My 500th Post!

Wow I can't believe I have posted 500 times on this blog.  All but two are stamping related entries--that's a lot of paper crafts.  For today's milestone post I am sharing a card I made for a swap which was inspired by the sketch layout over at A La Card Monkey.

I have used new stamps and papers from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I also have to share that the designers over at Create with Connie and Mary are getting their projects ready for a brand new Edition you will not want to miss.  

It's time for Early Bird SAVINGS! Over at Create with Connie and Mary their Occasions Edition 2012 is getting underway!  You'll enjoy a SIX week subscription to exclusive samples each day featuring the Stampin' Up! Occasions 2012 AND Sale-A-Bration Mini brochures. There will be challenges, tutorials, techniques, and best of all, PRIZES!   Customers and demonstrators welcome!


EARLY BIRD SPECIAL save $5....$29.95.  You can click here for all the details and savings.

Here is a sneak peak of a new stamp set called Apothecary Art and new designer paper called Twitterpated.

The perfectly shaped apothecary label was cut using the brand new, and wonderful, Labels Collection Framelits.  These are SUPER DUPER COOL!!!  For the focal of my card I used the Beautiful Wings Embosslit die.  For the last detail, It is subtle, but if you look close there is a very light dusting of gold glitter which is set with a quick spray of AquaNet hairspray.

Happy Occasions Mini craftin,

Shab{by} Apothecary Art

Hello and Happy December 28th!

I wanted to share a card I have sent off to a "invitational" swap I joined.  I was thrilled with the finished product and it's all thanks to the fabulous NEW stamps and accessories from Stampin' Up!  My inspiration for the start of this frilly card was this week's challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room.  I love vintage and shabby and even grungy cards so this was jivin' for me big time.

a dimensional view of the card

I used lots of new things most found in the Occasions Mini Catalog:

Apothecary Art stamp set

Labels Collection Framelits (a must have item)

Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB catalog)

Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz

Hat Pins

Pool Party Seam Binding

Pleated Satin Ribbon

Check out the smooch spritz and hat pin!

Happy craftin, Elizabeth

Fabric Friday is Back

It has been on hiatus for several weeks, but Fabric Fridays are hear again.  From the week before Thanksgiving until just a few days prior to Christmas my work is ultra hectic.  Work is so crazy that if my head were not attached I would have misplaced it because I know I lost my mind!  Now that things have returned to a more normal pace I can say "Welcome back to Fabric Friday."

I put ten of these ornaments together using the Candy Cane Designer Series Fabric, the Fabric Adhesive Roll, the Snowflake Bigz Die, and the largest Scallop Circle Bigz Die.

Here's what you do:

1.  Cut a piece of the Fabric Adhesive Roll to fit a piece of Candy Cane fabric.  Iron the two together on the wrong side of the fabric.

2.  Run the adhesive backed fabric through the Big Shot using the Snowflake Bigz Die.

3.  Cut three large scallop circles through the Big Shot.  One of plain white fabric, one from a contrasting pattern of the Candy Cane, and one from wool felt.

4.  Iron the snowflake to the white scallop fabric circle.

5.  Layer the snowflake/white scallop on top of the wool felt and then layer those on the contrasting scallop.  Pin all three layers together.

6.  Cut an 8" piece of ribbon, fold it in half, tuck in between layers, and pin in place.

 

7.  Using a contrasting thread stitch the ornament together using a 3/4" top stitch seam allowance.

8.  Tie a second ribbon around the looped ribbon.

9.  Hot glue a button to the center of the snowflake and then adhere a rhinestone to the button.

Merry Christmas craftin, Elizabeth

Newel's Noel

My husband wanted some of his own Christmas cards so I whipped him up a set.  The original design of this card was given to me in an Artisan Award Swap by Heather Van Duker.  When I first saw Heather's card I was hooked and knew that I wanted to recreate a few for myself.  So, I simplified Heather's design and made ten for my husband to use for his work gifts and such.

In my family we sing the chorus to The First Noel with one change to the words.  Instead of singing Noel Noel... we sing Newel Newel which is my husbands name.  In fact we attended a sing along on Sunday I a sang the last repeat of the chorus full out with Newel's name.

My wish for you is that you enjoy this Holiday season and all the craftin' opportunities it brings!

Merry Christmas,

A La Card Monkey Guest Artist

Last week I shared that I was selected as a "Monkey Princess" over at A La Card Monkey.  Well, one of the perks of winning a challenge is that I get to be a guest designer for this week.  Their challenge this week is a double one.  They have combined a great sketch along with a birthday theme.  You would think that's piece of cake, but do you know how long it's been since I made a birthday card?  I have been in Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween mode since August and switching gears just felt weird.  But once I got going it was smooth sailing.

I am loving the fresh and clean color combo of blushing bride, ivory, and baja breeze.  And to further bring those colors together I added a piece of pattern paper from Just Add Cake DSP.  The cool-awesome-adorable flower is brand spanking new product in the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog.  This new flower pack on page 18 includes PINK BLING! 

Supplies from Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Create a Cupcake

Inks - Early Espresso & Blushing Bride Classic Inks

Papers - Blushing Bride & Ivory Naturals Card Stocks

Accessories - Pink Pirouette Taffeta Ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Blossom Builders

Happy craftin, Elizabeth

BLITZ

I can't believe this - you have to check this out and do it FAST! This Blitz Sale has some many great things up to 80% off.  You can combine BLITZ items with regular items on one order. You can earn hostess benefits beginning at $150 in purchased merchandise. Lots of full size punches in the "whale tail" style for cheap.  And Designer Series Paper for just a few dollars--wahoo (Love Letter and Wicked Cool are in there as of this morning). Blitz items may only be ordered ONLINE because inventory is LIMITED! Pick up some great finds HERE!  Click on the "Shop Now" button to get them before they're all gone.

Happy sale shoppin', Elizabeth

Dearest Day of All the Year...

...December the 25th! 

I enjoy adding numbers to cards as focal points.  Some numbers you can do are birthday ages, 31 for Halloween, 14 for Valentines, 17 if you're big into corned beef and beer, 4 to celebrate Independence Day, and 25 for Christmas.

Backed with the First Edition DSP, I really like how the Red Glimmer Paper "25" stands out on this card.  A bit unusual for me I mixed ivory with white.  I am not a fan of mixing neautrals, but in this case and a few others it works.  A few days ago I had mentioned in a comment that I left on a blog how much I like red and blue as Christmas colors.  They are so vibrant, fresh, and cool which is perfect for winter.

If you have been following my blog you will know that Shirley has been having a Winter Wednesday Blog Hop.  This is the last week of the hop.  So, take a journey and check out some fun holiday themed projects.  And then you too can join the hop ;0)

Want to join the fun? Here is what you have to do.

1. Anything goes, Card, 3D project it just has to be Christmas. 2. Add badge to post with link back to Shirley's blog.

3. Has to be a new post.

4. Add the hop to your post.  You can find the code at the bottom of my post.

All Supplies from Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Petite Pairs

Inks - Real Red & Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers

Papers - Ivory Naturals, Basic Black, Baja Breeze, & Very Vanilla Card Stocks, First Edition DSP, Red Glimmer Paper

Accessories - Simple Alphabet Numbers Bigz Dies, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Winter Wishes Felt Accents, Blue Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Gold Ultrafine Glitter

Happy Christmas craftin, Elizabeth

A Christmas Case

I have seen lots of gingerbread houses on some AMAZING blogs and I decided to make one of my own.  I borrowed some very crafty ideas from a beautiful blog I found while surfing and I can't remember where.  If you know I would sure love to credit the designer.  I must say this took some time, but it was worth it--it's so stinkin' cute! 

Merry Christmas craftin, Elizabeth

Church Ladies Tag

Some friends of mine were just chatting about the Church Lady, aka Dana Carvey, the other day and how much we missed those SNL sketches.  As I was designing this tag for a make and take for my church ladies this Tuesday night I kept saying to myself "could it be Satan?" all the while hearing Dana Carvey.

I had no clue what I wanted to do for this little project.  My only guideline was it needed to be a tag.  I kept putting off getting this craft together because I was just coming up empty until I saw this FABULOUS color combo challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  I mean this is my kind of color palette.  As I was finally getting my act together and my mojo flowing my only problem was the green was just not fitting into the tag anywhere. It was giving me fits, so I took it out!  In the end I guess I bombed the challenge, but isn't it an adorable tag?

Supplies

Stamps - Winter Post

Inks - Real Red Craft & Classic, Soft Suede Classic

Paper - Crumb Cake, Real Red, Blushing Bride, Pool Party, & Very Vanilla Card Stock, Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack

Accessories - Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Oval Punch, Large Scallop Punch, Oval Scallop Punch, Snowflake Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Non-SU! - Red gems, various ribbons

'Tis the Season To Be Jolly

I had some fun entering a few sketch challenges over the past few days and guess what? A couple of my creations were selected as "favorites!" (wahoo, happy dance) 

This one over at Hand Stamped Sentiments and Cute Stuff by Shirley. And this one at A La Card Monkey. I so appreciate the honor of being a favorite--thank you! 

Again, many thanks and happy craftin, Elizabeth

Merry Christmas Mittens

It's Wednesday and cool outside, so you know what that means...It is time for Shirley's Winter Wednesday Blog Hop!  And to help me out with a cute Christmas time creation...a layout from A La Card Monkey.

Here is my, what I call my Merry Christmas Mittens card.  I have mixed it up with the gorgeous Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, which I have to say has TOTALLY grown on me.  When I first saw the designs I was not thrilled--then I used it and two whole packs later I have only a few scraps left.

 

Supplies from Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Christmas Greetings

Inks - Wild Wasabi

Papers - Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, Very Vanilla & Real Red Cardstocks

Accessories - Winter Wishes Felt Accents, Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons, Subtles Glimmer Brads, Neutrals 3/8" Brads, (leftover ribbon from a dollar bin, it was sitting on my table ;0)

Merry Christmas card makin', Elizabeth

Sense of Shabby & Vintage

If you know me you are aware that I have a total love for anything vintage.  I guess it's the soft color palettes and glints of glimmering glitter that get me.  I also love how it brings me back to a time where the fashion styles were some of my favorites.

In any case today I am sharing a card which gives a slight nod to vintage with the use of pink, gold, and soft green, with touches of pearls, glitter, and an old piece of text paper.

I am also sharing this card on one of my favorite blogs that I like to visit called the Shabby Tea Room.  Click over there if you love making cards that are vintage and shabby--it's the place for you.

Supplies are from Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Christmas Greetings, Tree Trimmings

Inks - Jet Black Staz On, Pink Pirouette & Certainly Celery Classic Inks

Paper - Brushed Gold, Very Vanilla, & Ivory Naturals Cardstocks, First Edition DSP

Accessories - Pink Pirouette Taffeta & Scallop Dots Ribbons, Basic Pearls, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy craftin, Elizabeth

You've Got to Pack a Pocket or Two

"You've got to pack a pocket or two" are not the words of the Artful Dodger, but instead of a happy gift giver!  These Petite Pockets are the perfect size for packing with a gift card of any amount.  I love the bright yet cool color combination for this Petite Pocket as it just screams winter to me.  And the use of the mitten thread to wrap around the closures to anchor the flap shut tight is if I might say "totally adorable."

Check out a few fun challenges for this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments and Shirley's Winter Wednesday Blog Hop.  If you have been thinking about adding your Christmas creation to Shirley's hop--do it.  I am waiting to see what your making :0)  Over at Hand Stamped Sentiments their theme is Anything But a Card.  Go check stuff out and do a little Christmas surfin'.

Supplies are from Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Petite Pairs

Inks - Basic Black & Real Red Markers

Paper - Baja Breeze & Very Vanilla Cardstocks, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP

Accessories - Petite Pockets Bigz XL Die, Subtles Brads, Basic Rhinestones, Winter Wishes Felt Accents, Modern Label & 1/2" Circle Punches

Merry Christmas craftin', Elizabeth

Tags, Tags, and More Tags

This year I am not leaving all my wrapping for Christmas Eve.  Giving presents their presence is something I really enjoy, so this year I want to have plenty of time and adornments for each gift I wrap.  For today I am showing my first batch of gift tags.

For these tags I used both shapes from the Two Tags Bigz Die through my Big Shot.  The red pattern paper is from the Brights Designer Stack and the white layer is not your average cardstock, it's the gorgeous Shimmer White cardstock.  For the tree I used the Pennant Parade stamp set along with the coordinating Pennant Builder Punch.  For the greeting I used the Many Merry Messages stamp set which is an awesome grouping of images.

Come back for more gift wrap tags and embellishments.  For now check out all the Winter Wednesday blog hoppers by clicking on their links below.  It would also be really cool if you added your latest Christmas creation to the hop.  Check out Shirley's blog for the instructions.  It's easy and fun!

Happy craftin, Elizabeth

Turkey Day?

I know Thanksgiving is sometimes called turkey day, but I don't know why I call it that.  I am not a fan of turkey at all.  I love all the yummy Thanksgiving fixin's, but the bird itself pales in comparison to the glorious prime rib roast that we serve.  So, from this day forward I shall not call it turkey day instead I'll say "beef day."

My autumn Thanksgiving inspired card was cased from the awesome Tami W.  I love the mixture of Spice Cake DSP with the Hello Doily background stamp.  Adding the Ivory Velvet Ribbon with Silver Glimmer Paper punch accents make this card gorgeous.  I do have to share that I really like the look of adding text to cards, it just lends a finishing visual layer.  The "With Love" greeting is one of four pieces from the Hand Penned stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  It's a beauty of a stamp set and is a must have item for your collection. 

Here's how you make the Box Pleats for a 4 1/4" wide card:

• Cut a strip of designer paper or cardstock 1.5” x 9”.
• Using the Simply Scored Tool score the strip at 1”, 1.25”, 2”, 2.25”, 3”, 3.25”, 4”, 4.25”, 5”, 5.25”, 6”, 6.25”, 7”, 7.25”, 8”, and 8.25”.
• Fold on the scorelines by folding the first score back and the second forward, then the third score should fold forward and the fourth should fold back.  Repeat this pattern to form the box pleats.
• Glue pleats in place.
• Align folded pleats on card front, adhere to card, and trim sides where needed.

Happy craftin' and have a filling BEEF day, Elizabeth

SALE SALE SALE!!!

There are lots and lots of great items on SALE, but two of Stampin' Up!'s brand-new products will be discounted 20 percent only during the first 24 hours of the sale
(November 21, midnight - 11:59 PM [MT]):

Simply Scored
Regular Price $29.95, 24-Hour Sale Price $23.96 


Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps
Regular Price $16.95, 24-Hour Sale Price $13.56

You can visit my Online Store (click on the "Shop Now" button once there)
to see all discounted products or view this PDF.

Happy craft shoppin', Elizabeth

 

Winter Wishes Wreath

Have you checked out the Winter Wishes felt accents in the Holiday Mini Catalog? You get four each of mittens, snowflakes, holly & berries, and wreaths. They are super charming and add a quick touch of whimsy and dimension to any Christmas card or tag.

 

My layout for this card was inspired by this week's Connie and Mary sketch challenge. You can also use this sketch for your next project and then show it off on their website ;0)  

Click, visit, be inspired, stamp, upload! That's all you have to do.

My card base is made from Naturals Ivory cardstock, the DSP is Holly Berry Bouquet, the stamps are Petite Pairs, the embossed border is made with the Framed Tulips folder, and the wreath is from the Winter Wishes pack of felt accents.  The final details to finish the card are a couple Basic Pearls, a tiny Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine bow, and a dusting of gold glitter.

Happy card makin',