Clean & Simple Christmas Cards: Part 1

Hi Everyone,

It's the Blog Hogger here with a couple of VERY simple Christmas cards. And I'm talking simple! Really, really simple! One stamp set, Whisper White and Real Red cardstock, Black Stazon Ink and a couple of markers. They're fast to make, as well as simple, which is a real treat at this busy time of the year!

While these cards were made using the "Snow Much Fun" stamp set, they could very easily be made using any Christmas stamp set!

Here's the first of the cards:

I made eight of these in no time at all. I simply stamped one of the snowmen from the "Snow Much Fun" stamp set on the left and a sentiment from the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" stamp set on the right. (So, I guess I really used two stamp sets to make the card! lol)

I didn't try to color all the snowman, just a few spots to add some color.

I did them assembly style, cutting the Whisper White fronts, stamping the snowman, and then stamping the sentiment. Then I simply glued them onto the Real Red card backs, and voila, eight cards completed!

The next picture shows where I put some Dazzling Diamonds onto the band of the snowman's hat and his snowball:

And this picture shows how I used the taller of the two snowmen:

Again, I made eight cards like this assembly style. And this one uses one of the sentiments from the "Snow Much Fun" stamp set, so it does actually use one stamp set! While I didn't even add Dazzling Diamonds to this card, I think it really works because the snowman is taller.

I don't think it can get much simpler, yet prettier, than this!  :)

And here's proof that you could use a variety of Christmas stamps to make this card:

For this one I used the "Dasher" stamp set, Whisper White and Chocolate Chip cardstock and Chocolate Chip ink. I added a few Stampin' Up Pearls and it was done!

Simple and fast hugs,
Colleen

Possibly, Maybe, Could Be Conceding Defeat!

Good morning, everyone!

I hope you all had a great Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Crazy Shopping Day (that would be the day the stores open and all the wonderful Boxing Day sales start) this year!  I found three of those four days were fantastic. (I'm a "Love-Love-Love-The-Holiday-Season" kinda girl!)  However, Christmas day wasn't all I had hoped it would be.  Sigh!  (That was a long-drawn-out sigh . . . the kind that makes you feel really, really bad for me.)

Did I pester my husband to get up at 5:30 am to open gifts?  Of course I did!  Did I jump around like a child (or an idiot) because it was Christmas morning?  Of course!  Did I sing Christmas carols all the way to Corner Brook to see my beloved sister, Kathy, thereby driving my husband crazy . . . well, crazier?  Naturally!

So, why wasn't my Christmas day fun-filled from start to finish?  Well, let's just say that this posting is kinda like chewing off your own foot when it's caught in a trap.  (Now there's a cheery Christmas image!  lol)  It's going to be painful, but not as painful as letting someone else chew it off for you!  (Insert another heartfelt sigh here!)

Do you all remember when Kathy and I had a brief sisterly squabble over who would make each other the very most bestest Christmas card?  Well, I racked my brains . . . and the internet . . . to come up with an original-ish ('cause I did CASE some of the aspects) and extremely time-consuming to make, one of a kind, ultra gorgeous Christmas card designed to make Kathy weep because she could never, ever make as gorgeous a card as me!!!  (Seriously, that last sentence was deserving of three exclamation points!)

And here it is:

Isn't it adorable?  I used the rectangular frame from the "Designer Frames" Textured Impressions Embossing Folders Set, edged with a Versamarker and embossed with Gold Emboss Powder for the frame.  (I wanted to mimic an old-fashioned frame.)  I used a discontinued stamp from the Mr. Twigster stamp set for the image, since it fit the frame perfectly.

The wall was made with Real Red cardstock (cs) run through the "Stripes" Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The fireplace was assembled from multiple pieces of cs, some of it run through the "Square Lattice" Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to mimic brick.  The mantle was popped up on Dimensionals, curved on the ends and sponged to provide a 3-D effect.  

The swag hanging from the mantle was made from cs run through another Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, then cut using the Decorative Label punch.  The berries were made using the Handheld punch, glued on one by one and blinged up with Dazzling Details.  The stockings are from the Snow Much Fun stamp set and I used Dazzling Details on them to give a little more bling to the card.  

It was a crazy amount of work but it was worth it because my sister is worth it!  (Translation: I would definitely win bragging rights as the World's Best Cardmaker . . . Ever!!!  [I have a slight issue with self esteem, don't I? lol])

And then Kathy gave me the card she'd made for me . . . 

I have to admit that it is an absolutely gorgeous card, but I still think we could have put the two card fronts onto this blog and had a contest to determine which card was the best.  Then I opened the card and this is what I saw ;

I'm sure Kathy has taken even nicer pictures of her card but I will briefly outline what my widely opened eyes, dropped jaw, and slowly shriveling heart observed with a weird mixture of awe and dismay.

On the front:

• a sleigh made from the Top Note Die
• runners made from I-don't-know-what
• 5 packages, all "wrapped " differently
• 2 stockings
• a little snowflake
• a little snowman
• 4 bows
• 2 little bells

Inside:

• a pop-up display
• the Christmas tree from the Snow Much Fun stamp set (cut out and popped up on Dimensionals)
• 5 more gifts
• a shopping bag 
• 2 bows

She even used Shimmer Paper, Silver Glass Glitter and Silver cs!

And so I concede defeat . . . until next year!  lol

Down but not out hugs,
Colleen

Sometimes what you plan!

Good day everyone!

Ever have one of those days?  Well today was one!  I had planned to post the pic's of my tags class but unfortunately I can't find a couple of the tags and a couple of the ones that I did find are damaged with ink so I have to re - do them so I can take pictures (note to self - take pic's before class :O)  So no tags today for you! 

But we did have a lovely afternoon!  The class went really well and felt very relaxed and casual.  The ladies were pleased with their projects and I was so pleased that they took time out of their busy schedules to spend the afternoon with me.  I even had a couple of ladies join us that I haven't seen in awhile.  So great to catch up with all.

I have my last SAS tonight and have spent the day cutting a little card stock and trying to clean up the craft room.  What with Christmas projects and presents that need wrapping things are in a sorry state.  So today's share is a card that I cased along the way and didn't get time to make this year.  The lady who is hosting the class asked for two Snow much Fun Cards and as she is the last one for the season I thought why not!

Also I just got the Scallop Square duo for the Big Shot and wanted a reason to play with the new product.  I used Not Quite Navy and Rose Red and Marina Mist as my card stock and the Snow Much Fun stamp set (are you tired of this one yet ladies?)  I also couldn't resist a bit of Glimmer Paper.  Can't tell you how much I love this paper.  Colored in with appropriate markers and another one to play with tonight.  Cool huh? 

Some Musical Christmas Advice

Make out your Chopin Liszt early before Debussy season, when you have time to check out Verdi good bargains are, can still get gifts Faure good price, not have to Handel large crowds and have time to give Bach things you decide you don't want.

Today's joke is a little on the tech side.  Not the dark side but it cracks me up!

Well hubby just called and again will be working late.  He has been gone some awful hours since our wind storm on Thursday.   18 hours Thurs, 18 hours Fri, 16 hours Sat, 16 hours Sun, and so far today we could be looking at 12 or 16 hours.  When he finally does retire I'm not sure how both of us will cope!

Well that's it for today everyone!   Singing while at the computer hugs!

Hostess Make and Takes

Good Day everyone!

Well it's December 1st and I am celebrating a Wedding Anniversary - mine!  39 years married!  I can't believe where the time has gone.  Looking back it seems like only a couple of years since I walked up the aisle,  ahhh but then I look in the mirror - yep it's been that long for sure lol.

So today I am going to share with you the make and takes my wonderful hostesses made last Sunday at my Annual Christmas party.   We had a blast and I have to tell you, these make and takes are over the top beautiful.  I love taking pic's of my creations but then the pic's don't do them justice.  But we will just have to soldier on I guess.

Here we go -

First up is a Wall hanging!  I know how cute is this?  I used Baja Breeze for the Squares and cut them out with the Big Shot using the large square scallop die.  The stamp set used is Guess!!!  yep Snow Much Fun!  Are you tired of this set yet?  We inked up the snowmen in Black stazon and colored in with markers.  The Peace, Love and Joy is a discontinued Big Shot die but hey I still love it for these kind of projects.

A close up of the first square.  We ran it through the snowflake embossing folder and of course added some jewels for the buttons.

Second square - jewels in the snowflakes and lots of bling with the Glimmer Paper.

Third square and the snowman with lots of buttons and jewels.  What do you think?  We used Sticky strip on the back of the squares to adhere the ribbon.  Love it!!!

Project number two was a photo album using some of the discontinued DSP and a circle cut out with the Big shot - large Pennants die.  Love the colors.  Most of them were different because I didn't have all the same paper for everybody but it didn't matter because they just picked out the one they liked the best.  Win Win for everyone.

This is the inside of the photo album!  We used the clear translucent envelopes in the catalog for the inside pages.  To frikking cute!  Of course you don't have do a Christmas one you can use any DSP to make these.  I will post another one tomorrow using the Paisley Prints DSP that I made this summer.

That's it for today everyone!  Have a good day and chat with you later. 

Nope I  didn't forget - here is your joke for the day!  A little off color but if it offends don't look I say!

I'm a dog lover and this just kills me!  What a weird sense of humor I have right?  Questioning hugs!

Day Five of Snow Much Fun!

Good Day Stampers!

Welcome to day Five of Snow Much Fun!  Are we having fun yet?  I know I have been.  The last couple of days have slowed down a little bit for me and for that I am so grateful.  I still have lots of classes but now I am catching up on gift certificates and my up coming Tags classes.  Working on designing them and enjoying the process. 

So many of my customers have purchased the Snow Much Fun Stamp set this year that I am glad I decided to feature this cute set.  I have had lots of feedback from the ladies and they are enjoying the creative ideas I have been throwing their way.  I hope all the rest of my readers are enjoying it also.

So here is my share for day five -

I am trying to use up some of my hoarded DSP from last Christmas.  I really loved this DSP because of the vintage feel.  Anyhoo - I stamped the tall guy in Black Stazon and colored in with Crumb Cake and Real Red with markers.  I used the color spritzer tool to add some splotches and did a little sponging.  I added some Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine and poof - a super cute Christmas card.  Love the colors - love the set!

 I don't want to bore you to death so I will just say so long for today and leave you with another groaner!  I KNOW where do I get them?  right?  They are really cheesy but hey it's Christmas and I love cheese!

Some of you are loving this one for sure!  Coffee flavored hugs!

Day Four of Snow Much Fun!

Good day Inky People!

Welcome to day four in the series of Snow Much Fun! the on going saga of two crazy cute snowmen!  First I have to tell you about my day yesterday.  I had the most funnest day with my hostesses.  I had 12 lovely ladies over for a couple of extra special make and takes and some extra delish food.  It was so great getting together with these women because they are always up beat and funny and so blissfully positive. 

I am pretty sure they enjoyed their day here also.  The Hostess Basket was won by Lori Roche.  Congratulations Lori!  Lots of good stuff in that basket for sure.  I will post the make and takes after I finish Day five of my snowmen.

So today's share is actually the one I did for all my hostesses.  This card I cased from on of my fellow demonstrators.  A very talented lady for sure.  I did of course change up some of the elements.  :O) but not much.

Here it is in all it's glory -

There's a lot of Big shot action in this one for sure.  I used the two frames embossing folder, the tulip border embossing folder and the stripes embossing folder.  The card stock is Baja Breeze for the card, Brushed Silver for the frame, and whisper white.  I colored in the snow man and the birds with real red, baja breeze and basic Gray markers and black marker for the buttons.  I stamped out the hat and scarf on scrap and then cut out each one and adhered it to the frame with dimensionals to make it appear as if he was half in and half out of the frame.  The ladies loved this guy for sure!

So Tomorrow is the last day of the series but hopefully not the last time I get to use this stamp set.  I have a tags class to design so I have a niggling feeling - I'm just sayin!  These snow men have gotten under my skin.

And here is your joke for the day! 

  What did the reindeer say before launching into his comedy routine?  This will sleigh you!

Sticking with you hugs!

Day Three Snow Much Fun

Good Day Inky People!

Today is sunny and cold but there is a dusting of snow and it seems the craziness of Christmas is in the stores.  I had to run out today to do some banking and some errands.  The stores are mad.  This is Thanksgiving weekend in the states and some of the Canadian retailers are jumping on the "Black Friday" Band wagon.  I am so thankful for a job that allows me to stay at home and not have to work in retail.  (Eyes heavenward and a blissful smile on my face)

So today is day three of my Snow Much Fun showcase.  This will tell you just how versatile these stamp can be. 

Today's share is -

I used the little tree in the set and stamped it in Black Stazon.  Colored it in Pear Pizzazz and highlighted the edges of the tree in Always Artichoke.  I used a Real Red Marker for the Christmas decorations and a White Gel Pen to add some lights to the tree.  Finished off the base of the tree with a Soft Suede marker.  I cut out the Stocking image and popped it up with dimensionals.  Of course the card is in Crumb Cake card stock and I used Always Artichoke and Real Red card stock for my accents.  But what really shines on this card is the Glimmer paper.  I love this stuff!  The shine in real life is amazing!  A little corner rounding and some sponging, a chocolate chip bow to round out my card and here is your third card for the series.

So that's all for today!  Yesterday with the kiddies went really well and I must say I enjoyed myself a lot!  I hope they ask me back.  Once again I leave you with a silly joke!  Can't help myself!

Smiling hugs!

Day Two of Snow Much Fun!

Good Day Stampers!

Welcome to day Two of Snow Much Fun!  How are your Christmas cards coming along?  Mine are taking off.  I only need about 100 or so to send out.  Haven't counted but am furiously making them. 

I am heading out of town today to do an after school program for the kiddies.  We will be making three cute Christmas cards.  Because of the length of time we have, I have prepared them before hand and they will color and assemble.  I adapted a couple of cards to fit this program.  I will post them tomorrow also.

Yesterday I shared a cute card done with the "Snow Much Fun" stamp set and today I have another one for you. 

Here it is -

The card stock used was Island Indigo.  I know - not something you would think works for Christmas but a lovely rich color.  I used the little snowman for this image and colored him in Real Red and Island Indigo with the corresponding markers.  I cut some Whisper White card stock to mimic snow drifts, and sponged Island Indigo to show off the edges.  A little sparkle with Dazzling Diamonds and a punched out snow flake and done.  A quick and easy card to do. 

Once again I am leaving you with a joke - I know they are groaners but as long as you at least smile then I am doing my job right?

Christmas: The time of year when everyone gets Santamental.

Frosty Hugs!

Five Days of Snow Much Fun!

Good Day Inky People!

I guess you can tell where this post is headed just by the title on the post.  Yes I am going to showcase the wonderful, fabulous and amazing stamp set "Snow Much Fun"  I have had so much fun with these little guys.  I can see why Stampin' Up! named it Snow Much fun! 

This is such a versatile set and a must have for Christmas.  Everyone needs a snow man in their lives.  This has to be my all time favorite for the 2011 -2012 catalog.  You will find it featured on page 35 of the IBC (Idea book and catalog)

I'm still cutting card stock but am down to the last 200 or so.  I know crazy right?  Just have to design a tags class and cut for that.  Not sleeping much right now.  But that's a good thing cause when Christmas Eve comes around I can go to bed early and wait for Santa. 

Here's my share for day one:

This is the tall snowman from the set.  I used Crumb Cake and the new Glimmer paper for an accent.  I embossed the images in Black Embossing powder and just colored in with the markers.  I also corner rounded the image and dirtied it up with the Color Spritzer and the Early Espresso marker.  Kinda vintage don't you think?  This is not a really fiddly card to do because there is so little coloring.  Just a little shading with Crumb Cake and a Real Red maker.  So enjoy!

Once again today I am going to leave you with a Christmas joke.  Here goes......

Santa Claus' sled broke down on Christmas Eve. He flagged down a passing motorist and asked, 'Can you help me fix my sled, please?'

'Sorry,' the motorist replied, 'I'm not a mechanic - I'm a podiatrist.'

'In that case,' retorted Santa, 'Can you give me a tow?'..........[toe]

I know a real groaner!

 

Snowy Hugs!

Another Snow Much Fun Day!

Good Day all you Inky People!   I am sorry I have been absent this week.  I know that I have explained to you that sometimes I just get too busy with projects and this week has been no different.  Right now I am on SAS overload.  I have to make 450 kits before the end of November.  That's over 900 cards to cut and put in bags.  So if you call me at anytime of the day or night this week and ask me what I am doing I am still cutting card stock.  Now don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, nor am I bragging ( well not much).  I am merely explaining why over the next week or so I may be sporadic about posting.

But I do have a share for you.  I just got an order in today and I had ordered the Lace Border punch for myself, and of course I had to break it out and play with it.  I mean really wouldn't you?  And this is the result

I used Real Red card stock and the Petals a Plenty embossing folder.  See the pretty border?  Isn't it lovely?  I also used the tree image from Snow Much Fun and  Frost Shimmer paint for the snow flakes on the top of the image.  (hard to see so click on the picture to enlarge) also I have had the mica flakes since before the Holiday mini came out but had forgotten about them.  So I put them on the bottom of the tree.  I used tombow glue to add them and they tend to scatter everywhere but look very nice once they settle down and stick to the glue :O)  I used Real red, Old Olive and Always Artichoke markers to color in the tree. 

So what do you think?  Not bad for a fast card.  So I have escaped for a little while, but now I have to go back and start cutting card stock.  I sometimes do this in my sleep lately but when I get up there is nothing cut.  Darn!

Oh funny story!  Last night my hubby got one of those pesky phone calls where they call and tell you that there is a problem with your computer and they want to go into your hard drive and fix it for you.  He said "Computer?  What Computer?  I don't even own one!"  They immediately said sorry and hung up!  I was laughing and saying that he handled it perfectly.

  Right after that he had another one and he put the phone on the desk and walked away and I said what are you doing he said letting them waste their time.  After about 5 min or so he checked and the people on the  line were saying hello, hello, hello!  He said hello, hello, hello and then walked away again.  Hilarious!  Maybe this will stop the stupid phone calls once and for all.

That's it for today everyone.  Lacy Hugs!

Another Snow Much Fun Day!

Hello Stampers!  I just have to tell you what a fun day I had today!  This was my scheduled play day with my two friends.  They have started dropping in for a day of stamping every two weeks.  Since my hubby works days this is a better arrangement as I can play and not disturb him, cause he's not here.  Anyway we stamped for most of the day and I designed a couple of cards.  Want to see them?  No?  Ok then see ya! 



Just kidding!  Here you go -

I love this Snow Much Fun set!  The jolly little snow man and even the Tall guy are so adorable.  I used Whisper White card stock as my base and then cut another piece of white to add a scalloped piece to the card so I could tuck my ribbon in.  I die cut the circle with the new Large Pennants die that I got last week but haven't had time to play with.  I used Shimmer paint for the snow flakes.  Colored in the Snow man with Real Red markers and Crumb Cake.  Love the overall look of this one.  Oh and I sponged some Cherry Cobbler around the circle and used Jewels for the buttons.

I used Marina Mist Card stock for the base and some retired DSP called Bride Paper.  Now that paper is white but I needed a strip of blue DSP and since I don't have any I decided to make my own using the Bride paper and a brayer.  I think this one turned out cool and sparkly.  I punched out a circle of the New Glitter Paper with the largest Scallop circle punch and colored  the snow man with a Marina Mist marker.  I added Dazzling Diamonds to the white parts of his hat and scarf and added a few jewels to the buttons and a Happy Holidays banner from the Four the Season stamp set.  I think this glitter paper is da bomb.

So this is what I did with my day!  What did you do with yours?  Hope your day was fun too and I'll chat with you all later.  Cool and sparkly hugs!

My SAS cards continued!

Good Day Inky People! Today it's raining here in Newfoundland and cold.  Easy to tell winter's not far away.  I am not a fan of cold weather but I do enjoy getting back into classes and catching up with all the ladies.

 So this week I am putting a push on to get all my Stamp A Stack's done and cut.  Whew I can tell you there is lots of preparation that goes on before every class but right now I am freaking out about the card stock.  Did I order enough?  Will it get here in time or am I going to have to go on a raid of my sister's and friend's craft rooms to get enough to get me out of a jam?  Did I forget anything like ribbon etc?

 The questions are driving me CRAZY and since I was a little around the bend, well you can just imagine the predicament my DH is in.  So he's leaving for the weekend.  He's going to his little camp in the woods for a weekend of R and R.  WOW I had no idea I was this bad.  Maybe I should call in professionals!

Ok so I promised you the next SAS cards and here they are:

This one is a version of the one I had for my Open House Make and Take in Sept.  Cherry Cobbler and Whisper white make this an elegant and easy card to do.

Yes ladies Lovely as a Tree is still in the catalog.  This timeless stamp set provides an elegant and sparkly card to our SAS.  Always Artichoke and Night of Navy.  These colors may change according to availability of Card Stock but the design will stay the same. lol

Elegant Eggplant screams richness at this time of the year.  The addition of an ornament punch and Delightful Decorations make this card a very easy option. 

Who doesn't love Dasher?  Here I used Early Espresso and Whisper white with a little punch of red.  A  stylish and glowing card for the holiday season.

This is one of the cards I made with the Snow Much Fun stamp set and of course I love Marina Mist and Real red together so now I have my fav three things all together.  Not too much coloring here but still enough to allow a little creativity!

 I will be in Summerside on Sunday October for a Trade show.  Some amazing women showing their wares and of course myself.  So if you are in the area or looking for something to do on a Sunday drop by for a look. 

Well that's it for today.  I actually have about three more cards that I will draw from and if I get a chance tomorrow I will share that with you.  At least with Hubby going away for the weekend I have half a chance of getting it all cut in time for my class on Saturday evening.  Don't worry Alicia I'll be done in time!  Busy Bee hugs!

Snow Much Fun Class Finalized

Whoo Hoo Inky People!  I had a great day yesterday.  Spent the evening on the phone and did get a few more workshops/classes so I am stoked.  If you didn't receive a phone call last night then you may hear from me tomorrow lol.  I will update you and let you know if we booked 10.000 workshops in one day. 

Another great thing about yesterday I got my "Snow much Fun" class finished.  I knew what I wanted to do but I still had to design it.  The class will do 5 projects and leave here with the Snow much Fun stamp set and some Chunky glass glitter also.  Check out my website for time and date, click here.  Or better yet host your own party in your own home!  Let me provide the fun you provide the place!

This is a pic of the whole class!  What do you think?  If this is a class you would like to do or would like instructions for just contact me today!

A stinking cute card made with the "Snow Much Fun" stamp set!  Love it!

An even cuter box just the right size for goodies!

A glass candle holder with Decor elements -  Joy added just for fun!

A 6" pure white pillar candle decorated with the "Snow much Fun" stamp set, glitter and a funky belly band!

To round everything off an adorable tag!  So sign up for this class or call me and host one of your own! 

I am currently working on that photo tutorial I promised but this class was too much fun not to post!  Besides I like to brag, boast, crow, you know how it is!  I just can't keep this much go-jus-ness to myself!

Chat with you later!  "Snow Much Fun" hugs!

Snow much Fun in July

Good Day Stampers!  Yes you read it right Snow much Fun in July!  I got the set in my pre-order and although making Christmas Cards in July goes against the grain I just couldn't resist these cheerful little guys!  I see lots of use for them come Sept.   I used Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede - an absolutely lovely color combo.   I  used Whisper White and the new In -Color, Pool Party for the snow flakes which I drew on free hand and added some dazzling Diamonds to make it sparkle and Lucky Limeade for the scarf.  The ribbon treatment was done using Sticky Strip.

Hope you like it. 

Well that's it for today Stampers! 

 I'm hoping to be back next week and posting much more often.  Hope you are enjoying your summer - I know I am!  Cheerio!