For Love of Paper

Merry Christmas

Shimmering Snowflakes

This is one of those cards that the photo just doesn't do it justice. In person the whole card shimmers and the snowflakes have a golden shimmer. This was all done using the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.

I was planning to show you exactly how I created this card yesterday as a Watch It Wednesday video. However, I've ended up with a sick five year old instead, so I'll just have to do the best I can to explain it in words.

Each snowflake was cut out using the Northern Frost Decorative Strip Sizzix Die. Then I used a sponge dauber and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint to cover each snowflake. Just dab the dauber into the Shimmer Paint (I usually just dab it in the lid) and then dab directly on the snowflake (cut from Whisper White CS). Repeat for each snowflake and let it dry.

 

Once I assembled the card I sprayed the entire thing with the magic Shimmer Spray. For this mix 30 ml of 70% Rubbing Alcohol with 15 drops of shimmer paint in a small spray bottle. Then shake and spray. If you want your project really sparkly then spray 2 or 3 times, let it dry and spray again.

***Note on the rubbing alcohol.

Someone had suggested using a higher percentage alcohol because this would make it dry more quickly. However, after I tried this I discovered that it caused the solution to dry up in the bottle and made it useless.

I have to say Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint is without a doubt one of my favorite products ever. Even better, it's not expensive and lasts a long time.

If you like sparkle then you definately NEED some. Notice I said need, not want, lol.

Click here to order yours today.

 

 

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink (sponging)

Papers: Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White Cardstock

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, Northern Frost Decorative Strip Die, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Basic Rhinestones and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint

Watch It Wednesday: Punch Art Grinch

Everyone loves the Grinch and punch art so this should be one for the record books, lol. If you've been in the malls and stores in the last few days I'm sure you're starting to relate to the Grinch. I'm sure feeling the holiday crunch, but like most moms still atempting to have the perfect Christmas.

Anywhoo (no pun intended on the Whoos) . . .  on to today's Watch It Wednesday Video.

 

Hop on Facebook with me this week to see the rest of the Grinch Party goodies.

 

Printable Grinch Quick Reference Sheet

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke and More Mustard Classic Inks plus Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red and So Saffron

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Top Note Die, 1 1/4" and 1/4" Circle Punches, Modern Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch and Tearing Edge Ruler

Jolly Bingo Bits go way beyond Bingo

The Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set comes with 24 little bitty stamps perfect to fit in bingo card squares. But this set is a stamping power house and great for a whole lot more than bingo.

The card I'm sharing with you today was CASED (copy and share everything) from Kimberley Morris. I changed it up just slightly.

Like Kimberly, I stamped the penguins, cut them out and added them to my card with Stampin' Dimensionals. As I started to cut the pengiuns out I really didn't want to try and cut those tiny feet so I just cut them off. Then I stamped the penguins on the card directly and added my cut out penguins over top.

Great time saver!

Not to mention way less frustrating.

Whenever your looking at stamp sets and trying to decide which one to buy remember there is often a hole lot more than meets the eye.

To see all 24 of the stamps that come in this set or purchase the set for yourself please click here.

Supplies

Stamps: Jolly Bingo Bits (clear), Serene Snowflakes (wood) and Many Merry Messages (wood)

Inks: Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake Classic Ink, Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Whisper White, Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake Cardstocks

Other: Basic Rhinestones, Northern Frost Decorative Strip Sizzix Die with Sizzix Big Shot and Stamping Sponge

Snowman Soup 2010 Tutorial, My Gift to You

Each year I like to choose one of my 12 Weeks of Christmas Tutorials, normally reserved exclusively for newsletter subscribers, and share it with everyone as a little Christmas Gift. This year I decided to share my Snowman Soup 2010 edition. Snowman Soup is such a popular project I make a new version every year.

The poem on the outside of the cup carrier reads:

When the weather outside is frightful,
Snowman Soup can be delightful.
May it warm your spirit and your soul.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
When you feel a chill or are saying "brrrr,"
Use the candy cane stick to stir.
Add hot water and sip it slow.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Inside of each cup you place the ingredients for Snowman Soup.

• Hot Chocolate Mix
• Marshmellows
• Candy Cane
• Hershey Kisses

If you're short on time or want a simplified version of the project just making the cup is an easy solution. Snowman Soup makes a terrific little something for school workers (the freezing crossing guards, lol), kids coaches, or anyone you need a little something for.

Below is a series of four videos that take you through the project step by step, a PDF of the poem sized perfectly for the cup carrier and a project "One Sheet". The One Sheet is a single printable sheet that shows a picture of the project, lists all the supplies used and basic cutting measurements. This is a great quick reference guide.

Snoman Soup Poem PDF

Snowman Soup 2010 One Sheet

 

If you enjoyed this project be sure to sign up for my monthly INKspirations Newsletter. Each month you'll receive exclusive hints, tips, tricks and a new project complete with a step by step tutorial.

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Please know that your information is kept private. I will never sell or share your information with anyone . . . ever!

Supplies

Stamps: Tags til Christmas (clear) and Serene Snowflakes (wood)

Inks: Bashful Blue Classic Ink and Real Red or Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Whisper White, Bashful Blue and Marina Mist Cardstocks

Other: Two Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Sticky Strip, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Sizzix Big Shot with Pennant Die, Stamping Sponge, Snowflakes Set # 2 (or Snowflake Punch), 5/8" Organza Ribbon and Basic Rhinestones

Super Simple Saturday with the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

A few years ago Stampin' Up! had a designer series paper pack that featured Basic Gray and Very Vanilla. Since then I have loved this color combination, especially with a little accent of red. Recently I was walking through Target and saw a stocking with these exact colors and there were rhinestones in the middle of the snowflakes. Since then I've been meaning to make a holiday card with that color combination.  Well, I finally got around to it and have to say I'm quite happy with the result.

For this card I ran a piece of Vellum Cardstock through my Sizzix Big Shot with the new Northern Flurry Embossing Folder. It is so pretty it makes quite a statement all on its own. Then I layered it over a piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock and placed this on a Basic Gray card. With the addition of a simple sentiment from the Four the Holidays Stamp Set, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and a few Basic Rhinestones the card was complete.

This card is so quick and simple I decided to try it again with another favorite color combo, Marina Mist and Early Espresso.

I also thought this would make a great thank you card for a wonderful Christmas gift. You could also change the sentiment to Happy Birthday for a January or February birthday.

Seeing color combinations in everyday life is a great way to expand your working palette. Another great tool for color combos is the new Color Coach.

On one side of each card is a sample of all the Stampin' Up! colors. This is much quicker to check color combos than digging out a sheet of cardstock. On the other side of each card are two color combinations using that color.

Then at the back are blank circles where you can add your own favorite color combinations.

The Color Coach is a terrifc tool and if you're looking for a gift for a paper crafting friend this is one they will really appreciate. You could even add a few of your own favorite color combinations to the back before you wrap it.

Click here to get one for you or a friend today.

Card One Supplies

Stamps: Four the Holidays

Inks: Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink

Papers: Very Vanilla, Basic Gray and Vellum Cardstock

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and Basic Rhinestones

 

Card Two Supplies

Stamps: Thank You Kindly

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink

Papers: Marina Mist and Vellum Cardstock

Others: Sizzix Big Shot with Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, 5/8" Early Espresso Satin Ribbon and Basic Rhinestones

Thrifty Thursday: The cost of a handmade Christmas Card.

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

I thought it would be interesting to make a little comparison this week. Today happens to be the anniversary of the first commercially made Christmas Card. In 1843 the card below was put out for sale in London.

At the time this card sold for 1 schilling or 12 cents.

Now let's compare that to the cost of a modern hand made card. My card sample today breaks down like this.

1/2 Sheet of Soft Suede Cardstock       $ .14

1/2 Sheet of Very Vanilla Cardstock      $ .11

11" Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon        $ .18

4 Basic Pearls                                       $ .13

Total Cost of Modern Handmade Card $ .48

You have to admit that only paying $ .36 more for a card today than over 165 years ago isn't bad. Especially when compared to the cost of a modern store bought card.

I really feel the need to break out into a "Priceless" commerical about now .  .  .

The cost of a 1/2 Sheet of Soft Suede Cardstock, 14 cents.

The cost of a 1/2 sheet of Very Vanilla Cardstock, 11 cents.

The cost of someone knowing you really cared about them at Christmas, priceless.

 

Supplies

Stamps: Four the Holidays

Inks: Crumb Cake Classic Ink

Papers: Very Vanilla and Soft Suede

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Northern Frost Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls, 5/8" Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint

Watch It Wednesday: Tips for Diecutting Letters Part II

Watch today's quick video to see how you can make self adhesive die cut letters with your Sizzix Big Shot and the new Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets.

 

I encourage you to give these new Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets a try. I've found lots of uses for them and I know you will too.

Click here to order yours today.

 

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

Papers: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla and Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper

Others: 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Sizzix Big Shot, Simple Alphabet, Naturally Serif Alphabet, Northern Frost Decorative Strip Die and Big Shot Multipurpose Sheets

Merry Christmas Card

This is another card I received at the Ft. Worth Regional Convention. I wish I knew who created it but there is not a name on the back.

This is a card that has a lot of punch but when broken down is still fairly simple.

Here's How:

1. Cut a card base from Old Olive CS, 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", score at 4 1/4"
2. Cut a piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock 5 1/4" x 5 ", adhere to front of card base.
3. Cut a piece of DSP (Designer Series Paper) 2" x 4 1/4", adhere over Very Vanilla as shown.
4. Use the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch with Cherry Cobbler Cardstock. Begin with a piece that is 2" x 5 1/4". Once punched adhere to card as shown.
5. On a scrap of Very Vanilla stamp the ornament of your choice from Tags til Christmas or Delightful Decorations and punch using the Ornament Punch. Adhere to card as shown using Stampin' Dimensionals.
6. Tie a small knot from Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon and adhere to ornament top using a Mini Glue Dot.
7. Stamp "Merry Christmas" using Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink (from the stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes).
8. Last add some Basic Rhinestones and add your sentiment to the inside of the card.

You can also add a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock (4" x 5 1/4") to the inside if you prefer to stamp your sentiment on a neutral rather than Old Olive.

If you want to make your own Christmas Cards this year. This card would be a great one to start with.

There is still time. If you order your supplies today you should have them back in about 10 days, probably even less. Then spend a weekend to make and mail your cards.

Click here to get your supplies.

Supplies

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes and Delightful Decorations (could also use Tags Til Christmas)

Inks: Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink

Papers: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla and Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper (DSP)

Other: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Ornament Punch, 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals and Mini Glue Dots

Joy at Christmas: How to turn a nice card into a WOW card.

I just love this card. It was created by my awesome downline Jackie K. Can you believe she made about 40 of these? This was one of her swaps at the Stampin' Up! Regional Convention in Ft. Worth.

While the general layout of this card is simple and straight forward, it's the extra touches she put in each step that make it stand out.

Here's what I mean.

• The Cherry Cobbler CS on the top was embossed with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.
• The Vanilla Seam Binding was rouched.
• The stamp used for the focal point (Perfect Punches) was stamped twice, once in Cherry Cobbler and once in Always Artichoke, then punched and layered using Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Instead of adding another layer of plain cardstock to the bottom she chose one of the wonderful patterned papers from the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper.

More often than not adding little touches like these are the difference between a nice card and one that makes you say "WOW!"

The next time you feel something isn't quite right on your project try stepping up one or two areas. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Supplies

Stamps: Perfect Punches

Inks: Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke

Papers: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler and Deck the Halls DSP

Other: Vanilla Seam Binding, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle and 1 3/8" Circle Punches