Brrrr. . .

I had so much fun making this card!  I love it when I can use items I already have in a new way! And I promise, only a few more winter cards :)

What I Used to Make my Card:
Square White Card Base
Premade Background Paper {made with Oxide Inks}
Simon Says Stamp Sparkling Snowflake Breeze die, #S528
Elizabeth Craft Designs Brrrr die, #1228 {not on the site but available}
Stickles in Star Dust

I began this card by using the snowflakes die and cutting a piece of white card with it.  At the time I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do, but I liked the look of the die as a background.  I found a background I had already made with Distress Oxide Inks and I trimmed that down to fit behind the panel I had cut.  I wanted a sentiment that was wintery but not pertaining to a holiday and while searching through my dies I came across this one.  I cut it out of the same premade background card, added the stickles, and attached that to the card.

Easy and impressive, at least I think so.  I am going to use this technique on more cards,  I think it is another way to stretch the supplies I have and, while it isn't really innovative, it is something I hadn't done in ages. 

Very soon I will be having a giveaway on my Instagram account so if you are a part of that social media, I urge you to begin following me; don't worry, I will happily follow you back!  If you aren't yet on Instagram, well, you don't know what you are missing!  There is more content, crafters, ideas, and things to inspire you than anywhere else I have seen.  And you can use your computer!  Just go to Instagram.com and make an account.  

I hope this has inspired you to take out some of those neglected dies {and trust me, it's difficult when there are SO many cool designs coming out each quarter!} and give them another try.  Thank you so much, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Dream Valley Challenges, #239 - Winter/Snow
Stamps & Fun, #380 - Winter
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Layer it Up!
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Die Cuts and/or Embossing Folders
Crafty Gals Corner - Snow Much Fun!
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - Winter

Sparkling Snowflake

I just love pairing Birch Press dies with some calligraphy!  I think the combination is just so elegant!  The Quietfire Design company, which is now sold through Elizabeth Designs, has all sorts of beautiful stamps, die cuts, and electronic files featuring this beautiful calligraphy {just do a search for Suzanne Cannon; she is the calligrapher behind all these gorgeous products!}

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
DCWV White Christmas Paper Stack, 12" x 12" {not on the DCWV site, but available}
Elizabeth Craft Designs, Let it Snow die, #1234 {on SALE right NOW!}
Birch Press Issa Die Set, #56082 {retired but available}

One of the beautiful things about Birch Press dies is that there are 3 layers for you to mix, match, and use as you please.  This creation only used 2 layers of the set; I die cut the bottom layer out of light grey paper and then the top out of glittery paper.  I assembled my snowflake, glued it onto my card base, then cut my sentiment from light gray paper.  This is one of the quickest cards I have ever made and I think it looks almost as good as those you can find in the store! 

I hope you are getting in some "you" time after all the craziness of the holiday season.  It feels wonderful to not have all that pressure around anymore.  I am thrilled to pieces that 2020 is gone and I am hoping that 2021 is going to be better for everyone!  Hoping you and yours are healthy, safe, & happy!  Hugs, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Dies R Us, #160 - Anything Goes
Challenge up Your Life, #131 - Snowflakes
Dream Valley Challenges, #239 - Winter and/or Snow
A Place to Start, #1 - Anything Goes
Love to Craft, #54 - Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes with Dies

The Main Reason Santa is SO Jolly

I love mixing snarky sayings with traditional holiday images {OK, I love using snarky sayings with everything!}, especially when they are unexpected.  I recently found out about a new stamp company and I just had to buy the set that had this image.  Santa is getting hip in his old age!  I made this card for the Stinkin' Inkers November Challenge, the theme is "Just Because" ~

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Polka Dot Paper from my Stash
Craft Foam
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Happy Holla Days Stamps from The Ink Road
The Main Reason Santa is So Jolly Sentiment from Quietfire Designs
Stitched Nested Squares from Die-Versions, #DV-572 {appears to be discontinued, but any nested or stacked square dies would work}
Stitched Nested Rectangles from Tutti Designs, #TUTTI-217

I'm not sure where the idea for this card started.  I had pulled out my Christmas papers and spied this polka dot paper that has to be at least 10 years old.  I have no idea who made it, but I thought it would be great as a small frame since the pattern was so close together and, out of that, this card was

born.

I inked up the Santa image and stamped it on white card, cut the front of the frame from the polka dot paper, and cut a square from the craft foam I have lying about for when I make shaker cards {you can learn about what foam I use and my shaker card process here.}  I glued the polka dot frame onto the foam square, then attached the Santa to the front of the card {after I cut him out with one of the square dies} and finally glued the frame front over the image.

Lastly, I stamped the sentiment on a piece of white card, cut it out with a stitched rectangle die, and used dimensional dots to attach it to the front of the card.  

I debated about coloring in Santa's pipe, but I like the clean look of minimal color on this card.  The fact that the sentiment is so fancy looking, you expect it to say something delicate and then you read it - let me say everyone who has seen this card lets out a huge laugh.  Holidays are so stressful; I think everyone can use a good chuckle!

If you have a moment, we'd love to see your "Just Because" creations at Stinkin' Inkers! I hope you have enjoyed my little tutorial.  I appreciate your visit and here's hoping your holidays bring you lots of laughter. ~ Fondly, Christi

I am entering my The Main Reason Santa is SO Jolly card in the following challenges:
The Holly & Ivy Christmas Challenge - #40,  M, Anything Christmas Goes
Incy Wincy - Christmas
Less is More - #383, Dimension {graphic below}
The 12 Months of Christmas - #47, M,  Anything Christmas Goes
CAS Christmas - M, Santa {graphic below}
Stamping Sensations - M, Get Ready for Christmas
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
The Sisterhood of Crafters - M, Humor

Less is More

CAS Christmas

And One More Birthday Card

** Looking for the giveaway?? Go HERE

This card has been in the making for a while.  I love the Rose Oval die and I've been thinking of a way to use it and show off how beautiful it is; this is the result!  Honestly, I'm not sure who is going to get this card, but since this is the beginning of "Birthday Time" in my world {seriously, so many people that I know, including me, were born  in the next few months!} I'm sure it won't hang around too long.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Creative Expressions/Sue Wilson Rose Oval Die, #CED4330
Quitefire Designs Happy Birthday Plain & Simple Stamps, #5899
Piccolo Embossing Enamel in Royal Sterling
Watercolor Paper
Zig Clean Color Markers
Unbranded Background Die
Detail Watercolor Brush
Embossing Ink
Distress Ink in Twisted Citron
Light Green Card

For this card, the first thing I did was to cut the Rose Oval die using watercolor paper.  I knew I wanted to watercolor the beautiful flowers and leaves, but I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to do it.  After much thinking, I decided to use Clean Color Markers and a water brush.  I knew the water brush would cause the ink from the markers to run, but I think it gives the look of a painted image.  Besides, I was using complimentary colors so a little blending wouldn't be a bad thing.  I colored and re-colored the image for days, using the water

brush and layering the color to get the look I wanted.  I left the rose oval alone for a few days and I actually contemplated just trashing the whole thing, but after showing it to some friends, I decided to carry on. 

Once the die cut was colored and was completely dry, I used some liquid embossing adhesive fluid.  I had already poured a bit into a small bottle just for this type of use and I used a small paintbrush to add the fluid to the oval, then added the embossing powder, painting and embossing a bit at a time.  It took a few coats to get the coverage I wanted but I think the effect was totally worth

Another Look

the effort.  

Finally, I used the oval that was the middle of the already cut piece and stamped the sentiment on it using Twisted Citron ink.  I'm really pleased how the ink and the background die cut highlights the green leaves; it matches much better in person than it does on my monitor.  I'm glad I didn't throw it away as I love this card.  I want to thank you for visiting and all of your comments.   They really mean the world to me as I still struggle with the "Is this really good enough to show other people" syndrome.  I'm working on it and slowly beating that little voice in my head into submission! Fondly, Christi

** Looking for the giveaway?? Go HERE

I am entering my One More Birthday Card in the following challenges:
Die Cut Divas - M, April Showers Bring May Flowers
Make my Monday - Embossing {wet or dry}
Dies R Us Challenge - #96, Flowers
Always Happy Birthday - M, Anything Goes - option: Flowers
Everybody Art Challenge - Flowers {#2}
Try it on Tuesday - Die Cut and/ or Stencils
Fab 'n Funky - #392, Embossing {wet or dry}
Double D Challenges - M, Flowers
Moo-Mania - Flowers
Scrapy Land - Anything Goes

April Showers Bring May Flowers

For the theme this month at Stinkin' Inkers, April Showers Bring May Flowers {use flowers}, I decided to use some Tim Holtz background stamps and I had so much fun making the first one, that I made a twofer!  While it did take some time to make the "Birthday Wishes" card, I adore how it came out and it was worth the effort.  For the other one, who doesn't like rainbows?  To make it easier to describe each card, I've divided the cards by the sentiment but here is a picture of the two cards:

What I Used to Make my Card {Birthday Wishes}
White Card Base
Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous, Vines and Roses Stamp, #CMS298
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Labels, #660060
My Sentiments Exactly!, Handwritten Sentiments, #Y500
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Clean Color Markers
MISTI

I made this card first.  I wanted to color each individual part of the stamp a different color to mimic a painting.  I started with the leaves on the stamp and I used the Clean Color Markers in two shades of green.  First I used the light green and then I used the darker green to give the leaves some depth.  Then I colored the flowers using two shades of pink, again starting with the lighter shade and using the darker shade last.  It took a while to get the colors as vibrant as I wanted; the key to this technique is keeping the stamp on the MISTI in the same place for all the stamping.  I even cleaned the stamp between colors without taking it off.  Since the markers I used are water color, I just used a baby wipe in between colors.  

Once the background was done, I trimmed it down and mounted it on a white card base.  The sentiment was stamped on a piece of white scrap, using black ink, then cut out using a die from the Labels set.  Lastly, I attached the sentiment to the card.   

I am entering my Happy Birthday card in the following challenges:
Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Inspiration Destination - #149, Anything Goes
Everybody Art Challenge - #424, Floral Greetings
Happy Little Stampers - M, May, Watercolor Challenge















What I Used to Make my Card {Thinking of You}
White Card Base
Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous, Vines and Roses Stamp, #CMS298
Tim Holtz Crazy Talk, #CMS236
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Labels, #660060
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Kaleidacolor Ink Pad, Spectrum
MISTI

It was much easier to make the Thinking of You card.  All I did was ink up the stamp using a Kaleidacolor ink pad and stamped it onto some white card.  I trimmed down the stamped background and attached it to the card base.  The sentiment was stamped in black and cut out using one of the dies in the Labels set and then attached to the card.  

Picture from Simon Says Stamp

If you don't have this stamp set, it comes with two different background stamps and both are very pretty.  You can also purchase the other pattern {the one I didn't use to make these cards} as a mounted stamp from Stampers Anonymous, #X1-2994, called Roses.  But, for a few dollars more, you get both background stamps and they are cling mount to work with your stamping system.





I am entering my Thinking of You card in the following Challenges:
The Paper Girls - #150, Rainbows
Not Just Cards - M, April - Anything Goes
Always Fun Challenges - #56, Flowers
Crop Stop - M, April - Anything Goes, Spring
Creates and Makes - M, April, Anything Goes
Everybody Art Challenge - #424, Floral Greetings
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

I hope my cards inspire you to join in the fun at Stinkin' Inkers; after all, who doesn't have a few flower stamps in their collection? And you can use those wonderful flower embellishments that have been hanging around, like I did in last year's Stinkin' Inkers April challenge, which was our very first one.  Thank you for hanging in for the long haul, I know this post was a bit long and I truly appreciate your support.  Fondly, Christi

Celebrating the Holidays at Stinkin' Inkers

Hello friends! I hope this post finds you well; personally, I am struggling with a huge cold, so please bear with me as this post might be a bit disjointed. The theme this month at Stinkin' Inkers is the seasonally appropriate Celebrate the  Holidays.  I hope you like my card!

What I Used to Make my Card
White Card Base
Distress Oxides Inks Background - Salty Ocean,  Faded Jeans, Broken China & Seedless Preserves
Ranger Watercolor Paper
Quietfire Designs Flourished Ornament (no longer available as a stamp, but it is a digital file, #107611)
Small Snowflake
Piccolo Siam Silver Embossing Enamel
Wow! Silent Night Embossing Power, #WS101R
Distress Ink in Blueprint
Amuse 4mm Sequins
MISTI
Silver Glitter Gel Pen

I made the Distress Oxide background first and once it was dry I began stamping.  I stamped the ornament using embossing ink and heat embossed it

using the Siam Silver embossing enamel.  I stamped the center using Distress Ink in Blueprint.  I colored around the ornament, and the "ribbon", using a silver glitter gel pen.

I then stamped a small snowflake in various places, using embossing ink again, and heat embossed those using the Wow! embossing powder. I fished trough my sequin stash and found some blue ones that I think accent the card beautifully, so I glued on three sequins.  Lastly, I trimmed the panel and attached it to a white card.

Thanks for bearing with me while I battle this cold! I do hope to see you join in at the Stinkin' Inkers challenge.  Have a wonderful day! Christi

I am entering my Holiday card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp, Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp, Monday Challenge - Icy Inspiration 

Retro Rubber - #77, Christmas (stamp set is so old it's discontinued)

Christmas Cards All Year 'Round - M, Anything Goes
Make my Monday - #60, Happy Christmas/Happy Holidays
Stamps + Fun = Creativity - #313, Blue & Silver
The Crafter's Cafe - #186, Embossing (wet or dry)

Playing with Oxide Inks #2, Happy Birthday!

I know I have been missing a bit from Blogland - I had foot surgery done and have to wear this walking boot. For the first week I was literally on my couch taking advantage of the nice pain killers. I am feeling better and will be back to full steam ahead shortly! 

I had seen some cool stuff made out of the oxide inks on black cardstock so I decided to give it a whirl.  Perfect timing as I had to make the Man a Birthday Card.  This is what I came up with:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Black Card
Mini Ink Blending Tool
Distress Oxide Inks: Wilted Violet, Worn Lipstick, Cracked Pistachio, Broken China, Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade & Faded Jeans
Tim Holtz Mini Stencil, #10, Flourish
Tim Holtz Mini Stencil, #4, Blossom
Quietfire Designs - Happy Birthday Plain & Simple, #5899
Sizzix/Tim Holtz, Labels, #660060
Piece of Blue/Gray Card from Stash

I would have liked the colors to be more vibrant, but the muted colors are very pretty as well.  On this card, at first, I didn't use any spritzes of water - nothing

but the inks themselves.  I had been building on the color and building on the color when I remembered a technique where you could use stencils, and I had just gotten those 2 new mini sets, so I stopped my mad inking, went to Pinterest (I am totally, without a doubt, addicted to Pinterest) and found the technique I wanted. This one uses a baby wipe to remove some color through the stencil, which I did, then I used the ink directly through the stencil with the mini ink applicator.  On the left side of the card I used the flourish stencil; on the right, the blossom stencil.  I couldn't tell you which inks went where.  That, I think, is my favorite property (so far) about these Oxide inks - you literally cannot make a mistake and if you don't like your pattern, colors, etc. just keep inking until you do!  I've been inking paper after paper, incorporating Ken Oliver's Liquid Metals at times.  It reminds me of the old way of making Polished Stone with alcohol inks and Krylon leafing pens (way back in the day prior to Tim Holtz). I have lots more to show you, but let me get back to this card.  I put the black card panel under my drying tile and left it there overnight. 

Another Look

The next day, I stamped the sentiment on a piece of scrap card, using the Oxide Ink in Faded Jeans, and die cut it with the Labels die cuts.  I am absolutely thrilled with how the card came out; I'm really happy with all the new tricks you can do with these inks.  I've been making backgrounds like crazy but I had to have some minor surgery on my foot, and that is keeping me out of the craft room as I need to keep it elevated.  But, I promise, the wait is worth it! Thank you so much for your continued loyalty and perhaps I've inspired you to check out some new techniques! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Man's Birthday Card in the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown - #347, For the Men
Everybody Art  Challenge - #405, Happy Birthday
Cards in Envy - You're the Man
Just For Fun (M) - For the Guys

Happy Birthday!

Seems birthdays are popping up like the weeds are! I am trying to be better at sending birthday cards this year.  This card was made from a background that I made myself.  I hope you like it! 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Watercolor Paper
Kaleidacolor Pad in Spectrum
Red Lead Paperworks Story Stamps "A Handmade Story" (discontinued)
Embossing Fluid
White Detail Embossing Powder from Simon Says Stamp
Clean Color Markers in Violet, Light Violet, Persian Blue, Orange, Pink, Carmine Red, May Green and Yellow
Paper Smooches Wise Dies, Streamers, #KFBD029
Quietfire Designs Happy Birthday Plain & Simple, #5899
MISTI
Pop Dots

I've seen so many cards using white embossing powder and watercolor that I had to try it.  It took me a while to find a flower that was small enough to work in the design I wanted and, unfortunately, the stamp set is discontinued.  I'm sure you have something you could use; it doesn't have to be a flower. I struggled a bit with placement as it's hard to see where you have already stamped with the embossing ink.  Even with the slight pink tint mine has it wasn't easy.  Luckily, I didn't over stamp and once the white detail embossing powder was on and heated up I was very pleased with the background.  I used the tried and true scribble and watercolor technique but instead of using a detail water brush I used an actual brush.  I don't know the number (most of my brushes are so old all distinguishing marks are long gone) but it was tiny.  I then added more color to the inside of the flower and blended it out a bit.  You can see what I mean in the photo above.

Another Look

After the background was done I didn't do anything with it for a while.  I worked so hard on it, and while I totally enjoyed coloring the flowers, I didn't want to use it as just any old card.  Then I realized that a very good friend had a birthday coming up on St. Patrick's Day (that'd be NanaConnie - Visit her blog and say Happy Birthday - I'll wait.)  Perfect use of the watercolor background I made! I just mounted the panel on a white card and then made the Happy Birthday banner using a Kaleidacolor pad, my MISTI and the Paper Smooches dies.  I just have to say, while Kaleidacolor pads may initially seem expensive compared to other ink pads I have had my Spectrum pad since I started stamping.  That's about 19 years now and I have never had to reink it or had any problem with it.  Pretty good deal if you ask me.  Anyway, I attached the banner die cut on the card using Pop Dots.  

I loved making this background so much I ordered some stamp sets specifically for the little flowers and leaves - they should be so cool using this technique! Another one I've seen around lately is using colored pencils on Kraft cardstock. I haven't tried that one yet but the results I've seen are spectacular.  Thank you so much for stopping by - I appreciate your visits, comments and support.  Did you know I am on Pinterest? And, I am trying to figure out Instagram (yes, I am feeling old right about now.)  Let's connect! Fondly, Christi

PS: Happy St. Patrick's Day :) 

I am entering my Happy Birthday card in the following challenges:
Make My Monday - #41, Colors of the Rainbow
Die Cuttin' Diva's - #308, Rainbow
Inky Chicks - #80, Flowers
The Flower Challenge - #6, Anything Goes w/ Flowers (#2)
STAMPlorations Monthly Challenge - (M) Sketch and/or Spring (I used Spring) 
DL ART Thankful Thursday - #200, Flowers (#2)

Snowflakes

Hi all! It's been quite snowy here in Colorado and we are expecting more tomorrow (my knee and sinuses agree with that weather forecast) so I felt that I needed to get a bit snowy myself.  My favorite way to get snowy is inside my craft room - it's warm, dry and fun! And getting new goodies is ALWAYS a good thing, so when I got the Tim Holtz/Sizzix Paper Snowflakes Mini set I had visions of what I wanted to do.  If you have read this blog then you know blue, white & silver are some of my favorite colors and they definitely lend themselves to a frosty project.

How I Made my Card:
Square (5 1/4 x 5 1/4) Card Base in White
Various shades of Blue Cardstock
Silver Cardstock
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Paper Snowflakes Mini, #661599
Quietfire Designs "Warm Winter Wishes" Stamp, #6399
Lindy's Gang Lapis Lazuli Blue Gold Embossing Powder
Embossing Fluid
Stickles in Fairy Dust, Arctic Ice and True Blue
Nuvo Crystal Drops in Midnight Blue & White

The first thing I did was cut out a bunch of different snowflakes using the Paper

Snowflakes Mini dies.  I cut out a TON of them, using the medium and small dies the most, and using different shades of blue and also silver cardstock.  I actually had the snowflakes cut for a while before I had even thought of this card.  I knew I was going to use them on something so I began layering them, decorating them with the Nuvo Drops and the Stickles and just generally blinging them up.  I fussed and spruced up those snowflakes within an inch of their lives.  But, finally, I had to decide what to do with them.  I decided on a square card since I wanted to showcase as many of the snowflakes that I could, especially 'cause they are just SO pretty.  So I fixed them around the white card base until I found an arrangement I liked - and of course I forgot to take a picture and I left the card on my desk overnight.  Guess what happened? My adorable little tribe of furbabies decided it was just too pretty to ignore.  So, I fiddled with the snowflake placement again, using the flakes I could find.  

As I was trying different placements, I realized I need a sentiment.  I adore this stamp and I use it a lot, it is definitely one of my all time favorites and at least 6 years old, so I broke out my "Warm Winter Wishes" and thought that I should emboss it on a separate scrap of cardstock since I hadn't decided snowflake placement yet.  I embossed the sentiment with the Lapis Lazuli Blue Gold (and you really can't see the beauty of this powder - go to Lindy's site and marvel in how they mixed that blue & gold so perfectly) and trimmed it down.  I set it aside until I got the pattern I wanted using the snowflakes, then I tucked it under the flakes and glued it down. 

Another Look

Now that I had the sentiment down, it was time to get those flakes attached to the card.  For a bit of drama (those dramatic snowflakes!) I decided to pop dot some of the flakes and leave others flat.  I had to cut the pop dots into fours to get the pieces small enough for the itty bitty snowflake "arms".  But it worked. So, there you have it.  I hope you have enjoyed my little tutorial and perhaps got a bit inspired to glam up your snowflakes! Fondly, Christi

PS: Since I am entering a few challenges that are specifying that something new must be used I wanted to say that my something new is the Paper Snowflakes Mini Sizzix set, just in case.

I am entering my Snowflakes card in the following challenges:
Frilly & Funky - Winter Hues
Simon Says Stamp Work it Wednesday - Something New
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Chill Out
Make my Monday - #37, A Winters Walk
Die Cuttin' Divas - #300, Blue and Silver 

Retro Rubber - #54, Let it Snow
The Craft Barn - The Song Challenge, Let it Snow
NBUS #8 - Must Use Never Before Used Schtuff :)

Always Use Rubber ~ Winter and/or Spring Challenge (#2)

Thank you so much for popping by my blog.  This post is for Challenge #2 at Always Use Rubber, a new challenge blog run by the same three gals as Twofers was.  The fabulous Alleystamp are staying with us as Sponsor but we have changed things a little there will be a top 3 for each challenge and one monthly winner chosen by the team from the months top picks.  Thank you Alleystamp we are delighted that you chose to continue to support us.

Alleystamp

So, winter is just beginning here in Colorado, we actually have had some days still make it into the high 80's, even broke a few records, but, you can smell the winter coming in the air, the leaves falling off the trees and of course the temperature dipping down to 35 degrees at night!! Brrrrrrr - good thing I have the Fabulous Feline Four to keep me warm ~

While making this card I wanted to convey a sense of chill in the air, and the way the sky looks just before it does snow.  I hope you like it!

What I Used to Make my Card:

White Card Base

Light Blue Paper

Navy Blue Sparkly Paper

Embossing Fluid

Simon Says Stamp Fine Detail White Embossing Powder

Quietfire Design, #6399, Warm Winter Wishes

Impression Obsession #F13376, Snowflake Flourish

Small snowflake punch

Pop Dots

Can I just say that the Snowflake Flourish is a STUNNING stamp in person - I was lucky enough to snag one at a show I recently went to, the vendor had bought too many and was selling them at a fabulous price. Lucky me!  And, I have to shout out to Quietfire Designs - I must use this "Warm Winter Wishes" stamp at least 50 times during the holiday season.  Honestly, I don't know the faith of a lot of people I like to send cards to and this sentiment takes all the guesswork out of holiday cards.  Love it! OK, on to how I made the card.

I stamped the Snowflake Flourish with embossing fluid and embossed with white embossing powder on light blue paper - I used fine because there are some very delicate wisps and snowflakes on the stamp.  I then did the same with the sentiment.  After I was done I felt a little pop was needed, so I searched my stash for some metallic, sparkly navy blue paper and found just the right shade! I punched a teeny snowflake out of the navy paper and then framed the sentiment with the same paper.  I pop dotted the sentiment up just a wee bit and I was done.  Funny how the details can really make a card sing.  Thanks ~ Christi

I hope to see your creation linked up to our challenge - we have an amazing team behind this challenge, and, frankly, you aren't going to get rid of us, so you might as well break out some rubber stamps and join!

I would like to enter my winter/holiday card in the following challenges:
Sweet Stampin' Christmas (M) Glitter & Sparkle
A Snowflake's Promise #31, Anything Goes
Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge - Use Snow or Snowman
Addicted to Stamps - #133, Embossing (wet or dry)

Twofers Challenge #16 ~ Shoes

Hi there! For this fortnightly challenge at Twofers I chose shoes as the theme. Honestly, I am much more of a shoulder bag hoarder than a shoe buyer, but, my sister is moving to Denver this week and she is a major shoe-a-holic, we have bets on how many boxes of shoes she is lugging to Colorado from Florida!  I actually made 2 cards for this challenge, when the muse hits, it hits hard, and I asked my teamies which one they liked better and of course Zoe chose one and Jane chose the other! So, I relied on my own intuition and chose to use this one:

How I Made my Card:
Blue Card Base
White Panel
Silhouette Cameo
Silhouette Cameo cut file
Quietfire Designs, The Perfect Pair of Shoes,  #6340
Misc Colored Card Stock
Rectangle of white card & black card
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

I started this card by cutting out a bunch of shoes with my Cameo.  I initially wanted to have different shoes, boots, heels, etc. but I couldn't find a cut file small enough with enough detail so I just stuck with good old heels - easy peasy! I then arranged all the shoes on a white panel and glued them down.  I trimmed the panel and attached it to my blue card base.

Next I stamped my sentiment onto a piece of white card using the Jet Black Archival Ink, trimmed and matted that onto black card to give it a bit of pop.  That's it! I really love the stamps at Quitefire, the calligraphy makes everything look so elegant.  

I hope my little shoe card helps inspire you to join in our Twofers Challenge.  We are seeing more & more entries each challenge and the entries are so beautiful, you really should give it a try - after all, you could win a $20 gift certificate to Alleystamp, our generous sponsor - that's right $20 to spend on real, delivered to your house, goodies!!  

Please be sure to read the rules - we don't have many, but we strictly enforce the few that we have.  Thank you SO much for stopping by, I appreciate it so much ~ Christi

I would like to enter my "shoes" card in the following challenges:
Silhouette Challenges - #35, Anything Goes
One Crazy Stamper (M) - March - Anything Goes
Not Just Cards (M) - March - #30, Anything Goes
Eureka Stamps - #184, Anything Goes
Lemon Shortbread - #11, Anything Goes
Penny's Paper Crafting - #269, Anything Goes
Craft Rocket Challenges - #11, Anything Goes
Craft Stamper - Take a Stamp, Anything Goes