CASE'ing Again!

Happy Monday everyone!  I can't believe another weekend is in the books...and that we're in the last full week of October!!  Where does the time go?  As a kid, I always used to roll my eyes when my Mom commented on how quickly time passes as you get older, but now I know exactly what she was talking about!  I spent my Sunday prepping for my classes this week.  Today I want to show you a card I made for my Christmas Card Buffet, coming up next weekend.  It is a CASE of a card my upline, Jamilla Ivits,  designed to showcase the Festival of Prints DSP stack.  Her original card used a stamp set I don't own, so I changed it up a bit to use the Ornament Keepsakes set that is part of  this month's promotion :

Festive Holiday card for FM81 featuring the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set, Festival of Prints DSP and sentiment from More Merry Messages.

Pretty, eh?  I love that the design uses narrow strips of different patterns of the DSP so you can get TONS of mileage from just one sheet.  I also love the little hints of bling with the scalloped strip of Champagne Glimmer paper and the green Glimmer brad.  Just enough to add sparkle without being overwhelming.  Now, it just so happens that this card also works for this week's challenge over at Friday Mashup.  It has been AGES since I've had time to participate in a challenge, which makes me a little sad because I LOVE them!  I'm so pleased that this week's challenge worked with what I HAD to get done!  If you have time, stop by the Mashup and check out what the designers did with this fun challenge!

Vintage Ornaments

Today's project is one I created just for the fun of it.  How often do I get to do that???  It's pretty rare these days!  I based the layout on this week's sketch challenge over at The Paper Players.  Here's the sketch:

And here is my just-for-fun card:

Vintage Christmas Card for PP110 featuring the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set with sentiment from More Merry Messages.

Inside View

Pretty, huh?  I have to say I haven't played with the Candlelight Christmas DSP much, but I really like the way it works on this card.  I also simply adore the Core'dinations card stock...where has it been all my life?!?  It adds such lovely, subtle texture to any project I use it on.  To stamp the ornaments, I first inked the stamp with the base colour (Real Red for the large ornament and Lucky Limeade for the smaller ones) and then added Early Espresso around the edges with a sponge dauber.  The result is dimension and the look of a soft, aged patina on each ornament.  I popped up the large ornament with dimensionals and then doublde up the dimensionals for the two smaller ornaments.  This really was a simple card to put together but I just love the result!

And now back to Christmas!

After a brief venture into Fall yesterday, today I'm back with another Christmas card.  The moment I saw the new Lacy Brocade TIEF in the Holiday catty I was dying to see what it looked like used with the Faux Patina technique.  I knew it would be gorgeous...and I was right!  Check this out:

Faux Patina Christmas card featuring the Ornament Keepsakes and Greetings of the Season stamp sets.

Isn't that stunning?!?  I love the way the embossed pattern almost pops off the page with this technique!  Faux Patina lovers, you MUST GET this folder!  Now, to stamp the ornaments, I couldn't just do plain single-colour stamping with a background like that; so I inked the stamp with Marina Mist and then daubed Always Artichoke around the edges using a sponge dauber.  By the way, both of those colours are ones I used for the Faux Patina technique.  I cut the ornaments out with my Holiday Ornaments Framelits, added a bit of linen thread and some pearls and viola...easy, elegant Christmas card!

If you like this card and would like to get your hands on the Ornaments Keepsake stamp set, check out my Events page for details on my Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Camp coming up at the end of the month.  You won't want  to miss the FOUR beautiful 3D projects I have planned.  Since seating is limited, you'll want to reserve your spot ASAP.  Don't be disappointed!

Now for the REALLY big news!  I'm an Auntie again!  Check this little angel out:

Happy Birthday baby Matthew!

My newest nephew was born just after 9:00 Thursday morning weighing in at a whopping 9lbs, 6oz!  My SIL and little Matthew are doing great.  We seem to make big boys in our family!  We've got all boys and everyone of them was over 9lbs when he was born!  That might explain why all the moms have C-section scars!!  A HUGE congratulations to Donna, Rob and big brother Michael...Matthew truly is a miracle!

Twelve Days of Christmas Day 12

Merry Christmas everyone!!  I always feel like the launch of the new Holiday Catalogue is like Christmas...so many new toys to play with!  In honour of the big day I have a special project to show you.  The very first thing that caught my attention when I first laid eyes on the new Holiday catty is the beautiful ornament on the front cover.  It is simply stunning and I knew I just HAD to make one!  So...here is my version:

CASE of Holiday Catalogue cover featuring the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set

I decided to try a neutral palette, thinking it might work with a variety of Holiday colour schemes.  I also changed up the ornament shapes used, just to be different.  I am quite pleased with the result.  Now, before you all email me asking when I'm offering a class on these ornaments, let me warn you...they are A LOT of work!  Each petal requires three stamped and die-cut ornaments for a total of 15 on each layer.  That's a lot of stamping and cutting, but SO worth the effort.  Given the amount of work involved I've designed a simpler version, similar to those on page 3 of the Holiday catalogue that we'll be making as part of my Ornament Keepsakes stamp camp event on August 26th.  You can view photos and event details HERE.  If you just aren't satisfied with the simpler version I will be writing a tutorial on how to create the deluxe version in the near future...stay tuned!  Now, as always, here is the complete list of products used in the creation of this project...*Starred items are available TODAY from the Holiday Catalogue!

*Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (includes stamp set and coordinating Framelits) (CM129950, WM 129949) pg. 3
Very Vanilla CS (101650)
*Champagne Glimmer Paper (127885) pg. 18
Early Espresso ink pad (126974)
Crumb Cake ink pad (126975)
*Crumb Cake 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle ribbon (127840) pg. 4
Big Shot (113439)
Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555)
Victoria 5/8" Crochet trim (118481)
Very Vanilla Seam Binding ribbon (120999)
Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Today is also the day I get to show you my project for this month over at Craft Project Central!  I designed this for my son to take on his first day of Kindergarten.  Check it out:

First Day of School Gift set featuring  Storytime DSP

This set includes a note pad/pencil holder set and card for the teacher as well as cute pencil toppers for your child's new classmates.  If you are local, check out my Upcoming Events tab for information about a Mommy-and-Me class I am offering that will include everything pictured in the photo.  If you aren't in the Cambridge area, you can access the tutorial for this project by subscribing to August over at Craft Project Central.

Now for some more news.  Later today I will be sending out my August Newsletter and in it there will be a special CODE WORD. When you see it, remember it! Next week I will be calling everyone on my mailing list to book holiday card parties and private classes in an effort to set my schedule for the fall and get everyone started early enough to actually send their cards this year!  When I call I will be asking if you know the CODE WORD...if you do, you will WIN A FREE CATALOGUE ITEM valued at up to $10 when you book and hold a party or private class in the months of August, September, October or November.  Remember, these events can be in your home or in mine with a minimum of 3 guests, in addition to yourself.  Plus, if your guests place orders, you'll also receive more FREE PRODUCT as part of Stampin' Up's Hostess Benefit program.  So, watch for my newsletter and start thinking about dates for your event and I'll talk to you next week!

Not on my mailing list?  Click the EMAIL ME button in the right side-bar to request a copy of this month's Newsletter.

Twelve Days of Christmas (in July!) Day 11

Can you feel the excitement??  Only one more sleep till the new Holiday Catalogue goes live!!  Today I have something a little different for you.  This card uses both new and old items, as well as something a little unexpected.  Check it out!

12 Days of Christmas Day 11 featuring the Open Sea and Greetings of the Season stamp sets.

Surprised?  I used the globe image from the Open  Sea set as the background for the sentiment.  I think it works rather well and I am always thrilled when I find new uses for a stamp set I love.  The other feature that helps make this card is the Holiday Frame TIEF.  It really sets off the focal image so nicely.  It is a gorgeous pattern and NOT just for the holidays!  Here is the complete list of products used on this project.  Starred items are available TOMORROW!!

The Open Sea (CM 123032, WM 123030)
*Greetings of the Season (CM 128033, WM 128030) pg. 8
Whisper White CS (100730)
Pool Party CS (122924)
Silver Glimmer Paper (124005)
Pool Party ink pad (126982)
Island Indigo ink pad (126986)
*Holiday Frame TIEF (127820) pg. 7
Big Shot (113439)
Pool Party Seam Binding ribbon (125582)
Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555)

If you've been enjoying this series, you're going to LOVE my Holiday kick-off event!  Check out my Upcoming Events page for details about my Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Camp happening at the end of August.  It will be SUPER fun (I sound like my 5-year-old there!) and will definitely get you going on your holiday crafting.  Here is a photo of the projects we'll be making:

Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Camp Projects

The best part is that in addition to leaving with 4 completed projects, you'll also get to keep your stamp set!  Call or email for additional information or to register. 
I'll be back tomorrow to celebrate the final day of the Twelve Days of Christmas and the launch of the new Holiday Catalogue...see you then!

Twelve Days of Christmas (in July!) Day 9

A good Sunday morning to you!  I hope you had a productive Saturday and can look forward to some quality family time today.  I am so looking forward to taking it easy and maybe getting a little stamping in.  Today I have a treat for you!  It is a sneak peek of an event I am planning for late August that features the gorgeous Ornament Keepsakes set.  I am having such fun designing the projects for this event that I just couldn't wait to share one with you!  Check it out:

Twelve Days of Christmas in July Day 9 - Tin of Gift Tags featuring the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set

Inside the tin there are 16 gift tags.

Four different tag designs

Fun, eh?  This little tin makes a fantastic little gift for just about anyone.  I did something similar a few years ago and everyone who received one LOVED it!  As I mentioned, this project will be part of an event I am holding in late August...more on that soon!  In case you want to try your own version of this set, here is the rundown of products used.  *Starred items are available August 1st.

*Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (includes the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set and Holiday Ornaments Framelits at 15% their individual price!) (CM 129950, WM 129949) pg. 3
Chock-Full of Cheer (CM 126717, WM 126715)
Cherry Cobbler Ink Pad (126966)
Gumball Green Ink Pad (126861)
Cherry Cobbler CS (119685)
Very Vanilla CS (101650)
Be of Good Cheer DSP (126896)
Whisper White Baker's Twine (124262)
Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta ribbon (119960)
Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)
Paper Piercing Tool (126189)
Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199)
Tin (retired)

Today I also get to show you this month's bonus project for July over at Craft Project  Central.  It is also a wonderful gift set designed  by Laurie Zoellmer.  Check it out:

July Bonus Project:  International Bazaar Cards and Folder designed by Laurie Zoellmer.

Isn't that a sweet set?  Laurie always does such wonderful work!  CPC bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row, or putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or referring a friend.  This has been a terrific month with lots of inspiration...I can't wait to see what my fellow designers come up with for next month!  I know I'm pretty excited about my project...I can't wait to show all of you!!  Enjoy your Sunday!