Christmas Lights

Oh this card was so much fun to make.  But I have a couple of confessions to make...my inspiration came from Jackie Topa (thanks Jackie)...and I used DSP from last year (I know, I'm a bad girl...but who could not use up every scrap of this gorgeous flocked paper).  OK now that I've confessed, I feel much better and very glittery.  I just know one day I am going to have to have the plumber come out to unstop my shower....I can hear the conversation now 'what is this stuff, why is it so shiny and why is it getting all over me".  And I'll just laugh and assure him that I have no idea (wink, wink) what it is!

Are you surprised that I used glitter again?  You are if you've never seen my blog before.  I started out with SU's new Red Glimmer Paper (Occasions Mini Jan 4th) then got out a variety of glitters (p.196 IBC) that SU makes and punched out light bulbs with the new SU Build-a-Blossom punch (Occasions Mini Jan 4th). Isn't it great that Jackie figured that out?  I used the end of the Modern Label punch #119849 for the top of the light bulb (I ran the black CS thru the crimper first before punching).  For the light cord, I free hand cut a curvy strip of black CS and double punched the small and large ovals to create the kinks in the cord.  The background icicles were created with Tombow Multi glue and clear chunky glitter.

Roly Poly Santa

This is the cutest roly poly bouncing Santa.  He was an icon I found on the internet last year and I asked Jackie Topa if she could make it into a punch art design and she is so brilliant cause in just a couple of day this cute little guy was in my email.

I know you are probably pretty sick of me using glitter, but I just had to.  I really can't stop myself.  Is there a support group out there for people with my addiction? All kidding aside, I just love glitter....just ask anyone that knows me....they can see me coming from miles away, I sparkle so much. And don't think you can walk around barefoot in my studio...well I guess you can...but be forewarned it is NOT a glitter free zone.  I should make a sign that says that...LOL.

Anyway on to the card.  Again I must tempt you with using SU's red Glimmer Paper (new Occasions Mini Jan 4th).  The punches are too many to list, but I do have instructions, if you want to email me at sherrysinknstamps@yahoo.com I will be happy to send them to you.

Glimmering Santa

I've seen many versions of this card for the last couple of years.  I think it is just adorable.  The version I liked the best was by Cindy Lawrence (I'm not sure what her blog address is). As is usual with me, I didn't have some of the things Cindy used in her card, and of course I wanted to put my own spin on  my card and you must know that means I gotta add GLITTER!!! And yes, I had to use SU's new Red Glimmer Paper (available Jan 4th) for Santa's hat.  Oh powers that be....Please, please, please make many, many colors of Glimmer Paper. OK on to this card...I didn't have a swirly embossing folder like Cindy used on her card, so I decided to use the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder.  I added clear chunky glitter to the flower centers, to add just a touch of sparkle to the trim on the hat and beard.. I made the moustache from the 2-step bird punch, and used the leaves from that same punch to add the greenery. I hope you enjoy my version, please leave a comment if you do.

Glimmering Ornaments

Months ago I used my Mom's Bella Toile #111598 Background Stamp and created  a variety of backgrounds to use at a later time.  When I was deciding what to post on Monday, I thought about these beautiful backgrounds I had stashed.  I had a hard time choosing which one to use, but in the end I chose this awesome gold on gold background made with Brushed Gold CS #102935 and Gold Embossing Powder #109129. Then the decision was 'what to do with this gorgeous background?' I'm still in a Christmas mood so I wanted to use the ornament punch @119847.  And what would look better than red glitter.  So out comes Stampin' Up's new red Glimmer Paper #121790....oh but wait you don't have any do you?  I'm so sorry to be tempting you like that.  Really, I am.  You can order it from me on Jan 4th. This new Glimmer Paper is just delicious and the glitter doesn't flake off and get everywhere.  It's just the best! Ya gotta get some...won't it be great for Valentine's Day?

Golden Elements of Style

The base of this card was actually a reject!  I know....can you believe it?  It's so g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s NOW!  There are several steps to making this card ...let me explain:

I took the base (Very Vanilla Textured CS #119951) and drug VersaMark #102283 embossing ink across all 4 edges then dusted with Gold Embossing Powder #109129 and heat set with the Heat Tool #00005.  On the next layer 3 3/4" x 5" I added 3/4" strips of adhesive tape around all 4 edges then added Champagne Fine Galaxy Glitter #114286.  The art layer 3 x 4 1/4 was stamped with the floral image from Elements of Style #120045 (c) in VersaMark, then dusted with Gold Embossing Powder and heat set.  I colored the floral image with a blender pen and Blushing Bride #119676, So Saffron #105225, Marina Mist119787, and Pear Pizzazz #119674 ink refills.  Dimension was added to the art piece by lightly adding Baja Breeze #111844 ink refill with a blender pen around the edge of the floral image blending it out towards the edge of the paper.

Personalized Stationary with Elizabeth

Well, I must admit my inspiration was missing in action today, but when I saw the card Sandi MacIver  posted on Tuesday I knew what I wanted to do.  I didn't have everything that Sandi used, so I kinda had to ad lib a bit, but I think it turned out really pretty.  So sometimes it doesn't matter that you can't make it exactly...go ahead and put your own spin on it. In the end, it's these little differences that set us apart. I'm not going to give out all the dimensions and details as this was Sandi's Countdown to Christmas #9 project. So just hop on over to her blog and signup for her Christmas Newsletter and get directions from her.  I will tell you the supplies I used that were different: Jayne's Type alphabet for the initial #114401 , the 1" circle punch #119868, the large oval punch #119855 and the Champagne Fine Galaxy Glitter #114286.  Wouldn't a set of these make a great gift for friends and family this Christmas.

Punch Art Santa Box

 

These adorable Bitty Boxes were inspired by Creations by Patti Lee  (directions can be found on Patti's blog).  The only thing I did differently was I used the new Red Glimmer Paper #121790 $3.95 (2 sheets) to cover the top of the box.  I am so excited about this paper.  It's covered in red glitter and it doesn't rub off.  No glitter flaking off, no glitter everywhere and you can cut it with any of our dies, you can cut it with our punches or use our paper trimmer.  It's so nice to have a beautiful glitter paper that doesn't create a mess by getting glitter all over everything.  I sure hope Stampin' Up! will create more colors in the future.

Glimmering Santa

A couple of days ago I posted a similar card.  It was inspired by one of my favorite punch art designers Valita's Designs and Fresh Folds. This card is larger measuring 4" x 9".  I've also used the new Red Glimmer Paper #121790 $3.95.  I increased the size of all components.  Body 3.5" Circle Sizzix Die 121811 $17.95; head 2.5" circle punch #120906 $16.95; Beard 2 3/8" Scallop Circle #118874 $16.95; Hat 1.75" Circle #119850 $16.95; Shoes Ornament punch #119847 $16.95; Moustache Curly Label #119851 $16.95 and Decorative Label punches #120907 $16.95; nose and pom pom 3/4" circle #119873 $10.95.

Sneaky Peeeeeek!!! Create a Cupcake Gift Card Holder

I am so happy that Stampin' Up! is making so many adorable stamp sets and matching punches. This gift card holder with the belly band is showcasing the Create-a-Cupcake stamp set #121982 (C) $16.95 and the Build a Cupcake punch #121807 $16.95 in the new Occasions Mini available Jan 4th - April 30th, 2011. I used one of the Builder Wheels, Candle Crazy #118618 $4.50 to decorate the belly band. The cupcake was stamped on Cherry cobbler with VersaMark and embossed with White embossing powder.  The 'Icing" on the cupcake is stamped on Whisper White with Cherry Cobbler.  The sprinkles are stamped in VersaMark and embossed with white embossing powder, then a dab of 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds tops the cupcake sprinkles. The Build a Cupcake punch is fabulous, not only does it punch out the cupcake and icing, but a candle, cherry and sprinkles taking all of the tedious cutting out of the process. I'd love to send you a new Occasions Mini catalog. Drop me an email and let me know you'd like one.

Sneaky Peeeeeeeek - Bliss - Sale-a-Bration

Here is another SNEAK PEEK of a stamp set that you will be able to get for FREE with a $50.00 purchase beginning Jan 25th - Mar 31, 2011. This set is called Bliss and has 5 different stamp designs in it. The tag was heat embossed with VersaMark and White Embossing Powder.  The large butterfly from Beautiful Butterflies Sizzix Die is Whisper White CS cover in Deck the Halls DPS, the run through the Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. The I took a brayer with VersaMark on it and ran over the butter too apply VersaMark to the raised areas, they applied Gold Embossing powder and heat set with Stampin' Up's Heat Tool. The smaller butterfly is stamped with VersaMark onto Brushed Gold CS, sprinkled with Gold Embossing powder and heat set. (sorry pic of the Brushed Gold Cs don't do justice).  It'ss all tied together with Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, and 2 of the newest seam binding ribbon in Cherry Cobbler and Pear Pizzazz.

Jolly St Nick

This is the cutest, little guy! Valita's Designs and Fresh Folds designed this cutie from a Christmas decoration she purchased. I couldn't wait to make it.  I did do a couple of things a little different, but all in all the basic design is the same. Please check out the link to Valita's blog above to watch her video and get directions. Valita's directions are the best and most thorough.

Video - Metal Sheet Decorated Pillar Candle

I had several people ask me how I created the decorated candle I posted about a week ago. A video is below.  Embossing folders are by Stampin' Up!

Glimmer-ing Christmas Tree

This is a really cute card and so very easy to make.  The inspiration came from Connie Babbert, I believe.  The patterns for how you fold the 1/2 circle is on her blog. I used a sheet of Pear Pizzaz from the Hostess In-Color paper stack.  It is studded with an assortment of the new glimmer brads.  The card layers are real red and Whisper White CS embossed with the Big Shot and the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder. It's ties with a beautiful real red Grosgrain ribbon.

SNEAK PEEK - Build-a-Bloom

Here is a sneak peak from the upcoming Occasions Mini at one of the new GO-R-G-E-O-U-S stamp sets called Build a Blossom #121994c $18.95.  It even has a coordinating punch, the Blossom Petals punch #121808 $16.95 that cuts out all of the petals and leaves and flower centers.  Isn't it just so beautiful?  I knew when I first saw it in a preview of the new Occasions Mini, (available January 4th) exactly what colors I wanted to use and what I wanted to do with this set (it has 12 stamps in it yikes!). I paired it with Blushing Bride CS #119796 $6.96 and ink #119786 $5.95, Pear Pizzazz CS #119795 $6.96 and ink#119784 $5.95, Presto Patterns DSP #117175 $11.95 and Cherry Cobbler ink #119669 $5.95.  Are you wondering how I got the glittered detail?  It's done with two-step stamping.  It's made very easy with this stamp set.  I used Heat and Stick Powder #100625 $4.50, a heat tool #100005 $29.95 and once it turns shiny, I sprinkled pink Fine Supernova Glitter #114287 $13.95 (for 5 colors) on top then heat set again.  Stampin' Up's Heat and stick powder is the best thing since sliced bread as far as I'm concerned....no fuss, no mess, no glitter flaking off.   The second picture shows the side view and how I created dimension with the petals.  I wish I could show you the stamp set, but I can't until Jan. 4th.  Let me know you want an Occasions Mini Catalog and I will mail one to you. Then starting January 4th, I'll be able to take your order for this stamp set and punch as well as many other fabulous stamps, paper and accessories only available from Stampin' Up!

Watercolor Wonder Crayons Now Available-Because I Care

The lovely card was made using a technique I had never tried before. Cardstock used was Cherry Cobbler #119685 $6.95 and Blushing Bride #119796 $6.95. The Hydranga  from the Level I Hostess Stamp set Because I Care # 120118 was colored with Watercolor Wonder Crayons (now Available p. 194 $16.95) and misted with Frost White Shimmer Paint #116854 $5.95 mixed with a few drops rubbing alcohol. Once the image was stamped, I used a 2-way glue pen #100425 $3.50 to add Dazzling Diamonds #102023 $4.50 to the leaves and flower centers.

Jolly Elf

Well I fell in love with this little guy one day last week. I was checking out blogs and came across the cutest elf  on Marie Shaughnessy's blog.  Her post was from Nov 2009 I think....but how could this little guy not put a huge smile on your face.  It's one of those cards that just makes you giggle the whole time you are making it.  The punches used are many (17+ I think), so I will just direct you to Marie's blog.  You can click on the link I created above and get her tutorial.  Thanks Marie, for putting a smile on my face!

Joy with Deck the Halls

This was a very fast and easy card.  Again, made with left over pieces of Deck the Halls DSP #120810 $9.95.  This paper is just to pretty not to use every little scrap of paper..  The card base is Crumb Cake CS #120953 $6.95.  I used Cherry Cobbler CS #119685 $6.95 as my accent color.  The word 'Joy' was just begging for some Red Fine Galaxy Glitter #114286 $13.95 (5 colors).  Presto Chango!  A card that is something special. Inspiration for this card came from SandiMacIver.com. Thanks, Sandi!

Manhattan Flower - Happy Birthday to a Dear, Dear Friend

My Life has been enriched with many opportunities and with many people through stamping and being a part of the Stampin' Up! Family.  Stamping has brought a closeness with many friends all through the love of stamping and bring creative.  There is one special friend that I met just a couple of months ago.  He name is Carrie and today is her birthday.  I won't tell you how old she is (but shhhhhhh don't tell anyone, she is celebrating the 11th anniversary of her 29th Birthday).  Recently she signed up as my one of downline, but regardless whether she had joined my team or not, she has become one of my closest and dearest friends.  We are constantly realizing that we have so many things in common. This candle and matching card are her Birthday present.  I've already given it to her, so you won't spoil any surprise if you wish her Happy Birthday.  I used the Manhattan Flower #114517 $7.95 and Vintage Wallpaper #120175 $7.95  Embossing Folders and some black and red metal sheets to decorate a large candle and make a matching card.  I hope your Birthday brings you all you so richly deserve....Happy Birthday Carrie, my friend.

Markers on the Edge Technique Video

I posted a card similar to this before, but today I'm posting a video on how to create the two-tone look with the inking.  I've seen the 'thumping' and 'dauber ti stamp technique', but this technique allows you to get more detail.  Take a look at this video and let me know what you think. Did you notice that in the card I matched the embossing and also embossed the strip of ribbon  Want to know how I got such detail in the embossed ribbon?  Let me know!

Inlaid Embossing Technique

These gorgeous cards were designed for my Workshop WOW presentation at Stampin' Up!s Ft Worth Regional Convention. I wanted to develop a different way to use embossing powder. The art piece on each card is embossed with multiple layers. If you would like to have a copy of the technique instructions, please select the button below. Instructions are $5.00.

Card for Gift Set

This Card is the last piece of the gifts I showcased this week.  All items in this set are made with the same recipe:

• Movers and Shapers Sizzix Die #114506 $42.95 with Ornament Magnetic shaper116827 $29.95 (set of 4) 
• Real  Red CS #102482 $6.95
• Thick Window Sheets #114324 $6.95
• Petals-s-Plenty Embossing Folder #116824 $7.95
• Sincere Salutations #115068 $23.95
• Leaf Lines #114393 $20.95
• VersaMark Ink #102282 $7.50
• Gold Embossing Powder #109129 $4.75
• Ornament Punch #119847 $16.95
• 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon p. 191 $9.95

I hope you enjoyed this gift set this week.


Remember there are only a few day left to take advantage of the Online Spectacular that will end on November 30th.  The 50% off sale of the Demonstrator Kit will end the also.  These two sales are something you do not want to miss.  Please contact me if you have questions at all (sherrysinknstamps@yahoo.com).

Pillow Box

This Pillow Box is only one part of a set of gifts and card that I will showcase the rest of this week.  All items in this set are made with the same recipe:

• Pillow Box Sizzix Die #113466 $19.95
• Real  Red CS #102482 $6.95
• Thick Window Sheets #114324 $6.95
• Petals-s-Plenty Embossing Folder #116824 $7.95
• Sincere Salutations #115068 $23.95
• Leaf Lines #114393 $20.95
• VersaMark Ink #102282 $7.50
• Gold Embossing Powder #109129 $4.75
• Ornament Punch #119847 $16.95
• 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon p. 191 $9.95

Stay tuned the rest of the week for the remainder of this gift set.

Fancy Favor Box

This Fancy Favor box is only one part of a set of gifts and card that I will showcase the rest of this week.  All items in this set are made with the same recipe:

• Fancy Favor Box Sizzix Die #115965 $39.95
• Real  Red CS #102482 $6.95
• Thick Window Sheets #114324 $6.95
• Sincere Salutations #115068 $23.95
• Leaf Lines #114393 $20.95
• VersaMark Ink #102282 $7.50
• Gold Embossing Powder #109129 $4.75
• Ornament Punch #119847 $16.95
• 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon p. 191 $9.95

Stay tuned the rest of the week for the remainder of this gift set.

Gift Box of Tags

The gift box of tags is only one part of a set of gifts and card that I will showcase the rest of this week.  All items in this set are made with the same recipe:

• Real  Red CS #102482 $6.95
• Very Vanilla CS #101650 $8.50
• Old Olive CS #100702 $6.95
• Thick Window Sheets #114324 $6.95
• Sincere Salutations #115068 $23.95
• Leaf Lines #114393 $20.95
• VersaMark Ink #102282 $7.50
• Gold Embossing Powder #109129 $4.75
• Extra Large Scallop Circle Punch #118874 $16.95
• Decorative Label Punch #120907  $ 16.95
• Ornament Punch #119847 $16.95
• 1/8" ribbon p.191 $5.95
• 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon p. 191 $9.95

Stay tuned the rest of the week for the remainder of this gift set.

Sliding and Spinning Reindeer

I am having so much fun with the Owl Punch.  Check out the video below.  I made a Reindeer out of the Owl Punch.  Inspiration for the spinner card came from Dawn Griffith and a video she did a little over a year ago.  I hope you enjoy my video.

Christmas Postcard

This was a really fun card to make and very easy to make.  In case you're asking yourself, "does Sherry like glitter", you only have to look at the last few posts to find the answer.  Well, YES I love glitter. And I'm loving the Chunky Glitter #108797 $15.95 (4 colors) that SU makes.  The sparkle is so pretty, no matter what color I use or how I use it. I started out stamping the Christmas Postcard stamp #121428 $9.95 in Black StazOn #101406 $7.95 and coloring the image using the Stampin' Write Markers #119806 $109.95 (38 markers). I covered the colored image with VersaMark #102283 $7.50 and the Heat and Stick powder #100625 $4.50, and get set with the Heat Tool #100005 $29.95.  Then I added the clear Chucky Glitter over the entire colored image.  I cut the image out using the Oval Frame Sizzix Die #114521 $19.95 and the Big Shot #113439 $99.95.  I placed the image so that the inside oval would cut out the image.  I framed the oval with 2 of the large scalloped circles from the Scallop Circles #2 Die #113469 $19.95 I used a 8 1/2 x 4 1/4 " piece of Very Vanilla #101650 $8.50 for the card base.  I folded the card at 3", creating an offset opening. On the 3" side I glues down a scrap piece of the Deck The Halls DSP #120810 $9.95.  To finish the card I placed it in the middle over lapping the 3" edge, allowing for a unique way to open the card....and a very good way to use scrap piece of card stock and DSP.

Santa Owl is loaded down!

I hope you think this tag is as cute as I do.  I had so much fun making it.  The Owl Punch #118074 $16.95 can be used to create so many adorable characters.  It just make me smile every time I use it.  I used the Two Tags Sizzix Die #115954 $21.95 as the base for the tag and put the Snowflake #2 #113460 $15.95 cut with the Big Shot #113439 $99.95 and covered in Chunky Glitter #108797 $15.95 to add a little substance to the tag.  I think this would also make an adorable decoration for the tree as well as a tag for a gift. The tree is from Fast and Fun Notes Stamp Set #113500 $33.95.  I stamped it in StazOn #101406 $7.95 and colored it with ink and a blender pen #102845 $9.95.  I went back with the 2-way glue pen #100425 $3.50 and added some glitter from the Fine Galaxy#114286 $13.95 and Fine Supernova #114287 $13.95 Glitter Collections.  Santa is made from Real Red #102482 $6.95, Whisper White #100730 $8.50 and Basic Black #121045 $6.95 CS.  His hat is made from the wing in the 2 step bird punch #117191 $16.95.  Santa's bag of goodies is made from Chocolate Chip #102128 $6.96 CS and the Wide Oval Punch #119859 $16.95 and then edge of the Scallop Square Punch #119884 $16.95.  Santa's bag is tied up with Linen Thread #104199 $4.50.  The "ho ho ho" was stamped using the Rough Type (which I now realize is retired, sorry) Stamp Set.

Chunky Snowflake

This card was so easy to make I am almost embarrassed to post it.  But it is so gorgeous I just had to share.  I used the negative to the Snowflake #2 die #113460 $15.95. I cut it from a piece of cardboard covered with Bashful Blue CS #105120 $6.95. Once I cut out the snowflake (to use on a project you'll see tomorrow) I decided I just couldn't throw the negative image away, so I covered it with Two-Way Glue Pen #100425 $3.50, then sprinkled chunky silver glitter #108797 $15.95 all over.  Once it was dry, I mounted it on a  4.25 x 5.5 piece of Brushed Silver CS #100712 $7.95.  To get the White Organza ribbon this luscious color of blue, I used the Bashful Blue ink pad #105209 $5.95 and a sponge wedge to apply ink to the ribbon.  When it was dry, I wrapped it around the Brushed Silver CS and tied it in a bow.  I stamped the sentiment from the Peaceful Season Level 2 Hostess Stamp Set in VersaMark ink #102283 $7.50 on Bashful Blue CS and heat embossed with Silver Embossing Powder #109131 $4.75 using the Heat Tool #100005 $29.95. I cut the sentiment out using the Ovals Sizzix Die #114525 $15.95.  Using the two-way Glue Pen around the edge,  I added the Chunky Silver Glitter to tie the card altogether.

Just Believe in Shimmer

I love this technique.  It is so much fun using Shimmer paint  and Stampin' Pastels in a way that you wouldn't normally think about.  I hope you enjoy the video below.  I'd love for you to leave a comment.

Wow! I am so grateful!

Thanksgiving Pumpkin

I just wanted to take the opportunity to "Thank" everyone who visits my blog.  I never realized when I started blogging that so many people would actually want to look at my work.  I really love what I do and of course my Mom thinks everything I do is the greatest (but great Mom's are like that). I just never realized that so many others would take time from their busy schedules to view my projects and cards. I have had messages from people all over the world...Sweden, France, England, all across the US (more than 7,000 visits from people in the US).... From the map I have on my blog I see that people have visited from India, Africa, So America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Russia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Romania, literally, from all across this world of ours.  I love it when you visit, so please let me know you stopped by.  I have made many friends just because they stopped by to say "Hi".  Thanks again!  Sherry

Season's Greetings

I wanted to do a Christmas card, but I wanted to do a card with non-traditional colors.  I just love the richness of Rich Razzleberry Textured CS #119942 $6.95.  I also used Basic Black # 121045 $6.95 as my first layer. I used the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335 $7.95 to add texture to the Rich Razzleberry layer.  I cut a Scallop Circle in Whisper White #100730 $8.50 using the Scallop Circle #2 Sizzix Die #113469 $19.95. Then used my Circle Scissor Plus #112530 $29.95 (and the glass cutting mat #112531 $19.95) to cut a 3" circle out of the textured Rich Razzleberry. I stamped the Dove from the Peaceful Season (Hostess) stamp set in Rich Razzleberry ink 115658 $5.95 and cut it out and popped it up opn dimensionals on top of the Season' Greeting's sentiment from the same set.  I stamped it in VersaMark #102283 $7.50 Ink and heat set (Heat Tool #100005 $29.95) using Gold Embossing Powder #109129 $4.75. It is all tied up with a beautiful know made with 5/8" Organza Ribbon #114319 $5.95.

Nearing 20,000 Visitors

We have a Winner!!!!!!!

I need to post a disclaimer before I award this prize package, one person that posted 2 messages was an SU Demonstrator and disqualified herself.  I appreciated it as this contest was for people that were not SU Demos.

Babe O'Mara said...Hi, Congrats on all your hits!!! I'm a subscriber, and I loved your lighted Christmas Tree card. Just gorgeous!! Of course the nurse owl was precious too. I love all the inspiration I get from your blog. Keep up the good work....Babe

Babe Please contact me with your address, so I can get your prize package out in the mail to you.   Thanks for following my work.

Just a few short weeks ago I only had 2,300 visitors to my blog.  So I started posting regularly and letting people know about my creations and look what has happened. I'm over 19,000 today  So in honor of this accomplishment I'll be giving aways some awesome blog candy.  Two stamp sets, two ink pads, 2 spools of ribbon and a scallop trim border punch.  These prizes will be given away by random drawing just for leaving a comment on this post, for telling me which of my creations you LOVE the best and you must be a subscriber or follower of my blog.  This contest for blog candy is for non-demonstrators only, please.

Be sure you meet the criteria:
1. Leave a comment
2. Tell me which of my creations you LOVE the best.
3. Leave information that lets me know you subscribe or follow my blog.

Good Luck!

Christmas Collage

This card it simply G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S! I gold embossed the Christmas Collage #121279 stamp (found in the Holiday Mini Catalog) on Glossy CS #102599 $5.95 and heat set. Then brayered (brayer #102395 $12.50) Cherry Cobbler #119669 $6.95 and Pink Pirouette #111838 $6.95 ink to create the gradient effect of the colors. I stamped the '25' again and the sentiment from Sincere Salutations #115068 $23.95 in Cherry Cobbler and then covered them in VersaMark #102283 $7.50 and Iridescent Ice #101930 $4.75 embossing powder and heat set with the Stampin' Up heat tool #100005 $29.95.  I really wanted to add some ribbon, but I didn't want to cover up any of the beautiful art on this stamp.  So I just left it as is.  This would be a stunning card to mass produce for your family and friends.

Courage

Update: I posted this card originally just a little less than a month ago.  Sine then I have received many wonderful emails about my card and the thoughts that went with it.  In light of this week we will be celebrating Veteran's Day.This is a card I have been wanting to do for a very long time.  Just recently I was lucky enough to be able to get this stamp set and I couldn't wait to get some ink on it.  You see, I travel a lot and every airport I am in I see men and women coming or going from their tour of duty.  I always stop and tell them 'Thank You', but I have always wanted to do more to show my appreciation.  I know that my little card won't really make a difference in the larger scheme of things....but I just want to do something more to show I appreciate their sacrifice.

This card was made with Always Artichoke and Black CS. I stamped the Courage stamp set in Black StazOn, colored the stamp with Stampin Write Markers and a white gel pen.  Attached a piece of Always Artichoke Grosgrain ribbon and tacked it down with a corduroy brad that I colored with the Always Artichoke marker.

Owl Nurse

I knew instantly when I saw Jennifer Eby's recent card that I had to make this card.  My daughter, who is an RN and Director of Nursing at a Nursing and Rehabilitation facility, just had major surgery on her neck last week.  So this was the perfect card for her. Of course I used the Owl punch #118074 $16.95 to make the nurse.  She is made with Crumb Cake #120953 $6.95 and Whisper White #10030 $8.50.  Don't you just love her blue (Pacific Point #111350 $6.95) eye shadow and nurse's cap (the owl's vest)  I giggled the whole time I was making this card. I had so much fun! The tree was cut freehand from Crumb Cake and sponged heavily with Early Espresso Ink #119670 $5.95.  I took a pen on the backside of the limb and made the texture on it.  The tree branches and leaves are from the 2-step bird punch #117191 $16.95. I used Glossy # 102599 $5.95 CS, Marina Mist Ink #119668 $5.95, a sponge #101610 $3.50 and a scalloped circle to create the sky background.  I love making a sky like this. It is so much fun and always looks spectacular. Thanks for the inspiration Jennifer!

This is a very simple and fast card, but really is very pretty. I forget that I have this Sizzix die (Movers and Shapers #114506 $42.95 with the Holiday Windows Ornament #116821 $29.95). You can do so many thing with the windows that can be cut.  I chose the ornament window to go with the ornament punch #119847 $16.95.  I punched the ornaments out of Pear Pizzazz #119795 $6.95. I stamped the holly from Leaf Lines and added red Fine Galaxy Glitter pack #114286 $13.95.  The sentiment is from  the Hostess set Occasional Quotes #120142 and punched out with the Decorative Label punch #120907 $16.95. The border around the sentiment is designed from 2 of the Decorative Label punched designs and split into to create the enlarged border around the punch. It's all tied off with a piece of 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Real Red #119251 $5.95.

Deck the Halls with Peace and Joy

These cards use a piece of the Deck the Halls DSP.  I used some scrap pieces I had left over from other projects. I tried 4 times this weekend to edit a video showing you how I made these cards, but 4 times I lost the video because the program crashed.  So maybe later this week I will surprise you with a video if I can get it edited and posted without problems.  I'm not usually a quitter, but today takes the cake.  So, on to the card....Other than the DSP I used Very Vanilla #101650 $8.50 and Cherry Cobbler #119685 $6.95 CS.  I stamped the Very Vanilla background with the Elements of Style flourish #120045 $19.95, and sponged all edges with Crumb Cake ink #121030 and a sponge #101610 $3.50. It's all tied up with a beautiful bow made from 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Old Olive #115618 $9.95 and a gorgeous flower made using the Circles #2 Sizzix Die #114526 $ 15.95 and synthetic fabric.  I learned to make this flower from Tammy Fite's Christmas Newsletter.

Presto - Delightful Decorations

This card really was so it and fast.  It was like snapping your fingers and Presto!  I used the Presto Patterns DSP #117175, $11.95  as the background layer on top of Old Olive CS #100702, $6.95  The layer with the Delightful Decorations #116517, $21.95 is gold embossing powder on vellum. The card was dressed up with basic pearls #1192 47, $4.95 and 3/8"Certainly Celery Taffeta ribbon #118863, $6.95.

Presto Patterns - Christmas Candles All a Glo

The idea for this card came from a Christmas newsletter I received from Terri at Nutz About Stamping.  She is so creative.  She even does a video every Sunday using the Big Shot.  I so look forward to her videos.  This card highlights a unique way to use the Decorative Edge #120907, $16.95 punch to make the candles.  In her newsletter she used the small end of the punch to make 3 candles on her card.  I used the long edge to make a wider candle and used the design on a scrap of Presto Patterns DSP #117175, $11.95 to add interest to my candle design (Cherry Cobbler ink #119669, $5.95 and a sponge #101610, $3.50 to add the color).  I used a piece or Presto Patterns also for the background (Old Olive #102277 ink $5.95 and a sponge #101610, $3.50 to add the color).  The holly leaves come form the Peaceful Season #121124 Hostess set. It was all wrapped up in a piece or 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon # 119771, $9.95 and tied in a beautiful bow, then mounted on a base of Old Olive #100702, $6.95 CS on the Whisper White #100730, $8.50 card base.