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

STAMPIN UP: TWO BY TWO!!

Do you remember that saying, “Be careful what you wish for?”  Well all of you out there (me included, but especially Tamie Ackerson), should be saying that to yourself right about now.  Remember about 3 months ago when we were all complaining about the cold weather and wishing Spring would get here??  Well, obviously we all wished a little too much – we bypassed Spring again this year and went right into August dog days!!!  The last time I went outside today, it was 100 degrees!  Good news, it will only be in the mid-90s tomorrow (or so they say, which you know we can’t count on).  I really feel sorry for those living south of us.  Needless to say, the swimming pond had another big day of visitors. 

I did sneak in a little time today to pull out one of my new stamps and make a card – it felt sooooo gooood!!!  Nothing spectacular, but something a little different than all the samples I have been seeing (definitely not what you would have thought I would want to use for my first try using a new stamp).  I actually feel in love with it immediately upon seeing it in the new catalog.  And here it is:

Isn't this just the cutest baby shower card!!  This uses the new single stamp, "Two by Two."  I used Confetti White, Marina Mist, Soft Suede, and Watercolor Card Stock; Watercolor Crayons; and the new Fancy Fan and Delicate Designs Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.

Before leaving, I want to show you what my dearest friend sent to me (she always sends me the most beautiful and unusual gifts and this was no exception – except it is also cute, cute, cute!!). 

All of my kids thought this was so cute, but they thought it was just a couch!  Nope, it is a tissue box cover; made out of Stampin' Up's retired Deck the Halls Fabric.  And to answer your question:  "No, I don't have a pattern -- darn!!"  But I am for sure going to make one, as it looks pretty easy.  I have to make a couple more with our current fabric!!

I just had to show you one more picture -- it's just so cute!!

Until next time,

Sandi

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  -- Ephesians 4:32

“Lord, let the power of forgiveness be at work in my life today and always.”  -- Erick Fellman