DogGone Delightful Stampin'

"All That Sparkles & Shines" - December 2018 Stampin' Pretty Pals Blog Hop

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~

And here we are at the second Wednesday of December 2018 - so hard to believe how quickly the time has passed since our last blog hop!  But once again, we've come together to share oodles of fun and creativity!  Welcome!!  We’re so glad you’re here!  December is time for glitz and bling with  “All that Sparkles & Shines.”  Today we feature projects that sparkle or shine.  Maybe even a little of both.  And just in time for the holidays!!

You may be starting the hop here or you may have hopped in from my fabulous up-upline, Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty.  Either way, I'm so happy you're here!  When you're ready, you’ll find the the full line-up below to help you move or “hop” along from Pal-to-Pal.

Today's project took its inspiration directly from our blog hop logo this month.  I loved the logo so much, I just kept thinking, how could I recreate that beautiful scene!

 

So I created a very special (and simple) Gate Fold card, that showcases plenty of "sparkle and shine" with glimmer and shimmer galore!!  To create this simple Gate Fold - Cut a piece of cardstock 4-1/4" x 11", and score at 2-3/4" and at 8-1/2".

I also got to finally sit down and play a little more with the Beautiful Blizzard bundle that I really just adore, but have not had nearly enough time to experiment with.

 

This card has a wonderful belly band to hold it closed and keep what's inside a secret from the recipient until they pull that band off and open it wide for the big surprise inside!

The belly band is cut from Champagne Foil paper, and Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper (sadly this paper is sold out) to match the front panels of the card.  The snowflakes in this particular design have a copper shimmer that is perfect for my vision.  The belly band is then also wrapped with 5/8" Merry Merlot & Copper Reversible Ribbon - copper side up (also sold out now - sigh :-().  I created a "background" on Very Vanilla cardstock using the "splotch" image (that's what I call it - LOL) from the Beautiful Blizzard stamp set and varying the colors of Poppy Parade and Merry Merlot (you've got to try this combination!!); then stamped the sentiment in Versamark, heat embossed it with Copper Embossing Power, and cut it to size, snipping the ends to create a banner effect.  The belly band is finished off with a Copper Glimmer paper snowflake (using the Joyous Noel Glimmer Paper collection), and a gorgeous double bow from the ribbon.  If you didn't get a spool of this ribbon, I am crying for you!  It is so gorgeous and makes one of these bows like perfectly!!

 

When we open our card - Voi-là!!!

Were you ready for that?!?  LOL

Does it resemble our logo?

I had so much fun creating this -- the Blizzard Thinlits Die cuts out a whole "flock" of snowflakes in all sizes at once (can I refer to a whole kittenkabootle of snowflakes as a "flock"? - LOL)

So I cut a batch from Copper Glimmer paper; and a batch from Merry Merlot Glimmer paper - and went to town layering and playing.

 

Here you can see my "created" background paper on the right and left-hand inside panels, and on the oval sentiment - so pretty.  And with a nice black felt tip pen, you could write a personal message right on that paper.

The sentiment is also from the stamp set, again Versamarked and heat embossed with Copper Embossing Power, cut with the Layering Ovals, and matted with Champagne Foil.

I refrained from adding any pearls, rhinestones, or epoxy shapes simply to keep the card from having too much bumpiness or bulk for mailing.  But you could certainly add to your heart's content - and it would be so pretty!!

This card literally sparkles and shines with every move in your hands.  I wish you could see it in person - it is so pretty!! 

I hope you enjoyed your visit with me today, and that you'll snag yourself a Beautiful Blizzard of snowflakes before they are gone!!  More inspiration awaits! Use the Blog Hop Line-up below o see what the rest of the Pals have created to inspire you.  If you are so inclined, I love to read your comments.  Please do leave your thoughts!

Mark your calendars for the second Wednesday in January - January 9, 2019 - when we'll be back to share projects “From [our] Hearts.”  See you all then!!

Until Next Time . . . Puppy Hugs,

Blog Hop Line-up:

1. Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
2. Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin’
3. Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
4. Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
5. Jeanie Stark at Just Stampin’
6. Jackie Beers at Blue Line Stamping
7. Denise Hoepfner at The Mountain Magpie
8. Jennifer Michalski at Stamping Serenity
9. Stesha Bloodhart at Stampin’ Hoot!
10. Linda Suarez at All Night Stamping
11. Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
12. Leah O’Brien at Stamping By The Bay
13. Lori Pinto at LollyPop Paper and Ink
14. Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
15. Su Mohr at Aromas And Art
16. Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
17. Susan Itell at Simple Stampin’
18. Sandra Conner at Pretty Provisions
19. Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom

 

 

Mix-It Up Mondays . . . Birthdays in December

 

 

Hello Fellow Stampers ~~

 

Happy Monday!! It's nearly the middle of December!  The tree is up, everything is decorated, I made my first batch of fudge for the season yesterday!!  The Christmas shopping is pretty much complete; and I hope to write my Christmas letter this week and start getting everything put together to go out in the mail.  Whew!  It would be the earliest I've gotten my act together for the holidays in many a year!  My year-end break from work begins this Friday, so I'm really looking forward to being home, having some down time, and spending time at my sewing machine and in the studio.  It sounds lovely, doesn't it?!?

 

December Birthdays!  Always a HUGE problem in my mind.  Especially those that fall right on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  My goodness, I've got a number of those on the list this year; something that I hadn't experienced in years past until I met my current boyfriend!  Goodness - do we even use that word these days??  LOL  (BTW - stay tuned for a BIG announcement coming in that arena soon! ;-) )  Creating a birthday card this time of year that doesn't scream "Christmas" is the mission we have set out to accomplish this week! 

 

My first set of cards I want to share with this theme are all created using the First Frost stamp set, Frosted Bouquet Framelits and Frosted Floral Specialty Designer Series Paper as the jumping off point.  I absolutely LOVE this paper - the shimmer is to die for, and it runs throughout the entire set of designs, which is so wonderful!  It's retiring very soon - so don't miss out on snapping up an extra package for your stash!

 

 

I really wanted to showcase the beautiful florals in this set of papers so my first two cards really showcase some of those.  Our third card will be a "masculine" birthday card, that is simpler, less frilly, and I hope works well for a gentleman's birthday right on the Eve of Christmas.

 

This card uses the more neutral colors of gray (Galvanized Metallic paper for a little shimmer used here in the matting) and brown (Soft Suede), allowing the subtle coloring of Tranquil Tide to stand out.  Some added extra glimmer is added using the Joyous Noel Glimmer Paper in Tranquil Tide.

I pulled out the Birthday Banners stamp set for this card, along with the Bunch of Banners framelits to create an easy birthday greeting.  I added shimmer to the stamped flowers as well using the Re-Inker and Frost White Shimmer Paint technique I showcased earlier this Fall. 

 

The inside of the card is simply stamped to allow for your message or sentiment.

 

This card also showcases one of the floral designs in the Frosted Floral Specialty DSP.  I love the pinks and raspberries in this particular paper design; I cut the little floral stems using the Frosted Bouquet Framelits and the Merry Merlot color in the Joyous Noel Glimmer Paper collection.  A lovely deep pop of color against the background.  The sentiment was chosen from the Picture Perfect Birthday stamp set, and works perfectly with the frames in the Frosted Bouquet Framelits.

 

The inside of this card already has the sentiment stamped, and these pretty cone stems from the First Frost stamp set to match the cut ones on the front of the card.

 

Our last card design today is for the masculine December birthday showcasing this same paper -- hard to believe isn't it!!  With so much floral, you may not realize this wonderful stripe is in this paper collection.  I chose the simple leaf pattern to offset the stripe and give some interest.  And carried the leaves through the design with the cutouts using the framelit in the Frosted Bouquet Framelits.  I coordinated in Pear Pizzazz, Tranquil Tide and the beautiful Copper glimmer out of the same Joyous Noel Glimmer collection.  Those Galvanized Buttons with some Linen Thread give the perfect finish.  The sentiment on the front?  Maybe you still recognize our Eastern Beauty stamp set from the Annual Catalog.  Don't forget all our wonderful all year long products!!

 

The inside is stamped with some wonderful sentiments from the Special Celebrations stamp set (also in the Annual).  I love the color coordination of the Soft Suede and Tranquil Tide.

 

I hope you enjoyed this collection of Birthday cards for the Christmas birthday.  We used a beautiful set from the Holiday Occasions Catalog, and I think these look nothing like Christmas, but still have the glimmer and fun!  More to come this week . . . be sure to come back and visit.  I cherish your comments, and do read every one!!

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving ~ So Thankful for All of YOU!

 

We thank Him for all the fruits that grow on the trees and vines.
We thank Him for his goodness in making the forests, and thank all its
trees.
We thank Him for the darkness that gives us rest, and for the kind Being
of the darkness that gives us light, the moon.
We thank Him for the bright spots in the skies that give us signs, the
stars.
We give Him thanks for our supporters, who had charge of our harvests.
We give thanks that the voice of the Great Spirit can still be heard
through the words of Ga-ne-o-di-o.
We thank the Great Spirit that we have the privilege of this pleasant
occasion.

Traditional Iroquois Prayer

 

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

And Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.  As we head off to Mike's mother's in Colorado Springs today to spend time with his family, I wish all of you a blessed day as well with those dearest to you.  May we all be thankful for the blessings in our life, and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much for us to enjoy hearth and home!

 

Today is a semi-Case-Out Thursday . . . we're going to CASE a design my upline, Ann Schach created around the time of Halloween, but I've created 2 different designs today, using the basic same layout, but in two different styles for Thanksgiving.  I hope you'll enjoy !

 

We're going to handle today's CASE duo a little differently - I'm not going to lay out a Design Colorology or step-by-step tutorial.

Let's just enjoy and take a closer look at each of these designs . . .

 

This card is the most like Ann's - but without the Halloween!!  LOL

In reality, what I loved about this card was the feel of harvest time, and it made me think of the Harvest Moon!

Thanksgiving is the celebration of harvest after all!

So I emulated much of Ann's card, and worked in Copper as my accents.  The card base is cut from Mango Melody cardstock.

The pumpkins are fussy cut from the Toil & Trouble DSP (it's not just for Halloween - LOL)

and I also "fussy inked" and then "fussy cut" the sentiment from the Country Home stamp set.

Finally, I showcased the copper side of the Merry Merlot & Copper 5/8" Reversible Ribbon - a real showstopper on this card!

A very special gal is about to receive this card -- she just doesn't know it yet!!  LOL

 

The inside of the card has another fussy cut pumpkin,

And this wonderful sentiment can be found in the A Big Thank You stamp set!

 

 

This was really where I was heading with Ann's layout for her card - and this I just love!!!

This card displays the Country Lane DSP beautifully, and gives a chance to really showcase the Country Home stamp set.

The card base here is Whisper White - 4-1/4" x 11", scored at 5-1/2" - a top fold vertical card.

The accent colors here are Blackberry Bliss and Tranquil Tide - and I love the color combination.

It's the Tranquil Tide 1/4" Velvet Ribbon that I think makes this card pop!!

And the Mint Macaron colored pearls against the Blackberry Bliss (covered with Vellum) background really set things off as well.

 

Last Sunday afternoon I sat watching the Bronco game with my sweetie and coloring this gorgeous image.

I really do love the Country Home stamp set - and I think I will be using this set for quite awhile to come.

This image is totally colored with Stampin' Blends alcohol markers.

I played with a number of colors to create this result including Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry on my "potato vine leaves" - because I know that's what they are -- LOL

Pool Party and Daffodil Delight are the color mix for the succulent.

And Mint Macaron composes the milk can.

You'll also find Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, and Cajun Craze in the rest of the bouquet.

And yes - I did indeed sit and fussy cut this entire image.  It takes a little bit for this one, but well worth it if you're willing to put in the time.

It's all popped up with dimensionals over the background panels.

The sentiment is from the Pleasant Pheasants stamp set, is also fussy cut and popped with dimensionals.

 

I love the inside of this card -

Again, this sentiment is from the gorgeous Pleasant Pheasant stamp set,

as are the vines, stamped in Mint Macaron across the top and bottom.

 

 

I too wish each of you "health, happiness, and the riches of God's Bounty" on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day!  I want each of you to know how much I appreciate  you, for visiting with me each day, for supporting my business, and for your encouragement and love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Hugs,

 

 

 

Mix-It Up Mondays . . . It's All In the Plaid!

 

 

Hello Fellow Stampers ~~

 

Well, after a somewhat restful 3-day weekend, and finally getting some quiet time in my Studio, I'm actually starting to get re-organized and back to the work table.  We had a rather sleety/icy cold day on Saturday, and I didn't do much except snuggle with Sadie Ann; yesterday felt better with sunshine and 40 degree temps, so I felt inspired and was back it.  The rest was much needed I think.  So was the wonderful roast I did up in the crock pot for a cold snowy day -- LOL!!

 

Thanksgiving is this week, and I'll have a special post on Thursday for you to celebrate a day of Thanks and Giving!  And with Christmas literally around the corner now, it's time to kick into high gear!!  I'm excited about today's post and what I have to share with you.  I received a request for a Christmas card design this year that felt like our Colorado Rocky Mountains, and wasn't too over the top "Christmassy."  I am hoping this card fits the bill -- I really do love how it turned out!! 

 

 

We actually have a set of 4 cards for this design today -- a complete collection in plaid.  Because it really is all about the plaid!!  LOL  Plaid is very "In" right now -- and you will found a wonderful assortment throughout all our designer series paper collections this season -- it is so much fun!!  I love that we even have a Plaid background stamp to play with as well!  Today's cards feature the plaids in the Festive Farmhouse DSP and Under the Mistletoe DSP (did you forget about this beautiful set of paper available in our Annual Catalog?).

 

This card also features one of my top picks from the Holiday Catalog ~ the Winter Woods/In the Woods dies bundle.

 

Set on an Old Olive card base, the accent to this card is Night of Navy - a perfect combination!

The front background panel is Whisper White that has been embossed with the Softly Falling TIEF.

A 1-1/2" x 5" strip of plaid is overlaid on the bottom of the panel; and then wrapped at the "seam" with a piece of Whisper White 3/8" Classic Weave Ribbon.

Stitched Shapes Ovals and Layering Ovals are perfect for this lovely sentiment in Night of Navy.

Don't you love the pine boughs and pinecones?

And it's all finished off with some beautiful pearls colored with Dark Night of Navy Stampin' Blends.  I LOVE coloring my pearls!!

 

The pièce de ré·sis·tance of this card is the 3D tree that is created from the In the Woods framelits, cut from Mossy Meadow cardstock.

And the pretty little tree boughs are tipped with Shimmery White Emboss Paste, perfect for snow-tipped branches.

 

The inside of the card emulates the front in a simpler fashion.

I also embossed the inside panel with the Softly Falling TIEF - stamp the gorgeous sentiment first (this one is from the Merry Christmas To All stamp set).

 

 

We're off to the races so to speak.  More to come later . . . so please do stop back by and share with me.  I'd love to read your comments; I cherish every one!!  The Annual Black Friday Sales at Stampin' Up! are about to start, and we'll talk somemore about that shortly too!!

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

  

 

"Anything But a Card" - November 2018 Stampin' Pretty Pals Blog Hop

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~

My goodness ~~ We've been taking a sudden and unplanned break in the last 10 days!  My apologies; I didn't mean to "go silent" so suddenly.  There has been a lot going on around here, and interesting things are happening in the Studio, so don't despair!  We're getting back on track.

It's the Second Wednesday of November and that means . . .  Welcome to the Pals November 2018 Blog Hop.  This month the Pals showcase projects that feature "anything BUT a card."  Inspiration abounds as we head full swing into the holiday season!!  So I hope you'll take the time to visit each of us today, and leave inspired!!

You may be starting the hop here with me today, or you may just be arriving from our fabulous leader's blog, Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty.  Either way, I'm thrilled you are here!  When you're ready, you’ll find the the full line-up below to help you move or “hop” along from Pal-to-Pal.

 

Every year at this time I share with you my Thanksgiving place setting that I have planned for that year's Thanksgiving table.  And so it is time to unveil this year's "place setting."  I've decided to "mix things up" a bit this year and not have a "name tag" for the place setting, or to even incorporate the silverware.

 

 

Rather, I've decided on a simple and fun "treat bag" to place in the center of each plate when setting the table.

The bag will hold a special treat inside, and this simple message on the outside.

 

The fabulous thing about this project, is that it is really so quick and simple!

This project features our fabulous Santa's Bags in the Holiday Occasions Catalog.

Instead of Christmas though, we're focused on Thanksgiving and Fall decor.

So the bag is stamped with one of the images from the Falling for Leaves stamp set, in Fresh Fig ink.

Then a layering of tags and leaves for a fabulous attachment.

 

The top tag is punched with the Scallop Tag Topper Punch, the sentiment stamped in Fresh Fig ink, and a little "trim" on the bottom using the Country Lane Designer Series Paper.

Another 1" x 4" strip of Country Lane DSP for the "background" tag, the tail punched with the Banner Triple Punch.

A pretty detailed leaf cut from Cajun Craze cardstock using the Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies.

And everything clipped together to the bag with a Galvanized Clip.

Final touch - a Nature's Twine tie on the clip.

 

And you can still gather the bag closed at the top if you want!

There are so many little ideas you could use these for.

Incorporate a sweet card or message inside.

Chocolates, a tea bag, . . .

And that silverware if you really wanted to!!

LOL

 

 

I hope you had fun today, and will collect together the supplies to whip up a batch of these for your Thanksgiving table next week!!  There's still plenty of time!

Now it’s time to use the Blog Hop Line-up below to see what the rest of the Pals have created to inspire you.  If you are so inclined, I love to read your comments.  Please do leave your thoughts!

 

Mark your calendars for December 12, 2018, for the next Pals Blog Hop.  We'll be glitzing it up just in time for Christmas!!  Don’t miss the fun!

 

Until Next Time . . . Puppy Hugs,

 

Blog Hop Line-up:

1. Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
2. Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin’
3. Linda Suarez at All Night Stamping
4. Su Mohr at Aromas And Art
5. Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
6. Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
7. Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
8. Denise Hoepfner at The Mountain Magpie
9. Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
10. Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
11. Jennifer Michalski at Stamping Serenity
12. Lori Pinto at LollyPop Paper and Ink
13. Sandra Conner at Pretty Provisions
14. Leah O’Brien at Stamping By The Bay
15. Jackie Beers at Blue Line Stamping
16. Mary Hanson at Up North Stampin’
17. Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
18. Tricia Chuba at ButterDish Designs
19. Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose