Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Chickadee

It's time for our Wednesday challenge over at The House That Stamps Built. This week it's an Anything Goes theme. I chose to showcase the beautiful chickadee stamp (211-P, Chickadee at Rest) by stamping it on an old dictionary page in versamark watermark ink and embossing it with midnight black embossing powder. I added some color by using sponge daubers and distress inks. Inside I stamped the branches in two corners and added the 9717-C, Happy Hello sentiment.

Remember to stop by the Repeat Impressions Store and check out all the beautiful stamps -- there's a 10% discount code for my blog readers posted on the sidebar.  Also, come by the The House That Stamps Built and join in the fun of each new weeks challenge! The first Wednesday of every month One lucky person will win a $25 Repeat Impressions Gift Certificate! You don't have to use RI stamps to play along, but if you do you'll get an extra entry in the random draw! The more you link up, the greater your chances of winning! So what are you waiting for.....come on over and showoff your creativity!

Check out what the other design team members created: 
 Supplies and Tools:
211-P, Chickadee at Rest (Repeat Impressions),  9717-C, Happy Hello (Repeat Impressions), Old Dictionary Page, Sponge Daubers, Distress Inks (Mowed Lawn, Pine Needles, Gathered Twigs, Salty Ocean, Spice Marmalade), Baker's Twine, Sequins


Monday, December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of my blog readers! 

Today (on the Cropstop blog) I'm sharing one last Christmas card. This one is a larger card made with a 5 x 7 embossing folder from Couture Creations.
To be honest I was a bit "stumped" when I first got this folder as I wasn't sure how to fill the white space adequately.  After accidentally embossing crooked, I decided to cut out the white space and mat it (so as to not entirely waste my messed-up piece) - it was just what this card needed, and I love how it turned out in the end!
 Supplies and tools:
Cabaret Embossing Folder (Couture Creations), Jumbo Poinsettia (Stampendous), Phrase Set 2 (Sizzix), Touch Five Markers, Gold Glitter, Christmas Blessing (Stampendous), Distress Ink (Fired Brick/Pine Needles), Tuxedo Black Ink (Memento), Petite Striplet - Jubilee (Creative Expressions)

This post linked to:
Pinspirational - Inspiration photo (Christmas - colors)
Power Poppy - Hues To Use

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

All is Calm, All is Bright

It's time for our Wednesday challenge over at The House That Stamps Built. This week we have an inspiration board for you. This challenge is a fun cross between a photo challenge and a color challenge. You can choose to be inspired by the colors, the photograph, or both! I chose to be inspired by both the pine branches of the Christmas tree and the earth tone color pallete along with the little gold snowflake on top the tree. 
 To create my card I:
  • Cut a piece of kraft cardstock slightly smaller than my card front and distressed the edges
  • Using sponge daubers, I inked the edges with Walnut Stain Distress Oxide
  • Slightly diluted a bit of white acrylic paint and splattered it over the front
  • Die cut green card-stock using the Holiday Greens Thinlints from Tim Holtz
  • Splattered more diluted white paint
  • Stamped my 3305-M, Glitter Star Ornament (Large) in gold embossing powder on designer paper and cut it out
  • Created some crinkle ribbon using Pine Needles/Mowed Lawn distress ink and seam binding
  • Stamped 2220-G, All Is Calm in Graphite Black ink
 I decorated the inside with a piece of washi tape and a few more holiday greens. TIP: Since I didn't have any gold paper on hand, I die cut my berries from white cardstock, inked it with versamark, added gold embossing powder and wa-la a shimmery accent to match the bulb on the outside!
Remember to stop by the Repeat Impressions Store and check out all the beautiful stamps -- there's a 10% discount code for my blog readers posted on the sidebar.  Also, come by the The House That Stamps Built and join in the fun of each new weeks challenge! The first Wednesday of every month One lucky person will win a $25 Repeat Impressions Gift Certificate! You don't have to use RI stamps to play along, but if you do you'll get an extra entry in the random draw! The more you link up, the greater your chances of winning! So what are you waiting for.....come on over and showoff your creativity!

Check out what the other design team members created: 
Cheri  ~ Shirley ~ Deonna ~ Heather ~ Laurie ~ Donna ~ Joy
 Supplies and Tools:
3305-M, Glitter Star Ornament (Large) (Repeat Impressions), 2220-G, All Is Calm (Repeat Impressions), Walnut Stain Distress Oxide (Tim Holtz), Holiday Greens Thinlits (Tim Holtz), White Acrylic Paint, Seam Binding, Distress Inks (Pine Needles/Mowed Lawn), Graphite Black Brilliance Ink (Tsukineko), Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Washi Tape, Baker's Twine
  
This post linked to:
Addicted to Stamps - Seasons Greetings
Craft Dee BowZ -  Handmade Bow
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Christmas Quilt

Today I'm sharing a Christmas card I created with a "quilt like" background. I created it using the Giga Guidelines stamp set (Papertrey ink) and three colors of Distress Oxide.
I created a 3D poinsettia to adorn one corner, but kept most of the card free of embellishments to showcase the pretty designs in the background.
 I love the look distressed (and inked) edges give a card. It's been my go-to technique this year!

Supplies and Tools:
Giga Guidelines (Papertrey Ink), Distress Oxides (Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, Walnut Stain), Sponge Daubers, Basketweave embossing folder (Darice), Festive Flower Punch (Stampin' Up), Holiday Greens Thinlits (Tim Holtz), Burlap String, Poinsettia stamp (unknown)

This card linked to:
Pinspirational - Inspiration photo (Christmas - colors)
Time Out Challenge - Inspiration photo (Christmas - colors)
Stamping Sensations - Winter Trees and Flowers
Power Poppy - Hues To Use


Monday, December 18, 2017

Color Burst Money Holder

If you're like me, you'll be giving cash or gift cards to at least a few people on your Christmas list this year. I created this money holder using Ken Oliver Color Burst and watercolor paper.It's very quick and easy to whip up!
For all the details of how I put this bright and cheery money holder together: Visit today's post on the Cropstop blog.
Supplies and Tools:
Ken Oliver Color Burst (Lime Green, Merlot, Ultramarine Blue), Create a Flake dies (Spellbinders), Small Flake Punch, Sentiment Words Thinlits (Tim Holtz), Circle Punch, Ribbon, Phrases 2 (Spellbinders), Sparkly Snowflake Sticker

This post linked to:

Mod Squad - Non-traditional Christmas colors
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Shepherd Boy

It's time for our Wednesday challenge over at The House That Stamps Built.  This week it's Tic Tac Toe - choose three items (across, down, or diagonally) and make a card! I chose the top line -- Pearls, Christmas, & Silver.
To create my background I:
  • Used sponge daubers to blend Chipped Sapphire and Peacock Feathers Distress Ink together on watercolor paper
  • Spritzed with water and heat set
  • Diluted a bit of Metallic Pearl White Acrylic Paint with water and splashed it over the surface
Originally I stamped my Shepherd Boy in sliver embossing powder directly onto the background. Since he didn't stand out enough that way, I re-stamped him on white card-stock and colored him with Touch Five Markers and Prismacolor Pencils, adding a few accents with a white gel pen.
Inside I added another stary night piece  with a Repeat Impressions sentiment embossed in white.

Remember to stop by the Repeat Impressions Store and check out all the beautiful stamps -- there's a 10% discount code for my blog readers posted on the sidebar.  Also, come by the The House That Stamps Built and join in the fun of each new weeks challenge! The first Wednesday of every month One lucky person will win a $25 Repeat Impressions Gift Certificate! You don't have to use RI stamps to play along, but if you do you'll get an extra entry in the random draw! The more you link up, the greater your chances of winning! So what are you waiting for.....come on over and showoff your creativity!

Check out what the other design team members created: 


Supplies and Tools:
2008-K, Shepherd Boy (Repeat Impressions), 2201-I, For unto you (Repeat Impressions),  Distress Ink (Chipped Sapphire/Peacock Feathers), Sponge Daubers, Metallic Pearl White Acrylic Paint, Small Paintbrush, Touch Five Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, White Gel Pen, Heat Gun, Labels 4 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Pearls, Star Punch, Star Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug)

This post linked to:
Fusion - Blue Gift (Blue and Silver)
Dies R Us - Christmas Carols (While Shepherd Watch Their Flocks)
Addicted To Stamps - Season's Greetings
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes


Hot Chocolate Pockets

Today I'm sharing two different pockets I created for gifting hot chocolate packets.
The first pocket is made like a card with a diagonal cut pocket on the inside (see Cropstop blog linked below) and big 3D snowflake adorning the outside.
I die cut several snowflakes and glued them together (3 red, 2 green, 2 white). I popped them up using mounting tape and added a red gemstone to the center.
Supplies and Tools:
Knitted Embossing Folder (Couture Creations), Wide Christmas Ribbon, Create a Flake dies (Spellbinders, Burlap String, Pearls, Holiday Greens Thinlits (Tim Holtz)
The second pocket is embellished with liquid pearls, ribbon, and a fun little snowflake tag!
I think these would be fun for gifting to your card making group, Bible study class, co-workers, or just a friend in need of a pick-me up! For all the details on how I put these together: Visit today's post on the Cropstop blog.
Supplies and Tools:
Super Powder Puff Embossing Folder (Couture Creations), White Opal Liquid Pearls, Sea-grass Organdy Swirls Ribbon, Scallop Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Create a Flake dies (Spellbinders), Winter Wonders (All-Night Media), Broken China Distress Oxide, Blue Burlap String

This post linked to:
Shopping Our Stash - Let's Play Tag
Pinspirational - Inspiration Photo (below)
Double D - Red, White with a pop of green
Allsorts  - Snowflakes



Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Gift Card Holder

Christmas is almost here, and I'm running out of time to get everything finished up! BUT....when I saw the adorable cookie envelope Cindy from Power Poppy posted on Friday I REALLY wanted to give it a try. Instead of using mine for a cookie envelope - I turned them into gift card holders! For the first one I used the Gingerbread Family Digital Stamp Set....and when you open it up....a surprise Gingerbread house is printed on the inside!!
The second one features the Poinsettia and Pomegranates digital stamp set....a small image outside and a large image inside!

These really were quick to whip up since most of the details are printed on. It's mainly just a print and fold craft - so why not hop on over and get thehttps://powerpoppy.blogspot.com/2017/12/day-8-christmas-cookie-envelope.html free template from Power Poppy and create a fun package for your own gifts this year!
Supplies and Tools:
Embellishments: Baker's Twine, Snow Writer, Art Accentz Glitter (Brown Red, Valentine's Dark Red, Silver, Light Copper), Studio G brown glitter, Sticky Back Velcro
Dies: Hello Doily (Sizzix)
Ink: Versamark Watermark, Ground Espresso, Red Dragon Embossing Powder
Stamps: Gingerbread Family Digital Stamp Set (Power Poppy), Poinsettia and Pomegranates Digital Stamp Set (Power Poppy), Christmas Silhouettes (Inkadinkado) Stamp Affair Sentiment

This post linked to:
Power Poppy - Power and Spark 12 Days of Christmas
Little Red Wagon - Gift Card Holder
Tuesday Throwdown - Anything Goes
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes



Monday, December 11, 2017

Echo Park Stencils


Maria (from Paper Garden) contacted me recently and ask if I'd be interested in reviewing a couple stencils from the store. I was more than happy to try out their stencils and post my honest review here on my blog. While I was at it, I tired out a new technique....using versamark and embossing powder with a stencil!
This first stencil I used is the Diagonal Stripes one from Echo Park Paper. As soon as I saw it I immediately thought "candy cane stripes!"
To create this card I:
  • Laid my  Diagonal Stripes stencil over a piece of  kraft cardstock and inked through the openings with my Versamark Watermark ink pad (it was a little tricky because the versamark is sticky - but with a little patience I accomplished it!)
  • Added some Red Dragon embossing powder and heat set
  • Distressed the edges and layered it on a piece of dark brown cardstock (also with distressed edges)
  • Using brown ribbon, I created a wrapped package look and added a pretty bow
  • Created a tiny tag and stamped an SU sentiment on it
  • Added a bit of burlap string and popped it up on my card front with mounting tape
Inside I created a gift card pocket and decorated it with a piece of paper lace punched with a MS deep edge punch.

I really enjoyed using this nicely sized 6 x 6 stencil, and would definitely recommend it to any crafter! It was easy to work with, well made, and turned out great results! You can be sure you'll be seeing more of these diagonal stripes on my future projects!
 Supplies and Tools:
Embellishments: Ribbon, Burlap String
Inks: Ground Espresso Distress Ink (Tim Hotlz), Red Dragon Embossing Powder, Versamark Watermark
Misc. Diagonal Stripes Stencil (Echo Park Paper)
Punches: Corner Punch (Close to my heart), Deep Edge Border punch (Martha Stewart), Hole punch, Small Circle Punch, Large Circle Punch
Stamps: Winter Post (Stampin' Up) 

This post linked to:
The Card Concept - Parisian Postal (Inspired by wrapped kraft package)
Little Red Wagon - Holiday Tags and Gift Card Holders
Fusion - Inspiration (I used the sketch upside-down)
Addicted to Stamps - Season's Greetings
Power Poppy - Power and Spark - Gift Card Holder




Saturday, December 9, 2017

Winter Woodland

Today I'm sharing yet another card that uses Graciellie's Winter Blessings Digital Stamp set. (Can you tell it's been my favorite this winter!?)
This time I created a snowy background scene with distress inks before printing my digis overtop. One of the things I really enjoy about working with digital images is that you can resize them to fit whatever you're working on!
I added some paint spatter snowflakes using diluted white paint and fussy cut the pinecones to layer in the tree branch.

Supplies and Tools:
Inks: Distress Ink (Salty Ocean, Broken China, Mermaid Lagoon, Chipped Sapphire, Blueprint Sketch, Mowed Lawn, Gathered Twigs), White Acrylic Paint
Stamps: Woodland Wonderland (Inkadinkado), Winter Blessings Digital (Graciellie), Fantastic Foliage (Stampin' Up)
Misc. Sponge Daubers, Small Paintbrush

This post linked to:
Allsorts - Snowflakes (mine are in the form of paint spatters!)
ModSquad Challenge - What a Flake (use snowflakes)
Tuesday Throwdown - Christmas Scene
Stamping Sensations - Winter Trees and Flowers
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Repeat Impressions Design Team

I'm so excited to announce that I'm joining the design team for Repeat Impressions stamps! When Wendy ask me if I'd be interested in filling a newly vacated position, I was thrilled to accept her offer to showcase their stamps. Every Wednesday I'll be sharing something new  I've created for their current Challenge on The House That Stamps Built
Today's challenge is to use GLITTER on your project! I chose to create two Christmas tags using the stamps from the Contain Yourself series. After stamping and cutting out my large jar, I re-stamped the lid on gray card-stock and paper-pieced it over the first image. I added some highlight with a gray Touch Five Marker.  The peppermints and chocolate drops are also colored with Touch Five markers and have a clear glitter applied over the top.
You'll want to stop by the Repeat Impressions Store and check out all the beautiful stamps -- there's a 10% discount code for my blog readers posted on the sidebar.  Also, come by the The House That Stamps Built and join in the fun of each new weeks challenge! The first Wednesday of every month One lucky person will win a $25 Repeat Impressions Gift Certificate! You don't have to use RI stamps to play along, but if you do you'll get an extra entry in the random draw! The more you link up, the greater your chances of winning! So what are you waiting for.....come on over and showoff your creativity!

Check out what the other design team members created: 
Cheri  ~ Shirley ~ Deonna ~ Heather ~ Laurie ~ Donna ~ Joy

Be sure to like the Facebook page and take advantage of the Countdown to Christmas daily deals!

Supplies and Tools:
9701-S, Jar w/Lid, 9715-C, Chocolate Drop, 9721-F, Peppermint Candy (Contain Yourself - Repeat Impressions), Touch Five markers, Clear Glitter, Baker's Twine, Holiday Greens Thinlits (Tim Holtz), Glitter Washi Tape, Paper Doily, Circle Punch, Hole Punch, Ribbon, Sharpie Marker, The Christmas Stack DP (DCWV)


This post linked to:
Little Red Wagon - Holiday Tags
Power Poppy - 12 days of Christmas - Tags
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes
Paper Sweeties - Inspiration Photo (below) - candy cane stripes
Visions of Sugarplums - Christmas/Winter