This 12×12 single page layout features the Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper from the Holiday Mini, Chocolate Chip paper as the base, Real Red for matting and Whisper white for matting the larger picture and used for embosssed greeting,  The other piece of this page I love is the snowflakes!  These again were from the Holiday Mini and you may have some left – the white Snowflakes from the Icicles Rub-ons.  Baroque Motifs‘ large swirl stamp was used as a textured background (embossed). I like how it goes with the holly designer pattern.

Instructions

• Emboss the left side of the page with a few swirls from Baroque Motifs.  I used Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and then Clear Embossing Powder. Then heated. Then started to add some snowflakes.
  
   
• Next, I layed the 2×12 strip of holly patterned paper and the 3/4 inch strip of real red patterned paper from the Christmas Cocoa Specilaty pack. 

  
   

• Next, matted and laid the smaller picture squares on the right. Some on a diagonal, and the center one as a square. Placed with Stampin’ Dimensionals. You can swap a Whisper White piece for one of these squares for journaling if you’d prefer.
• Then matted and laid the larger picture.
• Matted and created the greeting, which again could instead be used for journaling. Used Stampin’ Dimensionals in the middle so it would not stick to any pictures on the left and right side.
• Finished adding some more snowflakes.

Other Suggestions:

• Add some brads for an accent on the greeting or around large picture.
• Add some ribbon.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday season!

Don’t forget to check out the new Sale-a-bration and Occasions Mini!  Samples to come!

Here is another quick, less than 10 minutes, card using the same Lovely as a Tree stamp set but with Bella "blue" and a masculine look.

Stampin’ Up! Product Used:

• Chocolate Chip cardstock, Craft Ink, and Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Wide Satin Ribbon (from Clearance Rack)
• Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper
• Large Oval Punch
• Scallop Oval Punch
• Lovely as a Tree stamp set
• Clear Embossing Powder
• Heat Gun
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Stampin’ Dimensionals

Instructions:

1. Start with a standard card using Chocolate Chip cardstock. 
2. Then cut a 4 x 5-1/4 piece of blue patterned paper from the Bella Bleu collection of Designer Series Paper.
3. Stamp the large tree in Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and stamp the 1st tree. Then re-ink and stamp the 2nd tree to the left, and slightly higher. 
4. Then cover both trees with Clear Embossing Powder. Shake off excess. Heat.
5. Then I used the small trees from the Noble Deer stamp set (retired) but you can also instead use the horizontal bunch of trees in the Lovely as a Tree stamp set. Stamp in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink (not Craft Ink and not embossed).
6. Wrap ribbon around and knot in the front, center.
7. Adhere to card front using SNAIL Adhesive.
8. Stamp and emboss greeting on scrap Bella Bleu paper. Punch out with large oval.  Then adhere to Chocolate Chip scalloped oval (punch). Adhere to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
9. You’re done!

Other Suggestions

1. Use Icicles snowflake rub-ons from the Holiday Mini in the background.
2. Try Chocolate Chip striped grosgrain ribbon.

Don’t forget the Sale-a-bration and the Occasions Mini catalog is coming – JANUARY 5, 2010.

First, I stamped the two trees in Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and embossed using Clear Embossing Powder and then the heat gun.  I did the same technique for the greeting "Merry Christmas" (Four the Holidays stamp set from the Holiday Mini). 

Then using a White Gel Pen I added highlights/snow to the tree branches.

Next, I adhered the window sheet (4 x 5-1/4) to the trees (card front panel) using SNAIL Adhesive (to hold the window sheet in place).

Lastly, I threaded a piece of Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon through a silver buckle from the Styled Silver Hodpodge Hardware kit and adhered to the back of the card front panel.  Then adhered the panel to the Chocolate Chip card using SNAIL Adhesive.

Other Suggestion

• Once I was finished with the card, I think if we used either White Craft Ink or the white snowflakes from the Icicles Rub-ons in the background as well, that would have added an extra holiday, snowy touch.

Happy Holidays!

I’ve had this set, A Cardinal Christmas, for a while and had trouble coming up with a design that I liked for this beautiful bird. I had tried embossing and watercoloring but it never looked the way I had imagined.  So this week, I tried using the Stampin’ Write Markers and coloring the stamp the different colors – Real Red, Garden Green with a touch of Old Olive, Close to Cocoa and More Mustard – then stamped on Whisper White paper.  I really liked the way it came out.  Then to dull the brightness a little, I sponged this panel with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink.

Next, I really do like the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder featured in the Holiday Mini.  I used it iwth Real Red, matted it on Chocolate Chip paper,  and wrapped a piece of Chocolate Chip Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. Then rotated it to make a diamond shap.

Lastly, the card and card front.  The card front was created using Chocolate Chip cardstock and then stamped the leaves from the A Cardinal Christmas stamp set in Chocolate Chip Craft Ink, added Clear Embossing Powder and then heated.  The image was stamped 4 times to get the desired look shown. Then matted onto the card (Close to Cocoa).

To assemble the card, add the diamond panel using SNAIL Adhesive, then the Cardinal, top panel using Stampin’ Dimensionals.  I really do like the way it came out and you can use this layout for many holiday sets, such as Home for Christmas or Good Cheer and many others.

Other suggestions:

1. Using the Big Shot or Circle Cutter to frame the Cardinal.
2. Create a Shadow Box card, again focusing on the Cardinal image.
3. Try watercoloring instead of the marker technique.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas is just around the corner. Today’s post is using the Good Cheer stamp set from the Idea Book & Catalog.  I saw this marker and embossing technique with this holiday set on another demonstrator’s website and had to C.A.S.E it – it looked so nice and absolutely perfect for the holidays!

The following Stampin’ Up! product was used:

• Crimper
• Chocolate Chip, Real Red, and Whisper White cardstock
• Chocolate Chip Wide Satin ribbon (from the Clearance Rack)
• Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon
• Rub-ons (Merry & Bright in the Holiday Mini Catalog)
• Stampin’ Write Markers
• Versa Mark Pen
• Clear Embossing Powder
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Stampin’ Dimensionals or Pop-up Glue Dots

First, cut the standard, vertical card size in Chocolate Chip.  Then run a 4-1/2 by 5-1/2 piece of Real Red cardstock through the Crimper. Afterwards trim to 4 x 5-1/4.  Wrap a piece of satin ribbon around the front and adhere to the back. Then wrap the Real Red ribbon on top of the Chocolate Chip satin ribbon and adhere to the back as well. Adhere this panel to the card front.

Next, cut up one of the phrases from the Merry & Bright rub-ons and used on the ribbon!  I like how it came out.  Choose your favorite holiday greeting and give it a try.

Lastly, color the stamp the Santa image with Garden Green, Real Red, Creamy Caramel and Chocolate Chip markers. Then stamp  on Whisper White cardstock.  Cut the paper to the image. Using the Versa Mark pen, color parts of the image you would like embossed. Then sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder, shake off excess powder, then heat.  Mat the image on Chocolate Chip cardstock and trim.  Then adhere to the front panel using Stampin’ Dimensionals or Pop-up Glue Dots.

Other Suggestions

1. Stamp the image in Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and emboss. Then watercolor the picture instead of coloring the stamp with markers.
2. Add glitter (Dazzling Diamonds) to the image.
3. Add brads as an accent. For example in each corner of the front panel or on the bottom or top right.
4. Instead of using the Crimper use a background stamp or Textured Impressions Folder.

Don’t forget to check out the 12 Days of Holiday Sales!

Happy Holidays!

These might be the most exciting 12 days of December with select Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets for the Big Shot on sale! The 12 Days of Holiday Sales begin today and runs through December 22.

Some of the items introduced in this sale are new colors of Décor Elements vinyl sheets. There are 18 new colors to choose from, and they make great projects when you use them with Big Shot dies. Consider pairing the Clear Décor Elements vinyl sheets with the Tulipe Bigz die to create an etched-like design on a vase. Or use the Decorative Accent Bigz dies with the Old Olive Décor Element vinyl sheets to enhance a frame. The combination of Big Shot dies and Décor Elements vinyl sheets is sure to take your creativity to a new level!

Tell your husband!!! Shop now — sale is only until Dec. 22nd!

This simply but elegant holiday card was created using the Serene Snowflake stampset from the Holiday Mini, the Not Quite Navy paper and the patterned paper from the Bella Bleu designer series paper pack. 

The snowflake was stamped in Craft White Ink and then covered with White Embossing Powder. Then heated. Then the piercing tool was used to put a whole in the center of the snowflake so the Filigree brad could be placed.

Then the patterned paper and the Not Quite Navy cardstock were adhered together to make a 4 x 5-1/4 piece of paper. 

The Scallop Edge punch was used on the Not Quite Navy cardstock and then the small strip from the punched edge was also used in the sample instead of being thrown away! Vintage Brads were placed in the bottom to the right (and through the patterned paper. 

Then the panel was adhered to the card front (Very Vanilla cardstock) using SNAIL Adhesive.

Really a quick card but I still love the way it looks!

Other Suggestions

• To create this card even faster, skip the scalloped edge and instead just wrap Taffeta ribbon around the front and adhere in the back.
• Then simply adhere brads in the lower right corner of the patterned paper or just skip them altogether.

Happy Holidays!

 This fun holiday gift bag is created from beautiful, retired items found on the CLEARANCE RACK and are reduced in price. Do miss this opportunity to purchase these holiday items at a great price (Frosty Day Designer Series Paper and Big Felt Snowflakes)!  Chocolate Taffeta and Pumpkin Pie/White grosgrain ribbon also used with a light blue rhinestone (from the Circle, Ice Collection).

Frosty Day Designer Series Paper Regular Price: $4.99 Preferred Price: $4.49

Big Felt Flurries Accents & Elements Regular Price: $6.66 Preferred Price: $5.99

 It is really simple to create this project. First you will need just 3 pieces of Designer Series Paper (2 pieces the same for the bag/box and then 1 other design for the trim).

Here the light blue patterned paper was used for the bag and then multicolor paper and chocolate chip patterned paper (all from the Frosty Day pack) were used for trim.

Score the two 12×12 pieces used for the bag, 2 inches on 3 sides, shown here.  Then cut where shown to create a flap so the box can be folded. Do the same for both pieces.

Then, use adhesive on the flaps to assemble. fold, and hold the box/bag together. Adhesive on the inside of all the flaps on one o fthe pieces. 

Then wrap the Chocolate Chip paper around the top about 1/4 of an inch from the top. You will need 2 pieces to go all the way around.

Then cut another 2 inch piece of trim (2 pieces) and scallop both. Then also wrap around the top.

Next, wrap a piece of ribbon around the bag.

Next, add the snowflakes and rhinestone to the top, center area of both sides.

Lastly, adhere the ribbon straps and stuff with gift and tissue paper.

Love these colors. Miss the paper but again you can stil purchase it on the Clearance Rack or make the bag using your favority Designer Series Paper for any occasion!

Here’s how to make it. Lots of steps but it is easier than it looks!

Start with selecting what paper you’d like to use and then cut

• One piece at 9 x 12.
• One piece at 3 x 7.
• One piece at 3 x 9.

Instructions

1. Score the 9 x 12 piece at the 1, 2, 7 and 8 inch marks.
2. Rotate and score at 5 and 7 inch marks.
3. Cut the score marks at the 5 and 7 marks (see image).

   

    

4. Use SNAIL adhesive or Sticky Tape to the inside of the flaps to begin building/folding the box together.

   
    

5. Complete the box.

   
    

6. Then using the 3 x 7, score at the 1 and 6 inch mark and then rotate and score at 1-1/2. 
7. Then use the 3 x 9, score at the 1, 2, 7 and 8 inch marks, rotate and score at 1-1/2.
8. Cut triangles as shown here — used to fold along the top (also shown here).

   
    

9. Completed box and project. Ribbon was added and the snowflake attached using a Clear Rhinestone brad.

   
    

Other Ideas

• Stamp on the paper (before assembling), such as using Baroque Motifs or other swirl-type of stamp set and then a dark ink like Chocolate Chip.
• Use other embellishments to decorate the bag.

Last but not least…don’t miss the HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!!

I really enjoyed making this non-traditional holiday card…using Very Vanilla!!!  Something different. Hope you enjoy it and it inspires you to think of new holiday color combinations!

The Stampin’ Up! product used:

• Chocolate Chip Craft Ink
• Serene Snowflakes stamp set
• Sweet Swirls wheel
• Clear Embossing Powder
• Heat Gun
• Dazzling Diamonds
• Two-way Glue Pen
• Icicles rub-ons
• Kraft Taffeta Ribbon
• Silver Buckle from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware

To make this card:

1. Create a 5-1/4 x 5-1/4 Square Card using Very Vanilla cardstock.
2. Cut either two pieces of different patterned Very Vanilla paper from the Bella Bleu designer series paper pack (as I did) or just use one pattern.
3. At the bottom, ink up the wheel with Craft ink and then roll across. Cover with embossing powder, shake off the excess powder and heat.
4. Then, for the top section, rub-on many snowflakes of different sizes.
5. Then ink up the snowflakes from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set and stamp around (using Craft Ink). Emboss them.

   
    

6. Next, using the Two-Way Glue Pen, add Dazzling Diamonds to the snowflakes or where desired. I added it to the snowflakes and in between the swirls at the bottom.
7. Adhere the two pieces down to the card front.
8. Lastly, wrap a piece of ribbon around, threading it through the buckle, and adhere on the inside of the card.

   
    

Other ideas:

• Try other color combinations
• Try the crayon-resist technique withe the snowflakes