The real red card stock is cut here with the Big Shot and the Box #2 die, and layered with the beautiful flocked Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper. I trimmed the box top and enclosed two votive candles ~ they are a perfect fit!  The 5 Petal Punch was used to make the poinsettias that have a jumbo brad dipped in glitter for the centers. The Top Note die was trimmed to fit in the back of the box and it's all wrapped up with Mistletoe ribbon.

Do I sound - well, let's say - not like my usual bright and bubbly self?  You're right, I am tired! I am excited to share this project with you, just keeping it short and to the point. As I am sure is true for all of us - life has been incredibly busy lately, so I will be posting a bit less in the days to come. You know what that means! I'll come back and stamp up a storm when life gets back to normal (or  what-ev-uh) again.

I love the holidays and every year I tell myself this is the last year that I will push myself to the max trying to get everything done! If I get that time management thing figured out, I'll bottle it to sell to the world  ***wink***

Ready to do some shopping for your crafty someone special or yourself? Don't miss out on this promotion from Stampin' Up! offering 15 - 25% off the Big Shot accessories below.

Would you like to see the Big Shot in action? view the video Here.

To learn about our Definitely Decorative Decor Elements, click Here.

Sale ends December 22 at 11:50 Pm Mountain Time.To order, go to my business site HERE and click the Shop Now button.

Product Offering: Item Page # Description Regular Price Discounted Price 114515 195 Flower Burst Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 114516 195 Cherry Blossom Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 115957 195 Thanks Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 114513 195 Sweetest Stem Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 115952 195 Hi Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 115951 197 Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die $74.95 $59.96 113446 197 Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die $19.95 $16.96 114509 197 Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die $21.95 $18.66 113448 197 Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die $19.95 $16.96 113457 198 Tulipe Bigz die $21.95 $16.46 115954 198 Two Tags Bigz die $21.95 $18.66 114524 199 Fringed Flower Bigz die $19.95 $15.96 114523 199 Decorative Accents Bigz die $19.95 $15.96 114534 199 Flower Bigz Clear die $19.95 $15.96 113473 199 5-Point 3D Star Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 113472 199 Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 113470 199 Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 113465 199 Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 115961 200 Perfect Setting Bigz XL die $42.95 $32.21 113483 200 Pennant Bigz XL die $39.95 $29.96 113484 200 Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die $39.95 $31.96 116760 201 Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die $39.95 $29.96 116759 201 Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die $39.95 $29.96 114890 201 Matchbox Bigz XL die $42.95 $36.51 113458 202 Flower Layers Originals die $15.95 $13.56 114336 158 Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 114334 158 Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 114337 158 Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 114335 158 White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 118797 n/a So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118798 n/a Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118799 n/a Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118800 n/a Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118801 n/a Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118802 n/a Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118803 n/a Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118804 n/a Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118805 n/a Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118806 n/a Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118807 n/a Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118808 n/a Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118809 n/a Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118810 n/a Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118812 n/a Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118813 n/a Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118814 n/a Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118815 n/a Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $14.95 $11.21 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:58:07

I love the simplicity of this card and the happy colors. A few things to notice~

• the Sending Love Notes (Hugs) come with delicate glassine envelopes. I promise to show them soon! The white panel with the tiny scalloped edge on my card is the Love Note; I just love using these as the main panel !
• The Two-Step Bird Punch is so easy to use! I punched the branch and cut the leaves off the mellow moss image. Each leaf has a tiny score line in the middle.
• The new Sending Love Epoxy brads add just the right touch! I love the 1/4" size~just right to highlight the sentiment from the Well-Scripted set. I love the soft curves of the font and the sweet sayings.
• The layered ribbons are white Satin and taffeta ribbon in Mellow Moss. Ribbons take on a whole new look when layered, and there are so many options!

Only a couple more weeks until these items will be available in the Occasions Mini! 

I am glad you took the time out of your busy schedule and chose to come and see my creations today. Thanks so much for visiting!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Well-Scripted
Paper: melon mambo Designer Series Prints, Tea Party DSP, so saffron, mellow moss, soft suede textured
and Ink: mellow moss

Accessories: White satin and mellow moss taffeta ribbons; Sending Love Notes (Hugs), Sending Love Epoxy brads, Two-Step Bird punch and Trio Flower punch

Order from me online anytime HERE or e-mail me HERE with any questions you have!

For the tree, I stamped white card stock with the image from the Patterned Pines set and embossed it with silver EP. I used a marker to add the red highlights to the tree, and to stamp the sentiment and small flower. THe colors I used are real red, pumpkin pie, whisper white,brushed silver and just a hint of old olive.

Here's one more sneak peek for you - the Fine Flourish stamp from the Occasions supplied the lovely design on the patterned pumpkin pie panel. I love this size stamp for backgrounds, it's such a convenient size to get your hands around and lining it up to stamp twice was easy too.

My jewel is a square rhinestone brad without the brad! Don't forget that with a good yank you can just use the gem. I think it's a great option~I love the look and this card will be fairly flat to mail.

Pretty quick and straightforward - that's the kind of project that I need on these busy days! 

I'll be back soon to share a bit more and to add the supplies - but I couldn't wait to get the jury out on this card. Let me know what you think!

Here's a peek at one of the cute, cute sets that you can earn free during Sale-A-Bration beginning January 5.  This card to welcome my new neighbors uses lots of new stuff!  I was delighted to order the Good Neighbors set that combines stylish houses, roofs, trees and a fluffy stitched cloud for fun two step stamping. The tree image made a neat leafy background on the teal strip. You're going to love this set!

My design uses Sweet Pea designer paper and card stock textured with a brand new Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. I have tons of ideas for using the Medium Jewelry Tag and the Tiny Tags set that has sentiments and images sized to match. Don't you love the tiny tag hanging from a button? Get out your Stamps, Paper, and Ink and try adding a tag to a button.  Happy Stamping!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Good Neighbor
Paper: whisper white, sahara sand, taken with teal, Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack
and Ink: old olive, taken with teal, sahara sand, chocolate chip, pretty in pink, rose red

Accessories:Chat Room Run Ons ( 'happy'), scallop border, 1-1/4" square and Medium Jewelry Tag punches;Fresh Favorites II Buttons, cotton thread, Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions folder-Perfect Polka Dots

Needing supplies? Click  HERE and go to Shop Now for my online store.

I know I'll have a few months to celebrate spring and new products, so my share for today is back to Christmas and I've pulled out all the stops for today's card. I  used the Shimmer Paint and Petals A Plenty embossing folder. These fabulous items are only available until January 4, so don't miss out if you haven't ordered them yet!

I tried a fun new technique of sponging a thin, even layer of Platinum Shimmer Paint on the debossed side of the folder before inserting the card stock and running it through the Big Shot. You'll find the debbossed side - the one with indentations instead a raised design - by running your hand over the inside of the folder. The result of this technique is a silvery shimmer in the background that makes the red flowers stand out. I wish the photo did it justice, but trust me - it's a beautiful effect.

I am busy with Christmas preparations - wrapping LOTS of gifts - so I'll keep this short today. See you tomorrow!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper, real red, pretty in pink, whisper white
and Ink: real red

Accessories: silver elastic cord, brushed silver brads, clear circle rhinestone, snowflake punch, Lots of Tags die, Big Shot, Eyelet Border punch, Petals A Plenty, Shimmer paint

I {heart} butterflies and love collecting them on today's card with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit (available January 5 in the Occasions Mini). I thought you'd like another sneak peek today!  This wafer thin die cuts and embosses 5 butterflies in various sizes. They come out ready to take flight and add beauty to any project. My fav is the striped one, you may need to click to enlarge the photo so you can see the details.

Another sneak peek is the new Scallop Trim Border Punch, which can be yours FREE during Sale-A- Bration.  I promise   OK, I'll really try not to give sneak peeks every day (unless you convince me!) but I'm sure you understand how much FUN I'm having with these new supplies!

I made this card for the Color Challenge at SCS which is to use Barely Banana, Always Artichoke, and Rich Razzleberry- yummy colors! The layout comes from a card of Kristina Werner's that I have long admired. 

Just a little thanks in advance for your kind comments.

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Matchbox Messages
Paper: barely banana, rich razzleberry, pale plum, whisper white
and Ink: none

Accessories: markers - always artichoke, rich razzleberry; Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, Embosslits Beautiful Wings, 1-1/4" circle and Scallop Trim Border punches

Here's my vintage tag to dress up some special gift this Christmas, and later to be used as an ornament for the tree.

I've just got to say - isn't this set GORGEOUS???

• On Very Vanilla card stock, I used the Very Vintage wheel and Soft Suede ink, and cut a 3.5" circle. 
• The flower border is done with black ink. I added a tiny border of Brushed Gold card stock, which I also used for the tag. The Brushed Gold and Brushed Silver card stock from Stampin' Up! has a beautiful metallic sheen that is just perfect for your holiday projects.
• The flower was stamped in Rose Red ink, cut out, popped up and embellished with a pearl from the Pretties Kit. If you wonder why I call the Pretties Kit 'my bottomless pit,' you need to check out this category in my sidebar :D
• The sentiment is from the set Teeny Tiny Wishes, and is embossed with Gold Glory embossing powder. I love this tone on tone effect.

Hope you love today's project! I am grateful that you chose to spend a bit of time with me today, thank you~

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Very Vintage, Very Vogue, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: very vanilla, soft suede, brushed gold
Ink: rose red, soft suede

Accessories: Pretties kit, vanilla taffeta ribbon

Don't have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and need supplies? Order from me online anytime HERE

Have questions about a crafting need, or considering becoming a demonstrator? E-mail me HERE with any questions you have!

Here's a sneak peek at the new I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, Well Scripted set, and Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack. There's more, but I don't want to overly tantalize you. See what you have to look forward to?

Just want to say - love you much!

Winter Post is another one of my all-time favorite sets for Christmas! 
For today's card~

• I combined the Winter Post set with Serene Snowflakes and the sentiment comes from All Holidays. 
• I stamped the skaters in Soft Suede ink, then covered the image with a mask to stamp the snowflakes
• I sponged Sahara Sand around the edges using an oval mask
• Colored the skaters' clothing with markers, and I added glitter to her hat and sleeves
• The red card stock is textured. Don't forget about this option, it adds so much elegance to your projects!

I'll list the supplies in a minute - but, speaking of supplies - my order from the Sale A Bration brochure and Occasions mini arrives today. I can't wait! I love being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! If you'd like to find out how you can get 30% off of your stamping supplies this month - just send me an e-mail and ask!

You know, I so appreciate every one of you that faithfully visit to see what I've been making. Thanks for your support and kind comments. Have a great day!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Winter Post, Serene Snowflakes, All Holidays
Paper: whisper white, real red textured, soft suede
and Ink: soft suede, sahara sand, real red

Accessories: Square rhinestones, Mistletoe ribbon, 1-3/8", slot and Designer Label punches, sponges, Top Note, Big Shot

How I made the focal image using the masking technique, step by step:

•  Cut the Top Note. Cut an oval  - I used the Nestie Ovals and cut the oval out of a transparency, so I could see to center it on the Top Note .
• Next you need to cut a mask of the skaters. Stamp the skaters (in soft suede) and cover with the mask.
• Center your oval mask and randomly stamp the snowflakes. I stamped the large snowflake first. Sponge lightly around the edge of the oval to define.
• Carefully remove the mask over the skaters.
• Assemble the rest of the card.

E-mail me HERE with any questions you have!