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Connie Babbert, Stampin Up! Demonstrator

Watercolor Winter

Watercolor Winter Invitation

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Yesterday I showed you the decorative charger plate gifts that I made for my husband's direct reports.  If you missed it…see them HERE!  I hope they enjoy showing them off in their homes for the holidays.  I've had several people ask me what are charger plates?  Charger plates are decorative and usually placed under the dinner plate on a formal place setting.  Since they are larger, they show off the rim of the charger plate and are normally colorful to offset the white plate that caterers normally use.  Mine were a red metallic finish on plastic…perfect for decorating since inside the rim is plain.

 

But, I didn't show you the invitation that was sent to each of my husband's direct reports inviting them to our home for the holiday party.

 

 

Here are the details:

  1. The base card is 41/4 x 11 of Lucky Limeade cardstock, folded in half.
  2. I added a 2 1/2" x 4 1/4" strip of Candlelight Christmas Designer Paper across the middle of the front card.
  3. Next I added a 1/2 x 4 1/4" strip of Champagne Glimmer Paper along the bottom of the DSP…it really adds a LOT of sparkle!
  4. I cut a Label Framelit from Very Vanilla (second from smallest) and stamped the pine needle image twice with Lucky Limeade Ink.
  5. On scrap Very Vanilla, I stamped the outline poinsettia image in Black Stazon, then the inside with Real Red Ink.  I also stamped the pinecone center with Early Espresso Ink (stamped off first), then the outline full strength Early Espresso Ink.  Both of those were cut out and placed on top of the pine needle image with Stampin' Dimensionals.
  6. Before I placed it on the front of the card, I spritzed the Label Framelit with Gold Glow Smooch Spray for extra shimmer.  When dry, the label was added to the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.
  7. I added the tiny Pearls to the center of the poinsettia image.
  8. Finally, I added the You're Invited (retired Sincere Salutations) greeting to the front.

 

I received lots of compliments at the party for these invitations.  I thought they turned out pretty!

 

Lots to do today.  I finished my cards last night so they will go in the mail today.  I need to pull out all the gifts I purchased so far and do inventory of what I've already purchased and what I still need.  Then I'd like to start wrapping!  Oh, need to go pick up a turkey for Christmas dinner, too!

 

Hope you are finding time to enjoy the spirit of the Christmas and Holiday season!

CCMC229 Watercolor Winter

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Are you getting ready for the holidays?  Today is my annual shopping trip with my mom to pick out gifts for my family from my mom and dad.  Hopefully it will only take a few hours.  I like to do most of my shopping online anymore!  lol!

 

Today's sketch over on Create with Connie and Mary seemed perfect for one of my favorite holiday sets, Watercolor Winter.  Are you tired of seeing samples I've made with this set?  It is just SO versatile!  But, I was surprised none of the other Challenge Team members used it!

 

Here's my card, I really like the bold stripe from Snow Festival in the background!

 

 

Here are the details:

 

  1. I cut Real Red to 4 1/4 x 11 and folded in half to make the base card.
  2. I layered on 4 x 5 1/4 Whisper White.
  3. I cut a center panel of 2 1/2 x 3 3/4 from Snow Festival Designer Paper and placed it in the center of the Whisper White.
  4. Next is a 3/4 x 4 piece of Silver Glimmer Paper to go across the bottom area.
  5. I stamped the greeting from More Merry Messages in Black Stazon on a 1/2 x 4 piece of Gumball Green cardstock and angled it under the Glimmer Paper.
  6. The poinsettia was stamped three times with Black Stazon…twice on Real Red and once on Gumball Green.  I cut out the center of one of the Real Red ones and adhered it over the other Real Red poinsettia with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I cut out pieces of the petals from Gumball Green image for the "leaves". The poinsettia was placed with more Stampin' DImensionals on the front.
  7. Finally, I added three medium sized pearls for the center of the poinsettia flower.

 

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did this week on Create with Connie and Mary.  There are some fabulous ideas using this sketch!  Then, grab your stamps and play along!

November Tour de Freaks

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It's CHRISTMAS time on the Tour de Freaks, brought to you by the Control Freak Swappers, and we have LOTS of ideas for the holidays!  We have 17 stops this time, so make sure you go around the tour and see everything!  You've probably just come from Yvette's Paper Garden blog…weren't her projects lovely?  I always love her designs.

 

For my first card, I decided to do a shaped card!  It was really FUN to put together.  Can you tell what I used?  Yep!  The Heart Framelits and Perfect Pennant die for the base!  It is so pretty with the Silver Dazzling Details for "ornaments" and the lovely Watercolor Winter poinsettia!

 

 

The tree is Gumball Green and embossed with Petals A Plenty.  The poinsettia from Watercolor Winter is double layered out of Real Red cardstock, I cut out the center of the second one to pop up over top of the full flower.  I stamped another flower on Always Artichoke and cut it up for leaves behind the Poinsettia.  I used the clear Dazzling Details around the edges and the Silver in the center, too.   It fits in a normal sized envelope!  Merry is the greeting from Pennant Parade stamp set and punched with the Small Jewelry Tag punch.  The tree trunk is Early Espresso embossed with the Woodgrain Folder.

 

As many of my customers know, I love to decorate for the holidays.  Lots of pretty wreaths and garland.  My second project was inspired by my girlfriend, Mindy Gray.  She did a Halloween one at a weekend retreat I attended and I thought Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper would be perfect for it.  I'm excited to be holding a class on this during the first part of December…it is just so much more dramatic in person than it looks here in the picture!

 

 

Daydream Medallions and the Floral Framelits just set off the center perfectly!  And I love all the patterns in Be of Good Cheer paper package!  I also used my Rosette XL Die for the FIRST TIME on this project!  It was much easier to use than I thought it would be!

 

Next up we have my good friend, Mary Brown at Stampercamper's Corner...you are going to LOVE her projects, I do!  Make sure to follow the tour around to all the stops.  They are all direct linked so you won't get lost!

 

Watercolor Winter

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I am so drawn to this set this year…I love how realistic the poinsettias are, I guess…and that it is a two step.  I can choose whether or not to just use the outline, or color it with the solid image, too!  This is the card I designed for my workshop in Canton, Ohio last week.  If you want to be added to my distribution list for future classes, just email me!

 

 

Here are the details!

  1. Base card is 4 1/4 x 11 of Crumb Cake, folded in half.
  2. I ran the front thru the Big Shot with the Woodgrain Impressions Folder.
  3. Along the bottom, I added a 2 1/4 x 4 1/4 Stripe from Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper.
  4. I added  3/4 x 4 1/4 strip of Champagne Glimmer Paper at the top of the DSP, then added the rope trim from Tasteful Trim XL Die in Gumball Green to hide the seam.
  5. I cut the second from smallest Label Framelit from Very Vanilla and stamped the More Merry Messages greeting in Cherry Cobbler off center, then adhered to the front.
  6. I stamped the outline Poinsettia from Watercolor Winter in Black Stazon on Cherry Cobbler and Gumball Green, then cut out the Cherry Cobbler poinsettia, and trimmed some of the Gumball Green petals for the leaves.  It is popped up on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.
  7. Finally, I punched three small circles using the Cupcake Punch from Champagne Glimmer Paper for the centers of the Poinsettia!

I love how there is a touch of rustic and glamor on this one card!

 

Watercolor Winter is one of the stamp sets we are featured last week on Create with Connie and Mary Card "Create"tions!  It's not too late to join.  Here are the details again.

 

  • These cards are EXCLUSIVE to our subscription and won't be shown anywhere else. 
  • 3 week mini-edition that is only cards, October 28 – November 17
  • Each designer will choose a holiday or winter set each week and make 3 different cards using that one set.
  • Total of 45 unique card ideas from 15 different sets. 
  • Each card set includes a printable supply list with card measurements and photos.
  • Perfect for your classes and stamp camps or to make for your own holiday cards!

AND…as a bonus on Saturdays, each designer will be sharing a little 3D favor that matches the holiday or winter set they chose that week.  We will be sharing this favor on our personal blogs, too, but you can easily tie it into your class offering!

 

Check out the FREE previews on Create with Connie and Mary!

 

 

CCMC Week 1 Favor – Watercolor Winter

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Welcome!  Since I used Watercolor Winter stamp set for my card set this week on Create with Connie and Mary Card "Create"tions, I thought I'd share a simple coordinating favor with everyone using Watercolor Winter.  The rest of our Card "Create"tions Design Team is also sharing their matching favors with you over on Create with Connie and Mary, so make sure to check them out.

 

I used a simple Sour Cream Container, but jazzed it up by using Designer Paper and the Watercolor Winter images.  Now, I've tried to get a good photo, but do you know how hard it is with a 3 sided favor?  lo!

 

 

Here are the details!

  1. I used a 5 x 6 square of the green print from Candlelight Christmas Designer Paper and adhered a 3/4" stripe pattern of the same package down the center.
  2. I rolled it into a long tube (6" long), and adhered with Sticky Strip.
  3. One end I added Sticky Strip inside the opening and folded in the one direction.  I scored the bottom several times in 1/8" increments to "crimp".
  4. Fill with candy or whatever, then add Sticky Strip to the other end and fold it closed in the other direction to form the sour cream package shape.  I scored that end several times 1/8" apart to crimp it, too.
  5. I stamped the Poinsettia with Early Espresso on Real Red, then cut it out.
  6. I two-step stamped the pine cone with Early Espresso and the pine needles with Lucky Limeade on scrap Very Vanilla and cut them out. 
  7. Adhere the images to the top of the sour cream container.
  8. Stamp Deck the Halls from Merry & Type in Real Red on Very Vanilla, cut with the second from smallest Window Frame Framelit.
  9. I applied Dazzling Details glitter around all the edges of the stamped images so they sparkle!
  10. I also added a trio of Rhinestones inside the Poinsettia.

This was pretty quick and easy to make…would be fun to hang them from the tree as a little favor at your holiday parties.

 

******************

And…don't forget!  We've just started our Christmas/Winter Card "Create"tions Edition!  Join us for our newest session featuring only cards!  With the set of 3 cards I featured AND this cute sour cream container, you have a class all ready to go!

 

  • These cards are EXCLUSIVE to our subscription and won't be shown anywhere else. 
  • 3 week mini-edition that is only cards, October 28 – November 17
  • Each designer will choose a holiday or winter set each week and make 3 different cards using that one set.
  • Total of 45 unique card ideas from 15 different sets. 
  • Each card set includes a printable supply list with card measurements and photos.
  • Perfect for your classes and stamp camps or to make for your own holiday cards!

AND…as a bonus on Saturdays, each designer will be sharing a little 3D favor that matches the holiday or winter set they chose that week.  We will be sharing this favor on our personal blogs, too, but you can easily tie it into your class offering!

 

Check out the FREE previews on Create with Connie and Mary!

Watercolor Winter in Neutrals

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Have you designed your holiday card yet?  Well, I thought I'd sneak in one more Watercolor Winter card this week…have you enjoyed the variety of looks I achieved with this stamp set?  This is one of the cards my Stamp Clubs did this month…and it was a hit!  I love the neutral look to the card, but yet, the Champagne Glimmer Paper really makes it WOW!  I've almost gone thru 2 packages of this Glimmer paper so far…just put in another order for more!  It just goes with SO many colors and I love it!

 

 

This card is pretty simple and fairly flat, so perfect for your holiday cards!  The most time required is cutting out the Poinsettias…but that is always a good TV watching activity for me!  Here are the supplies that you will need!  And, remember, place your $40 or more order today (from me!) and you get a FREE spool of 3/8" Satin Stitched Ribbon in your choice of colors!  $80 and get 2…and so on!  That's like getting 25% more product FREE!  ENDS September 30, 2012!

 

AND…you'll help me out, too!  I've very close to a performance bonus, so every order helps!  lol!

  • Watercolor Winter (#129727 Clear, $18.95, #129724 Wood, $25.95)
  • Greetings of the Season (#128033 Clear, $11.95, #128030 Wood, $15.95)
  • Champagne Glimmer Paper (#127885, $4.95)
  • Candlelight Christmas Designer Paper (#126901, $12.95)
  • Labels Collection Framelit (#125598, $26.95)
  • Pearl Basic Jewels (#119247, $4.95)
  • Very Vanilla cardstock (#101650, 40 sheets, $8.50)
  • Early Espresso Classic Ink (#126974, $6.95)

 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER!!!!

Don't forget to add in your FREE ribbon, too, for every $40 before tax & shipping. 

Use the same numbers in the catalog for the 3/8" Satin Stitched RIbbon!

OR…email me…and I can help you with your order!

 

  1. Base card is Very Vanilla.  Layer on 3 3/4 x 5 Candlelight Christmas Designer Paper.
  2. Stamp two poinsettias with Early Espresso Ink on Very Vanilla, cut out.
  3. Stamp Peace on Earth in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla, use Labels Collection Framelit (smallest one) to cut out, or use a decorative punch.
  4. Layer on a 1 1/4" Strip of Champagne Glimmer Paper over top of DSP.
  5. Add two Poinsettias with Stampin' Dimensionals
  6. Add Pearls to Center
  7. Tuck greeting under the petals of the Poinsettias.

 

That's it!  Don't forget to order today for the RIBBON BONUS!

CCMC220 – Watercolor Winter

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It's Thursday and time for the Create with Connie and Mary weekly challenge!  Are you ready to play along?  We'd love to see your creations!  We have a color challenge for you this week!  Since we are in Week 4 of the Holiday Edition 2012, I wanted to use one of the sets we are featuring.  Yes, I do have more sets than just this one…it just has captivated me right now!  lol!

 

 

And, here is ANOTHER Watercolor Winter card!  I did use much different colors on this one, though!

 

 

I went looking for Designer Paper that had the color challenge colors in it.  I found this piece in Twitterpated.  I haven't used that paper since the Occasions Mini was out! 

  1. The base card is Baja Breeze and I layered on Whisper White that I ran thru the Big Shot with the new Lacy Brocade folder.
  2. I cut a piece of the Twitterpated Designer Paper with a flag cut bottom on it and adhered on front.
  3. I used the Designer Frames Embossing Folder for the Oval in Baja Breeze and cut it out.
  4. I stamped Peace on Earth from Greetings of the Season in Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White and punched it with the Extra Large Oval punch.
  5. I stamped the Poinsettias on Pink Pirouette with Cherry Cobbler!  I know…hard to see, but it really is Pink Pirouette!  Then I watercolored with my AquaPainter and Cherry Cobbler marker.  They are popped up on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.
  6. I added Pearls in the center for a little bling!

So…there you go!  Another example using Watercolor Winter!  Are you getting sick of it yet?  Well, I have ONE MORE for you, so come back tomorrow!

 

 

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did this week over on Create with Connie and Mary!  Then get started on YOUR creation!  And…if you haven't signed up for our Holiday Edition 2012…what are you waiting for?  Join us! 

LIKE US on Facebook, too!  We have some fun PRIZES coming up!

Watercolor Winter – Part 2

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I am on a roll using this Watercolor Winter stamp set.  I just mounted it last week and think I have used it almost exclusively since then!  Here's my latest one.  I used almost all the same elements as the one yesterday.

 

 

The base on this one is Lucky Limeade.

  1. On the background, I stamped the pine needles image a couple times in Lucky Limeade Ink above and below where I would be placing the DSP.
  2. I added a strip of Candlelight Christmas Designer Paper, and wrapped the 1/4 Real Red Stitched Ribbon around to the back and adhered.
  3. I cut the Label Collection Framelit from Very Vanilla and stamped the pine needles on it in Lucky Limeade a couple times, then cut off the left edge so it lined up on my card.
  4. I stamped Noel from Greetings of the Season stamp set in Early Espresso Ink in the bottom right corner.
  5. I stamped the Poinsettia twice, cut out a full one, then just the center of the second one and placed it on the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I added tiny Pearls in the center.
  6. I stamped off with the first step of the Pinecone and Early Espresso, then full strength of Early Espresso for the outline on top.  I cut them out and placed them under the Poinsettia.

I'm having a hard time deciding which one I like better…yesterday's or today's!  Which one do you like better?

 

 

 

Don't forget, this is one of the sets we are using this week over on Create with Connie and Mary Holiday Edition.  You still have time to sign up for over 30 step-by-step PHOTO tutorials!  At a price of $29.95 US, that is less than $1 each!  See some sample tutorials over on Create with Connie and Mary so you have a feel for what we do!

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