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CCMC179 – Snowman

Time for another Thursday Challenge over on Create with Connie and Mary!  We invite you to play along!  This time it is a FUN Color Combination…very Christmasy colors of Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade and Basic Gray.

My card was inspired by a card that my daughter-in-law saw that she wanted to recreate for her Christmas cards this year.  I had one of these snowman laying out that I used as a prototype for her card.  Her colors are totally different…more tradtional snowman colors!  But, I thought he would be fun combined with these challenge colors!

I started with the base of Lucky Limeade and added a layer of Poppy Parade.  I made a template of the snowman from lightweight chipboard (the backing of our designer paper), then tore my Whisper White around the edges of the chipboard template.  I wrapped some Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon around his neck for a scarf and held it in place with a silver Mini Brad.  I added 1/8" Black Eyes and drew small circles for his mouth.  Yes, I deviated from the color by adding a Pumpkin Pie nose…just didn't look right in Poppy Parade…sorry!   I punched the small heart from Heart to Heart punch from Red Glimmer Paper and adhered with a Mini Glue Dot.  I added him on to the Basic Gray background and stamped Whisper White Craft snowflakes in the background from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set.  I added M alphabet greeting from Occasions Alphabet set on Poppy Parade and punched with the Large Oval and layered on the Scallop Oval of Lucky Limeade.  It is popped up on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals!

So…there is my whimsical snowman for this year!  Hope you like him!  Make sure to check out what the rest of the Thursday Challenge Team did over on Create with Connie and Mary.  Then take a break from your Christmas shopping and play along!  We love to see your creations.  AND…you will be entered in a drawing to win a FREE subscription to the Occasions 2012 Eition of Create with Connie and Mary!

CCMC178 – Plum Pudding Punch Art

Wow!  Aren't the weeks FLYING by…here it is the first of December!  Oh my!  We even had a few snow flurries yesterday.  I am SO not ready for THAT!  It is also time for another Thursday Challenge over on Create with Connie and Mary!  The ideas from the Design Team are FABULOUS this week, so make sure you stop by and see them all!  PLUS we have an exciting prize to award just for playing along with our challenges during December…but check out the details over there!

This was a FUN sketch…I knew what I wanted to do when I first saw it.

 And my card…a sweet treat just in time for the holidays!  Plum pudding punch art!  Now, I don't think I've ever HAD plum pudding…but it certainly LOOKS good!

I started with a base of Garden Green cardstock.  I added some Holly Berry Designer Paper layered on Real Red.  Then I cut two strips of Real Red cardstock.  I stamped Merry Christmas in Early Espresso across the bottom and added the Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine.  I made my Plum Pudding by punching Early Espresso with the 2 1/2" Circle, then used the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  I cut another 2 1/2" Circle from Very Vanilla and ran it thru the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots folder.  Then I trimmed the bottom with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.  I added the Holly leaves from the Stocking Accents Die in Garden Green, then a Red Glimmer Berry.

I thought it made a really fun card!  Again, make sure you check out the other Challenge Team members over on Create with Connie and Mary!  Then grab your stamps and play along!  We love to see your creations!

And the stockings were hung…

I found a similar idea online and it was just too cute not to CASE!  I changed out a few things like the mantle, greeting and colors.  I loved how the fireplace was actually INSIDE the card and cut out on the front so it shows thru!

The base of the card is Naturals White and I ran it thru the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder on the front for the brick look.  I cut out the fireplace opening on the front, then trimmed it with Soft Suede cardstock.  That and the mantel was stamped with Stampin' Up!'s Woodgrain background stamp in Early Espresso on the Soft Suede.  I made a Basic Black firebox inside the card and added two Word Window punches of Soft Suede for the logs.  The fire is three Bird Wing punches of Daffodil Delight, sponged with Pumpkin Pie and placed around the logs.

I stamped Stampin' Up!'s Stitched Stocking images in Poppy Parade and Lucky Limeade and punched with the Stocking Builder Punch.  I added Silver Glimmer Paper for the toes and cuffs, and a loop of Old Olive 1/8 Taffeta Ribbon.  They are hung on the mantel with Silver Mini Brads.  Finally, I stamped Christmas Greetings (from Grateful Greetings) in Poppy Parade and punched with the Extra Large Oval and layered on Decorative Label of Basic Black.  As my customers will tell you, I love Punch Art and this one was fun to put together!

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TOMORROW (MONDAY, 11/28)

IS THE LAST DAY OF MY

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Flower Fest Poinsettias

Well, it's Tuesday already and this is my first post of the week!  I was looking around for a challenge to do, because I know you all MISS me posting, right?  I came across a pretty color combination from The Paper Players…and then a very neat sketch from Mojo Monday!  I don't know when was the last time I played along with Mojo Monday!

And here is my card using the combination of both challenges!

Yes, I made up some more of my Flower Fest stamp poinsettias!  Funny how changing the colors out on the card and a few details can make the card look totally different!  (If you want to see the last one I did with Poinsettias…you can see it HERE!)  On this one I started with a base of Always Artichoke and layered on River Rock that I ran thru the Big Shot with the Stripes Impressions Folder.  I lightly sponged River Rock Classic Ink across the raised areas for a weathered panel look.  I added the front layers  of Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla according to the sketch.  I stamped Merry Christmas from Stampin' Up!'s Christmas Greetings stamp set in Always Artichoke on the front and added a stripe of Red Glimmer Paper.  I also punched along the bottom with the Pinking Hearts Border Punch. 

The Flower Fest flowers were stamped in Riding Hood Red and Always Artichoke and then punched with the 5 petal punch.  I added pearls to the centers, then popped them up on the front of the card.  I like the simple elegance of this one!

Christmas Flower Fest Punch Art

I'm SO excited that I was asked to do a sample card for Splitcoaststamper's Wednesday Sketch Challenge #SC357!  I'm in the midst of cleaning out my back storage room and my actual stamping studio is holding all the things I pulled out.  Can you say big MESS!!!  I had to clear out an area just in order to stamp!  lol!  So, here was the SCS sketch for this week.

I was also excited to use my Stampin' Up! Flower Fest stamp set again, this time to make Christmas Poinsettias!  It worked perfectly!

This would be a great card to mass produce for your holiday cards!  I started with a base of Cherry Cobbler cardstock, and used a long base of 4 1/4 x 11, then folded it in half with the fold on the left side for something a little different..  I used the Petals A Plenty Impressions Folder on 2/3 of the Whisper White layer, leaving room at the bottom to stamp my greeting, Merry Christmas from Four the Holidays, in Cherry Cobber.  I covered the seam with Basic Gray Satin Ribbon and layered it on Basic Gray cardstock.  I stamped the flower from Flower Fest in Cherry Cobbler on Real Red four times and punched them out with the 5 Petal Flower Punch.  I then stamped the same flower again with Garden Green on Garden Green cardstock and punched them out for the leaves behind the red flowers.  I adhered them together, then pierced a hole in the center of the flowers and placed the Gold Glimmer Brads.  They were popped up on the front of the card with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

I think that the card has a quiet elegance that was quite easy to achieve!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I'm hoping my girlfriend doesn't see this card before it arrives in her mailbox.  I meant to send it off earlier than I actually did!  She loves witches and decorating for Halloween.  I was inspired by a card I saw from LeAnne Pugliese (I think!) to create this one using Wicked Cool Stamp Set and Pick Your Poison Designer Paper!

I liked the "play" of images to make it Halloween with a nod to hanging stockings for Christmas…just struck my fancy, I guess!  The base of the card is Pumpkin Pie and I layered on Basic Black cardstock and Pick Your Poison Designer Paper on top of that.  I "built" the fireplace with another pattern in Pick Your Poison…I was thrilled to see it had a "brick" pattern to it.  I made the mantle from Basic Black cardstock that I ran thru the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  I stamped the boots from Wicked Cool stamp set three times and cut out only the right one, then attached it to the fireplace with Pumpkin Pie Mini Brads.  I cut a Basic Black rectangle for the fireplace and rounded the corners, then added flames with the Two Step Bird Punch (wings) from Daffodil Delight and sponged with Pumpkin Pie.  There are Early Espresso logs cut to place the flames on. 

At the top, I stamped Even the Naughtly Deserve Something Nice from Tags til Christmas stamp set in Basic Black on Very Vanilla and punched with the Curly Label Punch, then highlighted a couple words with the Pumpkin Pie Marker.  It is popped up on top with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I also decorated the inside, but I'll leave that as a surprise for my friend just in case!

Have a wonderful Halloween!!!

Fall Trees Punch Art

Whew…I finally feel like I'm getting caught up on everything that was put on hold before the wedding and have time to look around at some different challenges to do!  This Challenge Sketch PP60 from The Paper Players really caught my eye!  It was designed by LeAnne Pugliese.  Like LeAnne, I love the rule of three!

So, you can see from my card that I took a little liberty of the sketch and moved my sentiment…it just didn't fit on my card where the sketch placed it.  I originally made the Punch Art Fall Trees for my August Punch Class.  I switched up the layout of my original class card so that it would fit the Paper Players sketch this week.  I've added a sneak peek of one of the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini stamp sets, It's A Wrap Holidays!  I cut out just the greeting part "Give Thanks" to use on my card.

I started with a base card of Old Olive cardstock.  I layered on Bashful Blue and sponged the clouds in the background with Bashful Blue Ink and the edge of a Scallop Circle.  Along the bottom, I used Pear Pizzazz Patterns Designer Paper and tore the strip in half to make the ground.  The tree trunks were made by using the Large Oval Punch on each side of a strip of Chocolate Chip cardstock.  Of course, I used the Doily Triple Layer Punch to make the tops of the trees…in More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Pumpkin Pie.  The detailed layer was placed over the solid layer of Old Olive.  I used the scraps of the punches for the "leaves" on the ground.  In the center of each tree is one of the new Mini Silver Brads.  LOVE those tiny things!  lol!

The greeting is from Stampin' Up!'s It's A Wrap Holidays as I mentioned and I just cut the Cajun Craze greeting to a 3/4" size and layered on 1" Square of Pumpkin Pie (we have a NEW 1" square punch in the Holiday Mini, too!  Woohoo!!!)  I added some Espresso Bakers Twine wrapped around the front to "ground" the greeting.

Out of the three cards we made at my August Punch Class, I think this was the favorite!  Pretty quick and easy to make, too.  Hardest part is finding those little punched "leaves" when they come out of the punch!  lol!

Well, I'm hoping to have a productive day working on a few projects for our upcoming Create with Connie and Mary Holiday Edition!!!  Early Bird pricing is starting SOON, so be looking for it!

Matchbox Rehearsal Favors

OK…ready for Part 3 of my wedding projects?  We are still at the Rehearsal Dinner.  Here are the favors that were sitting at each person's place!

I used the Stampin' Up! Matchbox Die…the base is Night of Navy cardstock and the sleeve is Melon Mambo.  I ran the Melon Mambo thru the Big Shot with the Elegant Lines Impressions Folder.  I wrapped the Polka Dot Ribbon (non-SU) around and secured under the flower.  I made the white flower with 4 of the 2 3/8" Scallop Circles and one of the Fun Flowers that were dampened, and molded into a white hydrangea looking flower.  The center is a Clear Rhinestone Jewel brad.  I stamped Just for You from Stampin' Up!'s Oval All stamp set with Night of Navy Classic Ink on Whisper White and punched with the Large Oval Punch.  The flower and oval are popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Inside I wrapped 4 different types of Hershey Nuggets with white label sleeves that I stamped with the Fabulous Florets in Melon Mambo and Growing Green Pumpkin Pie flowers.

Here is a look with all 32 ready to go to the dinner.  It was HOT that day (90s), so we had to make sure to keep them cool so the chocolate didn't melt all over the place!

I love the fluffy flowers…and everyone LOVED them!  I didn't see a single one left on the table!  Allie and Ross made a little speech and were so appreciative of the little touches.  I certainly appreciated Allie and her mom's help with everything…although these were kept a surprise!

Stop by Friday…I'll have the centerpieces to show you!  Tomorrow is our Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge!  Don't miss it! 

Ribbon Shares going on now for all types!  See more information here and email me today!

July Tour de Freaks is here!

Yes!  It's time for the July Tour de Freaks!  You probably just came from Jan Tinklenberg's blog…or…if you came here first, you can just click on the links to go around to all 12 stops on the tour…eventually stopping back here!  But…if you arrive here prior to July 20th, please note that not all links may be working yet!

Our theme this month was Christmas in July OR showing off the awesome swaps that our Control Freaks members did for the Convention Swap at lunchtime!  They were so fabulous that we just had to show them off to everyone! 

Here is my first card.  My punch class is doing this tonight, too!

When I first saw the Perfect Pennants Die, I thought it looked like a slice of pizza.  I originally thought I'd use the smaller size, but the large one just reached out and grabbed me!  The base of the card is Riding Hood Red and I layered on Very Vanilla that I ran thru the Big Shot with the new Houndstooth Impressions Folder (LOVE it!).  At the bottom I stamped You're Invited from Sincere Salutations in Riding Hood Red ink.  I wrapped around Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon and tied a knot.  I think it really is a very realistic looking pizza, don't you?

My second card fits both the themes.  I love Snow Much Fun from the new catalog!  I'm SO happy to get a new snowman stamp set! 

This one uses lots of punches, too.  In fact, I may use this for my Christmas Card this year!  I started with the base of Pear Pizzazz and layered on Poppy Parade.  I added a strip of Poppy Parade striped Patterns Designer Paper on the right side.  I cut the Top Note Die from Whisper White and ran thru the Big Shot again with Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.  I punched the 2 1/2 Circle from Poppy Parade.  I stamped the Snowman on Whisper White and punched with the 2 3/8 Scallop Circle…it is colored with Stampin' Write Markers.  I added a Pear Pizzazz 1 3/8" Circle and off set the snowflake from the Northern Frost Strip Die with a Silver Mini Brad.  Finally, I stamped the greeting with Black Stazon on Baja Breeze and punched with the Modern Label Punch.

And, finally, I made a 3D Snowman Hot Chocolate Cocoa Holder to swap at Convention.  I was inspired by one that I received in a candy swap last year…but I changed several things around on it.

EDIT:  Dimensions are 4 1/4 x 11, score at 3 1/2 and 8.  Top flap is embossed, lower flap folds up to hold the cocoa (no adhesive…the ribbon holds the whole thing closed).  Round all corners with the Corner Rounder punch.

I used the Circles Die to make the three circles for the telescope snowman and sponged the edges with Pool Party Ink.  They are layered together with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I used the Crop A Dile for the Black Eyes and a White Gel Pen for the highlights.  I cut a small triangle of Pumpkin Pie cardstock for the nose.  I added a piece of Blushing Bride Ribbon for his scarf, held with Mini Glue Dots.  The arms are punched with the Snowflake Punch from Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I used the Northern Flurry Impressions Folder on Pool Party cardstock.  The Chocolate Chip Scallop Dotted Ribbon holds the packed closed.  Inside is a package of Hot Chocolate Cocoa Mix.  Finally, I stamped "to my friend" from Friendly Phrases in Chocolate Chip Ink on the bottom flap of the package.

Thanks for stopping by…next stop on the tour is LeeAnn Greff's blog!  You will love her cards!  Make sure to check out everyone's creations this month!

Ducky Punch Art

Wow…sorry it has been several days since I've posted.  I have been busy creating, mostly things for classes and convention!  I'll be showing them next week while I'm gone. 

My punch class did this card last month.  I took inspiration from a couple cards I saw with this baby duck punch art and created my version of him splashing in a little pond!  I think he is SO cute!

The base is Tempting Turquoise cardstock and I layered on Daffodil Delight.  I used the plaid pattern from Pawsitively Prints II (now retired).  I freehand cut the "pond" from Tempting Turquoise and sponged around the edges with Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink.  The two "splashes" are the wing from the Bird Punch, also sponged.  I wanted something that resembled waves in the pond and we don't have Tempting Turquoise Ribbon, so I used a sponge dauber and Tempting Turquoise Ink to color my White Taffeta Ribbon.  I applied a length of Sticky Strip and them ruffled the dyed Taffeta Ribbon on top.

I baby duck is made from the 1 3/4 Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch for the head and Bird Punch for the wing, beak and head feather.  The eyes were made from the Crop A Dile in black and white.  I stamped Baby, Welcome to the Word from Stampin' Up!'s A Word from You stamp set and punched with the Scallop Oval Punch.  It is layered on the Wide Oval punched from Daffodil Delight.  I added a trio of little pearls under the greeting.

I think it turned out, OH SO CUTE!  lol!

Don't forget about my RIBBON and DESIGNER PAPER SHARES

going on NOW!  Next round order will be placed on July 9th.