Prancing through the Snow

I had this background already glued to the white card base but I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it.  Then, while going through some of my already colored and cut holiday images, I found these two adorable deer left over from another season.  Another quick card done!  Technically, this is a Christmas set, but I rarely pay attention to such small details; besides, I feel that you can prance all year long!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Snowfall Backdrop, Portrait, #LF1803 
Mama Elephant Winter Forest Cover
Light Blue Card
Clearly Besotted Let's Prance Stamp Set {already colored and cut}
Clearly Besotted Let's Prance Die Set {I was not able to find the dies}
MFT/Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Clear Gems

This was super easy; I already had the background done and then finding the colored and cut images was a plus!  All I had to do was stamp the sentiment, cut it out, and then adhere the deer and sentiment to the card. Can't get much easier than that in my book!  I put a few clear gems here and there to give the card some sparkle and there you have it.

I hope your holiday season was a great one and that you & yours are happy and healthy! Thanks so much for stopping by! I am going to be doing an Instagram promotion very soon so if you haven't followed me on Instagram I suggest you do that now - the giveaway is going to be AMAZING!  :) Hugs, Christi

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Crafty Creations Challenge, #416 - Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Christmas Kickstart Challenge, #45 - If it is Christmasy, Link it up!
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Celebrate!
Everybody Art Challenge, #481 - Christmas Animals
Dream Valley Challenges, #238 - Christmas
Stamps & Fun = Creativity, #380 - Winter

Merry Christmas or Yappy Wolfmas?

Mama Elephant is one of my favorite stamp companies; they make the cutest critters!  My very good friend loves dogs so I thought what is better card for her than one that features dogs doing all kinds of crazy things??

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Light Blue Card
Navy Card
Mama Elephant Yappy Woofmas Stamp Set
Mama Elephant Yappy Woofmas Die Set
Lawn Fawn Snowfall Backdrop, Portrait, #LF1803
Mama Elephant Winter Forest Cover
Merry Christmas Script Die
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Gel Pens

As always, I stamped, colored, and die cut all the dogs that I wanted to use in my scene.  Then I cut out the background; the snowfall out of light blue card and the forest out of white card and adhered them to the card.  I placed the critters in the scene where I wanted them and I was done!

Another Christmas card posted!  I feel I am making progress :) At least now the madness is over! Now we move on to the winter cards & New Years!! I for one cannot WAIT for this year to be over; to be fair, something happens every year that makes me yearn for the upcoming year, BUT this year was a doozy!!!  Hugs! Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge, #522 - Anything Goes, Christmas
Sweet Stampin' - Let it Snow
Crafters Castle - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge - S is for Snow Scene
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge, #581 - Christmas, the last stretch
Little Red Wagon, #581 - Merry Christmas

Pastel Merry Catmas

I've had this idea rumbling around in my head for a while to create a card that can be used as a baby's first Christmas card.  You know I LOVE my cat craft stuff so it was a natural thing for me to reach for some kitties to help welcome a new baby.  By the way, I don't know anyone who is expecting or who has a new baby but I suspect I got inspired by the card I will show you below.

You can see the sparkle of the gel pens I used on the hats, presents, scarves and ornaments!

What I Used to Make my Card
White Card Base
Mama Elephant Oh Kitty Tree Stamp
Mama Elephant Oh Kitty Tree Die
Zig Clean Color Markers
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Various Gel Pens 
Sue Wilson Australia Collection Background die, #CED8101 {retired but available}
MFT/Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips, #MFT-1123
Distress Ink in Hickory Smoke

Now that you have seen my card, let me show you the beautiful card I CASE'd.  While this card by Toni Maddox of Frankie Helps Craft was showcased on the Doodlebug Blog using Oh Penguin Tree.  I just switched it up a bit and used "Oh Kitty Tree."  I think it was the pastels that caught my eye - definitely a different color palette! 

So I colored the kitties in pastel colors, detailed them a bit with some gel pens, cut out the tree, and layered it onto the background die which was cut out of light purple paper.  I used light grey ink to stamp the sentiment (I didn't want your eye to go right to the sentiment, so I thought grey would be better than black) and die cut that using the fish tail strips.

I think the colors are a nice change from traditional Christmas colors and the card doesn't have to be for a baby's first Christmas, which is a good thing!  Thanks so much for stopping by. ~ Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
SUYP, #61 - Anything "cat" Goes
Cardz TV #130 - Anything Goes
Colour Crazy Challenge, #50 - Anything Colored Goes
Winter Wonderland - End of Year Challenge, Anything Christmas Goes
Krafty Chicks, #539 - Any Occasion
Crimbo Crackers, #666 - Anything Christmas Goes
Watercooler Wednesday Challenge, #302 - Anything Goes
Die Cut Diva's - Anything Goes
The 12 Months of Christmas, #72 - Anything Christmas Goes
Crafty Gals Corner, #214 - 'Tis the Season
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Sparkle & Shine 

Season's Tweetings!

First, let me wish all of you a 

I sincerely hope that you & yours have a wonderful holiday season!

When I saw this collaboration set from Lawn Fawn and Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember release, I knew I had to get it {and I am so glad I did!  It sold out in record time!} and then I knew I had to make a slimline card - so here it is :) 

What I Used to Make my Card:
Slimline Card Base
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Lawn Fawn & Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember Season's Tweeting's Stamp Set {Sold Out}
Lawn Fawn & Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember Season's Tweeting's Die Set {Sold Out}
Lawn Fawn Cloud Stencil, #LF2250
Kat Scrappiness Never Ending Nesting Slimline Dies
Nuvo Crystal Drops in Morning Dew, #677N
Gel Pens
Glitter Card Stock

First thing I did was stamp, color, and cut out all the cute little birds.  As usual, I have plenty left over so I am sure they will be visiting again soon!   Then I stenciled on the clouds, and trimmed and stamped the string of lights.  After covering each light with the drops and waiting for it to dry, I placed the birds where I wanted them, glued them down, and stamped the sentiments onto the card.  I cut another panel of glitter card and adhered all of the layers together and onto the card.  I just have to ask, for those of you who blog or post how many times have you typed "slimeline" instead of "slimline"?  I've done it a gazillion times already!

This was the first time I had tried using the cloud stencil and I was surprised and pleased at how easy it was!  It's sad that the stamps and dies sold out so quickly, but the good news is there is a small set of Lawn Fawn's called Winter Sparrows that is still available around the web.  I thoroughly enjoyed working on this card and I hope you like it!  Posts are getting shorter now that that I am seriously trying to get all my cards and crafts posted.  I'm sure you don't mind as we are all feeling the crunch.  Happy, Healthy & Safe Holidays, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
2 Crafty Critter Crazies, #45 - Anything Goes with a Critter
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Celebrate!
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Sparkle & Shine
Crafter's Cafe - Holidays
Christmas with the Cuties, #45 - Anything Goes based on a Carol/Song
Bitten by the Bug - Die-lirious Holiday
Crafty Animals, #45 - Anything Goes w/ an Animal
Let's Craft & Create, #166 - Anything Goes
Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas Goes
The Card Concept - Picture of your Tree or Favorite Christmas Card 

Merry & Bright

Hey everyone!  Are you done with your holiday stuff, or are you like me and creating like a mad woman?  I wasn't going to do Christmas cards this year but then I suddenly got the itch and now I am a card making, photo taking, post writing, fool.  

I made my card after seeing this beautiful CAS card on the blog I'm in Haven - Lisa has created for many of our favorite companies and I am sure you will be inspired if you visit her blog just as I was.  First, this is my take on the card:

Of course after the card was finished, I noticed I'm off on my spacing, but you know what I say to that don't you?  That is the charm of being handmade. :)  Before I get into what I used to make my card, check out Lisa's card from I'm in Haven which inspired me:

This amazing card was made by Lisa Andrews, AKA I'm in Haven
Click on the link above to go right to her post with this card, or click on

 one of the many links I have posted to go to her entire blog.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Top Fold Card Base
Authentique 6 x 6 paper pad, Festive {retired but available}
Reverse Confetti Winter Words Dies {retired}
Reverse Confetti Winter Words Coordinates {retired}
Embossing Ink
Gold Embossing Powder

Of course, everything I used to make this card is retired but there are so many different word dies and sentiment stamps out there, I wanted to share it with you anyway.  I die cut the words from plaid Christmas paper, stamped the words, and embossed with gold embossing powder, then it a wrap.  I really love the simplicity of this card so I am going to go through my stash and see if I can recreate the look of the card using products that you can actually buy!

I hope you enjoyed my card!  Time is running out fast now and I am feeling the pressure! Have a great day and I hope to see you very soon!   ~ Christi 

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
Little Red Wagon, #581 - Merry Christmas
Crafty Gals Corner, #214 - 'Tis the Season
Christmas Kickstart, #45 - If it is Christmasy, link it up!
The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge, #85 - Anything Christmas Goes
D.L. Art - Anything Goes
Paperminutes, #672 - Card or goodie for Christmas or New Years

Fa La La La Llama

This adorable set was a collaboration between Simon Says Stamp and Clearly Besotted; sadly it is no longer available so if you can find it, you should buy it!  While I was searching for information for this post, I looked for the set to see if I could find it, and if you decide to do the same, just know that some stampers are calling the set "Little Llama."  I couldn't find the set anywhere but maybe you will have better luck!  I jazzed up every llama on this card to make it extra special - I hope you like it!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Fa La La La Llama Stamp & Die Set {retired} 
Simon Says Stamp Fa La La La Die, #SSSD111767
DCWV Blue Noel 12" x 12" Paper Stack
Red Shimmer Paper from Stash
Gel Pens
Various Gems from Stash

As usual, I started this card by stamping, coloring, and cutting the llamas.  I used sparkle gel pens for the scarf and Santa hat, then used gems for the "bells" around one llama's neck and as earrings for the middle llama {I felt bad since there was nothing I could color in and use, so she had her ears pierced and was very brave.}  I used the Blue Noel paper, trimmed, to cover the white card, and also stamped and trimmed the sentiment.  For the Fa La La die I

Close up of the sparkle

used an old envelope made of shimmer paper I found in my stash; it was from a kit that I had gotten many years ago.  See, this is why we crafters save things!  You just never know!  I found the green snowflakes on my desk and have no idea what set or die was used.  

Right now my desk is a HUGE mess.  I like to pull out all the items pertaining to the season or holiday so I have all my winter, Christmas, and Valentine's Day stamps, dies, embellishments, and cat fur all over my desk.  This has caused me to rethink my storage method.  I have been storing my stamps and dies by company and, while that seems to be working for the companies I use all the time, it definitely causes me to forget some of the amazing products I have from the companies that I don't have as much.  So I inquired on Instagram how all of those talented stampers store their items and overwhelmingly they organize by season, holiday, or whatever other subject is important to that crafter.  So, I have decided that next month I am going to reorganize.  It isn't as big an undertaking as it sounds; I basically have all of my stamps and dies stored in plastic pouches, complete with a 5" x 7" magnet if applicable, and they all hang out in the refrigerator organizers that Jennifer McGuire uses {this link is from just one of her fabulous organizer posts; but it explains all the items she uses and has links to buy those exact items.}  However, I get all my supplies from Amazon and since she doesn't list magnets, here is where I buy mine.  I also use Dollar Tree bins {they are open bins with cut out handles; you can see the exact ones I use here} for my larger stamp sets, all of my word dies, and plastic cutting mats for my dividers.  I cut the mats into four sections and then label them.  Since you get two in each pack, a few can go a long way.  I also found them to be sturdy enough to keep everything apart but flexible enough that a cat can walk on it and not ruin it.  So, reorganizing really just means making some new dividers and, well, dividing.  

Wow, this post has turned out to be much longer than I anticipated!  I hope you and yours are happy and healthy and that your holiday plans are moving along smoothly!  I have a few gifts in the works and I am hoping to get them posted before the holiday, so why not take a second and follow me on any, or all, of the social media listed on the side bar. Thanks so much for stopping by & socially distanced hugs!  Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
2 Crafty Critter Crazies, #45 - Anything Goes with a Critter
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Celebrate!
Crafty Animals, #45 - Anything Goes with an Animal
Crafty Calendar - Christmas Time
Die Cur Divas - Anything Goes
The Paper Funday Challenge - Anything Goes, TWIST: Christmas
Country View Challenges - Anything Christmas
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Christmas Critters

Happy Holidays and Peace - A 2Fer!

I find it funny how many cards lead to more cards!  I am always trying to use up scraps and this is a perfect example of doing just that.  Plus, I adore both of these cards - they were super easy to make, and quick, which is something we all need this time of year.  I am very far behind in my Holiday cards; so for that reason, I really need to post these.  This is a 2 Fer.  Yes, you get 2 cards for the blog post of one!  Such a deal!

I made the first card because our neighbors brought us over Christmas cookies; totally unexpected and absolutely delicious!  So I figured I'd whip up a quick card to give to them. This is my Happy Holidays card:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
DCWV Blue Noel 12 x 12 Paper Pad {first time I used this paper pack!}
Papertry Ink Say it Simply: You & Yours, #PTD-1485
Spellbinders Nestabilities Fancy Edged Circles, #S4-903 {retired but available}

Sparkle!

This is such an easy card to make; no stamping or coloring, just some die cuts and you are done!  I cut all the elements from the Blue Noel cardstock.  I love using paper that is already coordinated for you.  I trimmed down the base layer, attached it to the white card base, then finished the card by attaching the sentiment to the glittery gold circle, and finally gluing that to the card.  Done!  The card is all set to be delivered to my neighbors' mailbox!

Now as I said, the leftovers from the Happy Holidays card inspired me to make the winter scene card I'm calling Peace.  I used the left over portion of the circle die cut to make the focal point on this card. 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
DCWV Blue Noel 12 x 12 Paper Pad
Memory Box Stitched Circle Trees, #99843 {retired but available}
Reverse Confetti Winter Words Dies {retired}
Shimmery Gold Cardstock

I cut the circle trees out of shimmery gold card, being careful to leave enough of an edge around the cut.  Over that I layered the leftover circle of gold glittery cardstock.  I ended with

Sparkle & dimension 

the sentiment which I cut out a few times to allow for some dimension and interest.  Another card done in record time!

While writing up this post I realized how many retired products I have, and still use.  Just because a company needs to move forward and manufacture new items doesn't mean I retire the products I have.  I hope when you see a creation of mine and don't have the matching products I use, that you become inspired and look at all of your goodies in a new way.  I rarely get rid of anything crafty and if I do, it has nothing to do with the retail status of the product.  If I haven't used something in a few years, or it just isn't my style anymore, I either put it in my giveaway box or sell it.  I love getting crafty goodies in the mail and it makes no difference to me if it is no longer available!  I hope this quick post finds you and yours happy and healthy - I have a few more cards to show you, so stay tuned!  In fact, why not follow me on any or all of the social media platforms I have listed on the sidebar.  If you do follow me, please let me know where I can find you on Social Media and return the favor!  Take care, Christi

I am entering my Happy Holidays card in the following Challenges:
Country View Challenges - Christmas
NBUS #21 - Anything New to You - Never Before Used Schtuff
Cardz TV #130 - Anything Goes 
Winter Wonderland - Anything Goes - End of Year Challenge
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Anything Christmas/Winter
Try it on Tuesday - Christmas Sparkle
Make My Monday #137 - Christmas

Now I am entering my Peace card in the following Challenges:
Dies R Us #159 - Winter Wonderland

Memory Box "Outside the Box" Challenge - Trees
Challenge Up Your Life - Trees, Pine Trees
Die Cut Divas - Anything Goes
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank you and I hope you & yours have a fabulous holiday!

Warmest Wishes with Penny Black

Hi all!! I hope this card finds you and yours well.  I am terribly behind on my holiday cards this year but I did manage to get this one done.

I could NOT get a picture of the sparkling crystals - but if you

 look close, you can see a few of them

What I Used to Make my Card
White Card Base
DCWV Blue Noel Paper Pack, 12 x 12
Penny Black Snowy Park Stamp, #3231K
Penny Black Warmest Wishes Die, #51-170
Silver Shimmer Paper
Studio Katia Sparking Crystals Mix, #SK2411

I started this card by taking the stamp off the wooden block.  It was a pleasure to use now that I can over stamp the image and get it nice and dark.  One the image was stamped, I trimmed it down.  I found background paper that I felt works with the image; I didn't want anything too flashy or bright, but wanted to stay somewhat seasonal.  I used silver shimmer paper and die cut the sentiment, assembled the card and then added some sparkle by using a few crystals.  I like how the crystals are subtle.

I hope you enjoyed my card! I saw the Penny Black Saturday Challenge and I really wanted to use these items; I think I have had the stamp since it came out in 2005! Well, I will be using it much more now that I removed it from the block. I found a few others I'd removed as well, so be prepared for some oldies but goodies!  Thank you and please consider following me here, or on any of the social media platforms listed. Let me know so I can follow you back ~ Hugs! Christi

I would like to enter my card in the following challenges:
Bitten By The Bug - Die-lirious 
Double Trouble - #73, I made a holiday card, I used a die & I used patterned paper
Sweet Stampin' - Let it Snow
Penny Black Saturday Challenge, M - ATG, optional Winter Wonderland
Dies R Us Challenge - #158, Merry Christmas
Carlin's Cards - #29, Winter & NO Square Cards
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge - Must use Patterned Paper
Do-Al(l) Kreatives - #48, Winter Wonderland
Love to Scrap - #140, Winter Wonderland

From All of Us

I had made this post for the Cat Lovers Blog Hop and obviously neglected to post it! That will teach me to get distracted! Instead of saving it for next year, I thought a break from all the holiday crafting would be nice so I am sharing it with you.

Outside of the Card                                                        Inside of the Card

This card is another fairly simple one using Avery Elle's set All of Us, brand new to me and the first time I've used it.  I had originally made this card for a co-worker who had gotten another job but I was unable to give it to her.  I kept it and I am very sure something will arise and this card will be perfect!!  I stamped the group of cats out on watercolor paper, colored them in with my Zig Clean Color Brush Markers and then die cut them using the matching dies. I also used a stitched square die on the white card base to make a peek a boo window. I used Gina K. Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink to stamp out the cats and the sentiment.  The groups of cats were attached, each one slightly atop the other, and then the paw and the congrats sign were placed on the card.  

 

I think this is a really cute card and the set has other animals and sign sayings so you can use the set for almost any occasion.  I hope you enjoyed my card! With this craziness, COVID and the holiday season, I hope you & yours are safe and healthy! Thanks, Christi

 

I'd like to enter my card in the following challenges:

PIP Challenge, #2048 - Animals 

Cute Card Thursday, #663 -  Anything Goes

Art Impressions -  Pets 

Krafty Chicks Challenge, #536 - Stamp Act (Use a Stamp) 

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Fun With Dies 

NBUS Challenge, #21 - Stamp Set is NBUS

Crafty Animals, #45 - Anything Goes w/ an Animal (or a bug!) 

2 Crafty Crazy Critters, #45 - Anything Goes w/ a Critter