Reindeer Games with Paper Funday!

Welcome to Paper Funday's Monthly challenge - the theme this month is Holiday Time!!  I recently purchased the Mama Elephant Flurry Frame and I had some of the reindeer floating around on my desk from Reindeer Games so I made this card :)

 

Like I said, I already had the reindeer colored and cut, so all I had to do was cut out the frame (out of white card), and the red glitter paper background.  I used a white card base, glued the glitter paper to the back of the frame, glued that onto my card, then placed and attached the reindeer. I gave one reindeer a little red nose using a gem from my stash; I think it looks like the other reindeer are celebrating Rudolph!  I love these little reindeer, you will be seeing them around. 

I hope to see your Holiday Time Creations at the Paper Funday Challenge - you can't win if you don't play :)  Thanks for stopping by! Christi 

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Sparkle Mode
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Happy Holidays/Christmas
Make the Cards Challenge, #43 - Christmas
Dies R Us, #182 - Anything Goes w/ Dies they Carry
Make my Monday, #162 - Cute Christmas
Country View Challenges - Anything Christmas Goes

Shake some Joy

 I saw the November challenge at Hero Arts {Stay Crafty with Hero Arts, #29} is Holiday Tags. I had just gotten the Snowflake Medallion so I was eager to use it.  I hope you like my Shake some Joy take on the challenge. 

 

I started by cutting out the snowflake medallion from this lovely dark blue shimmer paper {that is really difficult to see in the photos} and set it aside.  I used the Infinity Circle dies to cut out about 8 frames that I made by taping 2 of the circles together, glued those on top of each other.  I used the largest circle to cut out some acetate and the bottom.  I filled my tag with shaker mix Winter Lady from Picket Fence, glued the snowflake medallion onto the acetate, then that onto the little well I had made with the frame. Lastly, I used the word Joy from the Joy Stamp & Cut set and cut that out of silver glitter card.  I inserted some ribbon in between the layers so the tag could be put onto a gift and/or used as an ornament.  Oh and I used a gem from the Picket Fence gem mix Moon Shadow over the dot of the J in Joy. 

It really didn't take that long to make; the hardest part was doing all the figuring so everything would work together, I'm not the best at that sort of stuff. It's very sparkly and I'm very pleased with the final product. Thanks so much for stopping by! Christi

I am entering my tag/ornament into the following challenges:
Stay Crafty with Hero Arts, #29 - Holiday Tags
A Blog Named Hero {On Instagram Only} - Glitz #abnhnovemberchallenge
Creative Craft Cottage Challenge, #146 - Add Some Sparkle
The Holly & Ivy Christmas Challenge, #105 - Anything Goes
Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge, #3 - Anything Goes
Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog, #40 - Anything Goes
Craft Rocket Challenges, #87 - Winter/Snow
Sparkles Monthly, #145 - Shaker Card {not a card, but it is a shaker!}

Happy Birthday America!

Here is a quick little card I dashed off to celebrate the Fourth of July.  I think it's cute and fits the bill for a celebration!

What I used to Make my card:
White Card Base
Carta Bella God Bless America 6"x6" pad, CBGBA136023
Lawn Fawn Happy Happy Happy Ad On: Family, #LF1585
Lawn Fawn Claire's ABC's #LF381
Lawn Fawn Scripty Birthday, #LF2354
Simon Says Stamp Fine Detail White Embossing Powder
Dimensional Dots

This was a quick and easy card; the hardest part was trying to get the little letters to cooperate! They seemed to stick everywhere but where I wanted them to, but after asking some stamping friends what to do, I powdered the tips of my fingers a bit and they then cooperated fully!  The first step was to cut the patterned paper to fit on the card base, then cut birthday out of white card.  As the card was drying I embossed "Happy" and "America" in white on navy blue card, then worked out my placement. I popped the two words out with dimensional dots and fit the birthday between them.  There you go! A red, white & blue card fit for the fourth of July!  Perfect for your favorite Patriot!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful holiday! Hugs, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Three Room Studio, #42 - Red, White & Blue
DL Art - Red, White & Blue
Color Hues, #21 - Red & Blue
The House that Stamps Built - Red, White & Blue
Cardz TV, #144 - Anything Goes
Simply Create Too, #172 - Sentiment as the Main Focus

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hello everyone!

This cute card was made for my Design Team project on The Paper Funday Challenge.  The theme is Irish Luck (use green on your project) and my card features a bunch of Lawn Fawn goodies. Since most of my family is Irish, St. Patrick's Day is a holiday close to my heart.  I enjoyed making this card and I hope you like it: 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Green Glitter Card
Light Green Card
Copic Markers
Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Stamps, #LF2466
Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Dies, #LF2467
Lawn Fawn Simply Celebrate Spring Stamps, #LF1896
Lawn Fawn Simply Celebrate Spring Dies, #LF1897
Lawn Fawn Celebration Scripty Sentiments, #LF1898
Lawn Fawn Quilted Backdrop, #LF1625
Die-Namics Fishtail Sentiment Strips, #MFT-1125
Distress Oxide Ink in Lucky Clover
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

You can see the
glitter a bit better
here

I began, as I do with most of my cards by stamping, coloring and cutting out all the elements I need. The birds were water colored {and their beaks were cut with the included die; isn't that just the cutest?} and the clover was colored with Copic markers. I then set them all aside to concentrate on the backdrop portion of the card, I cut a piece of green glitter card and the quilted backdrop out of a lighter green card and attached them to the white card base.  The sentiment was stamped onto a piece of scrap white card then die cut. After everything was done and dried I assembled the card as you see in the picture. I think it came out so cute!

Whilst there are a lot of different stamps, dies and coloring mediums the project was easy to put together and it looks like the image in my mind {always a plus!}  

Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? My mother used to make corned beef and cabbage and that is one meal I truly miss {not the cabbage}! And the sandwiches the next day were so good! I have fond memories of this holiday and that meal.  I hope you have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day - like the saying says "everyone can be Irish for the day" - and be safe!

Fondly,
Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
The Rainbow Challenge, #27 - Judiciously Jade
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - Today our Favorite Color is Green
Little Red Wagon, #591 - Fun Feathered Friends
The Card Concept, #150 - Luck of the Irish
2 Crafty Critter Crazies, #48 - Anything Goes with a Critter
The House that Stamps Built, #321 - Going Green

Lawn Fawn Critters Wish you a Happy New Year

*~*~* HAPPY NEW YEAR *~*~*

I don't know about you but it feels like 2020 lasted forever!! I am SO glad that year is over with & I am hoping we all have a better 2021!  I hope you enjoy my card :)

I got to use another premade Distress Oxide Ink background making this card.  I make a lot of backgrounds for my projects that don’t give me the look I want, or they just don’t fit the theme but instead of throwing them away, I save them.  It’s remarkable how many times a background I would have thrown away actually became the very thing I needed for a specific card.  I think I made this background for a Halloween card, but it didn’t work.  I think it works perfectly for this card!

 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Slimline Card Base {hand made}
Premade Oxide Ink Background
Lawn Fawn Upon a Star Stamps.  #LF1407
Lawn Fawn Upon a Star Dies, #LF1408
Lawn Fawn Winter Skies Stamps, #LF1763
Lawn Fawn Winter Skies Dies, #LF1764
Lawn Fawn Toboggan Together Stamps, #LF976
WOW! Embossing Powder, Fairy Dust, #WS104R
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

I had an idea of what I wanted this card to look like; I wanted it to look like a celebration, fireworks, and fun.  I’m not completely happy with it; turns out I have NO fireworks stamps! So I thought I’d make the stars sparkle.  I began by stamping, coloring, and cutting out all my critters.  My first idea was to use a black sky so I stamped a bunch of stars on black card, embossed them, and cut them out.  The stars didn't give the look I wanted, but they were so pretty I saved them.  I am sure I will be using them for another card very soon.  Embossing  right onto the cardstock is something I am not confident in doing; I struggle with doing anything directly onto the cardstock as I have totally messed up so many beautiful cards that way, but I am getting better!  But I decided that was what I needed to do to get the look I wanted, and it worked!  Once the stars were embossed, I set up my characters and then stamped the sentiment directly onto the card. This was especially nerve wracking for me as I had to modify the sentiment; it read “and have a happy new year” and all I wanted was "happy new year”.  I devised a little trick using sticky notes that made it much easier to modify the saying to fit what I needed. 

Photo isn't that good, but you
get the idea :)

All I did was position the sentiment where I wanted it, then used a sticky note placed so the portion of the wording that I did not want on my card was on the sticky note.  Then I stamped and you can see on the card how beautifully it worked.  Just another way to stretch your investment! 

I am so looking forward to this new year!!  I am sure I am not alone.  I hope you all had a fabulous New Year - mine was quiet and that is just fine with me :)  I hope you and yours are safe and healthy and we all have a better year!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Lawn Fawnatics, #91 - New Year
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Sparkle & Shine
Cut it Up, #216 - Winter
Dies R Us Challenge, #160 - Anything Goes
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Anything Goes with a Critter {or 8}
Happy Little Stampers Watercolor Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Animals, #46 - Anything Goes with an Animal

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

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 Easter

The newest Lawn Fawn release has cleaned out my tax refund, but the images are just SO cute I had to have most of them!  I'm actually proud that I didn't buy them all!  My family isn't religious at all, and most of my friends aren't either so I had no Easter stamps (except one other Lawn Fawn set, which is also SO cute) but you know we have to use the NEW stuff!  I love the bunnies in this set; you'll see them later.  This adorable Easter basket called my name for the first card I've made with all of my new Lawn Fawn goodies.  I hope you like it as much as I do!

What I Used to Make this Card:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Watercolor Wishes Petite Paper Pack, #LF1355
Lawn Fawn Outside In Easter Egg Stackables,  #LF1627
Lawn Fawn Eggstra Amazing Easter stamps, #LF1884
Lawn Fawn Eggstra Amazing Easter dies, #LF1885
Lawn Fawn Mushroom House dies, #LF1920 {I used the butterfly die out of this set}

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Hero Arts Ink in Lavender {came with a MMH kit, but available in these sets}

Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips

Lavender Bow {from stash}

I started this card by using the egg shaped die cut to make a window on the front of the white base card.  I backed that opening with the watercolor paper {there are two shades of paper in this pack; I used the lighter shade} and set it aside to dry.  While my card base was drying, I stamped the basket, bunny, and

Another Look

eggs on water color paper, colored them in with my Zig markers, and cut them out.  I also cut the butterflies out of pastel colored paper.  I dug through my bows and found the lavender bow that matched my color scheme and fussed with it until I was happy with the size.

Once my card base was dry, I assembled the basket, added the bow, and glued it onto the card along with the butterflies.  I stamped the sentiment with matching ink, cut it out with the fishtail die, and adhered that to the front of the card, trimming off the ends since it was a wee bit too long.  I'm not a pastel type of person but I love the softness of this card.  It's going to my wonderful neighbor and I think she will just love it - mostly because she loves everything I make.  She's like a second mom to me, which is wonderful since my mom is blind and can't really appreciate the cards & gifts I give her.  I still make them for my mom, but I know it frustrates her that she can't see them.  Anyway, this card is all ready to hop on over to Helene's and wish her a Happy Easter! Thanks for reading & have a great day! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Easter card in the following challenges:
Creative Friday - #228, Rabbit, eggs, Easter fun
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Spring Mood Board

Paper Funday - #4, Anything Goes, Option: Easter
The Card Concept - #113, Spring Celebration

Cuttlebug Mania - Make a Card w/ and Easter Egg on it
Dragonfly Dreams - Include an Animal

Happy 2019 with a2z Scrapbooking!

I am still in that holiday coma as I completely forgot I needed to have a post ready for the a2z Scrapbooking's January Challenge, which is the wonderful {and easy} theme of ANYTHING GOES! Thank goodness I had already made the card and only had to write up this post.  As you can see, I was really feeling the festivities and went a bit overboard on the embellishments and the bling, but hey, it's only once a year, right? And it was SO much fun to just go a bit crazy!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base {5" x 7"}
Grey Card
Black Card
Hero Arts Birthday Celebration, stamps, #CM123
Hero Arts Birthday Celebration, dies, #DI343
Spellbinders Filigree Numbers, #S6-141
Hero Arts Embossing Powder in Silver, Gold and Silver Sparkle
WOW! Embossing Powder in Silent Night, #WS101R
Hero Arts Intense Black Ink, #AF345
Gold Card
Couture Creations Embossing Folder, Chiaro, #723156 {available online}
Memory Box Happy Birthday die, #99684
Iridescent Plastic Dots, Mixed Colors and Sizes
Studio Katia Clear Round Dots, Mix 1, #SK2410

When I think of New Year's Eve, images of women in gowns, men in tuxedos, confetti, champagne, and classic elegance come to mind.  I wanted this card to convey some of that festive party mood so I used a classic palette of silver, gold, black, and gray.  I used a white 5" x 7" card base since I knew I wouldn't be able to fit all the elements I wanted to use on my usual A2 {5 1/2" x 4 1/4"} sized card.  I trimmed down the gray card and ran it through my Big Shot using an embossing folder that I didn't even remember I had!  I tend to keep the crafty items that I don't use that much in the back of whatever storage I have and this one was hiding.  Being a larger size than I typically use means I put the folder in the very back.  However, I think it helps the festive nature of the card and I'm glad I came across it.  Once the card was dry embossed, I glued it onto the base and stuck it under the tile to dry overnight.  I've had trouble getting intricate embossed paper to stick to the base so I knew if I loaded it up with glue and set it to dry overnight it would stick.

Another Look

Meanwhile, I stamped the balloons with embossing ink and embossed them with black, silver, gold embossing powder, and a little silver glitter powder, then I cut and set them aside.  I did the same with the balloon strings.  I stamped the drinks in black ink and die cut them as well.  I don't have many number dies and I bought these without having a project in mind, but I knew they'd come in handy and they did! I cut them out of gold card, sort of a dull gold.  Lastly, I had to decide what "happy" I wanted to use and eventually settled on one.  I didn't want the "happy" to be the focal point of the card so I chose a small one, cut it out of black card, and all of my elements were ready to go.

I added all the die cut pieces and then went a little crazy with some iridescent and clear dots.  I started wanting the bubbles to come up out of the glasses like champagne but that didn't work so well so I just put the dots anywhere and everywhere I wanted.  I think it makes the card a celebration all on it's own!  Thank you for reading my tutorial and I hope you join us at a2z Scrapbooking this month; after all, you can't win if you don't play and how can you not play when Anything Goes! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Happy 2019 Card in the following Challenges:
2 Sisters on the Blog - Use Numbers
Dies R Us - Anything New {New Year! New Die!} Entry 2
Mix it Up - #21, Anything Goes w/ Sentiment as the Focus
Sparkles Forum - #112, New Year, New Stash {the stamps & dies are all new}
Tuesday Throwdown - #423, Embossing {I used dry & wet}
Crafty Gals Corner - #183, Make it Sparkle
A Blog Named Hero - M, Crafter's Choice

Little Santa with Die Cut Diva's

I made this card in September, thought I had posted it, but I can't find it.  I'm

hoping I am not writing this post up only to find that I actually DID post the card.  Enough about that; let's pretend that I didn't post it.  We would love to see you at  Die Cut Diva's December Challenge of "Winter or Winter Holidays" sponsored by the generous Di's Digi Download's - although the holidays are over, it's still winter!

I am a huge fan of Mama Elephant's "little" stamps - I have every one except the newest release!  I love coloring these little stamps and I thought having Santa peeking out of all of these circles was a fantastic way to showcase him.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Red Card
Authentique Festive Paper Pad, 6" x 6", #FES009 {retired but available}
Watercolor Card {I use this}
Mama Elephant Little Santa Agenda stamps
Mama Elephant Little Santa Agenda dies
Lawn Fawn Say What? Christmas Critters stamps, #LF1778
Uniquely Creative Circle Cover Plate, #UCD1801
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Zig Clean Color Markers
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust

I began by stamping, coloring, and cutting all the Little Santas - there are more in the set, but I chose the ones I felt would fit this card the best and set them aside.  I cut the cover die out of the patterned paper, flipped over the surrounding square and one of the circles, and attached all of the background to the red card except for the green circle.  On the green circle, I stamped the sentiment and attached it to the middle of the cover plate.  I arranged the Santas around the circles and glued them all in place.  Lastly, I attached the entire front to the red card and that to the card base.  It was an easy card to make even though I think it looks complicated.  The longest part of making the card was coloring and cutting the Santas and that only took a while because matching up those tiny die cuts with the correct Santa can be a bit time consuming.  In fact, what I finally did with the Little Cat Agenda set was I copied the dies and put them under the stamps so when I used a stamp it was easy to find the die that went with it.  The Santas are easier to find the matching dies because their shapes are distinctly different but I may end up doing that little trick to all my Little Agenda sets.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my little tutorial!  I hope I've inspired you to grab some of your stamps and dies and combine them in a way that's new to you. And don't forget, come play with us at Die Cut Diva's!!  I appreciate you taking the time to visit and hope that your holiday season has been creative and crafty!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Little Santa's in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes (entry #2)
Crafting by Designs - Holiday Anything Goes
Winter Wonderland - Anything Christmas Goes
CARDZ TV - #79, Anything Goes
CHNC - #418, Anything Christmas Goes
Sweet Stampers - #27, Anything Goes

Golden Season's Greetings

Before I get into this card I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season! Merry Christmas ~ Happy Hanukkah ~ Festive Kwanzaa ~ Happy Yule

please feel free to add your own holiday message if I've forgotten! 😁

I recently bought a whole bunch of the beautiful sayings that Sue Wilson has put out and I like the Mini Expressions because they fit so well on an A2 card.  I love a swirly, fancy looking font so these are a must have for me!  I have a bunch of them for the holidays; now I'm working on acquiring the "everyday" Expressions.  I made this card a while back but haven't shared it yet.

What I Used to Make my Card:
Kraft Square {5 1/4" x 5 1/4"} card
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals stamps
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals dies
Sue Wilson Season's Greetings die, #CED3154
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
VersaMark Ink
Gold Embossing Powder
Shiny Gold Card
Zig Clean Color Markers

In making this card, the first thing I did was stamp a bunch of the flowers onto watercolor paper with embossing ink {after I used my Powder Tool, so technically this is the second step LOL}, then liberally sprinkled on gold embossing powder, and embossed them.  For this design you need to use a detailed, regular, or fine embossing powder; no chunks because the lines are so fine and it won't stick.  Embossed designs are very easy to color since it's difficult to color outside the lines!  I colored the flowers using my Zigs and then, when they were dry, cut them using the matching dies.  I have to say this set from Neat & Tangled is very versatile; you can see some of the other cards I've created using this set here and here.

I admit it took me forever to get the flowers in something like a circle.  I spent hours upon hours trying to get the look I wanted; truthfully, I'm not thrilled about the shape on which I finally settled, but it was one of those times where if I didn't just glue the images down, the whole thing was getting tossed.  So I

Another Peek

arranged the flowers to fit the card, cut the sentiment out of gold card {the gold card I used is like a dull mirror card}, and attached that to the card.  If it hadn't taken me so long to arrange this card, it would of been one that I could of reproduced a few times but after the struggle I had, nope.  

I do like how the gold sentiment picks up the gold embossing and I'm pleased with the coloring.  I'll chalk this one up to another card that shows the charm of being handmade. I also really adore this entire stamp set - it's one of the most versatile sets I own and I do hope you check out other cards I've made using the set; the links are up in the first paragraph.  How are you doing with your cards and holiday projects? I'm feeling under the wire but I think I do some of my best work under pressure {but you kinda knew that already if you follow my blog - I'm always stressing myself out for one reason or another!}  Have you ever encountered a card you thought would be easy and it became a nightmare?  I'd love to hear your stories.  Leave me a comment if you have one to share.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I know this time of year is rough and you have limited time to spend bopping about the internet and I appreciate you choosing my blog as one of your stops!  Fondly, Christi

I would like to enter my Golden Season's Greeting Card in the following challenges:
Papercraft Challenges - Merry Christmas, #27
Pin{spirational} Challenges - Anything Goes, #231
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Party Time!
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Party Time!
WOW! Embossing Powder - Silver/Gold {Facebook group}
Card Mania Challenge - Christmas, #111
Archi-Scraps - M, Anything Christmas
The Artistic Stamper - Christmas
Sweet Stampin' - Christmas
Fashionable Stamping Challenge - Winter, #142
Wednesday's Creative Inspirations - Feeling Festive
Scrapy Land - Anything Goes w/ a Brand They Carry, #104

Glitter Snowflakes

You must have heard of the beautiful dies that Birch Press manufactures?  They are extraordinary!  The dies are not cheap, but you can configure them so many ways that I think they are worth the price.  I don't have very many of them but I knew I needed a wintry set so I could throw together a last minute card if needed.  This lovely set is called ISSA and I think it is perfect for wintry, but not necessarily holiday, cards.  I hope you agree! 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Birch Press ISSA die set, #56082
Glitter Card in Blue and Light Blue
White, Blue and Light Blue Card
White Shimmer Card
Reverse Confetti Winter Words Die Set

Another Peek

I cut out a bunch of snowflakes with each die; in this case each die gives you three different

Just a few of the combinations

cuts, so I had plenty of options to use!  I made these two cards and I still have some left over!  Each die set I've gotten has at least two cuts to use except the larger cover dies.  One of these days, I am just going to cut out all of them and just play!  Making cards with these is almost like playing with paper dolls; you can just come up with endless combinations.  If you'd like some amazing inspiration, check out Jennifer McGuire's blog - she did a whole post on this very set - just click here to go there.

That's it for this post.  Easy, fun, sparkly cards are some of my favorites to make and receive.  I hope you like my cards, too!  Thanks so much for your continued support. - Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Glitter Snowflakes in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Warm Winter Wishes
City Crafter - #442, Snowflakes
ABC Christmas - M, Y is for Your Favorite thing, Z is for Zero Embellishments
Daring Cardmakers - Snowflakes Falling
Jo's Scrap Shack -#264, Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenge - #153, Anything Goes, OPTION: Snowflakes
Dies R Us - #111, Anything Christmas, Entry #2
Mix it Up Challenge - #20, Anything Goes, OPTION: No Stamping
HLS Anything Goes w/ Dies Challenge 

Always Jingle

I consider myself very blessed to have such a great relationship with my brother; especially because he is twelve years older than I am.  The older we get the more alike we are and we both have a sense of humor that leans on the darker side.  I made this Christmas card for him.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Holiday Patterned Paper {from stash}
Katzelcraft Cats stamp set, #KZT152 {the image was already colored and fussy cut}
The Ink Road Happy Holla Days stamp set
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Die-Namics Stitched Circle STAX

I put this together in about 10 minutes, of course it helped that the cat was already stamped, colored and fussy cut.  So all I did was cut the circle out of white card. stamp the sentiment, glue the cat on, attached the patterned paper and let the whole thing dry.  Easy as pie!

I always stamp, color and cut out extra of whatever I am working on, it makes putting cards together SO easy {IF I can find the images; I have a horrible filing system that is basically a huge pile in a tray.}  I'm going to work on that.  I hope you like my snarky holiday card; I think this card is perfect for those who see things a wee bit skewed and my brother fits the bill.  Thank you so much for visiting! I'd love for you to let me know you were here so I can visit you back! Happy holidays! Christi

PS: I just have to share with all of you - it is incredibly hard for me to type out Christmas and not just type my name! You have NO idea! LOL

I am entering my Always Jingle Card in the following challenges:
Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - #125, R is for RUDE Christmas

The Artistic Stamper - M, Christmas
Dies R Us Challenge - #111, Anything Goes Christmas
Animal Friends Challenge - #69, Anything Goes Christmas
Cardz TV - Anything Goes
Creative Friday - M, #220, Christmas Animals, entry #2
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Christmas
Shopping our Stash - #384, 'Tis the Season
SUYP - Meowy Christmas

A Meowy Christmas To All

I love cats. I have five fabulous felines and they are the loves of my life.  Since I can't possibly get any more cats {well, I could, but I'd need a better paying job!}, I collect cat stamps and I have since I began stamping a long, long, time ago.  The set I used to make this card is one of my new favorites; I mean, who wouldn't want a Christmas tree full of cats? A Catmas tree!!  Here is my design team entry for Not Just Cards - why not link up one of your holiday creations and join us?

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Scrap White Card
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Mama Elephant Oh Kitty Tree stamps
Mama Elephant Oh Kitty Tree dies
Zig Clean Color Markers
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust Set
Distress Ink in Hickory Smoke
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

I have to tell you, I couldn't remember if I posted this card or not. I made it a few months ago and I looked through my blog posts to see if I had posted the card, couldn't find it, but I still wasn't sure.  To keep track of the products I use when I am making something, I have a notebook where I write the card name and then the items I used to create the card or project. I couldn't find the list in my book.  Now I KNOW I made the card because it's sitting right here in front of me.  For me not to write down something, even if I only get as far as the stamps and dies I've used, is not like me.  This card was a mystery.  I asked my friend who helps me with my blog if she'd seen the card before, and I checked my pictures.  Turns out I'd taken a few pictures, but the card wasn't ever posted.  Lucky you, I figured it out!  I can tell what I used by looking at the card and I know I started this one by stamping the Catmas tree on a panel of watercolor paper, then I colored in the cats, and cut out the tree.  The tree looked lost when I placed it onto the white card base, so I used a scrap piece of white card and inked it up with a light coat of Hickory Smoke just to give the tree something to be "on."

I stamped the sentiment onto the inked panel, then attached the Catmas tree to the panel, the panel to the card, and I have this adorable card.  I am in love with the cats that Mama Elephant puts out and I am so happy I got this set {I got it as soon as I saw it - I just could not help myself.}  I have a few other cards in the works using this same set and you will be seeing them soon.  Do you have a system for keeping track of what you've posted on your blog, or Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, or any of the other social medias?  How do you know when a card, or project has been "done"?  In addition to my book, I used to keep my cards in separate piles by my computer, but my little, fat, black, cat, Mew, has decided I actually put them there for her to chew, so that system was abandoned.  Now I keep them out of her immediate reach; she's too lazy to figure out how she can get to them, thank goodness!  I hope you enjoyed my post for Not Just Cards! Thanks for stopping by and reading my post; I truly appreciate it!  I'd love it if you'd drop me a comment so I can come and see your blog and share some blog love with you!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Meowy Christmas card into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Warm Winter Wishes
Papercraft Challenges - #26, Winter, Wintertime
Show Us Your Pussies - #37, Anything Goes with Cats
Coloring in Scrapland - Anything Goes - Option - Christmas
Winter Wonderland - End of Year Anything Christmas Goes
Crimbo Crackers - #173, Anything Goes
Christmas Sweet Stampin' - Anything Christmas Goes
The Little Red Wagon - #475 House Pets
Card Mania Challenge - #111, Christmas
Stampin Sensations - Winter Sparkle {the little ornaments really do sparkle!}
Archi-scraps - Anything Christmas
Do-Al(l) Creative - #24, Christmas/New Years Eve/New Years Day
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #21, Anything Goes with a Critter
Merry Little Christmas Blog - #5, Anything Christmas Goes
Inkspirational - #175, Designers Choice, Anything Christmas