O Christmas Tree

I love to work with "tree" stamps.  This tree is one from the new Heartfelt Creations "Classic Christmas Collection" and is from the "Magnificent Spruce Trees PreCut Set" (HCPC 3432) - you get two stamps in this set.   I started out by stamping the Heartfelt Creations Music Background using Memento Black ink.  The large Spruce Tree was white embossed over the music, then sponged with Tim Holtz  "Peeled Paint" (this ink is green) to bring out the embossed tree.  The design paper used in the background is from the BoBunny "Father Christmas Collection" paper pad.  The white snowflake up in the corner is one of the new Cheery Lynn Snowflakes "Snowflake2" (DL166).  After die cutting it, I used glue to cover the top surface and sprinkled on sparkly glitter.   On top of the snowflake I layered poinsettias from one of the stamps in the Heartfelt Creations "Poinsettia Spray PreCut Set" (HCPC 3418).  A few black beads were added to the center of the layered poinsettia.  Under the poinsettia I added some of the new Cheery Lynn 'Pine Branches" (B146).  They look exactly like branches from a pine tree and you do get two different styles (4 dies) in this package.  I can see using the die all year long.  On the corners of the music background I added four die cut corners using the Spellbinders "Lace Doily Accents" dies.  To finish the card some silver rhinestones were added to the tree to give it a little sparkle.  

I want to remind you about our challenge this week.  Please go over to check out Joan's Gardens blog to see all the details.  She is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate.  Wouldn't this come in handy to purchase some the new Heartfelt Creations stamps, Memory Box Dies,  or some of the new Cheery Lynn dies she posted today!!!

All the products I use can be purchased at Joan's Gardens.

Yesterday my DH and I went up in the mountains to take a train ride from Ione, WA to Metaline Falls, WA to see the autumn colors.  I did not get many pictures but did snap this one of my DH standing in line waiting to board the train.  It was an antique train that went through the mountains along the Pend Oreille River, through the 810 ft long Vail tunnel, and over the trestle over Box Canyon.  To add to the fun the train was "robbed" to help support the non-profit Cutter Theatre in Metaline Falls.  We had a lot of fun seeing the scenic landscape and meeting new people.  After the ride we enjoyed a great meal before returning home. 

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My DH is standing at the end of the line.  We chose to ride in one of the antique closed coaches rather than the open air cars or caboose.  

The Everlasting Light

 

Today I have another card using one of the new Heartfelt Creations "Classic Christmas  Collection".  I used the largest book from the "Book Frame 2 PreCut Set" (HCPC 3434).  The music, from the "Book Frame 1 PreCut Set" (HCPC 3433) was lightly stamped on a separate piece of card stock with Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink. The book was stamped over the music then cut out just inside the top pages of the book.  Two more book frames were gold embossed on vanilla card stock and a third one gold embossed on burgundy card stock.  Both the lighter books were sponged with Tea Dye Distress Ink to give them an aged look. The music was glued to one of the lighter colored books.  All the books were scored down the middle using a ScorBuddy.  A piece of red velvet ribbon was attached to the back of the book with the music and pulled down the middle in the front. It was attached at the top with a little glue to keep it in place.  A piece of  i/8" ScorTape was placed on the score line of the lighter books and all three books attached together to give a layered look.  A small piece of dimensional tape was place between the pages of the books to give the one book a look of fullness.  

This is a 5x7" card.  The green design paper is from the Graphic 45 "Christmas Emporium" 12x12 paper pad. I used the new Sizzix "Peace Poinsettia" (656988) embossing folder for the background.  There are three embossing folders in this set.  The candle is the Heartfelt Creations "Holiday Poinsettia Candle" (HCPC 3419).  The poinsettia is layered.  I love this candle and I know I use it a lot - isn't it perfect with this song book!  The sentiment is from the Heartfelt Creations "Nativity Scene PreCut Set" (HPC 3431).  It was gold embossed on the Sizzix embossed background.  A gold leaf pen was used to add a gold border.  To complete the card, gold beads were added to the center of the poinsettia.

As you know, you can purchase all your Heartfelt Creations stamps from Joan's Gardens.  

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Wise Men Still Seek Him

 

Today I have another card designed with the new Heartfelt Creations  "Classic Christmas Collection".  The stamp used is from the "Wisemen Ornament PreCut Set" (HCPC 3429).  It was black embossed, cut out and the background sponged.  The pretty burgundy design paper in the background is from the Kaiser Craft "December 25th" paper pad.  The tan background was created by stamping the Heartfelt Creations "Herald Angels Background PreCut Set" (HCPC 3427) with Brilliance Copper ink on a vanilla card stock.  It was torn around the edges then sponged with Tim Holtz "Scattered Straw" Distress Ink.  The sentiment is from the "Wisemen Ornament" set.  It was Gold embossed on vanilla card stock and die cut using one of the Spellbinders "Ironwork Accents" dies.  It was sponged before removing it from the die.  The Evergreen branches were die cut using the Marianne "LR0184" die.  To give the branches more texture I embossed them using the new Sizzix "Triad Leaves" (657259) embossing folder.  To complete the card, black pearls and a gold bow were added.

You can purchase this new Heartfelt Creations Classic Christmas Collection and all other products I use from Joan's Gardens.   Don't forget to check out the $20 savings if you purchase the whole Classic Christmas Collection.

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Having Fun

 

Dianna and Marsha

I have been having lots of fun teaching two my my friends from Vancouver, WA some new techniques.  They were here for five days but we could have easily spent another five days  with all the new things they wanted to learn.  Dianna was one of my very first "students" when I began doing workshops 14 years ago and never missed a workshop.  These gals miss my workshops so much they came all the way to the other side of the state to learn some new things. It was wonderful to spend time with them again and catch up with the latest news. Some of the things we worked on were creating vellum flowers, working with Heartfelt Creations stamps and dies, making boxes and decorating them with flowers they created, working with Spellbinders dies, Cheery Lynn and Mariann Design products, and learning how to color with colored pencils and oms. 

I thought it would be fun to share, with you,  some of the beautiful projects they completed.

 

Always by our side was my dog "Putter".  Bet you can guess how she got that name (my husband is a golfer).  She loves to spend time in my craft room and has a  bed under the work table.

Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge

This week Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge is supporting the Second Annual "Hope You Can Cling To" Challenges at SCS.  We have chosen the "Fight Like A Girl" challenge that was posted October 11 for our challenge this week.  Here is the info about this challenge.

Create a card or project with some girlie embellishments; flowers, lace, glitter, bling, pearls, ribbons..... all things girlie! 

The challenge this week at Joan's Gardens is to complete a card with the above requirements and submit it to the Link on Joan's Gardens, then in support of breast cancer month,  please add your card to the SCS "Hope You Can Cling To Gallery", with the KEY Words  HYCCT1111.  You will be eligible for a prize given by Joan's Gardens as well as any prizes given out when you link to the SCS  Master Challenge.

Above is the card I created for this challenge.  The pink flower was created by stamping the hydrangea from the  Heartfelt Creations "Hydrangea/Posy Branch PreCut Set" (HCPC 3301).  To make the flower dimensional I stamped the smallest posy from the Heartfelt Creations "Posy Patch Flowers PreCut Set" (HCPC 3303) on two different shades of pink card stock and cut them out with the Posy Patch Diecuts (HCD 701).  A Spellbinder Scalloped Circle was conditioned with tools from the Flower Tool Kit and was glued to the center of the flower.  The small posies were also  shaped with the Flower Tool Kit and added to create a dimensional flower.  Rhinestones were added to the center of each little flower.  Additional hydrangea leaves were stamped and colored, then added under the flowers.  

The design paper on the the bottom of the design is from the Webster's Pages "Your Life, Beautiful" paper pad.  The pretty embossed background was created with one of the new embossing folders from the Sizzix "Ornate Frames Set" (656989).  Behind the flower I added one of the Cheery Lynn "Italian Flourish" Doilies (DL103). To add some more "girlie embellishments" to the card, I added a lace border down the right side created with the Cheery Lynn "Anastasia Border" (B136) die.  The Butterflies are from the Cheery Lynn "Mini Butterflies" (DL112) set.  They were die cut using yellow card stock to match the butterflies in the design paper.  The JustRite sentiment was stamped on one of the Spellbinders "Parisian Accents" die cuts and tucked under the edge of the flower.  Three small pearls were added to the sentiment tag.  Pearls were also added to the corners and also on the butterflies.  A bow was made using the "Bow Easy" and attached to complete the card. 

I think my card definitely looks very girly.  I will be going over to SCS to add it to the "Fight Like A Girl" challenge.  Don't forget to add your card to the link at Joan's Gardens for a chance to win a prize.  This is a very easy challenge and I hope to see lots of cards linked to Joan's Blog showing your support.  You can get the complete information about Joan's challenge on her blog.

Here is the information copied from the SCS "Hope You Can Cling To" Master Challenge. Please also add a copy of your card to this challenge.

View the Hope You Can Cling To Master Challenge Thread HERE

UPLOADING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. All Hope You Can Cling To Challenge Entries must be uploaded to the Hope You Can Cling To Gallery, with the HYCCT1111 challenge keyword, no later than November 7th, 2011 at 12:00 Noon Central Time to be eligible for our fabulous prizes! Post a link to your entry in this thread.
2. You may not combine challenges, but you are welcome to create multiple cards for each challenge.
3. Please remember to put in the correct keyword when uploading HYCCT1111 your image. Copying and pasting the challenge keyword is recommended to avoid typos.
4. Please package all challenge entries with an envelope, protected with a clear plastic bag and mail them to our partner at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center to benefit patients being treated for breast cancer and their family. We would like for them to receive cards throughout the month of October, but we understand if you'd like to mail all your cards at once.
5. Since these cards will be used by visitors for patients, most should be blank inside, but feel free to send cards with messages of hope for the patients in addition to your challenge cards!

The Department of Volunteer Services – Unit 115
Attn: Maggi Suttles
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030

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Nativity Scene

 

Today is the new release of the Heartfelt Creations "Classic Christmas Collection".   Joan's Gardens has the entire collection available on her blog.  This collection features 6 new precut stamp sets that coordinate with the Heirloom Ornaments 2011 and the Labels Seven Spellbinders dies.  I will be posting other cards using this collection later this week.

This is a shadow box card.  I started with a 6x6" square and scored at 1/2" down both sides.  A piece of design paper from the Kaiser Craft "December 25th" paper pad was attached to one of the 6x6" squares.  I used one of the Spellbinders Labels 22 dies to cut on opening in the center of it.  The Heartfelt Creations "Nativity Scene PreCutSet" (HCPC 3431) scene was stamped on a separate piece of card stock and colored using a combination of Copic markers and chalk pencils.  It was attached to the inside of the back section of the shadow box.  Two Cheery Lynn "Grass Borders" (B126) were attached across the top of the Labels 22 opening.  I used gold card stock to coordinate with the gold in the design paper.  Gold Stickles was added to the star.  The Heartfelt Creations sentiment was added to the upper corner then the shadow box was attached to a wider piece of gold card stock to complete it.  

You can see this entire Heartfelt Creations Classic Christmas Collection at Joan's Gardens.  If you order the "I Want It All" collection you will save $20.    All the products I used on this card can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.

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Little Gift Box

 

 First I want to thank those of you have sent my neighbor a Get Well Card.  Both Dick and Pat were in tears and ask me to thank you for your thoughts and prayers. They said it is so special to receive cards and know others care even when they don't know them.  They are putting your beautiful cards on the hospital window to admire all day.  Dick went in the hospital for treatment for cancer and some how got a staff infection before they started that treatment and is very ill, so has to wait until that is cleared up before they start the cancer treatments.  His wife only leaves him to go home for a few hours sleep then go back to spend the entire day with him.   If you haven't sent a card, and would like to, here is his address again:

Dick Montgomery

822 N. Oasis Avenue

Deer Park, WA  99006

USA

Once again, thank you to those of you have sent cards -- it truly has given them a lot of happiness.

Today I have been getting ready for two stamping friends that are arriving from Vancouver tomorrow.  I haven't seen them for awhile so am very excited  to see them.  They always attended my workshops when I lived there and they want to spend lots of time stamping while they are here.  I think I have lots of new things to teach them.

For my post today, I made a cute little box that will be perfect for a small Christmas gift.  I used the Sizzix "Popcorn Box" die and embossed it with the Sizzix "Botanicals" (657137) embossing folder.  On the front I added the Cheery Lynn "Ornamental Wreath and Bow (DL143).  The wreath was die cut 4 times to give it a lot of dimension and the bow was die cut twice.  They were layered using dimensional tape.  

For the top of the box I used my favorite poinsettia stamps.  They are the Heartfelt Creations "Petite Poinsettia PreCut Set (HCPC 3415).  Two sizes of the petals were gold embossed on watercolor paper then water colored, cut out and layered.  The doily below the flower was die cut with the Marianne LR0185 doily die. 

As you know, you can purhase all of the products I use from Joan's Gardens.

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you have a great weekend.

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Joan's Gardens Challenge - A Decorated Bag Mini Tutorial

 

It's time for another new challenge at Joan's Gardens.  This week we want you to create a FALL or Trick or Treat BAG with a topper. You can get all the details from Joan's Blog.

  

I decided to create a Trick or Treat bag using a lot of different products from Joan's Gardens.  I decorated a kraft bag with handles and have a mini tutorial below to show you how I created the topper.

The design paper on the bag is from the Graphic 45 "Halloween in Wonderland"

8 x 8" paper pad. 

To create the "topper", I used Kraft card stock.  First I decided how deep I wanted the topper, then doubled it, and scored across the middle and creased it will with a bone folder.  Using scissors I cut a small opening along the fold line that was just a little longer than the width of the handles.  I wanted to create a design on the front edge, so used the Cheery Lynn "Tiffany Border" (B137) die.  I taped it to the edge of the topper then die cut it.

After it was die cut, it cut the border out along the edge leaving an opening along the bottom edge.  I wanted to add the border back over the opening, plus wanted a color behind it.  

A strip of card stock was added it to the back of the topper over the die cut opening.

 

 When I added the die cut back into the opening, I placed it slightly higher so it left some of the color below the scalloped edge. The die cut was glued along the very top edge, to the edge on the topper.  A piece of the stripped design paper was added right above the die cut edge to give it a finished look.  I used grungeboard letters from Tim Holtz Idea-ology Mixed Minis alphabet for the "Trick or Treat" letters.  Distress Ink Stain Daubers were used to color the letters, to match the colors in the design paper.  I love how they turned out.

To decorate the top edge of the topper, I used the Sizzix "Autumn Gatherings" (657454) die, which has branches, acorns and different small leaves.  These were all arranged across the top.  All these dies are pictured on my last post.

For the Jack-o-Lantern I used the Sizzix "Pumpkin Jack" (657463) die.  This is the way it looked when cut.

I wanted to give the surface a texture so used the Wendy Vecchi "Funky Flower Art" stamp set.  In this set is a large background stamp that I clear embossed over the pumpkin.  The Jack-o-Lantern face was cut free hand from black card stock and glued to the pumpkin.

The pumpkin die includes the stem.  I die cut it using green card stock then embossed it with the Cuttlebug "Distressed Stripes" embossing folder.  To complete this bag, I die cut a lot of leaves using the Cheery Lynn Leaves dies (D133, D134, D135, and D136).  I used a variety of leaves from each of these sets.  The large acorn on the bottom is from the Sizzix Mini Acorn & Pumpkin Set (657457).  The handles of the topper were pushed up through the opening that was cut in the center of the topper to complete my Trick or Treat bag.

All the products used on this project can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.  Please go over to Joan's Blog to get all the details about this week's challenge. 

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Halloween

  It is hard to believe it is already October.  I just received some new products from Joan's Gardens that are so perfect for creating great Halloween or Autumn cards and thought I would share them with you.

I used a piece of design paper from a new line of paper Joan now carries - it is called Lost and Found and this piece of design paper is from the "Sunshine"  6x6" paper pad.  It has the perfect coloring to go with this scene.  I first started by die cutting three pumpkins using Tim Holtz Sizzix "Mini Acorn & Pumpkin Set" (657457).  I cut each one out of a different shade of orange card stock then scored vertical lines to give them more dimension. I also placed a small piece of green card stock over just the stem on the die and cut three out then glued them to the pumpkins.  I wanted to put on a texture so I lightly sprayed the pumpkins with "Goosebumps" clear texture spray.  You have to let it dry completely (I helped it along with my heat gun) then I sponged on different shades of oranges for shading.  I love the way the Goosebumps is clear so you an still see the original card stock through it.  Below is a close up picture so you can see the texture.

 The cute, intricately cut background, is the Cheery Linn "Enchanted Flight (FRM123) frame die.  It was placed on the right side of this 6 x 5 1/2" card.  The pumpkins were attached with dimensional tape.  I didn't want my pumpkins just floating there, so I cut 3 Cheery Lynn "Grass Borders" (B126) and layered them down in front of the pumpkins plus added some between the pumpkins.  I really like this die because the grass is so realistic.  The added grass really pulled the pumpkins together.  To add some additional autumn feel to the card, I die cut the Tim Holtz Sizzix "Autumn Gatherings" (657454).  I die cut it four different times using Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock "A Collection of Mother Nature's Colors".  The texture in this card stock makes the leaves more realistic. The leaves were shaped using the tools from the Flower Tool Kit. The leaves were tucked in around the base of the pumpkins.

I decided to write the word "BOO" on the little sign in the "Enchanted Flight" die.  I used Inkssentials Opaque White Pen to do that.  This is the perfect pen for writing on dark colors.  Two little Halloween elements were added - a bat and a ghost.  I believe these are from Making Memories embellishments.  I had some of the branches left from the "Autumn Gatherings" die cuts so added them up on the upper left hand corner then added a colored seam binding bow.

This was a very fun card to create.  You can get all the products I used from Joan's Gardens.  I have included pictures of the dies below.

 This is the die I used on my card.  It is the  Tim Holtz "Mini Acorn & Pumpkin Set (657457)

 This is another Sizzix pumpkin that Joan has in stock.  It is larger than the pumpkins I used.  Don't you love that shape!  It is "Pumpkin Jack" (657463).  Wouldn't this make a great Jack-o-Lantern.

 

This is the "Autumn Gatherings" (657454) die.  You get all the leaves, acorns and branches individually cut. These pieces are really a perfect size for all your cards.

This is the Cheery Linn "Enchanted Flight (FRM123)

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A Card Request

 

Today I made a card for my neighbor who has been in the hospital.  They found a malignant tumor behind his eye and he is going through some aggressive treatment.  While in there he got a staff infection and is now very weak. I found out this morning that he is not doing very well.  His wife has been spending most of each day at the hospital with him.  These are such wonderful people.   I am sure receiving encouraging cards will help to bring some happiness to them.  I'm not sure how long he will be in the same hospital, so I am attaching their home address if you would like to send a card.  Thank you for your help.

Dick Montgomery

822 N. Oasis Avenue

Deer Park, WA  99006

I will tell you about my card.  I wanted it to look masculine but did add some fall flowers -- I think with the colors, the flowers are ok and it still looks masculine.  I used a piece of fall looking design paper and added an embossed piece, created with the Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder on the left side.  It was sponged with Distress Ink.  There is a small border between the embossed panel and stripped background that was a piece cut off when using a die border.  I don't remember which die it was. The sentiment is from the JustRite "Just A Note" set and the Frame is from the JustRite "Vintage Floral Labels".  The flowers were created using the small "Pear" punch.  The Flourish was die cut from the Marianne LR0150 die.  The Accent on the left side of the card is from the Spellbinders "Ironworks Motifs" and the corners are from the Spellbinders "Lace Doily Accents". 

As you know, all the products I use can be purchased from Joan's Gardens. 

REMINDER:  Today is the last day to buy one and get one free Glue Glider products.  Also don't forget about the 10% discount on your purchase from Joan's Gardens.  This discount continues through Monday.  Did you submit a card at Joan's Gardens for a chance to win a prize.  Be sure to check Joan's blog for all the details about the sale and chance to win a prize.

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Magenta Flower

 

Today's card is made with Cheery Lynn Dies.  The flower is made with the new "Stacker Flower #3" (SF-3).  I think it is such a pretty flower.  The stamen was created with the Punch Bunch "Sky Flake" punch.  The green flourishes were die cut using the Cheery Lynn "Tropical Flourish" (B127) die.  The two doilies under the flower were die cut using the Cheery Lynn "Scandinavian Hearts" (DL155) die.  There are two doilies in this set - the square doily and the little round one that is under the flower.  The design papers used are from the BoBunny "Garden Girl" collection.  A silk bow was added to complete the card.

All these products can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.

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Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge #4

It is time for another challenge at Joan's Gardens.    Here is the challenge Joan gave us this week:

■ Create a Card using something from nature
■ Create a card using several layers
■ Create a card using glitter
■ Created a card using a border around the card

This is a 5 1/2" square card.  For the layers on my card I used the Martha Stewart "Doulbe Arches" border punches for the bottom layer. I started with a 6" square then punched around the edges and layered it on top of the white card.  On top of that is the Cheery Lynn Dainty Dutch Deco Frame (DL141).  This is the perfect size frame to layer on top of the Doulbe Arches punched border to give it an even more dainty look.  Behind the Dainty Dutch Deco Frame I have attached a piece of design paper from the Kaiser Craft "December 25th" paper pad.   The beautiful image is the Penny Black "Nature's Best" stamp.  It was colored using colored pencils and OMS.  I stamped just the bird a second time and attached it over the one in the design for additional dimension.  For the top I die cut the beautiful new snowflakes from Marianne Design (LR0123). There are three snowflakes in this set; they can be used separately, but I chose to layer them.  The three different flakes were attached with dimensional tape.  I wanted to add glitter,  so I used a new product you can get from Joan's Gardens called "Glue n' Seal".  Wow!  this glue is fabulous.  You can use it for many things such as when you paper piece, add paper to boxes, etc.  I used a brush and applied the glue all over the dimensional snowflake then poured glitter over it.  What an easy way to accomplish that.   Below is a picture of this glue. I still had some of the glue left on my brush so lightly brushed it over the holly around the bird and lightly sprinkled glitter on it. The sentiment is from the JustRite "A Merry Little Christmas".  It was gold embossed and placed slightly under the holly. 

Here is a picture of the Glue n' Seal I used to hold the glitter:

Please go over to Joan's Gardens to get all the details about this week's challenge.

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