Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Ornaments

I'm going to try to give you some ideas in the next few days that will help you take your paper crafting into Christmas. Some of them are very simple and others a bit more complicated. Hope you enjoy them and you find something useful for you.

I remember the first year I was marriend, we didn't have any money to buy any Christmas decorations so I made some for us from items I had around the house. This ornament is made with double sided Christmas patterned paper, ribbon and buttons. Easy peasy!

This paper is some that I had left from last year's Celebration DSP but it will be great with some of SU! Christmas patterned papers. You might want to try Be of Good Cheer (#126896). Any of these patterns would be beautiful.

Cut a piece 2" wide and 12" long. Accordian fold the strip and place adhesive on the end. Press the ends together. Use glue dots (#103683) to stick a bright button from the Brights Designer Button (#119747) collection on each side. Cut a 12" piece of 1/4" red ribbon. Double it and adhere the ends of it to one of the folded areas. Hang it on your tree.

With double sided paper, you can use either side!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Need Speed?

Here's a simple card that I made to send to my grandson, the Marine Recruit in San Diego.

Need for Speed stamp set (#122717)
Ruby Red cardstock
Marina Mist cardstock
Early Espresso classic ink
Always Artichoke classic ink
Ruby Red classic ink
Night of Navy classic ink
Basic Black classic ink
Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

I hand lettered the greeting because I didn't have a stamp to say what I wanted. It's not fancy but it says what I want & isn't that what's important.
Take a look at the inside of the card.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Adorning Accents

I know you don't think of many flowers between Thanksgiving & Christmas but, IMO, flowers are good any where any time. I tried to make these flowers darker and more fallish colors.

Fabulous Florets stamp set (#123027)
Edgelits Adorning Accents (#1255951)
Textured Impressions Embossing Folders Adorning Accents (#125601)
Elegant Eggplant cardstock 4 1/4 x 5 1/2"
So Saffron cardstock 4 x 5 1/4"
Old Olive classic ink
More Mustard classic ink
Pumpkin Pie classic ink
Midnight Muse In Color ink
Raspberry Ripple In Color ink
Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

The Adorning Accents dies and embossing folders require that you do this in two steps with your Big Shot but it is so worth it for the look. I love the elegance that the cut and the embossing adds to a simple card. Hope you have fun with this.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Funny Kids & others

We're back from GA where we had a wonderful visit with our daughter, her husband & their children. We had great fun visiting Savannha & Augusta. And the fall colors of the trees were just beautiful. In my part of Texas we don't have much color change in the fall so this was a nice sight for us.

Sunday is always a great day. I love the Lord and love being able to worship Him on any day but especially on Sundays. Enjoy this video and song by Todd Agnew.

Here's some funny kids that ought to make you laugh.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Monarchs birthday card

Ok, so I know it's a little late for Monarch butterflies to come through but not really too much! They usually come through Central Texas in September so I'm just a couple months late. Besides, most people like butterflies any time of the year.

Marina Mist cardstock 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" & scraps
Daffodil Delight cardstock 4 x 5 1/4"
Wild Wasabi cardstock 3 x 4"
Tangerine Tango cardstock scraps
Perfect Punches stamp set (#120516)
Midnight Muse In Color ink
Basic Black classic ink
Daffodil Delight1/4" Grosgrain Stitched ribbon (#126872)
3/8" Designer Printed Brads (#122940)
Beautiful Wings Embosslits (#118138)

This card is pretty self explanatory just by looking at the picture. The one thing that you might wonder is the black on the butterfly wings. Simple, after I ran the embosslit through my Big Shot, I lightly rubbed each butterfly across my black ink pad. The embossed parts picks up the color but leaves the rest of the cardstock the original color. If you have trouble with this on the stamp pad, then try using a sponge dauber. You shouldn't have trouble unless you have a heavy hand.

Just love the embosslits! I put the die & the paper together & run it through my Big shot and it cuts and embosses at the same time! Super easy and saves a step. How great can you get?

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving

Today I am in GA with my baby girl and her family for Thanksgiving. My Tina is an Army wife and her kids, Jonathan, Victoria & Jacob, are Army kids. Because they used leave time to come to Texas last May for graduations and again in Aug. to get Jonathan settled at Baylor, they are out of leave and will not be able to come home for Christmas this year. We will miss them terribly but we decided to go to GA, where they are stationed at Ft. Gordon, to celebrate Thanksgiving & an early Christmas with them. When we mentioned that we were going, our grown son was excited and checked on his & his wife's vacation time. Their 2 kids are out of school for the whole week so we ALL came to GA for Thanksgiving. My oldest daughter was not able to come with us because she has to save days to be able to go to San Diego, CA on Dec. 7 when her son graduates from his Marine basic training.

We are thankful to have such a wonderful family and to be able to be together as often as we can. We've got  some great kids and grandkids. Here's a picture from last May when we were able to ALL be together for a graduation.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be thankful for more than just food & football. I'll be back next week with some more cards.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Fall/Thanksgiving card

Harvest Blessings stamp set (#126452)
Bravo Burgundy cardstock, 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" & 2 x 2 1/2"
Daffodil Delight cardstock, 4 x 5 1/4"
Wild Wasabi cardstock, 1 1/2 x 4"
Stripes Embossing Folder (#123128)
More Mustard classic marker
Pumpkin Pie classic marker
Always Artichoke classic marker
Really Rust classic marker
Ruby Red classic marker

Monday, November 19, 2012

Merry Christmas card

Here is a little bit easier Christmas card that you can do. I'm actually working on several of these for what I'll send out this year. My dear, sweet husband ran the background cardstock through the Big Shot for me.

Wild Wasabi cardstock 4 1/4 x 5 1/2"
Ruby Red cardstock 4 x 5 1/4"
Old Olive cardstock 2 1/2 x 3 1/2"
Bells & Boughs stamp set (#121142)
Ruby Red classic ink
Ruby Red marker
Wild Wasabi marker
Summer Sun marker
Old Olive 1/2" Grosgrain Striped ribbon (#113883)
3/16" Corner punch (#119871)
Christmas style embossing folder
5 1/2 x 8 1/2" Whisper White cardstock

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Be Thankful

We are now in Georgia visiting our daughter & her family. We will be here for the next week. I've tried to make things ahead so that I can still have at least 3 posts for the week. Hope you enjoy what I've got for you. Also, I now have the surgery on my torn rotator cuff scheduled. It will be on Nov. 29. After that it is expected to take 3 mos for recovery.The dr has said that after a couple of weeks I'll be able to be back to keyboarding, etc. things that I can do from the elbow down. Anyway,I've made many things ahead so I can go ahead and still give you some ideas. For the days that I don't have anything made, I will pass along ideas from freinds and other SU! demonstarators. Hope you will enjoy these while I recouperate from this surgery.

We have so very much to be thankful for in the United States of America. We can be thankful for our freedom, the freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Most of us have more than we really need. Even the poor have much to be thankful for with Medicare, food stamps, government assistance for housing and more. We all have a free public education and the opportunities to make our lives what we want them to be. Let's remember, that we are all very blessed here in the USA. Let us praise God for the blessings that He has given us. And be sure to worship in the church of your choice each Sunday to thank God for our blessings.




Here's one more about thanks.




I can not be thankful for anything more than I am for Jesus Christ giving His life for me.


Here's a cute kid to enjoy.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Rest of the Window Christmas Card

I gave you the materials and instructions for the first part of this card on Wednesday. Today we have the rest of the card, or as Paul Harvey used to say, "the rest of the story."

front of the card from Wednesday

Open the window of the card and see a Christmas tree with a message.



Do not adhere the window to the large piece of Whisper White cardstock yet.

Evergreen stamp set (#127973)
Gumball Green InColor ink
Night of Navy classic ink
Daffodil Delight classic ink
Basic Black marker
Whisper White cardstock cut 5 1/2x 8 1/2"
The window that you made from Wednesday.

Score and fold the Whisper White cardstock at 4 1/4." On the front folded section, stamp a solid tree from the Evergreen stamp set in Gumball Green In Color ink in the center of the cardstock. Use Night of Navy to stamp the words of Silent Night onto the tree.
Use the basic black marker to draw lines to make mounds of snow around the tree.

Now adhere the window from Wednesday onto the front of this. Be sure you only place adhesive on the outside edges of the window. Do not adhere the window portion. You want the window to be able to open.

Finish the card by stamping the inside of the card like you see here.


The inside greeting and the lighter tree are both with the Evergreen stamp set. Now how many times have you used every stamp in a set on one card? Be sure to sign your creation on the back of your card. I always sign with my name and date. I have a dear friend who signs her cards with her first name. However you want to sign your card, just be sure that you  do because, even though it's my design, it's your creation!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Christmas Window

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but for those of us who make our own Christmas cards, we have to start early. It's less than 6 weeks until Christmas Day and even less than that to mail your cards. So here is one that I designed for my own use that has a very religious theme. It's also a bit more time consuming to make. I actually started on this one back in July but haven't gotten very many of these finished. With being my usual busy self plus an extreme allergic reaction to pencillin, I've had trouble just getting 3 cards a week on my blog. Now, I've got a torn rotator cuff and will be having surgery right after Thanksgiving so it looks like I won't get these finished for this year. Maybe I can send it out next year!

With the rotator cuff problem (my right shoulder & I'm right handed) I am limited on the things I can do. I'm trying to make enough cards ahead, before my shoulder gets to the point that I won't be able to use it at all, so that I will still be able to have 3 cards a week for you. Well, have to see what happens with that.

At first glance, this looks more like an Easter card, than a Christmas card. IMO, Christmas wouldn't matter, if Jesus hadn't died on the cross for us at Easter time, so I started this card with a cross.

Crosses of Hope stamp set (#120567)
Gumball Green In Color ink
Whisper White cardstock, 1 piece 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" and 1 piece 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" for each card
Primrose Petals In Color ink
Midnight Muse In Color ink
Wisteria Wonder In Color ink
Daffodil Delight classic ink
Marina Mist classic ink
Sponge Daubers (#102892) one for each color works best
Evergreen stamp set (#127973)
craft knife
ruler
Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334)

Use a ruler to measure the center of the card and lightly draw a pencil line down the center of the card. Choose the cross that you like and stamp it centered on the line with Midnight Muse ink. You also need to stamp another cross to cut out and use as a mask.

Use a large label to make a pattern for the window. Trace the label and cut out the inside on some scrap cardstock. Lightly draw with pencil the entire pattern of the inside of the window. You will use this later. Use paperclips to hold the pattern in place on the 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" piece of Whisper White.

Hold your cross mask on top of the stamped cross.  Use the sponge daubers and 5 colors of ink to stamp the inside of the window to give it a stained glass look. Remove the paper clips and pattern. Use the star from Evergreen stamp set to stamp around the top and sides of the window.

Use the Scoring Tool to score the edges of the window about 1/2" from each side of the cardstock depending on the label you used. The label that I used was cut from an Original Sizzix crescent tag die. Look to see where the curve of the top of the window ends and begin your score mark from there and end it at the bottom of the tag.

Use a craft knife and cutting mat to cut down the center of the window on the same line you stamped the cross on. Then erase any pencil marks that still show. With the craft knife, cut the line you drew earlier on the curved top and the straight bottom of the window pattern.

Use your bone folder to fold the window sides back so that the window will open.


Check back on Friday for materials and instructions on the inside of the window and the inside of the card.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Highlighting Poppies

There are so many ocassions that a congratulations card will fit. It can be a job promotion, a graduation, a new baby, new family members, and on and on.


I don't usually buy the background stamps because the way I stamp, I don't use them all that often. When I saw this one, the individual poppies just jumped out at me so I knew that I would use this stamp for more things.

Pleasant Poppies background stamp (#129499)
Perfect Punches stamp set (#120516)
Marina Mist cardstock 4 1/4/x 5 1/2"
1/4" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Stitched ribbon (#126872)
Modern Label Punch (#119849)
Cajun Craze marker
Always Artichoke marker
Midnight Muse classic ink pad

For the first stamp on to the Marina Mist cardstock, ink up the entire image making the poppies the dark Cajun Craze color and the stems Always Artichoke. Stamp onto the Marina Mist cardstock.

For the second stamp, ink up the section of the poppies that you want to highlight with the two colors and stamp on Whisper White cardstock. Carefully cut that section out close to the edges. Use Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430) on the back of the white and carefully line those poppies up over the same group on the background.

Use ribbon to go over the end of the white cardstock so it doesn't look like the poppies have an abrupt end.
Add the other items as you see on the card.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Veteran's Day Sunday

We should always remember the brave men and women who have served our country throughout the years. If you know someone who served in war or peace, be sure to tell them thank you for the service.



Wonder how Veteran's Day got started? Watch this video for a history of it.



I am very proud of family members, past & present, who have served our nation.
Stamey Hendricks-WWI
J. B. Henry-WWII
Samuel Johnson-Korean War
Bobby L. Johnson-peace time
James T. Henry-Vietnam War
Chaplain/Maj. Larry Matthew VanHook-currently serving, has served 2 tours in Iraq
Shea Arrais- served in the Air Force for 4 yrs
Tristion Morrales-currently in Marine recruit basic training in San Diego, CA

These are all directly related to my husband & I. We are very proud of each & every one of them.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving, Friend

Here is a Thanksgiving card you can send to that special friend.



Pleasant Poppies background stamp (#129499)
Perfect Punches stamp set (#120516)
Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (#115370)
Tangerine Tango cardstock 4 1/4 x 5 1/2"
Marina Mist cardstock 4 x 5 1/4"
So Saffron cardstock
Brights Designer buttons (#119747)
Subtles Brads (#119738)
3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon, Midnight Muse (#126847)
Curly Label punch (#119851)
Modern Label punch (#119849)
Word Window punch (#119857)
Always Artichoke marker
Cajun Craze marker

On the Pleasant Poppies background stamp, use the brush end of the markers to ink the portion of the flowers that you desire on Whisper White cardstock. Then cut closely around the outside of the image. The oranges and the darker reds give this card more of a fall look.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Stampin' Trimmer


The brand new Stampin' Trimmer is here now! SU! took some time in getting this ready but they wanted to make sure that everything was right before it was released to the public! And all the time was well worth the wait. This trimmer is everything I hoped that it would be. It cuts smooth and straight and has plenty of room to work with your papers, plus, storage room on the back side of it.

This is from pl 180 in the current catalog. You can see some of the cool features that are here. Here's some of the info from the catalog.
Cutting and scoring..Cut anywhere in any direction. Full 12" cut or score. Keep scoring and cutting blades on the track at the same time. 1 cutting blade and 1 scoring blade.
Measuring..Exended 6 1/4" base. Extend ruler to 14 1/2"
Storing..Compartment under base to store blades, scoring stylus, more!

I am totally thrilled with this trimmer. It's the best I've ever used and I've been paper crafting for over 20 yrs.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Dots & Scallops


Lots of layers here on this card. Sorry the picture is a bit crooked. Some days are just like that. lol

Island Indigo cardstock 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" plus a small scrap
Marina Mist cardstock 3 3/4 x 5"
Old Olive cardstock 3 x 4"
Wild Wasabi cardstock 3 x 4" plus a small scrap
Old Olive 1/2" Striped Grosgrain ribbon (#113883)
Textured Impressions Perfect Polka Dots (#17335)
Scallop Edge Border punch (#119882)
Modern Label punch (#119849)
Word Window punch (#119857)
Just Believe stamp set (#120453)
Gumball Green In Color ink (#126861)
Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (#115370)

Run the Marina Mist through the Big Shot machine with the Textured Impressions Perfect Polka Dots folder. Cut 2 sides of the Wild Wasabi cardstock with the Scallop Edge Border punch. Stamp the leaves/flowers in the center of the Wild Wasabi cardstock. Without reinking, stamp again on the left side of the card stock. Ink the stamp again, & stamp it one time on scrap paper. Then stamp again on the right side of the cardstock. This is how you get the lighter color impression.
 Layer all the cardstock pieces and top with the ribbon. Add the happy birthday tag.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Let it Snow

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Actually, please don't snow here! I'm not a big fan of cold weather but I do like the looks of the snow. Fortunately, living in Texas all of my life, I haven't had too worry about snow too often. Here in Central Texas it snows maybe once every 10 or so years. We do have way too much ice though!
Anyway, I'm not really too sure when ya'll up north have the first snow but here's my first snow card. Hope you like it.


MarianaMist cardstock 4 1/4 x 5 1/2"
Whisper White cardstock scraps
Lovely as a Tree stamp set (#115026)
Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (#115370)
Really Rust classic ink
Crumb Cake classic ink
Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (#126847)
Word Window punch (#119857)
Modern Label punch (#119849)

Stamp your line of trees near the center of the Marina Mist cardstock.


Tear the Whisper White cardstock with curves and so that the torn edge is fuzzy.
Lightly ink the edges of the snow with Crumb Cake ink so that you can easily see the overlaps.

Layer the torn pieces so they look like hills of snow.


Add the ribbon to the top of the card and your greeting. Then go drink a cup of hot chocolate after your cold work!