DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Wednesday Spotlight - Pretty Pumpkins

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

Yeah!!!  It's Hump Day!!  Thankfully this is an "off-Friday" week for me from work; and I'm gonna need it after the week I've had going here!!  My "real job" has been unbelievably stressful and chaotic this week.  I need a Real Vacation is what I need!!!  LOL

 

We finished up our Coffee & a Card virtual class series today that focused on the Pretty Pumpkins Bundle!!  We have been having so much fun!!  Have you thought about signing up and joining us?? - It's easy!!  Check out all the details for our next Coffee & a Card Virtual Class series HERE.

 

So having wound up our current bundle focus class today, I wanted to bring it forward to the blog, and create a really special design to share with everyone!

This design is the culmination of a number of pieces of inspiration I have seen online, and I sat down to take all the parts I love and meld them into one beautiful card!

This design centers around three basic colors - Cajun Craze, Basic Gray and Very Vanilla - which I played off of with Black and Rose Gold woven in.

The card base is Cajun Craze, cut 4-1/2" x 11", scored @ 5-1/2".

I then snuck in a piece of Rose Gold Metallic specialty for a hint of glimmer around the outside edge.

Then I cut a 3-7/8" x 5-1/8" piece of the gray/vanilla scattered leaves image paper from the Simply Elegant Specialty DSP collection, and matted it against a piece of 4" x 5-1/4" Basic Gray Cardstock.  That layered panel was wrapped with a piece of 1/4" Black & White Gingham Ribbon before being adhered to the Rose Gold panel and attached to the card front.  I then tied a bow near the base of that centered ribbon to give me a point to work off of for the rest of the design.

 

Then, to make sure I got things line up just the way I wanted, I actually cut a 5-1/8" x 3-7/8" piece of Basic Gray cardstock; die cut the one end with the scallop in the Scalloped Contours Dies.  Then I set the piece so I could "eyeball" where I wanted it to sit above the tied bow, measured, and ended up cutting 1-1/4" off the opposite end - then adhered it to the panel (sliding it underneath the wrapped ribbon so it would look like it was part of the initial layering). - I love how this turned out, allowing a nice piece of the designer paper to show, without overwhelming the overall design.

 

Then I added a "square" layer to the upper portion of the card - 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" Cajun Craze cardstock; then a panel of Very Vanilla cardstock measuring 3-5/8" x 3-5/8" which I then embossed with the Timber 3D Embossing Folder, sponged lightly with Smoky Slate ink, before popping it with dimensionals in place over the previous layers.

I then cut 3 tags using the Tailor Made Tags Dies, alternating the 3 sizes using Cajun Craze, and Basic Gray.  The top tag is stamped with this simple sentiment from the Sparkle of the Season stamp set, in Versamark, embossed with Gold Emboss Powder.

The tall pumpkin is cut from Black Glitter Specialty Paper; and the smaller pumpkin cut from Rose Gold Specialty paper.

The bottom spray of leaves/flowers, is colored with Smoky Slate and Cajun Craze Stampin' Blends, and popped in place.

 

I really love how this card turned out.  I love the rich colors; and how different this feels.  Instead of the typical autumnal colors, it feels fresh to me!

However, I wish I had used Basic Gray for the leaves on the pumpkins instead of Soft Succulent -- what do you think ??

I hope you are feeling inspired after today's creative sharing!  And ready to snag these gorgeous stamp sets.

 

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

 

Terrific Tuesdays ~ Cute Halloween "Jam" Jar Holder

Hello Fellow Stampers ~~

Happy Tuesday everyone!!  We're feeling rather "exhausted" today; one of my "bad" days in this Covid recovery unfortunately!  I'm trying to push through; but I may give up and take a nap in awhile -- LOL

Today I want to share a fun little project from our Halloween Class this past Saturday; but before I do, just a couple quick promotions to remind you about -- both SU!  and DDS Studios fun!!!

 

ANNUAL STUDIO CLEAN OUT ~~ HALLOWEEN SALE!!!

Are you looking for those retired items; or just a good deal!

Check out my Annual Studio Clean Out Sale Page. 

Products are already up to 50% off their original pricing; and NOW through October 31st, take an additional 31% off all listed prices on my sale page!

Check out my Annual Studio Clean Out Sale HERE!!

 

NOVEMBER PAPER PUMPKIN CUTENESS!!

"Oh What Fun!!"

Our upcoming November Paper Pumpkin Kit, "Oh, What Fun!", is full of sweet cuteness, and will help you create 9 little snowmen gift boxes ~~  or be creative, and take the supplies in the box and create your own paper crafting designs!!  That's the wonderfulness of Paper Pumpkin!! 

All inclusive kits to help your creativity!

Sign Up today by either clicking on the image above or HERE!!  Sign up for this box ends at midnight November 10th!!

 

COMING SOON!!!

Your chance to get a beautiful product suite from the new catalog coming January 2nd!  Why wait!! 

You can get this gorgeous suite beginning November 2nd!! 

More information to follow next week!

 

Have you seen the cute jar and holder at the top center of page 50 in your July - December Mini Catalog, and wondered about it?

Well, the adorable little holder, is the perfect size for our Mini Jam Jars (Annual Catalog, pg. 137), and is all dolled up in time for Halloween.

After some trial and error, and much figuring . . . LOL  . . .  I'm going to share this adorable little holder with you today, and hope you'll find a use for it with the holidays coming up!!

I cut this holder from Thick Whisper White cardstock; then decorated and reinforced it before adding the cute little jar full of treats.

It's not too hard once you get the measuring and scoring figure out.  So let me walk you through it.

 

A piece of cardstock cut 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"

Score on the short end (going vertically) at 1-1/2" and 4"

Score on the long side (going horizontally) at 1-1/2", 4" - and then at 6-1/2" but scoring only just up to the 1-1/2" score line; and then only from the 4" score line to the outside (do not cross the 6-1/2" score line all the way across like the others).

You are going to cut on the vertical score lines (both 1-1/2" and 4") from the top down to the 6-1/2" score line and then out to the edge and remove that piece on both sides.

Once you have done that, then go ahead and snip on the vertical score lines again (both 1-1/2" and 4") just down to the horizontal 4" score line.

Then coming up from the bottom on the two vertical score lines, just up to the 1-1/2" horizontal score line.

Fold all your scores with the bumps to the inside, and you'll see very quickly how the lower box flaps fold in and come together.

Before you seal the backboard, as I call it -- LOL - cover it with a piece of DSP that measures 4-3/8" x 2-1/2"; and cover the back with a piece of Basic Black cardstock that measures the same.  Then I rounded the top two corners, before folding it up and attaching it at the bottom back of the formed box.

I have a piece of DSP on all 3 sides of the box measuring 2-1/2" x 1-1/2"

Then I cut a 1/4" x 12" piece of Black Glitter paper, and formed it around the top and bottom edges (all 3 sides), gluing in place, and snipping to fit.

I then wrapped a piece of 1/4" Black & White Gingham Ribbon around the entire center of the box (back side too), and tied a bow.

I created my own shred by cutting tissue paper in coordinating colors to the DSP, and created a nice little "nest" for my Mini Jam Jar.

For the top I used the Layering Circles Dies, and created a layered sentiment that was stamped in Versamark ink on Basic Black cardstock, and embossed with white emboss powder.  It's topped off with a cute little kitty from the Cutest Halloween stamp set.

And here's my cute little Mini Jam Jar with matching Halloween M&M's in it.

My gals told me on Saturday that I must have called the M&M's company and had them make me a special batch in Gorgeous Grape, Granny Apple Green and Pumpkin Pie because the color coordination was extraordinary!!  🤣😂🤣😂

 

I hope you have fun with this.  Let me know if you have questions.

 

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

 

Mix-It Up Mondays ~~ Frightfully Cute Card Coordination

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

Happy Monday !  Mondays are NOT my favorite day!  And today has proven out to be one of THOSE Mondays!!  I'll be glad when this particular week is over.  

I'm working like mad over here to catch up from September!  I find I am making some progress in that regard.  With November right around the corner, I'm feeling the pressure of the Holidays looming, and know I have a lot to accomplish in the next 45+ days.  I'm sure you all are mulling over your growing lists of crafting and planning.  Yikes!  Time is flying!

 

Last week I promised you a card to follow up our Frightfully Cute Gift Box.  I had thought I'd post it up last Tuesday; but I found that didn't really work out, and decided to hold it for today instead.  We're at our 4th week of our 4 Weeks of Halloween; and I'm hoping to share a little fun with you from our "in-person" Annual Halloween class this past weekend as well!! 

Today's card CASE's aspects of last week's gift box, changing a few small elements, and making it workable for the front of a card.

 

For this card, I cut a Thick Basic White card base, 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored @ 4-1/4".

There is a piece of Basic Black cardstock measuring 3-7/8" x 5-1/2".  Then I took a piece of designer series paper from the Cute Halloween DSP, that is a simple black and white scattered dot image, and using a blending brush, colored it with Pumpkin Pie classic ink.  This is such an easy way to change up a black and white designer paper for your designs.

That layering is wrapped with a piece of 3/8" Black Glittered Organdy ribbon before I adhered it to the card front.

From there I created the focal point panel; another piece of designer paper from the same collection, this one the black background with the fun "boo's" scattered across, cut 4-1/4" x 2-1/4".

I selected the Basic Gray and White pinstripe pattern from that collection to cut the fences. Note that I stayed true to the "directional" up and down stripes of the paper for these fence die cuts.  It's very cool to see the gray striping on the fences.

Because this panel is slightly longer than the one on last week's box, I was able to leave a little "gap" in the fence this time for the Smoky Slate die cut tre.

And this time I cut a straight Basic Black moon, for my White embossed witch to fly across. 

I also carried over the Black Glitter Paper spider web tacked to the back of the panel like you see on the box belly band.

The finished center panel, with its White Embossed sentiment, is popped with dimensionals on the center of the card, and finished with Matte Black Dots, Cute Stars Adhesive-Backed Sequins, and a faux bow.

 

Taking a page from up-upline, Mary Fish, you just can't have a "naked" envelope; and there's is nothing easier or prettier than the Basic Borders Dies, to cut a pretty edge to your envelope flap; and easily add that pretty designer paper with the same cut edge.

So pretty!!!

 

So now you have a set - a gift box and a card!!

How perfect!!  LOL

I hope you're loving today's project and are ready for Halloween later this week.! 

 

Join me tomorrow as we check out what Stampin' Up! has for us for deals and steals this week!

And one more fun Halloween Treat that I just know you'll love!!!

 

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

12 Weeks of Christmas ~ Peaceful Christmas Slimline

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

Well, here we are!  Week 3 of our 12 Weeks of Christmas.  Has anyone noticed that November is right around the corner?!?  Kind of scared myself yesterday when I got to looking ~~  Yikes!!  Losing September has put me waaaaaayyyyy behind this year!

It's gonna be a busy several months; I hope you're along for the ride!!  We'll do our best to stay creative and sharing inspiration as we go!  With Fall in full swing, Thanksgiving looming, and Christmas to get ready for, I think we should have plenty of fun yet to come!  😉😉

 

I've decided that I'm lovin' the Slimline Card effect so much right now, that we're going to do another one this week.  And I'm hoping to bring out the Slimline Fall card I'm thinking of soon as well!!!

This card was inspired by a sample on page 23 of your Holiday Mini Catalog, but I definitely took it in my own direction!!

Let's walk through this pretty "cool" card - with a very definitive Winter feel!!

 

Once again, this Slimline is cut 8-1/2" x 7", scored @ 3-1/2", from Thick Whisper White cardstock.

I matted with Basic Gray cardstock measuring 8-3/8" x 3-3/8"; and then the next layer up is the lightest of the Silver Foils Specialty paper, measuring 8-1/4" x 3-1/4".  

The focal layer panel is a piece from the Peaceful Place Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I have had a terrible time getting myself to cut this paper - it is so beautiful, I just can't hardly bear to touch it!!  LOL  But I have to say, this REALLY showcases this paper and I may have to frame this card and hang it!!  The strip I strategically cut from this particular design is 8" x 3".  And so you really showcase this stand of winter pines beautifully on a slimline card like this.  The measurement allows the height of the trees, and plenty of snowy sky to showcase; and the silver and gray set it off beautifully!

I wanted to be careful not to cover up too much of the paper, and yet get an elegant feel from my sentiment showcase.

So I picked the smaller sizes of the Encircled In Beauty Dies (the die set that is meant to coordinate with this stamp set - you'll find it in the Annual Catalog), and kept it to just 3 layers.  Here I used the White Velvet Specialty Paper for the first time --- mmmmmmm luscious!!!  I Love it!!

So the largest die cut is the White Velvet; with a center smaller layer cut from the matching Silver Foil I used earlier; and then a center on Basic White with the sentiment.  The very center is popped with dimensionals.  And the I used the Silver trim in the Simply Elegant Trim bundle to create an "ornament" look, with a look on the back, and a nice bow on the front.

By sitting it at the top of the card, I kept the designer paper as the main focus of my design.

It's all finished off with some simple Rhinestone jewels scattered across the front of the card to enhance the Silver Foil snowflake accents in the paper.

Wish you could see it in person!!

I hope this inspires you to look more closely at the samples in our catalogs, and use those as a launching point for your own creativity!!  This is the perfect way to find inspiration and then grow the idea!!

  Well, that's it for this week!!  I'm going to be very busy over this weekend with the Halloween Class, and lots of other projects I'm trying to get caught up on!!

Everyone -- have a GREAT weekend!  We'll see you next week with more creative fun!!

 

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

 

 

Wednesday Spotlight - Welcoming Woods Showcase

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

Happy Hump Day everyone!!  I'm finding this week might be moving a little too fast for me to get everything done that I want or need to.  I'm holding our first "in person" class in some months this coming Saturday, and there is much to be done before then!!  haha

 

 

Last week, I showcased the Gorgeous Leaves Bundle in our Wednesday Post; and I promised you that I would be back with what amounts to a "coordinating" stamp set that works perfectly hand-in-hand with Gorgeous Leaves - Welcoming Woods.  In fact, the two sets sit side-by-side to each other in the Mini Catalog, on pages 46 & 47.  They are intended to work together, as the one set carries all the sentiments, while the other has all images.  This is something that Stampin' Up! does so well!!

I really fell in love with Welcoming Woods when I first saw it.  It's a simple stamp set that makes me think of standing in an Aspen Grove of trees here in our beautiful Rocky Mountains.  And the set gives you wonderful options as to how dress up those tree trunks and branches.

Today I am showcasing this design with two seasons - Fall and Winter - to show you how versatile this really is!!  And how wonderfully the sentiment from Gorgeous Leaves works with every season we showcase!!

 

We'll start with Fall, of course!!  LOL

And oh how much I love this simple card design and how it showcases so beautifully.

I started with a Very Vanilla Thick cardbase, 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored @ 4-1/4".

Then I used Cinnamon Cider cardstock and the Rose Gold Metallic Specialty Paper for my matting.

 

This works perfectly for my copper accents throughout this design (much like last week's card).

I stamped the trees in Sahara Sand ink on a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock; then added some falling leaves (image I used for those is from the Welcoming Woods stamp set), using Versamark Ink and Copper embossing powder.

I then used the 3-leaf image from the Gorgeous Leaves stamp set, to fill in the bottom with various colors - Old Olive, Mango Melody, Merry Merlot & Cinnamon Cider.  Then went back and added over the top several more of the previous leaf image again in Versamark and embossed with Copper embossing powder.  I love the layers of stamping, finished off with embossed leaves.

The sentiment I referred to earlier from the Gorgeous Leaves stamp set, works perfectly - stamped in Versamark ink, embossed with Copper emboss powder, and die cut with the Tasteful Labels Dies.  It is popped with dimensionals over a piece of Gray Granite Shimmer Ribbon, and a few additional die cut leaves from the Intricate Leaves Dies tucked in.

Here I hope you can catch some of the shimmer of the Copper embossing.

 

The second card showcases a Winter scene.

This time we're using a Thick Basic White cardstock base, same measurements.

And I matted with Fresh Freesia cardstock, and the new Silver Foils Specialty Paper you'll find on page 23 of your Mini Catalog.

I think this new Foil may be getting missed.  It is absolutely gorgeous!!  It has 3 different foils of varying shades and textures in the package.  What I love about the mid-color and darker-color foils is that in certain light, they actually look lavender (kind of a dusky lavender).  They're gorgeous.  I picked the darkest foil for this project; it has a wonderful linen texture weave to the surface of the foil - just beautiful!!  And because it tends to pick up a purple color to its sheen, it works perfectly with my purple/lavender color scheme for this card.

For this card panel, I used Shimmery White cardstock, again stamped the trees in Sahara Sand ink; then using the snowflakes image from the Welcoming Woods stamp set, stamped them in Versamark ink and embossed them with White Emboss Powder.  They're harder to see in the pictures; but in real life, it's so cool to see snowflakes floating down across the trees in the background.

I added additional snowflakes at the bottom using Highland Heather ink; and then overlaid a few more White embossed snowflakes to finish it off.  You can kind of see the "purple" hue the Silver Foil gives in this picture.

 

For this card, I used the beautiful iridescent White 3/8" Glittered Organdy Ribbon which just reflects all the colors in the design.

And I offset the sentiment with a piece of die cut foil and added some little foil snowflakes using the So Many Snowflakes Dies  (you'll find those in the Annual Catalog by the way . . . )

The pretty little Opal Rounds finish off this particular card.

I wish you could see it in person -- it's quite pretty, and feels "cold."  LOL

 

I hope you are feeling inspired after today's creative sharing!  And ready to snag these gorgeous stamp sets.

 

Don't forget our Annual Catalog sale, and I'll see you next time!!

 

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .