Flashback Friday--Keep a little Christmas cheer all year

I love Christmas and keep Christmas cards up all year--but this year, with the Canada Post strike, I really enjoyed the Christmas cards I received from my stamping friends :-)

Until next time...

 

Flashback Friday--Dove of Hope Bundle

If you're like me, you have baggies of unfinished ideas or extras that never quite made it into a finished project. I started writing about these projects because, as we enter a new year, there's still value to them. Or, also "late for this year, early for next", as I like to say!

I don't even remember cranking out all the die cuts from SU's Dove of Hope Bundle, a unique set where the dies didn't completely match the stamps. All it took was a little Tombow, a little Wink of Stella and an afternoon to assemble them and a couple made it onto cards. Because of the Canada Post strike, I didn't make a full set of cards, but I think with some festive ribbon, the doves would make great ornaments too!

To complete the card, I cracked open a package of last year's O Holy Night DSP. Using up DSP will be another topic for another time, but I used one of the starry sheets with lots of sponging! It's hard to tell in the photo, but I sponged Night of Navy, Misty Moonlight and even a little Orchid Oasis ink around the edges. The effect toned done the whiteness of the stars and yes--you can sponge ink on dark papers for a vignette effect.

Until next time...

 

Let It Snow Christmas Card with Reindeer Fun

I'm always a little secretive with my Christmas cards because it's so hard to keep things a secret on social media. We just all want to share so bad and smartphones are super good at making it easy!

Now that the Canada Post strike is over, I just don't feel like sending out my Christmas cards, aw! Here's one that was waiting in the wings using Reindeer Fun and a Memories and More card from last year or the year before. Memories and More cards are so handy when you need a right-sized background...or foreground! You can't go wrong with having some holiday themed ones on hand for a quick card.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

 

Flashback Friday--Peaceful Cabin and Winter Gifts

Today's Flashback Friday revolves around last year's Peaceful Cabin stamp set from Stampin' Up!. Peaceful Cabin was very popular with crafters, especially for rustic scenes rendered in grey and blue. There's just something about the cabin that takes the mind away to...well...a peaceful place!

These cards were destined to be unfinished forever until this past week. Sometimes an idea or sketch (or both!) doesn't work out the way you envisioned it. Staring down the card bases, I knew they needed just a little more effort to be complete. I even stamped out sentiments. It just wasn't going to work out.

I put them aside once more and worked on another unfinished project--2019's Winter Gifts Paper Pumpkin. This fun set made 20 gift tags and there were plenty of "spare parts" still in the box even though I made a few. Gift tag Paper Pumpkins are fun because you can make awesome card fronts from them. As luck would have it, I found a stack of pre-cut bases and stamped and glued. Winter Gifts' stamp set included a scripty "Let it snow" sentiment and I used it on ten cards, such as the ones below:

Then, I realized it was the PERFECT message for those Peaceful Cabin bases. I stamped another five let it snows, and from Peaceful Cabin, stamped a bunch of pine trees and added the little fox to the corner of each card. Silver ink snowflake dots finished off the scene--done!

The bases went from blah to beautiful in an afternoon. Don't give up on those unfinished projects--maybe they just need some extra time or a change of direction. As crafters love to say, late for last year, early for next!
Until next time...

Flashback Friday--Rocking Horses Christmas Cards

I haven't posted a cardmaking how-to in ages! Last year's health problems tanked my energy, and when my energy returned, I faced a new problem--I just couldn't seem to make a card!

I caught up on some Paper Pumpkin kits, but designing my own cards and choosing different colours, stamps and ink seemed to escape me.

How is it possible to have a whole room dedicated to stamping and not...stamp?

Funnily enough, I found my road back from an unlikely source. If you haven't seen the new Simone Biles documentary on Netflix, I highly recommend it. Although I'm not a huge sports fan, I enjoy Netflix's sports documentaries, from The Last Dance to Untold. I've always loved biographies and stories about people overcoming challenges. My challenges seemed so small compared to highly paid, highly talented, and, sometimes, high-flying athletes, but we're all human. Something about Simone Biles' struggle resonated with me. After her case of twisties, she returned to the gym and slowly regained her skills and confidence.

Crafting was my sport. It used to be so easy--what happened?

Perhaps cleaning the craft room would help. I came across many baggies of festive spare parts and bases that had been started. All they needed was the tiniest bit of time and effort to put them together. A sentiment here, some bling there--and voila! I made some cards! The original use for the spare parts long forgotten, I just arranged things until they looked pleasing and committed to gluing them down. Soon I had a stack of Christmas cards and pride in finishing unfinished projects. Are you even crafting if you don't have unfinished projects? 😄

So, here's a little Flashback Friday for one box of spare parts contained coloured rocking horses, stamped and sponged background layers and cut white paper and vellum.

Here's a reminder of the Sunday Sketch I posted last year, using the Rocking Horse set:

I made these pieces in 2023:

• background layer stamped and sponge with Poppy Parade (one Cherry Cobbler is the exception)
• white copy paper and vellum (cut at the same time so the layers matched perfectly)
• rocking horses stamped with Early Espresso on Basic White and Crumbcake cardstock

To complete the project, all I needed to do was add:

• six bases from three 8.5x11" sheets of Cherry Cobbler cardstock
• stamp the white paper and stamp a sentiment with Early Espresso
• punch gold stars from scrap gold paper

Then, to assemble, I:

• attached the Poppy Parade layers to the Cherry Cobbler bases
• placed tear tape on the back of the rocking horses and carefully adhere the vellum layer to the paper layer
• trimmed scrap DSP and cardstock to mount the sentiments
• placed the stars and used metallic ink to dot the vellum layer

It took an afternoon, but the card I envisioned last year is ready for this year. Sometimes breaking a big idea down into the tiniest task helps too.

Christmas tends to get a free pass in my Stampin' Up! collection and you can see why--sometimes you just need those little star stamps from older sets. Finding just the right stamp in my collection for the floor truly felt like a win too.

Maybe I was too caught up in perfect, maybe I just needed to reconnect to the joy in finding something I still do love. It's okay to take breaks and okay to start again--even when life is challenging and doubts loom large. Self-kindness, focus and perseverance can go a long way to reaching a goal, whether it's on the gymnastics floor or the craft room :-)

December's Sunday Sketch

It's been a while since I posted a Sunday sketch. It's been a puzzler to me how unproductive 2023 has been for me, but I recently had some clarity--life is much better when your body isn't fighting a dying tooth :-P

Stay tuned for the finished cards, which uses the Rocking Horse photopolymer stamp set.

It's Here--The September to December Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue

Time for another mini cataologue! Contact me for a printed catalogue or shop with me online.

Some Festive Stragglers :-)

It makes sense that there's a little bit of 2022 coming into 2023! The problem with being so sick is forgetfulness--and somehow I totally forgot about these three designs I made back in...October? I would have liked to make more, but they are just one-offs.

The two cards below use Snowflake Vellum Paper. The catalogue photo didn't do this paper justice in my opinion--it's so pretty! I used some scraps of metallic and glitter cardstock to add snowflakes from older sets.                   

In the horizontal card, you can see where I tried stamping the Basic White Base before putting the vellum on top. I'm not sure how well this worked out, but I would try the technique again. Vellum is perfect for toning down colours or shapes.

Lastly, if you purchased some Boughs of Holly paper, you may have fallen in love with the poinsettia patterns. One sheet in particular offered lots of fussy cutting fun, as you can see here! The Shaded Spruce die cut and stamp are from the Merriest Moments bundle, which features stamps, dies, and an embossing folder. It debuted in 2021 and was actually a returning favourite in the 2022 August-December Mini Catalogue. Returning favourites don't often happen, but sometimes they do :-) I sponged the Shaded Spruce die cut with some Evening Evergreen to tone it done a little. Dots of copper ink complete the festive mood. 

So, for sure that's a wrap on 2022's holiday cards. Time to get ready for the new year because it's going to be time to Sale-A-Brate verrrrrry soon!

December's Sunday Sketches

I had lots of ideas for cards this year that never materialized (thanks COVID!), but crafters are eternal optimists. Late for this year, early for next!

Merry Christmas friends and all the best in 2023!

Feeling Festive and Festive Feelings!

Adding to my perpetual feeling of being behind on posts, ideas, and more--well, after dodging the plague for two and a half years, it struck our household and despite what some may say, it affects people very differently. Hubs slept most of the symptoms off in four days and has a lingering cough. For me, COVID ran the whole ten days. I was super thirsty, napped a lot, and lost my appetite. Then, afterward, I was unbelievably tired and constantly reminding myself to take it easy. I'm only now finally feeling 100% again. We were doing all the right things, but our luck just ran out!

One of my favourite holiday suites this year was the Santa Suite. I wanted to do a whole video about it because I thought the whole ensemble was just wonderful. It just has so much possibility and I hope Stampin' Up! makes more suites like it.

There was co-ordinating paper for die cutting shapes and stamps perfect for colouring! Other elements included envelopes and a Memories and More pack with matching and retro elements. Originally, I wasn't sold on the Parakeet Party sky, but once you put it all together, it just works! Here are two samples while spending the afternoon with friends, who went wild for the set. Despite the two other ideas I had, all we worked on was the trains :-D

Here are two cards made with metallic snowflakes and two of the Santa Suite Memories and More cards. When you're pressed for time, a card from one of these packs often has the right message or image you need. They're such good value IMHO.

Lastly, here are two cards made with DSP from the Lights Aglow suite. This festive paper with a touch of gold was super popular. Consider yourself lucky if you snagged a pack because it was unavailable and not restocked. I used some scraps from the stash for the letters. I'm not 100% sure they're finished--but they are lovely!

Sadly, I didn't send out as many Christmas cards as I hoped. A stack of bases will become New Year's cards. Fortunately October's Paper Pumpkin came to my rescue. This kit made 9 cards and the Santa theme was great for my friends with children. Did you know, by the way, you can gift Paper Pumpkin? They're also great to have on hand for yourself or to share with others :-)

That's a wrap for Christmas crafting in 2022! Have a healthy, joyous, and wonderful time with your loved ones!

July's Sunday Sketch

Today's Sunday sketch is a little more literal than ones from the past. If you guessed the theme was Christmas in July and it uses the new Santa's Express Suite--you're right! This great suite offers a lot of potential whether you like to layer or colour. Stay tuned towards the end of the month, as usual!

2021 Stampin' Up! Christmas Cards from Your Friend, Christine

Oh my goodness, the ol' blog was getting dusty! I took some more classes this year and unlike last year, they were in-person. No more rolling out of bed at 7:30 to fire up the tablet for an 8:30 start. Now it was get up at 6:15am, actually get dressed like a human being, and run out to catch the bus like it was 2019 or something :-D

All this back and forth on top of work took up creative energy. It's important, especially at this busy time of year, to remember that there are several different kinds of rest. We might be getting plenty of sleep, but still remain tired. If that's the case, it's possible mental rest is required. And goodness knows, I took in too much screen time, oof.

I'll be sending out more New Year's cards than Christmas cards this year, even though I started early, I couldn't find the energy to keep the festive train going. Ah well! As a friend said, "The people who love you will understand and when your ready to send cards they will be happy to receive them." Aw! With that beautiful thought, here are the two designs which may show up in friends' mailboxes next year :-)

Tis the Season works on so many layers and works on many layers too! I started with a Crumbcake base and stamped, also in Crumbcake, using the big Birch background stamp. Layers of diecuts in Evening Evergreen and Early Espresso set the festive mood using Christmas Pinecone dies. A matching set of labels from Seasonal Labels and a sentiment from Christmas to Remember builds the scene. I don't know about you, but Christmas sentiments always get a free pass! Some gold foil paper scraps and the Deer Builder Punch brings the bling! There's a tiny dot for Rudolph's nose which is perfect for the extra highlights.

Now, the other card, Happy Christmas, is much simpler, but also eye-catching. I like to design cards for everyone to make--something for those who like a challenge or those new to cardmaking. I really hope maybe by 2023 an in-person stamp camp will be possible. Not only do I miss my crafty pals and stamping sisters, but I miss teaching. This card shows off embossing, sponging and die-cutting, three super essential cardmaking skills, IMHO! It's also super thrifty when it comes to cardstock. Simply cut and score a bunch of bases. Cut rectangles about 5x4" from aother colour (or DSP). Sponge the rectangle with your choice of ink--in this case, Night of Navy and some silver on Misty Moonlight cardstock--and run through an embossing folder with a slight textured background. I used the discontinued Subtle embossing folder, but Merry Melody or Bark would also work. Carefully rip one edge of the rectangle, just enough to make a fancy edge and leave room for a sentiment. Apply your favourite diecuts--it doesn't have to be snowflakes--and your flashy card is done!

Hopefully my next post won't be so long in-between--until then, have a safe, happy and festive Christmas and see you in the new year!

Sunday Sketches - December Christmas Cards

Check back in a couple of weeks to see how the sketches becames reality. It's a little hard to show off Christmads cards because I don't want to ruin the surprise for my friends. Two of these sketches didn't work out as planned...but that's why it's a sketch!

Stampin' Up! August-December Mini Catalogue is Here!

If it seems like nothing is on schedule this year--you're right! Stampin' Up! moved their annual fall catalogue to August from September. I have copies in hand if you would like one. Just contact me or shop with me to see what's new.

December Stamping Projects - Christmas Card Parade!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Finally I get a chance to sit down and share some of my Christmas cards. It's been far easier to share them on Instagram (@yourfriendchristine77). Normally I would provide more detailed instructions, but as you can see, I made a lot of different cards. Instead I'll share how I go about designing so many cards in such a short time.

First, I study the fall holiday catalogue long and hard. Sometimes there are sample ideas that I want to CASE (Copy And Steal Everything) or techniques I want to try.

Second, I take out my stash of scrap paper and start making sketches. My grade 6 teacher always taught us that paper has two sides and I never forgot this advice :-) I fold the paper into fourths and cut it apart. Sometimes sketches are detailed, sometimes they aren't. I jot down notes about colours and stamps along the way. All good ideas start with a sketch, even if it is on a napkin.

Third, I look through my stash. New stuff is always fun, but sometimes I want to mix and match. For example, last year's Beautiful Baubles set really compliments this year's Christmas Gleaming set. I also start gathering cardstock or DSP. Usually I put one project to a dollar store basket to stay organized.

Fourth, I order stuff! Yeah, you knew that part was coming :-) As a demonstrator, I get sneak peeks and can order a month ahead of regular customers, w00t!

Fifth, I start writing down all the steps I need to do. This isn't just because I love lists--it's easy to forget a step or measurements. If I want to go back and figure out how I made a card or what I used, then I can.

After that, the making magic part happens. I still work full time, so one evening I might cut paper or make bases and leave stamping and colouring for the weekends. If I can carve out an hour a night with Netflix, I'm doing pretty good! Usually I make cards in sets of ten so I have one to keep for my sample binder.

Lots of ink went into these moose cards with layers of Pool Party, Granite Gray and Petal Pink ink for a wintry look.

Strokes of orange and white pencil crayon on Real Red cardstock make the cardinal pop. For extra shimmer I used gold glitter glue on the branches. A fun and simple and card!

This very festive card was a quick make with the matching punches. Gold ink dots add an extra touch.

More fun with punches! Mint Macaron and Cherry Cobbler are made for each other. The Stamparatus was a big help with this card.

Colouring can be a challenge. I used strokes of purple and blue chalk pastel to create a night scene. The trick is to remove some of the pastel with an eraser to simulate moonlight.

And there you have it! 45 cards to give and five to show off in my sample binder. There actually is a sixth card but I'll reveal it later as I'm not quite happy with them :-) Enjoy the warmth of the holidays and I'll see you back in the new year with Sale-A-Bration!

2018 Christmas Cards

Whew! November and December were busy months. I hardly had a chance to sit down and do the banking.

I sat down and made a few Christmas cards and now that they have been sent off, I can share them. Click for larger. Here is this year's Christmas card:

Christmas Wishes

Here's another card I made, but I didn't get around to sending any of them off. Oh dear! Late for this year, early for next, I always say. I like the tone on tone look and the shimmer paper really looked great when embossed with the Blizzard background thinlits die.

Have a safe and warm holiday season! Stay tuned for new exciting products in 2019...the Sale-A-Bration catalogue drops January 3rd :-)

Stampin' Up! 2018 Holiday Catalogue Favourites

If it's one thing that you can count on, it's Stampin' Up! to release three catalogues a year - holiday, occasions and the annual catalogue. As a demo, I get sneak peeks of all of them and sometimes it's so hard to wait to show off the new products.

I think this year's holiday catalogue is stellar and better than last year's. There's a huge variety of stamps and greetings and paper, oh my! I'm not a Halloween person, so I steer right to the Christmas stuff. It may be too early to think about Christmas, but when you're a crafter, it's never too early! Sometimes I start my Christmas cards in August :)

Anyway, here are three of my favourite items so far - stay tuned for more! All are photographed on Joyous Noel Special DSP.

Merry Christmas to All

I bought just the stamps and not the bundled dies - I thought the stamps were more worth it. Sometimes you just want a single word to build your greeting or fit your space, so I felt this was a must have.

Feathers & Frost

Hehe, of course I had to get this cute little set because of the birds! The swashy leaves and berries was also inspiring along with the sentiments. I really liked the "hand stamped by" set - I can see using it a lot!

Buffalo Check

This hefty background stamp reminds me of some DSP from last year or maybe it was the year before - but it came in green. Now you can have the same pattern in any colour. So looking forward to using this. I think it will go well with the Hardwood background stamp or embossing folder.

Well, there you have it! Stay tuned for more favourites and my monthly stamping project.

December Stamping Project: Team Swap Christmas Card

I'm going to be posting a bunch of Christmas cards in the coming days and I'll start with one made for my team swap. At first I didn't know how to feel about my design, mostly because I made my cards with plenty of time to spare. The downside to getting cards done early is that you want to add or change them the more you look at them. I resisted that! I had some fun trying out new techniques though, such as inking an embossing folder before running it through my Big Shot. This effect is so sharp, especially when you use it with a contrasting colour instead of the matching paper colour.

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Here are just some of the cards I received in return from the swap. I'm so fortunate to have a great team.
 

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Stay tuned for more cards!