumb Cake piece on this card several times until I had it perfectly spaced.

• Who doesn't love a good glittery card?  Heat and Stick Powder is the secret to adhering glitter to a stamped image.  Simply stamp in VersaMark, then "emboss" using Heat and Stick Powder.  As soon as you set the Heat Tool aside, sprinkle the glitter on the image.  The glitter will stick and look fabulous!

Supplies

Stamps:  Scentsational Season (retired), Christmas Greetings (retired)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler and VersaMark
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder, Holiday Collection Framelits (retired), Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Tool, and Mat, Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, Heat Tool, Heat and Stick Powder, glitter, 1-3/4" Circle Punch

Merry Christmas Milk Cartons

It's Christmas Eve!  I loved this day as a child (and teenager), as it was all about family.  We would always go next door to my grandparents' house in the late afternoon, where there would be food, punch, and cousins.  It is also my grandparents' anniversary, so we would always celebrate that as well.  It is one of my favorite memories and traditions, and each year I get a little weepy at some point because I am not there with all of my family. Today my grandparents celebrate 70 years of marriage, and I am so, so grateful for the example of love and commitment they have shown (and continue to show!), and that I was able to grow up living next door to them.  They are amazing people, and I just love them so much.  Happy 70th anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa!

These little milk cartons were gifts for my stamp club members, filled with chocolate.  They are super cute and were so much fun to make.  The poinsettias on the front were so easy...I will definitely be making more of them next year!

Stamps:  Jolly Bingo Bits (tag), Got Treats (milk carton)

Ink:  Garden Green Classic Ink pad, Real Red and More Mustard markers

Paper:  Garden Green, Real Red, More Mustard,  and Whisper White card stock, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP (retired)

Accessories:  5 Petal Flower punch (retired), 1 1/4" scallop circle punch, 1" circle punch, Mini Milk Carton Die, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Christmas Banners

This card is the last of the year's Christmas Stamp-a-Stack cards.  And this is the perfect card to make if you have lots of scraps left over from other projects. You could vary the size of the banners, if you have narrower strips of paper...you could even add a couple more.  The simplicity of this card is what makes me love it.  Two layers of card stock cut with the Window Frames have paper-piercing along the edges.  The guide in the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack makes that so simple!  The sentiment is embossed with Early Espresso embossing powder, and it's all topped off with a bit of ribbon, tied in a knot and adhered with a glue dot.  So simple!  This layout could be used for just about any type of card, depending on paper and sentiment choice.  I'll definitely be making more of these in the future!

Stamps:  Occasional Quotes (retired)

Ink: VersaMark

Paper:  Festival of Prints DSP pack. Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, and Crumb Cake card stock

Accessories:  paper snips, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack, mat, and tool, quilted satin ribbon (retired)...I also made some of these with seam binding ribbon, which is great for cards that are being mailed.