Friday, December 31, 2010

KLM Digi Stamps & Clear Creations - Store Closing






KLM Digi Stamps & Clear Creations is closing their doors. They are having a store closing sale where you can save 40% off everything! AD CODE: STORECLOSE




Meljen's Designs - Cold & Snowy Challenge

This is my last Christmas card for 2010! I know, that's not promising much when it is the last day of the year.

This cute little snow boy fits the Meljen's Designs "Cold & Snowy" challenge this week.


Thank you to my blogging friend Chris for sending me these wonderful Martha Stewart doilies.

I hope you have a very Happy New Year! Thank you for looking!


Supplies:


  • Stamps: Bundled Little Snow Boy from Meljen's Designs (available on Whimsy Stamps)
  • Papers & CS: Neenah Crest solar white CS, PaperTrey dark chocolate, October Afternoon Thrift Shop & Farm Fresh DP
  • Inks: None
  • Tools: Copic Markers
  • Embellishments: Stickles Frosted Lace & Baby Blue, misc. green ribbon, Martha Stewart doily/tag, misc. snowflakes


Challenges:

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Blog Candy

My friend, Kimberly, is offering this awesome blog candy. Check out the details HERE.





Check out this HUGE blog candy being offered by Erika. This is just one of the pictures. You really need to go over to her blog to check out all the details. Ends 1-5-11.

Monday, December 27, 2010

My Top 10 2010 Blog Hop


Mrsweyremaster




Suzi at The Manic World of Mrs Weyremaster is hosting a fun blog hop where you can show off your favorite top 10 projects of 2010.


2010 was my first full year of blogging and I wanted to jump in on the fun. If you would like to see any of the details on these projects, I have included a link to the original post.




Here are my top 10 favorite cards from 2010.






Click HERE for post / Image by Lindsay's Stamp Stuff







Click HERE for post / Image by Meljen's Designs





Click HERE for post / Image by Raindrop Echo Designs




Click HERE for post / Image by Meljen's Designs



Click HERE for post / Image by Lindsay's Stamp Stuff



Click Here for post / Image by Lindsay' Stamp Stuff



Click HERE for post / Image by Pink Cat Studios




Click HERE for post / Image by Lindsay's Stamp Stuff




Click HERE for post / Image by Whimsie Doodles


Click HERE for post / Image by Pink Cat Studios

I hope you enjoyed this little look back at 2010. I am looking forward to 2011. Happy New Year!


Joy Christmas Card

I made quite a few of these cards to mail out this year. Although they are mostly the same, I did switch up the ribbons, gem stones, and paper with in the same pack. I forgot to take pictures of them before I mailed them and this is the only one I have left.






Thank you looking!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Snowflake Serenade from PaperTrey, Winter Trails from Inkadinkado
  • Paper & CS: Papertrey white & kraft CS, Close To My Heart Misteltoe paper pack
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Cranberry & VersaMark Dazzle Champagne
  • Tools: Stampin' Up edge punch
  • Embellishments: Misc. ribbon & gemstones

Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Big 4-0

My little brother turned 40 this past week. I had an idea for the card I wanted to make for quite a while. It didn't turn out exactly how I planned, but I still like the results.

I based it on Sweet Stop Sketch SSS87. I didn't follow the sketch exactly and I didn't include the stitching required for the challenge. I added extra "brads" to keep the front from being too plain. I made the brads from a tutorial I saw a while back but I couldn't find the post to include the link here.



I love this grim reaper image from Just Inklined. Isn't he cool? I didn't get to use him for Halloween but he gets to make a guest appearance for a 40th birthday.


Here is the inside. I can't make too many "over the hill" jokes since no matter how old he gets, I'm still older.


Don't forget about the Sentimental Sundays challenge. The theme this week is "Baby". I am sitting this week out but I would love to see what you have to create. You can check out the rules and link up your baby creation on the Sentimental Sundays blog.

Edited to add some pictures of my brother and I. Happy Birthday!


Christmas 1975




2007


Thank you for stopping by!


Supplies:

  • Stamps: Grim Reaper from Just Inklined
  • Papers & CS: PaperTrey white CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, Paper Studios black CS, My Mind's Eye Complete Boy, small circle paper punch
  • Inks: None
  • Tools: Cricut, Plantin Schoolbook cartridge, cropadile
  • Embellishments: Black hemp jewelry cord

Challenges:

Music Saves My Soul - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

If you would like to play along with Music Saves My Soul, link up on Marcea's blog.




Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy a day filled with love and joy with your family and friends.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Meljen's Designs - Mailed with Love

Although we do not have a challenge on the Meljen's Designs blog this week, I still have a card using the digital images Melissa just released yesterday. (See below to find out how to have a chance to win 2 Meljen's Designs digis.)




As you can see, I took a little break from Christmas cards. I wanted something warm and cheerful. I am adding this to my box of cards to ship to OWH.


Here is a peak at the new release.




If you are interested in a chance to win 2 free images from Meljen's Designs, all you need to do is leave a comment on THIS post on the Meljen's Designs blog sharing your FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY. At the end of the week, we will draw 3 random winners to win 2 images each!


I'm going to keep this short and sweet today. I hope you all have a Safe & Happy Holiday season!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Meljen's Designs Mailed with Love & Raindrop Echo Designs Miss You Sentiments both on available on Whimsy Stamps
  • Papers & CS: My Mind's Eye Be-loved DP, PaperTrey kraft CS, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White CS, misc. rust/orange CS
  • Inks: None
  • Tools: Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, Stampin' Up edge punch, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities
  • Embellishments: Stampin' Up Ribbon, misc. gemstones


Challenges:


Enabler Alert!


Thursday, December 23, 2010

Lindsay's Stamp Stuff - Terrific Tags

This week Lindsay challenged her DT to make some Christmas tags. Tags are the perfect way to use up the little bits and pieces you have left over after your projects. I whipped up some tags in 2 different designs using Lindsay's free shipping tag SVG file as the base.



This first tag design used up some of the pieces I had left after creating the altered treat jars this past week end. I had cut out several of these snowflakes and covered them with Glimmer Mist with the intent to use them on my jars. I just couldn't fit them in the design so I decided to use them on the tags instead of wasting them. The green sheet music was left over from this project. I just love using up all this stuff instead of having to store it some where or wasting it.





I had the strip of polka dot paper and the red punched CS left over from a previous project. Although I did not have the holly precut, I did use scraps of paper to piece it together.

Thank you for stopping by today! Be sure to visit the rest of the DT to see either terrific tag projects and Lindsay will have a freebie for you on her blog.

Lindsay Weirich (Owner & Stamp Designer)
Cindi Hooks
Diane Bove
Jennifer Bliss
Karin Martin
Margie Visnick
Shannon Neparko
Tamara Bennett
Tracey Allen


Supplies:

Snowflake Tag

  • Stamps: Christmas Potpourri Bingo by Lindsay's Stamp Stuff on Shophomemade.com
  • Papers & CS: Misc. sheet music, Stampin' Up Dashing DP, PaperTrey kraft CS
  • Inks: Tim Holtz Distress inks
  • Tools: Cricut, Shipping Tags (Freebie) & snowflake from Pretty Packaging SVG file (Both SVG files available on mygrafico.com), Cropadile
  • Embellishments: Tim Holtz Old Paper crackle paint, PaperTrey bakers twine, misc. lace & buttons, Tattered Angels Glimmer mist Snow Queen & Iridescent Gold


Holly Tag

  • Stamps: Nature's Christmas & Vintage Christmas Labels by Lindsay's Stamp Stuff (available on mygrafico.com)
  • Papers & CS: Be Merry Collection DP from KaiserCraft, PaperTrey kraft CS, Georgia Pacific CS
  • Inks: Distress inks
  • Tools: Stampin' Up edge punch, Creative Memories circle punch, Cropadile, Cricut, Shipping Tags (Freebie) from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff on mygrafico.com
  • Embellishments: misc, ribbon
  • Techniques: Paper piecing

Challenges:

Monday, December 20, 2010

Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Treat Jars

I have an extra Lindsay's Stamp Stuff project to share with you this week. You may remember the altered canning jar that I made for giving Sugared Cinnamon Almonds to my daughter's teachers, the mail man, and other people that I wanted to give a little something to. The jar I used for my initial idea ended up being a little big. This week end I altered 9 smaller jars to use instead. I followed my initial idea but made everything on a smaller scale.






I made 4 pounds of the Sugared Cinnamon Almonds using my Nesco on Sunday. The Nesco is large enough that I could do all of them at once. I am planning to make some treat bags to give out some of the rest of the nuts. (Or, at least that is the plan. I am running out of time and my nuts are some how disappearing!)


I didn't have a post for the Sentimental Sundays Challenge this week. The theme this week is "Inspired by Song". Join in the fun for your chance to win 4 digital sentiment sets & a custom signature and watermark from Raindrop Echo Designs. My project is inspired by song too - Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Doesn't it look like he is saying "You Better Not Pout" or "You Better Not Eat all the Nuts"?

Thank you for stopping by today!


Supplies:
  • Stamps: Christmas Potpourri Bingo cards by Lindsay's Stamp Stuff on shophomemade.com, Vintage Christmas Labels by Lindsay's Stamp Stuff on mygrafico.com
  • Papers & CS: Stampin' Up Dashing DP & Chocolate Chip CS, PTI dark chocolate CS, Georgia Pacific CS
  • Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks
  • Tools: Big Shot, Nestabilities, Designer Label Dies from Clear Dollar Stamps, Creative Memories circle punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: PaperTrey button twine, misc. ribbon & butons, small canning jars

Challenges:

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Music Saves My Soul Saturday

Yeah, it's Saturday! A day off work and time for Music Saves My Soul. If you want to play along, remember to link up on Marcea's blog.

Today I picked a song from Aimee Mann. If you don't know who she is, she was the singer in the '80's band 'Til Tuesday. She is all grown up now (aren't we all) and I love her music. "@#%&*! Smilers" is one of my favorite albums.





Keeping with the Christmas spirit, I also have this Christmas song to share by Aimee Mann and her husband, Michael Penn.



Friday, December 17, 2010

Meljen's Designs Challenge #38-Sweet Like Candy (or Cookies)

Can you believe Christmas Eve is one week from today? Are you ready? I'm not.... I just got most of my Christmas cards mailed and finished shopping. I still have to do all the wrapping and entertaining on both the 24th and 25th. I am looking forward to the week I took off work - fun with friends, sleeping late (if my daughter lets me), crafting, catching up blog surfing & commenting, and just some plain R&R. I hope you get a chance to take a breather and relax over the holidays.

I have a new Meljen's Design project to share with you. It fits with the new Meljen's Design challenge theme of "Sweet Like Candy (or Cookies)".

I used the Little Heart Gingerbread from Meljen's Designs new release.



Did you notice that I used one of the Martha Stewart doilies that I was looking for? A blogging friend and follow SS DT member, Chris, sent me some. I was so excited to get them. Now I am walking that line between wanting to use them on everything and hoarding them.

I hope you will get a chance to join in the Meljen's Designs Sweet Like Candy (or Cookies) challenge for your chance to win some Meljen's Designs digital images.


Oops, I almost forgot. You can get a free Meljen's Designs Christmas coloring page HERE. My daughter loves it!


Have a great week end!

Supplies:


  • Stamps: Little Heart Gingerbread from Meljen's Designs & Christmas Sentiments from Raindrop Echo Designs (both available on Whimsy Stamps )
  • Papers & CS: PaperTrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, October Afternoon Very Merry Fill the Stockings & Sing the Carols DP, Neenah Crest solar white
  • Inks: Distress Inks
  • Tools: Copic markers, scissors to distress the edges
  • Embellishments: Hug Snug seam binding, Martha Stewart tags/doilies, PaperTrey bakers twine, misc buttons

Challenges:


Thursday, December 16, 2010

Linday's Stamp Stuff - Pretty Packaging & Sale Info

This week Lindsay challenged her DT to find ways to prettily package up Christmas/Holiday gifts. I used the chance to acquaint myself with the SCAL software I bought a while ago and have not used much. I have to admit was dreading getting to learn a new software program and was really happy to find how easy it was to use Lindsay's SVG files. I ended up cutting a stack of pillow boxes, gift card boxes and a ginger bread house box that I plan on decorating before the Holidays.

Today I am going to share 2 pillow boxes that I cut using the file from Pretty Packaging. Remember that if you do not have SCAL software, she also offers printable templates.

For my first pillow box, I just cut a plain box and then decorated it. I used some vintage sheet music that my friend Joy got for me this summer (Thank you Joy!). I love that it is green. I have been hoarding it but decided that I had better use it. I also used some lace and some rick-rack I bought at the Target $1 Spot a couple of years ago. Like those snowflakes? I just picked those up at Target. They called them "table scatters" and I love them. (I think my love of all things with snowflakes goes will with my snowman obsession.)




After making this pillow box, I was feeling pretty feisty and decided to try one using one of the cut outs that Lindsay included in the package. Easy peasy! Again I was impressed with how easy it was for a complete novice to use.


I adhered some transparency film that I had in my office on the inside of the box to keep the candy from falling out and decorated with some ribbon and charm from my blogging friend Maria. (Thank you Maria!)

Here is a looks at all the boxes you can make using Lindsay's Pretty Packaging templates.



If you missed the sale at Mygrafico.com last week, Lindsay is having a 25% off sale on everything in her mygrafico store through Saturday. Check out all the fun cutting files & templates in her store.



Thank you for stopping by today. Stop by the rest of the DT to see their pretty packaging ideas. Lindsay will have the weekly freebie available on her blog.

Lindsay Weirich (Owner & Stamp Designer)
Cindi Hooks
Diane Bove
Jennifer Bliss
Karin Martin
Laurel Seabrook
Leanne Garner
Margie Visnick
Micki Harper
Rhonda Walker
Shannon Neparko
Tamara Bennett
Tracey Allen

Supplies:
  • Cut file used: Pretty Packaging from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff on mygrafico.com
  • Stamps: PaperTrey Snowflake Serenade
  • Papers: PaperTrey kraft CS, misc. sheet music
  • Inks: Versamark
  • Tools: Heat tool, Circut,
  • Embellishments: Ranger clear embossing powder, PaperTrey bakers twine, misc. ribbon, rick-rack, buttons, snowflakes & charm

Challenges:

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Sentimental Sundays #33 - Let It Snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful! Oh yes it is! It is windy and rainy here in Wisconsin but on Sunday we are supposed to get snow. On Monday, I don't think I'll want to leave the house because is supposed to get COLD! This year a nice warm, sandy, & sunny Christmas is sounding really nice. But I haven't heard too many Christmas carols about that. So keeping with tradition, our theme for this weeks Sentimental Sundays challenge is "Let It Snow!" We want to see the white stuff, at least on your projects.



Now, you had better sit down for this next bit....

Ready? I used an actual RUBBER STAMP for this card. Yep, rubber, not digital. And you know what? It didn't hurt a bit. Of course working with this cute kitty image probably helped. He looks pretty happy in the snow, doesn't he? I had to include something digital so I used one of the sentiments from Raindrop Echo Designs.

Please join the "Let It Snow" (with a sentiment) challenge at Sentimental Sundays for your chance to win 4 digital stamp sets from Raindrop Echo Designs. Be sure to stop by the blog to get your freebie sentiment set that Ann generously posts each week.

Stay warm and dry! Thank you for stopping by!




Supplies:


  • Images: Snow Kitty by Meljen's Designs & Christmas Sentiments by Raindrop Echo Designs (by available on Whimsy Stamps)
  • Papers & CS: BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses paper pad, Stampin' Up Real Red, Neenah Crest solar white
  • Inks: Memento tuxedo black
  • Tools: Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, EK Sucess snowflake punch, Linen & Canvas impression plate from PaperTrey Ink, Paper piercing tool, Copic Markers
  • Embellishments: PaperTrey button twine, misc. buttons & gemstones, Stickles, Zig brown marker
  • Techniques: Faux stitching
Challenges:

Music Saves My Soul Saturday

This week I am going to share a couple of songs with you again. If you would like to play along too, be sure to link up on Marcea's blog.

This first song has been running through my head for the last several days. Not only do I think Melody Gardot is an exceptional singer but she has a moving story as to how she got into music. If you would like to watch Melody Gardot's story, CBS has a video clip which is about 6 minutes long HERE.




And here is my Christmas song for the week.




Have a great week! Thank you for stopping by!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Meljen's Designs- Challenge #37 Red, Green, & Gold

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
with a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:
"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!
"On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!
.
(from the 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas,
also know as Twas the Night Before Christmas)




Rudolph didn't join Santa's team until 1939 when he was devised for an ad campaign. (More HERE) Isn't it amazing that he has become such an important part of our Christmas folklore in less than 100 years?


So why am I spouting poetry and talking about Rudolph? Well, Melissa really out did herself with the newest Meljen's Designs release. I know I always rave about all her images but I LOVE these ones. Check them out:



I had some big, big plans with these images. I wanted to make an "ornament" out of each of the reindeer and Santa's sleigh to hang on the garland decorating my stairs. But after some mishaps (I spilled a cup of tea), I ran out of time to get them all completed before my post. I am still planning on completing my project, but it might be for Christmas 2011.
.
I did manage to complete one ornament with the most famous reindeer of all.....



While you are finishing up your Christmas cards and projects this week, don't forget to join in the Meljen's Designs "Red, Green, & Gold" challenge for your chance to win some Meljen's Designs digital stamps.
Thank you for looking!


Supplies:
  • Images: Rudolph by Meljen's Designs (available on Whimsy Stamps), Tree Trimming Trio & Just the Ticket from PaperTrey
  • Papers: Stampin' Up Real Red CS, Old Olive CS, River Rock CS, & Dashing DP, Neenah Crest solar white CS
  • Inks: Stampin' Up River Rock, Real Red, Old Olive
  • Tools: Stampin' Up edge punch, PaperTrey Ticket die, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestablities, Copic Markers, EK Sucess snowflake punch, Xyron
  • Embellishments: misc. gold doily, red felt flower, button, bakers twine, glitter, gemstones, gold cord, ribbon, gold paint pen, & bell, Sakura gold & clear glitter pens

Challenges:

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Lindsay's Stamp Stuff - Sweet Treats

This week Lindsay challenged her DT to come up with some ways to package holiday treats. Since I am finally kicking my cold, I actually felt like I was able to create something. Believe it or not but it turned out how I pictured it in my head. That almost never happens for me.




I have to admit it was pretty easy to make this. Don't you love when a plan comes together. I could easily see making several of these for teachers, the mail man, etc. I did not tie the ribbon (which makes it vastly quicker and easier for me). I stuck it to the doily and the jar (recycled) using score tape. I then stuck it together on the left side where it comes together and looped/tied the bakers twine around it to hold it. Although you can't see it here, I used my circle nesties to cut a piece of coordinating cardstock and slipped it ontop of the metal lid but held in place with the ring.

You may be asking what the heck is in that jar? They are Cinnamon Sugar Almonds and they are AWESOME. I had to beat my husband off them with a spatula so that I would have enough to fill my jar. They are just like the ones you get at the fair in the summer. They have the added bonus of making your house smell WONDERFUL. And, best yet, they are EASY! A few minutes to prep, dump in them in the slow cooker (or I make 4 bags at a time in my Nesco) and then you leave them except to stir them for 2 hours. If you would like to try yourself, here is the recipe for the Sugared Cinnamon Almonds. I also like that the recipient doesn't have to eat them right away like a lot of the home made goodies you get. You can enjoy these in January with a cup of hot cocoa when all the cookies are nothing but a memory (and another dimple on my thighs.)

I love this Santa image. Doesn't he look like he is saying "Better not pout"? He is super easy to color because all the shading is already done for you.


Make sure you stop by the Lindsay's Stamps Stuff shop on mygrafico.com. Lindsay has been adding fabulous sets (digital stamps, digital paper, clip art, SVG files) like crazy. Remember that the clip art sets are wonderful for quick cards. Mygrafico is having a one-day only sale today. Everything is 40% off!



I'll leave you now so you can check out the sale and visit the other DT members to see what kind of sweet treats they cooked up for you. Remember to stop by Lindsay's blog to grab her weekly freebie.

Lindsay Weirich (Owner & Stamp Designer)
Cindi Hooks
Diane Bove
Jennifer Bliss
Karin Martin
Laurel Seabrook
Leanne Garner
Margie Visnick
Micki Harper
Rhonda Walker
Shannon Neparko
Tamara Bennett
Tracey Allen


Supplies:

  • Images: Nature's Christmas & Vintage Christmas Labels from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff (available on mygrafico.com) Christmas Potpourri Bingo from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff (available on shophomade.com)
  • Papers & CS: Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather DP, Neenah Crest solar white CS, PaperTrey dark chocolate CS
  • Inks: Distress Inks Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Old Paper
  • Tools: Big Shot, Clear Dollar Stamps Designer Labels dies, Copic Markers, Score Tape, circle punch
  • Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin vintage button, PaperTrey bakers twine, misc. ribbon, doily, Tattered Angels Snow Queen glimmer mist, canning jar & treats

Challenges: