Month: August 2020

Adding Nature’s Touch & Getting Back To The Future!

On By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends!

A couple days ago, my husband, Dean, brought me some rolled-up, dried-up tree bark from a madrone tree, with the suggestion that maybe I could find a way to incorporate it into my cardmaking.

Madrones grow quite prolifically around here and make the best firewood; they’re a hardwood and burn quite cleanly.

They have a smooth, rusty-orange-colored “exfoliating bark” which peels, curls and falls off as part of the natural process; they shed quite aggressively as demonstrated in the pictures below.

You see, when I first began my Stampin’ Up business, in brainstorming various ideas to make my business stand out from others, I had the idea to use “natural” elements and incorporate Stampin’ Up products into them; and not just cards.  After all, we have lots of “natural elements” growing all around us.  My husband is a retired taxidermist who enthusiastically prodded me in that direction.

This idea was solidified when we were out clearing roads on our property following a particularly bad snowstorm that downed literally hundreds of trees on the ranch.  My attention was drawn to wild honeysuckle vines growing up and through many trees around us.  They had a twisted, grapevine sort of look, and I wondered aloud to Dean, “Do you think that would dry and make a good wreath, something like a grapevine wreath?”

 

Well, there’s one way to find out!   He helped me pull a couple long lengths of honeysuckle vine from a tree.  I brought them home and using a 5-gallon bucket turned upside down as a form, wrapped the honeysuckle vine around it until I was happy with the “thickness” of it.  I then used another piece of honeysuckle vine to “weave” through and around the “wreath-on-a-bucket” to hold it all together and tied it off with some florist wire.  I left it sitting on the front porch for about a week, letting it dry, and when I removed it from the bucket “form”, it held it’s shape great and looked quite similar to a grapevine wreath.

This was shortly before Easter and so I simply went and bought silk tulips which I arranged around the wreath and topped with a burlap & ribbon bow, and a cross.

That wreath has been tulip-clad since, coming out of the closet in the Springtime to adorn our front porch.

HOWEVER, Dean reminded me of my initial “business plan musings” when he brought me that dried-up madrone bark; and my mind drifted back to that honeysuckle wreath.

First things first though, I had tree bark to contend with!  The bark was quite brittle, so rehydrating seemed the first step toward making it useful!

I put some water in the kitchen sink and placed the rolled-up bark in the water.

It only took a few minutes until the bark was pliable enough that I was able to flatten it in the water.

I pulled it out of the water and laid it on some paper towels between waxed paper, and then placed my good ol’ dictionary on top for weight.

I checked on it a few days later and it was mostly dry.  So, taxidermist husband suggested that I use some glycerin to moisturize and help preserve it.

I dabbed some glycerin on the bark with a cotton ball and put it back in the paper towel/waxed paper sandwich with the dictionary on top.

When I checked on it again a couple days later, it was dry but still fairly pliable.  I left it open to air for a couple days to see if it would curl back up, but it didn’t!  It stayed flat and pliable YAY!

Next test was to see what I could do with it.

Stamp on it – yep, worked!  It took a little extra time for the ink to dry, but eventually did.  Staz-On would probably work great, though I’ve not tried that yet!

Metal dies?  Yep, worked like a charm!

So, here are the results of my first tree-bark embellished card!

Unfortunately, the leaf die I used is from a retired SU die set, “Seasonal Layers”, but I will be following this project up with others using the “Gather Together” bundle.  After using it, I also realized that the gold thread is retired, but the gold cord from Wonder Of The Season Ribbon Combo could easily be substituted.

Hmmm… I haven’t tried embossing the tree bark yet!  That will be the next test I guess.  I’ll have to repeat this process and try embossing it while it’s still somewhat moist and then see if it will dry with the embossed impression!

I have since pulled that aforementioned honeysuckle wreath out of the closet and stripped it of its tulips.

I’m going to see over the next few days, what I can do with it using Stampin’ Up products and natural elements only! (wish me luck!)  I currently have some Myrtle tree branches soaking in some “Never Say Die” plant preservative that Dean had in his taxidermy supply which I plan to use as a “green” element if the plant preservative works!  So far, I don’t see the branches soaking the preservative up, but time will tell and I’ll keep you posted!

And now…. GETTING BACK TO THE FUTURE!

The rest of my initial business plan a few years ago consisted of  “stamp camps” at our cabin (still waiting to be built) up on one of the mountains on our property which has a spectacular view overlooking forested hills and valleys, which we would access by horseback (for those who wanted to… those who didn’t could be brought up by vehicle or hayride (?) depending on the season!)

Oh my!  Dean may regret bringing me that tree bark and reminding me of those initial ideas!  I have two horses now…. but if there was enough interest, SURELY I would need at least four more, RIGHT!?!  And just another idea….ride a horse up, and zipline back down!!!  WooHOOOoooo!!!

What do you think?

Let me know in the comments below…. Do I need to press Dean to get that cabin built???  More horses??? and who’s game for a zipline????

A weekend spent stamping, horseback riding, ziplining, collecting honeysuckle vines for your own wreaths, more stamping, eating, relaxing on the deck around a firepit….hmmmm…. the possibilities are endless!!!

I think the next weekend after stamp camp would be spent telling stories on each other, sharing pictures, laughing, and scrapbooking those memories…

They would be stamp camps to remember for sure!!!  LOL!!!

BUT, BACK TO TODAY….

LET’S GET INKY!

Materials:

Stamp sets used:

  • Autumn Goodness (pumpkins/fruit image)
  • Pallet Thoughts (sentiment)

Dies / Punches used:

  • Seasonal Layers – retired (leaves)
  • Layering Circles
  • Triple Banner Punch

Paper:

  • Early Espresso – card base – 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (score at 4 1/4″ and fold in half)
  •                           banner mats – (1 5/8″ x 4 3/8″) ; (1 1/8″ x 3 7/8″ ); (7/8″ x 3 1/8″)
  •                           sentiment mat – 2 1/4″ x 1/2″
  •                           image mat – 3″ x 3″ – crop with Layering Circles die
  • Gilded Autumn DSP – mat 1 – 5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″
  • Regals 6×6 DSP – Cajun Craze DSP 1 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ ; Old Olive DSP 1″ x 3 3/4″
  • Neutrals 6×6 DSP – Crumb Cake DSP 3/4″ x 3″
  • Very Vanilla – 3″ x 3″ and crop with 2 1/2″ circle die; 3/8″ x 2 1/4″ for sentiment strip – hand crop reverse banner ends with snips.

Ink:

  • Early Espresso

Accessories:

  • Stampin’ Blends – Pumpkin Pie, Cinnamon Cider, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, Cinnamon Cider
  • Gold thread – retired
  • MADRONE TREE BARK! 🙂  (could substitute Cinnamon Cider CS – but not as much fun!) LOL
  • Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker – hand draw the veining on the leaves

Putting it all together!

  1.  Stamp pumpkin image from Autumn Goodness stamp set on Very Vanilla CS and color with Stampin’ Blends.
  2. Crop image using Layering Circles Dies.
  3. Adhere image panel circle onto Early Espresso scalloped circle mat (cut with Layering Circles dies).
  4. Crop out small leaves and draw veining on them using Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker.
  5. Punch banner pieces using Triple Banner Punch.  The widths of the CS/DSP may not fit the guides perfectly, so just make sure they’re center before punching.
  6. Adhere the three DSP banners to Early Espresso banner mats.
  7. Adhere the Gilded Autumn DSP mat to Early Espresso CS base front.
  8. Adhere banners, starting with largest (Cajun Craze) first, down a smidge from the top and to the left side of card front.  Next, place Old Olive banner  slightly higher and about midline on Cajun Craze banner.  Finally adhere Crumb Cake banner slightly down from top of Cajun Craze banner and over top of Old Olive banner.
  9. Wrap gold thread around  your fingers several times, slip off and adhere ends with glue dot.  Apply with same glue dot about center over the Old Olive banner and with glue dot to the right side so the image panel will cover.
  10. Adhere the image panel over the ends of the gold thread and to right side of card front.
  11. Stamp sentiment on Very Vanilla sentiment strip and hand trim ends with snips.  Apply to Early Espresso sentiment mat.
  12. Adhere sentiment under image panel.
  13. Scatter leaves on card front, adhering in place.

DONE!

I know it seems like a lot of trouble to go to with regard to the tree bark, just for a few leaves that could’ve simply been cut from cardstock, but this is just the first trial!  And quite frankly, though I don’t know that the pictures really pick it up, the color is richer and they have a “woody” look and texture that I love.  I’m going to continue trying to use it in various ways and see what I can come up with!  So, stay tuned!

Until next time, I hope you get INKY today!

Janet

Product List

Autumn Goodness Bundle

$45.75

Autumn Goodness Photopolymer Stamp Set

$17.00

Pallet Thoughts Cling Stamp Set

$22.00

Gilded Autumn Specialty Designer Series Paper

$15.00

Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$11.50

Neutrals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$11.50

Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Layering Circles Dies

$35.00

Banner Triple Punch

$23.00

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

$3.00

Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Cinnamon Cider Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Wonder Of The Season Ribbon Combo Pack

$9.00

Paper Snips

$10.00

Mini Glue Dots

$5.25

Paper Trimmer

$25.00


 

 

Reindeer Reign Supreme For Christmas…Or, Is That An Elk?

On By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends,

Continuing with the Christmas theme today… I can’t believe Christmas is only four months away!  I’ve gotten my shopping started, but far from finished.  I do have a pretty good jumpstart on cards, however!  I guess if I’m going to have my Christmas shopping done by the end of this month, it’s crunch time!  Amazing how time slides right by…

Today I’m sharing a card that I put together combining items from three different bundles from the Aug-Dec Mini Catalog (holiday catalog).  That’s just what I do when I can’t decide on a single set!  Hmm… let’s see how I can combine these!  Anyway, this is what I came up with.  As detailed below, I used North Pole Wonder Dies (deer, snow & sentiment tag), Pine Woods Dies (trees), and Wrapped In Christmas (sentiments).

I’ve been using so much Misty Moonlight and Snowflake Splendor, I decided it was time to get a little more traditional with the reds and greens.

My reindeer actually looks more like an elk, as that’s what I’m used to seeing.  I had to Google reindeer images to remind myself what a reindeer actually looks like, but I had already colored his chest hair darker (like an elk), whereas per Google images, a reindeer has lighter-colored chest hair.  Oh well, in our neck of the woods, an elk is more appropriate!  We’ve actually had to chase a dozen or so elk cows & calves out of our apple and pear trees in our yard several mornings recently.  I wake up to the sound of branches snapping and elk “chirping” at each other.  They’re fun to watch up close like that, but boy do they wreak havoc on the trees!  Therefore, it’s up out of bed and a stroll out the door with a “get outta there ladies!”.  They scatter readily, thankfully, up the hill with a leap over the fence and they’re gone until tomorrow morning!  They’ve pretty well eaten up all the apples and pears already, so they’ll be on to greener pastures soon enough!

Dean managed to catch a couple pictures the other morning as they moved across the driveway and up the hill after being chased out from under the apple trees!  A couple stragglers stopped to see if we really meant it, or if they could sneak back to the apples!  Moments like this never get old…

It is frustrating at times, though.  I love flowers and working in my flowerbeds, but then there’s this…

Yep, little buck just walked right up on the deck to check out my geranium.  My plants don’t stand a chance!  Later that evening, his big brother surveyed the scene from the hill behind our house, just waiting for me to finish watering so he could come help himself to whatever tender little morsel he chose!  Dean took this photo and had to zoom in, so it’s a little fuzzy, but you can tell he’s just waiting for me to finish watering so he can come help himself!

Ahhh…. the country life!  They eat my flowers and our apples, but at least they’re quiet!!!

But, back to my “elk” card!  LET’S GET INKY!

Materials:

Stamp sets used:

  • Wrapped In Christmas

Dies used:

  • North Pole Wonder Dies (part of the Wishes & Wonder Bundle)
  • Pine Woods Dies (part of the In The Pines Bundle)

Paper:

  • Whisper White for cardbase (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ – folded at 4 1/4″); Mat 2 (5 1/4″ x 4″); sentiment tag cut with die from North Pole Wonders (2″ x 4″); snow cut with die from Pine Woods (1″ x 5 1/8″); inside sentiment panel (5 1/4″ x 4″)
  • Garden Green Mats (cut 2) for base mat on front and mat on inside (5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″)
  • Tis The Season DSP – green (5 1/8″ x 3 7/8″); red (1 3/4″ x 3 7/8″); two green strips (1/8″ x 3 7/8″)
  • Mossy Meadow pine trees – scraps for 2 large and 1 small pine tree cut with dies from Pine Woods.
  • Cinnamon Cider scrap large enough for detailed reindeer (elk) die.

Accessories:

  • Gold Cord (part of Wonder Of The Season Ribbon Combo Pack) – two 6″ pieces and one 4″ piece.
  • Dark Cinnamon Cider Stampin’ Blends.

Putting it together!

  1. Adhere Whisper White mat to Garden Green mat.
  2. Adhere red DSP strip to left side of green DSP mat.
  3. Adhere both 1/8″ strips of green DSP to left side of red strip.
  4. Cut snow in Whisper White using North Pole Wonder Dies and adhere to bottom of DSP panel, clipping ends flush as needed.
  6. Cut tag in Whisper White using North Pole Wonder Dies and stamp with sentiment from Wrapped In Christmas, and flourish underneath, using Cherry Cobbler ink.
  7. Cut trees in Mossy Meadow using Pine Woods Dies – 2 large trees, 1 small.
  8. Cut reindeer (elk) from Cinnamon Cider CS using North Pole Wonder Dies.
  9. Use Dark Cinnamon Cider Stampin’ Blends to color chest hair, antlers and hooves.
  10. Adhere center tree – I cut the trunk of the tree off and placed the treetop at the top of the card panel, and the trunk on the snow hill.  Otherwise, it’s too short and the tree has no trunk once the tag is placed.
  11. Adhere the tag over tree and to the right side of the card.
  12. Adhere the smaller tree to the right side.
  13. Adhere the second large tree to the left, covering the hole in the tag.
  14. Adhere reindeer (elk) over tree and tag.  I lined the deer’s leg up over the tree trunk, as it looked funny to have the trunk sticking out from under the deer’s belly.
  15. Cut two pieces of gold cord 6″ long and adhere ends to back of card with tape or glue dots to make it appear you wrapped the cord around twice.  (Doing it this way just saves ribbon/cord.)
  16. Cut a small piece of the cord, tie a small bow, and adhere with glue dot on top of cord.
  17. Adhere entire panel stack to front of card base.

  1. For the inside of the card, stamp the sentiment from Wrapped In Christmas in Cherry Cobbler ink on Whisper White panel.
  2. Adhere sentiment panel to Garden Green mat and adhere that stack to the card base.

DONE!

I’m having so much fun hanging out in my craft room and making cards.  I love Stampin’ Up! products not only because of their superior quality, but because they make it so EASY to create beautiful things with color coordination, product coordination…. etc., etc., etc.

If you’ve found yourself placing large Stampin’ Up orders and have no intention of ceasing that, I would love to chat with you about becoming a demonstrator.  Many demonstrators are “hobby” demonstrators only – no classes, no blog, etc.   That’s how I started my business… I wanted the demonstrator perks of a product discount, ability to order new products earlier than the general customer, and access to the Stampin’ Up community.  It took changes at work, and my upline (who happens to be my sister, Krista Thomas of regalstamping.com) counseling me on the possibilities I was sitting on, to finally say okay… I’ll look at this as a business rather than a hobby; and brightacrescreations.com was born.

If you’re placing orders to average $100/month or more, we should seriously talk.  I would love to build a team of friends who have the same interests as I, and seriously, no pressure to “get out there and sell, sell, sell!!!”  Our creative journeys are our own, but if you’re interested in sharing your journey with like-minded friends, Stampin’ Up is a great company in which to do so.  Hobby demonstrator or business-minded demonstrator… I’d love to have you on my team!  If you’re interested at all… just click on that “Contact” tab up above, and I would be happy to discuss the fun and adventures, as well as business end of things!

Stampin’ Up’s Statement of the Heart is this:

“To love what we do and share what we love, As we help others enjoy creativity and worthwhile accomplishments, In this we make a difference”

In a time when this country is so polarized and politicized, finding common ground in creativity, I do think we can make a difference.  Reaching out to others with beautiful cards, scrapbook pages, or whatever else, handmade and personal…who doesn’t like happy mail?  And, if we’re honest, who doesn’t like to sit back and admire one’s own creativity…Wow!  I made that!   We can make a difference by promoting positivity.  For me, that’s where I find satisfaction; i.e.  I just put my heart and soul into that envelope that I just dropped in the mail…hopefully the recipient feels that!  Or, I opened the world of creativity to someone new  and now they can feel that same satisfaction!   In this, I can make a difference…

If any of this appeals to you on any level, please reach out to me… we could make a wonderful team!  Together we could definitely better our best!

Until next time, I hope you get INKY!

Janet

 

Snow Wonder Tri-Fold Peek-A-Boo Card

On By JanetIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Hello Friends!

Today I will be showing you how to make a tri-fold peek-a-boo card featuring Snow Wonder from the Stampin’ Up August-December Mini Catalog (otherwise known as the holiday catalog)!  I am so in love with this little snowman!  He has so much personality and seemed like a perfect fit to peek through our little window.

Before we get started, however, I would like to thank Susan Levasseur of WOWNolaCreations.com for sharing this fancy fold on her blogsite some time ago.  I saw it there first and have CASE’d it several times since!  I think this is my favorite fancy fold ever!  So, a huge thank you to Susan!  I actually shop for and buy stamps that will work specifically with this fold I like it so much!

I’ve put together a video below to walk you through step-by-step how to make this card.   I’m still new at making these videos and for whatever reason, it rattles me just a little bit knowing I’m being recorded!  I guess you could say I’m camera-shy (always have been)! One definitely learns one’s nervous habits quickly through this process!  I’ll keep working on it, however, and be a pro in short order! (hopefully!!!)

I’ve also included a written tutorial that you can refer to.

So, with no further ado, LET’S GET INKY!

 

 

Materials:

Paper:

  • Misty Moonlight cardstock (CS) for card base – 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; score at 4 1/4 inches and fold in half.
  • Misty Moonlight CS for “flap” – 5 x 5 1/2 inches.
  • Night of Navy CS for mat under DSP – 5 1/4 x 4 inches.
  • Snowflake Splendor DSP 5 x 3 3/4 inches.
  • Whisper White for inside panel 5 1/4 x 4 inches; for “lace trim” on triangular piece (2) 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches; for scallop trim around circle 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches; for front tag 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches.

Stamps:

  • Snow Wonder

Ink:

  • Tuxedo Black Memento

Accessories:

  • Winter Snow Embossing Folder
  • Layering Circles Dies (largest scalloped and 2nd largest circle)
  • Ornate Borders Dies
  • 2″ circle punch
  • Adhesive-backed snowflakes
  • Stampin’ Blends:  Crumb Cake Combo, Misty Moonlight Combo, Light Balmy Blue, Dark Real Red, Dark Shaded Spruce

PUTTING IT TOGETHER!

  1.  Fold cardbase in half and set aside.
  2. Adhere the DSP to the Night of Navy mat and set aside to dry.
  3. Using the 5 1/2 x 5 inch piece of Misty Moonlight, score the 5 1/2 -inch side at 3/4″.
  4. On the non-scored sides of that piece of cardstock, measure to 2 3/4″ and mark lightly with pencil.
  5. Use a paper trimmer to connect the pencil dots, to create the triangular flap.
  6. Use the 2nd largest (plain) circle from Layering Circles Dies, and cut the hole in the center of the “flap”.
  7. Emboss the flap using the Winter Snow Embossing Folder.
  8. Use the largest scalloped circle die and the 2nd largest plain circle die from Layering Circles Dies to cut the scalloped “ring” to go around the hole on the front of the card flap.  Adhere this ring to flap front around hole.
  9. Using the border die from Ornate Borders Dies, cut two strips of “lace” for the triangle edges of the flap.  Adhere to edges and trim off excess.
  10. Now bring in your card base… THE CREASE WILL BE ON THE RIGHT FOR THIS CARD (it opens backwards).
  11. Crease the flap on your score line and insert the card base with open side into the crease of the flap. (Remember – your card base will be backwards from usual, i.e. open side on left/crease on right).  Make sure the top and bottom of both flap and card base are even.
  12. Punch a circle from a Post-It note using the 2″ circle punch, making sure the adhesive edge of the Post-It note is on the punched circle (so it will stay in place).
  13. Lay the punched circle in the center of the hole on the flap (will be on the front of the card base) to guide where the hole needs to be punched for the “peek-a-boo” hole.
  14. Remove the flap piece and place the card front, with the Post-It Note circle attached, in the 2″ punch with the Post-It Note circle aligned with the punch and punch your hole.
  15. Now when you lay the flap back over the card base, your holes should center up.
  16. Place the Whisper White inside panel in the card base with even borders (where it will be glued down, but don’t glue it yet!), close the card and lightly trace the circle onto the white panel with a pencil. (This marks where to stamp your snowman!)
  17. Remove the Whisper White inside panel and stamp the snowman from Snow Wonder with his head close to the top of the pencil-lined circle.  Stamp the sentiment above the snowman.  Color with markers as desired.
  18. Now lay the DSP with Night of Navy mat (that you glued earlier) on the card base front.  Hold it in place and carefully open the card keeping the DSP stack in place.  Lay the 2″ circle Post-It Note in the center of the circle again, lift the cardbase off, and punch the hole in the DSP stack.
  19. Adhere the DSP mat to the card front, lining up the holes.
  20. Adhere the inside (white w/snowman) panel to the card base.
  21. Apply some adhesive to the straight edge of the flap (behind the score line) and apply to the back of the card so that the flap folds over the open edges of the card base.
  22. Stamp the front sentiment on the small piece of Whisper White and hand trim the ends into a banner.
  23. Apply to front of card with dimensionals.
  24. Scatter some Adhesive-backed snowflakes on front.

DONE!

I’ve got so many other ideas for this “Snow Wonder” snowman that I can’t wait to put some of them together to share with all of you!  I will, however, try to intersperse them with other products as well!  I feel like a kid in a candy store right now!  I ordered so much from the holiday catalog, I don’t know where to start! (Terrible problem to have, right?!)

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have comments or questions!  Just click the “contact” tab at the top of this page and I’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as I can!

Until next time, I hope you get INKY!

Janet

Product List

Snow Wonder Bundle (English)

$49.50

Snow Wonder Cling Stamp Set

$22.00

Winter Snow Embossing Folder

$7.50

Layering Circles Dies

$35.00

2" (5.1 Cm) Circle Punch

$18.00

Ornate Borders Dies

$34.00

Adhesive-Backed Snowflakes

$6.00

Snowflake Splendor Designer Series Paper

$11.50

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.00

Misty Moonlight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Shaded Spruce Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Balmy Blue Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Paper Trimmer

$25.00

Paper Snips

$10.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

$4.00

“Glisten” versus “Sparkle”

On By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends,

I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase, “Women don’t sweat, they glisten!”  Well, with these temperatures, I’m surely glistening when working outside!

After taking care of my horses this morning, I showered the “glisten” off and decided to create a little sparkle in my craftroom!

I’m completely in love with the Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper!  I love sparkle and bling and this Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper shimmers and shines so beautifully.

It pairs so well with  the Snowflake Wishes bundle that I chose to let the glimmer paper and DSP do all the work today!  Stampin’ Up always comes up with such beautiful designer series papers, and the quality is so much better than the big-box stores! (personal opinion, of course!)  The cool blues and purples with the lovely watercolor effect…Snowflake Splendor DSP is gorgeous!  So, why not feature it and let it speak for itself?!

LET’S GET INKY!

Materials Used:

Paper:

  • Whisper White: card base – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″; mat 2 – 3″ x 2 1/2″; mat 3 – 4 1/8″ x 1 3/8″; front sentiment panel – 2 5/8″ x 1 1/2″; inside sentiment panel – 5 1/4″ x 4″
  • Snowflake Splendor DSP: mat 1 – 5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″; featured panel – 2 3/8″ x 2 7/8″
  • Misty Moonlight: front embossed panel – 1 1/4″ x 4″; inside mat – 5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″
  • Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper:  2″ x 6″ – Use So Many Snowflakes Dies to cut 1 large, 1 medium, and 2 small snowflakes

Stamp Sets Used:

  • Snowflake Wishes (front sentiment)
  • Wrapped In Christmas (inside sentiment)

Ink:

  • Misty Moonlight
  • Balmy Blue

Accessories:

  • So Many Snowflakes Dies
  • Winter Snow Embossing Folder
  • Adhesive-Backed Snowflakes
  • Misty Moonlight/Silver Baker’s Twine (Flowers For Every Season Ribbon Combo)

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

  1.  Adhere mat 1 (DSP) to card base.
  2. Adhere DSP to mat 2 and wrap Baker’s Twine 3 times around panel, securing with tape on the back of panel. Tie small bow with the Baker’s Twine and apply with glue dot.
  3. Run Misty Moonlight 1 1/4″ x 4″ piece through Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine in the Winter Snow Embossing Folder.
  4. Adhere embossed piece to mat 3.
  5. Cut 1 large, 1 medium, and 2 small snowflakes from Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper using So Many Snowflakes Dies.
  6. Stamp sentiment on 2 5/8″ x 1 1/2″ Whisper White piece using Misty Moonlight ink.
  7. Adhere DSP panel to left upper corner of card front.
  8. Adhere embossed Misty Moonlight panel across bottom of DSP panel.
  9. Adhere sentiment tag to bottom right card front over Misty Moonlight panel.
  10. Adhere glimmer paper snowflakes on card front and then scatter the Adhesive-Backed Snowflakes randomly to fill in the gaps!
  11. For the inside of the card, stamp the sentiment from Wrapped In Christmas in Misty Moonlight (on Whisper White panel), and then stamp snowflakes (Snowflake Wishes) in Balmy Blue.
  12. Adhere that white panel to the Misty Moonlight mat and adhere all to card inside.

DONE!

So, which camp are you in?  Do you like the summertime “glisten”, or the wintertime holiday “sparkle”?  I guess I’m somewhere in-between!  I love summertime if I can lounge by a pool or on a beach somewhere – somewhere to rinse off the “glisten”.  And, I love wintertime if I can cozy up next to the fire with a good book!  Being cozy by the fire, and the Christmas season definitely puts a sparkle in my mood!

I hope you’re allowing yourself some time to get INKY and getting ahead of the holiday rush!  If you’ve purchased Stampin’ Up products from me, my biggest wish is that you USE THEM!!!  Take these hot days and spend some time making cards to give to those you love!  It’s good for the heart and mind!!!

Until next time… I hope you get INKY!

Janet

Product List

Snowflake Splendor Suite Collection (English)

$94.75

Snowflake Wishes Bundle (English)

$55.75

Snowflake Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set

$26.00

So Many Snowflakes Dies

$36.00

Winter Snow Embossing Folder

$7.50

Wrapped In Christmas Cling Stamp Set (English)

$22.00

Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper

$5.00

Snowflake Splendor Designer Series Paper

$11.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Adhesive-Backed Snowflakes

$6.00

Flowers For Every Season Ribbon Combo Pack

$10.00

Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

$4.00

Paper Trimmer

$25.00

Peace On Earth For The Holidays (Please?)

On By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends!

Today I’m taking a break from the hot temperatures and Fall cards with a mish-mash of Christmas inspired products.  Some are old, some are new, but all are current and orderable in the catalogs.  Over the past couple of posts, I’ve let you all in on the fact that I love being in the middle of a quiet forest.  With all that’s going on in this world, it’s a place to experience nothing but peace and quiet.  A place where one can just relax and breathe in the earthy, natural smells and bask in the gloriousness of God’s creation!

As I pondered the holiday season this year, I wondered if, by some chance, folks would put aside their differences and simply allow “Peace On Earth” (please?)…  Oh what a wonderful world that would be, right?

This card today was inspired by my love of forests and my prayer for God’s peace for every living soul on this earth!

 

LET’S GET INKY!

Materials Used:

Paper: 

  • Stampin’ Up (SU) Whisper White Cardstock for card base – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″; score and fold in half at 4 1/4″.
  • I chose to use a second Whisper White panel the same size as the card base front (5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″) on which to build my scene, to give the card more substance after embossing with the Evergreen Forest 3D embossing folder.  Also a scrap for the sentiment tag on card front.
  • Shaded Spruce – approximately half a sheet (8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″) to crop fur boughs from.
  • Cinnamon Cider – scrap for pinecones.
  • Early Espresso – scrap for pinecones.
  • Gold Foil Paper – scrap for stars and 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ strip.
  • For the card inside, you will need a Shaded Spruce panel 5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″, and a Whisper White panel 5 1/4″ x 4″.

Stamp Sets Used:

  • Wrapped In Christmas (front sentiment)
  • For Unto Us (inside sentiment)

Ink:

  • Early Espresso

Accessories:

  • Beautiful Boughs Dies
  • Stitched Stars Dies
  • Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder
  • Gold cord – Wonder Of The Season Ribbon Combo
  • Real Red 3/8″ Sheer Ribbon
  • Mini Glue-dots

Putting It Together:

  1. Emboss the Whisper White 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ panel using the Evergreen Forest 3D embossing folder.  (If you choose to omit this panel, then emboss the front of the card base and build upon that.)
  2. Using the Beautiful Boughs Dies and Shaded Spruce CS, crop out 3 of the larger branches, and 2 of the smaller branches.
  3. Use Snips (scissors) to cut the branches apart into separate boughs.
  4. Arrange these across the top of your card panel and adhere down.
  5. Adhere the 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ strip of Gold Foil Paper across the top, over the top of the bough ends to hide them.
  6. Crop out the pinecones using the small pinecone dies in Beautiful Boughs.  The bottom layer is Cinnamon Cider, top layer is Early Espresso. (Cut 2 of each)
  7. Apply a 6 1/4″ piece of Real Red Sheer Ribbon over the top of the Gold Foil Paper, attaching the ends to the back of the panel with glue dots or tape.  (Layering over the gold foil gives a pretty sheen under the sheer ribbon)
  9. Adhere the pinecones in a “cluster” just right of center.
  10. Tie a small bow with a piece of the Real Red Sheer Ribbon and place over the top of the pinecones.
  11. Stamp the “Peace on earth” sentiment from “Wrapped In Christmas” in Early Espresso ink on a scrap of Whisper White CS.
  12. Crop the sentiment out using the tag die in the Beautiful Boughs Dies.
  13. Ink the edges of the tag with Early Espresso ink and a sponge.
  14. Apply tag to front panel.
  15. Crop three small stars and one medium sized star from Gold Foil Paper using Stitched Stars Dies.
  16. Cut 4 short pieces (approx. 2″) of the Gold Cord and using a glue dot or liquid glue, attach to the back of each star.
  18. Use Mini Glue Dots to adhere ends of cords up amongst the fir boughs.
  19. Cut 3 more pieces of the Gold Cord, approx 3 – 4″, and tie three small bows.  Trim ends as needed.
  20. Use Mini Glue Dots to adhere the bows to the tops of the strings suspending the stars. (I tucked one of the strings up under the pinecones, thus the need for only 3 bows!)
  21. Use a fine-tip glue bottle or Mini Glue Dots to adhere the stars to the card front.
  22. Adhere the 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ now fully embellished panel to the cardbase front.
  24. For the card inside, stamp the sentiment from “For Unto Us” in Early Espresso on the Whisper White panel.
  25. Adhere to the Shaded Spruce mat and adhere that to the cardbase inside.

Done!!

This card is a little bit labor-intensive with all of the die-cutting and glue-dotting of the strings, bows and stars, but I’m pleased with the end-result!  Let me know what you think!

And, if you’re a praying person, let’s all join in praying for peace on earth!!!

Until next time, I hope you get INKY!

Janet

Product List

Wrapped In Christmas Cling Stamp Set (English)

$22.00

For Unto Us Cling Stamp Set

$21.00

Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder

$10.00

Beautiful Boughs Dies

$35.00

Stitched Stars Dies

$38.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Gold Foil Sheets

$5.00

Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon

$7.00

Wonder Of The Season Ribbon Combo Pack

$9.00

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Mini Glue Dots

$5.25

Fine-Tip Glue Pen

$7.00

Stampin' Seal

$8.00

Another Masculine Card For Fall Mixing Old With New

On By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends!

I had so much fun working with one of my old favorites, Rooted In Nature, that I chose to use it again for another masculine card.  This time, I paired this older stamp set with some of the new DSP, Gilded Autumn.  I LOVE this paper!  I’m a paper freak anyway, but…. this…paper!!!  The rich, earthy tones in these papers are so ME!  You could look around at the decor in my home and say, “Yep…she got her inspiration from Gilded Autumn DSP!”  Actually, I’m pretty sure that Stampin’ Up got inside my home and took their inspiration from me! LOL!

At any rate, with these blazing hot temperatures we’ve been having, I think I’m pretty much ready for the Fall season.  I’m looking forward to that first rain…Mmmm, I love the outside smells after it rains for the first time after a dry spell.  Some rain, a cool breeze, and a hike through the woods… I can hardly wait!!!

Speaking of a hike through the woods… I mentioned some of my favorite places on our property in my last post, so I thought I’d share a few pictures that I took after writing that post.  It was hot inside and out, and a shady spot in the forest with an ice-cold beverage sounded like a good idea.  As it was too hot to hike (my opinion – not Dean’s), we jumped on a four-wheeler and took a ride to some of my favorite places on the ranch that evening, to sit in the shade and soak up those earthy-good smells!

The pictures truly don’t do it justice, as I’m unable to factor in the smells and sounds of the forest with these pictures.  You’ll just have to trust me on this one… God blessed us with a beautiful place to call home!

Another reason I can’t wait for cooler temperatures is that I love riding my horses through these areas.  I know Adam, my cowboy son, would scoff at me, but if it’s too hot for me to hike, I can barely ask my horses to hike with me on their back!  Yes, they’re a little bit spoiled!

But let’s get on to today’s card!

LET’S GET INKY!

Materials Used:

Papers:

  • Card base – Very Vanilla cut at 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ and scored at 2 1/8″ and 6 3/8″ for a double gate fold.
  • Front mats 1 – Cajun Craze cut (2) at 2″ x 5 3/8″
  • Front mats 2 – Gilded Autumn DSP cut (2) at 1 7/8″ x 5 1/4″
  • Image panel mats – Cajun Craze cropped with Stitched Rectangles Dies (2 5/8″ x 4″)

Gilded Autumn DSP (green) cropped with Stitched Rectangles Dies (2 1/8″ x 3 1/2″)

  • Inside mat – Cajun Craze 5 1/4″ x 4″
  • Inside sentiment panel – Very Vanilla 5 1/8″ x 3 7/8″

Stamp Sets Used:

  • Rooted In Nature

Metal Dies Used:

  • Nature’s Roots
  • Stitched Rectangles

Ink:

  • Early Espresso
  • Crumb Cake
  • Cajun Craze
  • Mint Macaron

Accessories:

  • Gold Glitter Enamel Dots
  • Stampin’ Blends:  Cajun Craze, Mango Melody, Cinnamon Cider, Old Olive

Putting It Together!

  1. Adhere front mats (Cajun Craze & DSP) to card flaps.
  2. Stamp large leaf in Early Espresso and Small leaf in Cajun Craze randomly on the Cajun Craze image panel mat.
  3. Stamp tree image on Very Vanilla cardstock.
  4. Color image with Stampin’ Blends.  I used Cajun Craze, Mango Melody, Cinnamon Cider and light Old Olive.  I just dotted the various colors on fairly randomly, allowing them to blend into each other to look like the turning leaves of Autumn.  The tree trunk is Dark Cinnamon Cider.
  5. Crop the tree image out using the die from Nature’s Roots.
  6. Adhere tree image to DSP rectangle.
  7. Adhere that panel now to the stamped Cajun Craze Panel.
  8. Stamp the “Be Strong Be Happy Be You” sentiment from Rooted in Nature three times, once each in Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Mint Macaron.
  9. Fussy cut one of each block of the sentiment out using snips so that the whole sentiment is tri-colored.
  10. Adhere to stamped Cajun Craze panel, under the image panel, in a staggered fashion.
  11. Place glue only on left half of the Cajun Craze panel and adhere to left front panel.
  12. Randomly apply Gold Glitter Enamel Dots to card front.
  13. On the inside of the card, stamp one large leaf in Mint Macaron in the center of the Very Vanilla panel.  Stamp two smaller leaves, one in Crumb Cake and one in Cajun Craze.
  14. Stamp the sentiment in Early Espresso over the top of the stamped leaves.
  15. Adhere Very Vanilla sentiment panel to Cajun Craze mat, and adhere to center of card inside.

I think that this card exudes the sentiment “BE STRONG   BE HAPPY   BE YOU”  and is appropriate for male or female.  And, of course, who doesn’t want a card from a family member or friend reminding them how wonderful you think they are!  Send this to someone who needs a little encouragement!

Stay cool out there my friends!  In fact, stay in and STAMP!

Until next time,

Janet

Product List

Rooted In Nature Cling-Mount Stamp Set

$42.00

Nature's Roots Dies

$39.00

Paper Snips

$10.00

Paper Trimmer

$25.00

Stitched Rectangles Dies

$35.00

Gilded Autumn Specialty Designer Series Paper

$15.00

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Gold Glitter Enamel Dots

$8.00

Cajun Craze Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Mango Melody Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Cinnamon Cider Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00


 

 

Masculine Rooted In Nature Birthday Card

Rooted In Nature – Masculine For Fall

On By JanetIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Hello Friends!

Did I mention we have a lot of summer birthdays in our family?  Oh my!  This time I needed a masculine card and so turned to an oldie but goodie.

If you don’t own Rooted In Nature, I would encourage you take another look!  This stamp set is so classic and so easy to adapt to many different occasions!  Of course, living in the Pacific Northwest, trees and forests abound, so this set is just a natural for me and I love it!  There are dies to go along with the Rooted In Nature stamp set (Nature’s Roots metal dies), though today I didn’t use them.

Much of our property is forested and one of my favorite places on our ranch is a spot along the creek where the fir trees have grown to such heights that they block the sunlight and thus there’s little undergrowth, leaving a beautiful, open but shady landscape throughout the tall timber.  The natural smells are spectacular, especially on a warm day.  When I need to just get away for a bit to think, to pray, that’s the spot I head for.  It’s so peaceful, so quiet.  It’s easy to escape from life’s stressors in that place.  A place to let go and let God.

I’m a country girl through and through and oh, how I love this life!  Forests and trees are definitely one of my happy places!

And that brings me back to today’s project!

LET’S GET INKY!

Materials Used:

Paper:

  • Gray Granite Cardstock for card base:  8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ – score and fold at 4 1/4″
  • In Good Taste DSP (wood) Mat 1:  5 1/4″ x 4″
  • Gray Granite Mat 2 (under plaid):  2″ x 5″
  • Plaid Tidings DSP:  1 7/8″x 4 7/8″
  • Gray Granite Mat 3 (under image):  2 5/8″ x 3 5/8″
  • Whisper White (image panel):  2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
  • Gray Granite Sentiment Mat: 3 1/8″ x 5/8″
  • Whisper White sentiment tag:  3″ x 1/2″
  • Whisper White (inside card):  5 1/4″ x 4″
  • Plaid Tidings (inside card accent)  4″ x 1/2″

Stamp Sets Used: 

  • Rooted In Nature (tree image)
  • Blossoms in Bloom (“Happy Birthday”)
  • Peaceful Moments (inside sentiment)

Ink:

  • Tuxedo Black Memento
  • Gray Granite
  • Cherry Cobbler
  • Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:

  • Granite Gray Shimmer Ribbon
  • Iridescent Pearls
  • Snips
  • Sponge

Directions:

  1. Using edge of snips blade, distress both pieces of DSP and Whisper White image panel (run blade of scissors over edges to give rough texture).
  2. Adhere In Good Taste DSP (wood grain) to Gray Granite card base.
  3. Adhere Plaid Tidings DSP to Gray Granite  Mat 2.
  4. Stamp tree image from Rooted In Nature in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on Whisper White cardstock (2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″).
  5. Ink edges of image panel, with a sponge, first with Pumpkin Pie, then a little shallower with Cherry Cobbler, and finally around the edges with Gray Granite.
  6. Ink just the very edge of the Gray Granite Mat 3 (under image panel) with Cherry Cobbler ink.
  7. Adhere image panel to Mat 3.
  8. Wrap a small piece of Gray Granite Shimmer Ribbon around the top of the plaid panel, adhering ends to back of panel with tape or glue dots.
  9. Use a second small piece of ribbon to tie in a knot around first ribbon.
  10. Adhere plaid panel to left side of card front.
  11. Adhere image panel to right side of card front.
  12. Stamp “Happy Birthday” with Tuxedo Black Memento ink on 3″ x 1/2″ scrap of Whisper White CS and hand-cut banner end.
  13. Layer sentiment onto 3 1/8″ x 5/8″ scrap of Gray Granite CS and hand-cut banner end.
  14. Adhere sentiment banner overlapping image panel.
  15. Apply Iridescent Pearls, one on left end of tag and two in the upper right corner of card.
  16. Stamp inside sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on Whisper White panel.
  17. Adhere 1/2″ x 4″ plaid DSP strip across bottom for accent.
  18. Adhere panel to inside of card.

Done!

A masculine card perfect for a late-summer or fall birthday!

I hope you take some time this weekend to unwind and maybe escape to your happy place!

Until next time, I hope you get a little INKY!

Janet

 

Product List

Rooted In Nature Cling-Mount Stamp Set

$42.00

Nature's Roots Dies

$39.00

Blossoms In Bloom Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

$22.00

Peaceful Moments Cling Stamp Set (English)

$21.00

In Good Taste Designer Series Paper

$21.00

Plaid Tidings 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$11.50

Gray Granite 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Refill

$5.00

Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Gray Granite 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Shimmer Ribbon

$7.00

Iridescent Pearls

$7.50

Paper Snips

$10.00

Paper Trimmer

$25.00


 

 

 

How To Make An Eye-Catching Double Z-Fold Card

On By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends!

Today we’re back to Summer/Fall with Celebrate Sunflowers and an eye-catching Double Z-Fold fancy fold card.

I’m having so much fun with all of my new products from the August-December Mini Catalog, but needing a birthday card, I returned to Celebrate Sunflowers from the Annual Catalog.  This is fast becoming one of my “go-to” sets.  I love big statement-making stamps!  This super large sunflower along with the bright, cheery designer series paper (DSP), Flowers For Every Season, makes for a card with lots of Wow-Factor!

This is one of those cards that turned out so pretty, I kind of want to keep it!  But then again, it’s so pretty that I can’t wait to give it away!  It’s a good thing I ordered extra of this DSP, and thankfully this stamp set will last, and last, and last – even longer than the Energizer Bunny! I think it’s safe to say, I’ll be making more of these cards!

I’ve created a PDF file with all the specifics for this card, including step-by-step instructions.  You can download it and even print it for future use if you’d like!

Just click here for the free file!

 

 

I’ll be back SOON with another fun-fold using one of my favorites from the holiday catalog, Snow Wonder!

I hope you get INKY! Until next time…

Janet
Product List

Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle (English)

$51.25

Celebrate Sunflowers Cling Stamp Set (English)

$24.00

Sunflowers Dies

$33.00

Best Year Cling Stamp Set (English)

$20.00

Flowers For Every Season 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$11.50

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Lovely Labels Pick A Punch

$23.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.00

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Mango Melody Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Cinnamon Cider Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Just Jade Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$9.00

Stampin' Blends Color Lifter

$4.50

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

$4.00

Stampin' Seal

$8.00

Stampin' Seal Refill

$5.50

Paper Trimmer

$25.00

Bone Folder

$7.00

Stamparatus

$49.00

Stampin Up Poinsettia Petals With Free PDF instructions

Lots Of Layers With Poinsettia Petals

On By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends!

I’ve been busy in my craft room playing with all of my new “toys” from the holiday mini catalog.  Today I wanted to share one of the cards I put together using the Poinsettia Place suite of products.

I love lots of layers and textures on the cards I create and this set of products delivers all of that and more!  Take a close look at the Beaded Pearls in the center of the poinsettia; they are soooo PRETTY!

Stampin Up Poinsettia Petals With Free PDF instructions

I also used Versamark ink and clear embossing powder to create a watermark effect over the inside sentiment.  It looks so pretty, though doesn’t show well in the pictures.  Give it a try and see what you think!  Just make sure your sentiment ink has dried well before over-stamping with the Versamark!

Also, as you can tell in the picture, my clear embossing powder is quite old and over the years has apparently gotten some little bits of glitter or other colored embossing powder mixed in.  This actually prompted another trip to my Stampin’ Up store (darn it!) to buy some fresh embossing powder (and a few other things), as well as a good cleaning of my embossing tray that I use!  Dean says the specks just give it a more custom, one-of-a-kind look!  He’s right about that!  It will be one-of-a-kind, as I’m going to wait for my fresh EP to arrive before making duplicates of this card!

   

 

I’m feeling pretty good right now that I’ve gotten a little jumpstart on Christmas cards and I even started my Christmas shopping the other day!  Who knows…Maybe for the first time EVER, I actually will get all of my Christmas shopping done by the end of August!  Getting it wrapped may be a different story, however!

So, what about you?  Have you had a chance to play with any of the new holiday products yet?  If you haven’t placed your order yet, I would encourage you to do so in order to get a head start on the holidays yourself!

It feels pretty good to be ahead of the game!  I can see myself now… baking, decorating, crafting, leisurely wrapping gifts with Christmas music playing in the background and actually enjoying the holidays rather than hustling to get everything done at the last minute (which is what I’ve done the past few years and is not enjoyable!)

At any rate, I hope you craft today – for the holidays or otherwise.  Take some time to slow down and enjoy the process, always remembering the reason for the season!

LET’S GET INKY!

I’ve created a PDF file with all the specific measurements and instructions for making this card which you can download and print if you’d like!  Just click below and you’re on your way to an early start on holiday prep!

 

Poinsettia Petals Color Block Card

 

If you have questions, please use the “contact” tab at the top of this page and reach out to me.  I’m always happy to help you in your crafting endeavors!

And, please let me know in the comments below if you like the downloadable PDF, or prefer all the directions written out on each post!

Until next time, here’s to hoping you get a little INKY!

Janet

Product List

Poinsettia Place Suite Collection (English)

$94.00

Poinsettia Petals Bundle (English)

$56.50

Poinsettia Petals Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

$27.00

Poinsettia Dies

$36.00

Poinsettia Place Designer Series Paper

$11.50

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.75

Brass Foil Sheets

$5.00

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$9.75

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Lovely Labels Pick A Punch

$23.00

Wrapped In Texture Embossing Folders

$8.00

Beaded Pearls

$8.00

3/8" (1 Cm) Embroidered Ribbon

$7.00

Versamark Pad

$9.50

Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder

$6.00

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

$30.00
7 Paper Pumpkin Alternates

Summer Nights With Christmas On My Mind

On By JanetIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Hello Friends!

I hope you’ve had a chance to look through the August-December, 2020 Mini Catalog and make your shopping list!  The catalog is NOW LIVE and you can start ordering and redeeming your Bonus Days Coupons NOW!!!

I’m so excited that as a demonstrator, I can now pre-order the all-new Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine!!!  And, I already did actually!!!  My poor old Big Shot is about worn out at this point and I’ve been anxiously awaiting the availability of the new machine!   I can’t wait until it arrives!  It will be available for you to order on September 4, so by then, I’ll have mine all broken in and can offer hints and tips for it’s best use!!!  I’m so excited about the fold-up feature and smaller footprint!  YAY!!!

Also, if you haven’t been to my online Stampin’ Up! store yet today, it’s gone through a major facelift with new features.  The first time you visit, you’ll have to enter your password or create a new one if you’ve forgotten it!  Otherwise, it will have a new look and feel to hopefully make your shopping experience and finding products easier!  Stampin’ Up is looking for feedback on what you, our customers, like and don’t like about the new online store, so don’t hesitate to share your opinion!

I’m slowly getting into the holiday season crafting mode.  I have to admit that I’m one of those shoppers who walks into a store in September and sees Christmas items and expresses with a groan to whomever I’m with, “Christmas stuff already?!  It’s only September!”  However, I can see the logic in it, as I’m also one of those who says every year, “I’m going to have my Christmas shopping done by the end of August, and all my cards made, so I can just sit back and enjoy the holidays!”  Hasn’t happened yet, but who knows?  I still have a few weeks to go this year…  And, well… it could happen!

But today I’m setting all that aside to share with you my July Paper Pumpkin Alternatives!  I finally got around to digging into that little orange box and oh my!  I’ve had a great time nestled away in my craft room playing with this kit!  I have 7 cards to share with you today, and a couple more that are still in my head just waiting for another round of crafting time!  Summer Nights is the theme of this kit, and I did order the add-on offered for this kit also.  As mentioned, I’ve made 7 cards so far and still have a TON of “stuff” left for many more cards!

I generally make my first cards right out of the box just like the directions instruct, one of each design, and then throw caution to the wind and design my own creations with the kit supplies.  This month, however, I skipped right over the “intended” cards and went straight to my own creations!  So much inspiration inside this month’s kit!

So, here we go… LET’S GET INKY!!! Continue reading “Summer Nights With Christmas On My Mind” →