Snowstar


Every once in awhile, certain ideas come along that are just too good to pass by! Such is the case of this card. After seeing the initial idea on fellow Pals Paper Arts Design Team member Denise January’s site, Sassy Stampin’ , I had to try my hand at it! Of course, I changed it by using a different sentiment, different punches, different Designer Series Paper, different colors, embossing, and distressing. Isn’t that the way things usually go? We all add those simple little touches which make our creations uniquely ours! Whether you think of this as a Snowflake or as a Star, this “Snowstar” is a treat to make using the sweet little stamp set, “Tree Trimmings”.

The Stampin’ Schach Tips:

  • Be the “Embossing Boss”! Before running Very Vanilla card stock through the Big Shot with the Top Note die, I embossed it with the Stampin’ Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate. The “Quilted” side adds a pretty background that adds visual interest but does not compete with the ornaments.

  • Color 101: Use color to tie together the layers of your card! Since Real Red predominates in the foreground, I selected the Real Red “Vintage Ornament” paper from Merry Moments Designer Series Paper to layer onto the Very Vanilla card base. Likewise, the Very Vanilla card base anchors the Very Vanilla Top Note.

  • Don’t forget the compliments! Accent colors should compliment the design, not compete with it! A snippet of Chocolate Chip 5/8″ Grosgrain Ribbon and a Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button, as well as the Designer Label and Top Note mat, are the perfect touches for the richness of the Real Red and the creamy Very Vanilla. And, let’s face it…isn’t everything better with chocolate?

  • Do sweat the little things…when it comes to your design! Rounding the corners of the card layers with the Corner Rounder pulls together the roundness of the ornaments, the round button, the round edges of the Top Note die, and the roundess of both the Modern Label and the Designer Label.

  • Add dimension with “Dimensionals”! Adhering the ornaments to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals adds depth and interest.

  • And, oh! It was important to me that the ribs of the corduroy button were aligned vertically. Why? Because of the grain of the ribbon. I know…I know! There are names for this kind of behavior!
Originally the edges of this card were not distressed. However, it was difficult for me to get a good photograph of it. So, out came the Sponge Dauber and the Chocolate Chip ink! You know me! Although this card may look difficult to make, it really isn’t. Just make certain that you use Paper Snips to cut out the ornaments, and arrange them so that their “tummies” touch!

Remember that there is still time to take advantage of Stampin’ Up!’s wonderful Twelve Days of Holiday Sale. Click Here to see what Stampin’ Up! is offering at huge discounts! And, don’t forget to take advantage of my delicious “no-calorie” Blog Candy!

One lucky reader will receive the following goodies:
  • 101 6″ x 6″ sheets of retired Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Papers tied up with Brocade Blue 5/8″ Grosgrain Ribbon

  • “Congrats” stamp set

  • 20 yards of Certainly Celery Ribbon from SAB 2009 Ribbon Bundle

  • Basic Gray Corduroy Buttons (new)

  • Basic Brown Classic Stampin’ Ink Re-Inker (new)

  • A Sponge Dauber (so you can distress)

  • Plus non-SU! brads and ribbon

To be eligible, simply leave a comment on the posts that I will be making beginning with the December 13th post through Friday, December 18th at 9:00 PM CST. One winner will be selected randomly, and will be announced on this blog Saturday, December 20th! The winner will then need to email shipping information to me. So, get ready for comments. And, oh, by the way, today’s card will be included in with the Blog Candy. Until next time…

Please Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Tree Trimmings (116722), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Real Red (103133); Designer Series Paper: Merry Moments (115672); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128), Real Red (102482); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Top Note Die (113463), Stampin’ Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate (115962), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114645), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Punch (107590), Corner Rounder (109047), Paper Snips (103579); Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8″ Corduroy Ribbon (111367), Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button (114339)

Holiday Blog Candy


Christmas is my favorite holiday! I love the hustle and bustle! The candy making and cookie baking! ‘Tis the season for giving and for friendships! I love creating and sharing with you, and I love the feedback and encouragement that you have given me. Even though the vast majority of us have never met face to face, there is still a bond that has formed because of our mutual love of stamping and card making. In appreciation of this, my holiday gift to you is a healthy serving of Blog Candy!

One lucky reader will receive the following goodies:
  • 101 6″ x 6″ sheets of retired Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Papers tied up with Brocade Blue 5/8″ Grosgrain Ribbon
  • “Congrats” stamp set
  • 20 yards of Certainly Celery Ribbon from SAB 2009 Ribbon Bundle
  • Basic Gray Corduroy Buttons (new)
  • Basic Brown Classic Stampin’ Ink Re-Inker (new)
  • A Sponge Dauber (so you can distress)
  • Plus non-SU! brads and ribbon

To be eligible, simply leave a comment on the posts that I will be making beginning with this post through Friday, December 18th at 9:00 PM CST. One winner will be selected randomly, and will be announced on this blog Saturday, December 20th! The winner will then need to email shipping information to me.

So, get ready for comments. And, oh, by the way, Tuesday’s card posting will be included in with the Blog Candy. It is simply my take on the popular “Tree Trimmings” Star card, done up in Real Red and Chocolate Chip. The Design Tips will be included in my next post. Until next time…

Snowman Kisses


The Crazy 4 Challenges challenge was a simple one this week. With the focus on snow, the challenge was to incorporate snowflakes and/or snowmen into the project. I opted for both in this card that requires no stamping! Punches, punches and more punches make quick work of this sweet little card, featuring a “snowmom” and her “snowbabe” touching their carrot noses in what I have entitled a “Snowman Kiss”.

The Stampin’ Schach Tips:
  • Feeling a little punchy? The “Snowmom’s” curves are provided by the 1-3/4″, 1-3/8″ and 1″ Circle Punches. The “Snowtot” is formed from the 1″, 3/4″ and 1/2″ Circle Punches. The buttons and Mom’s eye were formed with the Crop-A-Dile, and Baby’s eye and Mom’s mouth were formed from the 1/16″ Punch. Tombow Adhesive did the trick in adhering these small pieces!
  • Even “snowmoms” need a little make-up! Her “blush” and Baby’s rosy cheeks were achieved with a Blender Pen and Pretty in Pink Stampin’ Pastels.
  • Free-style once in awhile! The snowhills were cut free-handed from Very Vanilla card stock and distressed with Soft Suede. The carrot noses were snipped from Dusty Durango, and lined with a Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker.
  • Double your pleasure, double your fun! The Designer Labels were punched from Old Olive and Real Red card stock. The Real Red label was cut horizontally and layered behind the Old Olive one.
  • Rub-a-dub-dub! The “Winter Wishes” sentiment is courtesy of Chit Chat Rub-Ons! How easy is that?
  • Sneak -a-peek! Did you notice the adorable Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brad? It will be available in the Occasion Mini on January 5th!
I hope that everyone’s holiday preparations are going smoothly! I have only a few more presents to purchase…and most of them are for Missy the Boxer! She loves “Charlie Bear” snacks, and unfortunately I cannot purchase them locally. So I will be ordering on-line. Which reminds me, have you taken advantage of Stampin’ Up!s Twelve Days of Holiday Sales? If not, please Click Here for details about this fantastic sale and my special offer! Well, I’m off to search for the best price on Charlie Bears. In the meantime, let me know what you think about today’s card. And remember…if you have any questions about today’s card or the techniques that I used, don’t hesitate to email me! And remember, Blog Candy is right around the corner! Until next time…

Please Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: None; Ink: Soft Suede (115657): Designer Paper: Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin’ (115696); Card Stock: Old Olive (100702), Chocolate Chip (102128), Real Red (102482), Very Vanilla (101650), Dusty Durango (115321); Tools: Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Punch (107590), 1-3/8″ Circle Punch (104401), 1-3/4″ Circle Punch (112004), 1″ Circle Punch (109046), 3/4″ Circle Punch (107217), 1/2″ Circle Punch (104390), 1/16″ Punch (101227), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Blender Pens (102845), Stampin’ Pastels (105542), Sponge Dauber (102892), Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker (100071), Tombow Adhesive (110755); Glitz and Glam: Sleigh Bells Ribbon (116795—Holiday Mini), Old Olive 1/2″ Striped Ribbon (113883); Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads (117272—Occasions Mini available January 5th); Other: Chit Chat Rub-Ons (111804)