FALL IS HERE AND CHRISTMAS COMING!!

Hello my stamping friends!!  It has been a long time since I last posted, but life has just gotten in the way it seems.  However, it doesn't mean that I haven't been stamping -- since my last post I have stamped probably a hundred cards and stamping projects.  It seems like after I get done stamping, I never have time to post and share.  Please accept my apologies, and I will try to post more often even with the holidays approaching us.  I have a few cards to share today that I worked on this month.  Let me know what you think:

Watercolor using the "Peaceful Place Stamp Set"; colored with SU Watercolor Pencils, misted with Frosted White Shimmer Paint; Cajun Craze, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla Cardstock; and Decorative Ribbon & Triple Banner Punches. 

Used the "Beautiful Blizzard Stamp Set and Blizzard Thinlits Die"; Soft Sea Foam Cardstock and Ink; and Whisper White and Silver Cardstock/Paper.

I CASEd this card (changing the background) from a swap card I received -- I thought it was just the cutest card!!  I used the "Playful Backgrounds Stamp Set"; Thick Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock; Large Letters Framelits; and Cat Punch.

 

I used the "Beautiful Baubles Stamp Set and Detailed Baubles Thinlits Dies"; Real Red and Whisper White Cardstock, Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper, and Silver Foil Paper; and 1/8th" Sheer Whisper White Ribbon.

Until next time,
Sandi

"I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners"  -- Luke 5:32

THINKING OF CHRISTMAS 2018

It's that time of year when I start thinking of getting ready for Christmas -- my favorite holiday of the year!!  A couple of weeks ago I started using some of the new stamp sets and product from the 2017 Holiday Catalog (another awesome catalog full of product I just have to have!).  Here are a few of the cards I came up with so far:

This card uses the new Carols of Christmas Bundle (stamp set and Thinlits Dies).  A very quick and easy card, but beautiful in person.



This is my version of an old-fashioned snow globe.  I got this idea from Pinterest and just changed it up a bit.  It uses the new Night in Bethlehem Bundle (stamp set and Edgelits Dies).  The base of the snow globe uses the new Everyday Label Punch on a piece of the new Champagne Foil Sheets (after punching, just cut it in half).  I also used the foil sheet to cut the Edgelits Die for the town.

Another quick and easy card using the new Everyday Label Punch and the Lots of Labels Framelits layered behind the punched sentiment.  I love the new Christmas Around the World Designer Series Paper and new Real Red 1/8" Solid Ribbon goes perfect with this paper.  And an old favorite from last year, the Sweater Embossing Folder to make this card look all warm and fuzzy!

And for all of you who like to send a picture card, this card will really bring it up a notch!!  Again I used the new Carols of Christmas Bundle (stamp set and Thinlits Dies).  Simply use the Thinlits Dies to cut the vellum frame to layer on your picture and stamp the sentiment -- how easy is that!!  You only apply glue dots to the top of the vellum so it can be lifted from the bottom to view the photo.  This makes a "really personal card" that you can write a nice note inside for the family that is receiving your treasured memories.  Something about getting a handwritten note versus a printed picture postcard really warms my heart.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Every good and perfect gift is from above." -- James 1:17

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

This will probably be my last post for 2016, but I am so excited for the new year coming!  Most of you have probably seen sneak peeks of new product coming in the Occasions Mini, and I have a box load of new product to start playing with and share with you.  You are going to love everything!!  But, I do have to admit, I'm sad to see so many of my favorite holiday stamps and accessories retiring.  You still have until January 3rd to order your favorites, with up to a 60% discount.  Click on the picture below and see what is on sale and what is retiring:


Check out the list by clicking on the picture!!

Here are a couple more projects I finished for Christmas.  The card was made with the Snow Place Stamp Set and matching Snow Friends Framelits (I sure hope this set stays around for a while because it is so versatile).  I made the 16 treat boxes for place-settings at our family Christmas dinner. Of course they are filled with chocolate (even my great-grandbabies are old enough for chocolate this year!!).  I used the Gift Bag Punch Board to make the boxes -- I love how they turned out -- what do you think??

This was before the party.

This was after the party!!

My kids just keep multiplying!!

Final note:  I saw a blue crane fly in and sit on my frozen pond this morning -- do you think this means winter is over?????

Until next time, Sandi

"Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people." -- Luke 2:10

FUN AT CREATIVE RETREAT!!

Last weekend I attended one of my favorite 3-day events:  Creative Retreat!!  Ronda Wade puts this event on 4 times a year now -- because so many want to attend.  Everybody brings the craft(s) they like to create (we have quilters, card and 3-D enthusiasts, scrapbooking, and so much more).  Some just come to see old friends and do Ronda's classes.  I usually take my scrapbooking materials because this is what I love to do the most.  However, I had tons of card kits that I needed to catch up on, so I worked on them and visited with many friends I haven't seen in a long time.  Here are pictures of a couple of cards I did and one of the many, many pillow gifts we receive from Ronda: 

I love this card -- it is so pretty in real life.  It is called a "Fan Fold" and you use your scoring tool on the Stampin' Trimmer or your Simply Scored Scoring Tool to create the "fan" affect.  In this one I used the gorgeous Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper. 

Here is another "Fan Fold" using the Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper.

I loved this card also.  Ronda Wade created the design as part of a kit I received from her Create for Christ one-day retreat.

One of our pillow gifts sitting at our work stations when we got up Saturday.  I loved this and plan on making more.   The treat box is made using the Envelope Punch Board.

Until next time,

Sandi

 

"It's good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace."  --  Hebrews 13:9

SAYING GOODBYE TO HOLIDAYS AND HELLO TO OCCASIONS

Well it is time to get back to reality now that the holidays are over.  It has been a whirlwind making gifts, attending events, and celebrating.  But, even though it was busy, I had a great time making memories and doing a lot of crafting.  Today I'm saying goodbye to a favorite stamp that will be gone at midnight (your last chance to order), and saying hello to a few new stamp sets you can purchase later tomorrow from new Occasions Mini Catalog.  I hate saying goodbye to my favorites; but one thing we can always count on: there are always new and beautiful product around the corner from Stampin' Up!

I had to show you one more Christmas card -- just because he is cute!!

I am so sad the Wonderland Stamp Set is retiring after today.  Besides using the pine trees from this set, I used the Watercolor Wash Background Stamp.



Another sample using the Wonderland Stamp Set.  The background was stamped using the You've Got This Stamp Set.  I stamped the trees twice; first using my favorite green ink, Wild Wasabi, and then Garden Green.  I love this card!!

You can get this stamp set (Honeycomb Happiness) free with a $50 order, from the 2016 Sale-A-Bration Mini, starting tomorrow.

Buy the new Party Wishes Stamp Set, Party Punch Pack, It's My Party Designer Series Paper Stack, Baker's Twine Combo Pack, and Card Stock to earn 2 free products from the Sale-A-Bration Mini!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."  --  Matthew 11:28

ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS WITH STAMPIN' UP!

Yes, I have been having a holly, jolly time playing with my new Christmas stamps from Stampin' Up!  I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving -- I know I felt very blessed and thankful to be with my husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  I have come to the conclusion (with the help of my bathroom scales) that the women in my family are all great cooks.  Yes, we patted ourselves on the back many, many times (the guys were all too busy eating).  Bottom line, we had a beautiful day and I'm back to business, crafting and making Christmas cards.  Here are a few I made this month:

I actually made this design last month while away at retreat as I couldn't wait to try out new product!!  Directions for embossing with the Woodlands Embossing Folder are from Patty Bennett: 

1. Lightly brayer some Lost Lagoon ink directly onto the Woodlands Embossing folder (the side with the raised background and "depressed" tree trunks)
2. Stamp some trees onto the folder with the Wonderland set and Garden Green ink
3. Punch out a circle using a post-it note, and put it onto your white card panel
4. Put the white card into the embossing folder, run through the Big Shot
5. Take the post-it note circle off the white card and VOILA! A winter tree scene with a moon!

Until next time,
Sandi

"For thus says the Lord God:  'I myself will look after and tend my sheep.'" -- Ezekiel 34:11

GIFT CARDS -- WE ALL NEED THEM!!

In this day and age we all need something to hold gift cards, and especially when the Christmas season is upon us.  For me, with a large family, this is my "go-to" gift, a beautiful card to hold a shopping, dinner, or event gift card.  Practically all businesses sell them, so for someone like me, who has a hard time shopping, this is the best way to match up the personality with the perfect gift card all wrapped up in a beautiful card.  Today I have a few designs that are easy, peasy (but so cute) to put together and hold that gift card.  We made these at our November RubberQueen's meeting as our make'n takes:

This is so versatile that you can use it for any occasion!!

This is what the inside looks like -- I didn't stamp anything because I want to wait until I know what type of occasion I will be using it -- but the gift card just slips into the pocket!!

You can't tell by this picture, but there is a belly-band that slips off so you can insert either cash or gift card.

Something a little different -- the gift card goes in the little envelope (made with the Envelope Punch Board) right on the front of the card and leaves you lots of on the inside for stamping and writing.

And finally, this one uses the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits to hold your message and gift card.

I hope these samples give you some ideas on making cute holders for your gift cards!!  Until next time, Sandi

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  --  2 Peter 3:18

OCTOBER RUBBERQUEEN MEETING: SNOW PLACE

Hello stampers!  I thought I better update my blog today before I leave for Creative Retreat tomorrow.  I'm all packed, and already wondering what I have forgotten, even though the whole rear of my SUV is packed to the roof!!  I love going to retreat to see everybody and catch up on their adventures over the summer.  And of course, I love working on my scrapbooks; but I dislike the fact that I always forget something that I really need (last spring it was a punch that nobody else had and I needed it to finish an album page -- I have it packed this time and probably won't need it).  So today I'm showing the awesome make'n takes from Ronda Wade's RubberQueen meeting this month -- she always comes up with such cute ideas, and I loved these cute treat ideas using the new Snow Place Stamp Set:

Snow Poop never grows old -- everybody loves this simple goodie bag.

Cute, cute card!!

Another way to give candy, using the Gift Box Punch Board.

Another treat box using the Fry Box Bigz L Big Shot Die.

A cute snowman gift tag!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"In all your ways be mindful of Him and He shall make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:6

STAMPIN' UP! HOLIDAY MINI SWAPS

I had an awesome time at the RubberQueen's October meeting this week.  Ronda Wade had the cutest make'n takes for us and I received some beautiful swap cards.  I hope to post pictures of the make'n takes before I go to Creative Retreat next weekend.  I can't wait to see what we will be making at retreat!!  I hope you enjoy and get some inspiration to pull out your stamps and get your fingers inky with these swaps:

This was my swap card, using the Christmas Cuties Stamp Set; Winter Wonderland Designer Vellum Stack; Boughs & Berries Embossing Folder; Gold Metallic Thread, Embossing Powder, Glitter, and Glimmer Paper; and Wisteria Wonder Card Stock and Ink.

  

I don't know who did this card -- but I loved it!!

I bet you can't guess who did this card?  Yep, that would be Tamie Ackerson, Ronda's right-hand helper, who also is very talented!!  I loved this idea for a gift card holder!

This was done by Joanne Jetter.  I'm not a Halloween person, but I loved, loved this card because it doesn't have to be Halloween for me to use it!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord has need of it.'"  Mark 11:3

LAST OF THE WINTER PROJECTS!!

You have no idea how hard it has been for me to finish with my Winter projects!!  But I really think I am done -- all my gifts have been wrapped with Stampin' Up! Festive Designer Kraft Paper and decorated with my previously shown name tags and ribbon.  Also, I'm done with all my Christmas and December birthday cards.  I may do some treat boxes (time permitting) to fill with chocolate; as my family has grown to love these little treat boxes on the dinner table.  I am so excited because Friday morning I can open my two UPS boxes from Stampin' Up with all new product from the Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-A-Bration (if you were a demonstrator you could have gotten yours a month early also)!!  I promised myself not to open any new product until I was done creating for the holidays -- and I did it!!

So here are my final winter projects:

Perfect birthday card for my brother-in-law!!

Inside of card.

A little Christmas Grinch punch card that took a long time.  Thank goodness I only made 3 of these for 3 special people!!

Inside of Grinch -- yes they were naughty for opening before Christmas!!

This is what you do when you run out of Polka Dot Tag a Bag Gift Bags -- make your own with the new Festive Designer Kraft Paper!!

And this is how they turned out (bottom 2 gift bags) -- just as pretty as the top one!!

And my favorite stamp set this year:  Visions of Santa!  I loved this set because Santa looks just like my husband (right down to the hair on his chest -- LOL)!!

Inside -- I love how he dances over the sentiment!!

Merry Christmas to all of you who have continually visited my blog throughout the year and took time to leave me a comment and give me inspiration!!

Until next year,
Sandi

"The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.'" -- Luke 2:10-11

I LOVE MY STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCT!!

WooHoo, I'm finally back!!  Have I told you lately how much I could use about 12 extra hours in my day??  Yep, it wouldn't be holiday time if our time wasn't spread a little thin.  I would prefer to be spreading a little "thin" body-wise, but maybe that will come with all the extra work required getting ready for the holidays!!  Hey, a person can dream!!

I went to Stampin' Up's! kick-off event for the new Occasions and Sale-A-Bration Catalogs this week and was WOWed beyond belief.  Wait until you see the new products coming out in January -- sorry, I can't ruin the surprise and show you anything right now, but stay tuned!!

So today I have a little mixture of some things I have been doing lately.  Enjoy, and I hope it gives you some inspiration to get your fingers inky while enjoying the holidays!

Yep, here's my Frosty treat boxes!!  He's all decked out in new SU product to hold tons of candy in each box.  The boxes are a lot larger than they look in this picture.  All the boxes were made with the cardboard included in the packaging of Stampin' Up's! Designer Paper.

Using "A Little Smile" single stamp and Blendabilities.  I love these guys, they make everybody smile! 

Simple birthday card using my favorite Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set and Bloom With Hope Hostess Stamp Set.

Having so much fun with Project Life!!  These pages use Seasonal Snapshot Project Life Card Collection, Day to Day Project Life Stamp Set, and the Epic Day This and That Journal.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"  --  Luke 2:14