All is Calm, All is Bright

I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season so far! I'm behind, but that's okay.....the true spirit of Christmas burns deep and bright in my heart despite not having all of the secular things in place! I wanted to pop by to share this card that was featured in the Papertrey Ink Newsletter this week for this Project Inspiration feature.

This card was made up almost entirely from leftover pieces from a few different projects over the last few months. If you stop by regularly, you might notice which card projects they may have been leftover from! ha ha!

 I will share step-by-step photos and extra details on how I created this card.

The background wasn't leftover, so I got to work creating a stenciled background using the Seeing Stars Stencil Collection with Blueberry Sky and Spring Rain ink.

I added some ink splatters for extra detail, depth, and contrast.

I added Blueberry Sky ink around the edges and cut the harsh lines off by trimming the panel to 4 by 5 1/4 inches.

The poinsettia was leftover from the second card features in THIS post. You might remember the frame of the Stained Glass Window came from THIS card. I did inlaid die cutting for the first card, but was left with this beautiful watercolor frame! I actually had two, which you can see in the finished card. I had a few snowflakes leftover and they are die cut from the Border Bling: Snow Flakes Die. These are my go-to snowflakes when I need different shapes and sizes to use as fillers on cards!

I layered the stenciled panel on a top-folding A2 Dark Indigo card base and then glued the window frames over the top. Please note, I did cut four extra frames from white cardstock and then glued each window with stack of three; the watercolor piece and two white frames. I wanted dimension and it would be almost impossible to use foam tape or squares on those tiny lines.

I placed the poinsettia over the top using foam squares, added the snowflakes and gave it a good spritz of Shimmer Spray. The sentiment, which is from the Deerest Blessings stamp set, is heat embossed in silver on a strip of Dark Indigo cardstock and added using strategically placed foam squares on the poinsettia. I added glitter as well!

I was so thrilled to finally put those leftover pieces to good use!

I hope you have a blessed day and thanks for fluttering by!

 

The Greetery {Nordic Noel}

I’m so excited to be here today sharing a pair of cards Christmas cards featuring an unexpected color combination! They use bits and pieces from a few different collections, but I think they work really nicely together! It’s that time of year when I just want to have all of my Christmas products close at hand so I can mix and match to my heart's content!

To begin this pair, I die cut a panel of white cardstock and a panel of Cameo Coral cardstock using the A2 Stitched Scallops Die. I was so thrilled to discover that the large frame stamp included in the Bookish Holiday Frames Stamp Set fits perfectly inside the scallops! I used Cameo Coral ink on the coral panel and Stampabilities Metallic Gold ink on the white panel. I set those aside and started getting all of the accents created!

The Noel card is simple and elegant and would be perfect to mass-produce for sending out this holiday season. I die cut the main foliage piece from Antique Gold and the snowflake/flowers are die cut from Scarlet Jewel ink. I added sequins, gems, and pearls to each of the flowers and then adhered them to the stem using foam squares for the larger pieces and liquid glue for the smaller pieces.

I layered it in the middle of the frame using additional foam squares for added dimension. I stamped the Noel sentiment in black, which is from the Winter Crest Stamp + Stencil. I used the coordinating die to cut it out and then positioned it near the bottom of the panel using mini foam squares. The entire panel is added to an A2 panel of Antique Gold cardstock and then that is glued to a top-folding A2 card base using liquid glue. I had someone ask me about this particular gold cardstock and I feel bad, but for some reason I can't reply to comments anymore! Anyway, I hope you are reading this post because HERE is the link. I get the 105 lb weight in the 8 1/2 by 11 size. It is such a beautiful cardstock and that heavier weight is simply divine!

To begin the coral card, I stamped the “Greetings” portion of the sentiment, which is from the Scripted Holiday Sentiments Stamp Set, with black ink. I also stamped the “Christmas” portion on a scrap of white cardstock, stamped it in black, and then cut it out using the coordinating Scripted Holiday Sentiments Die. I used mini foam squares to pop it up just above the other sentiment at an angle.

I used the Nordic Birds Die to create the little bird; the body is Pure Poppy cardstock with some Scarlet Jewel ink around the edges with an Antique Gold wing. I die cut two sets of foliage using the Ornamental Tag Die from Antique Gold cardstock. I added a few sequins from the Crystal Sequins Mix,  pearls, and adhesive gems to the sprigs that include a little “bud”. I glued them together and then added one of the snowflake flowers included in the Frost Buds Die using a foam square for dimension.

I created two *almost* identical clusters for each of the corners of the coral card. I tucked the bird off to the side, gussied it up with some holly and gems and finished it off like the Noel card. I did add a few white snowflake/flowers here and there to add a bit of contrast.  I plan on spritzing each one with Shimmer Spray….I generally don’t like to do this before I take photos because it shows up on the finished photo in a distracting way. It looks great in real life, though! Ha ha! Does that make any sense? I sure hope so! Anyway, I had so much fun creating this pair of Christmas cards and I’m not sure when, if ever, I’m going to be able to put the new Icicles Collection away! Thanks for fluttering by!

The Greetery {Icing Collection Release} and SALE!!!!!!

SURPRISE!!! Thanks for stopping back by! The Icing Collection is now LIVE plus there is a sale! Please read the details on the graphic for complete details!

Sale Details:

• Storewide 15% off (including the new release). 
• Bundle Deals - we will have 10 different themed bundles, which will be 50% off (the bundles are NOT included in the storewide 15% off). Here is a link to the Bundles!
• Sale starts at 10am EST on Tuesday, 11/26
• Sale ends 11:59pm EST on Saturday, 11/30
• No code needed, discounts will be automatically applied.

THANKS FOR FLUTTERING BY!

 

The Greetery {Icing Collection}

I'm so excited to be here today to help introduce the AMAZING and beautiful Icing Collection from The Greetery! Things are just a little bit different this time around; the collection will be available for purchase TODAY at 10 am ET! I will be back with another post at that time with a direct link to the new collection, so make sure to pop back by at 10 am! You can read all about each of the new products for the official "meet and greet" on The Greetery Blog. Make sure to leave a comment here, and on each of the designers' blogs, for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates to the shop!

My first project for today is brimming with many of the new products, all curated for lots of mixing and matching, and of course, the possibilities are endless! The highlight of this card are the beautiful new Nordic Birds dies that have simply stolen my heart! I am a bird lover, so these sweet birds have been such a joy to create with!

As you can see, there are two different sized birds; I chose to die cut then from white and Antique Gold and then I swapped wing colors for some contrast and interest. 

I gussied them up using foliage and a bow from the new Ornamental Tag die collection. I used this die set quite a bit on my projects today so you will be able to see how versatile it can be. I die cut the foliage from white cardstock and then colored it with distress oxide inks and finger sponge daubers. There are little "buds" on the end of a few of the pieces which I would normally add a flower, but for my projects today, I adhered gems, pearls, and sequins in lieu of flowers, but flowers would be equally beautiful, depending on what you're working on.

The left border of the card is created using the new Ribbon Maker: Crystal Strand along with the new Frost Buds die ( I will be showcasing those a bit more on my next project). I die cut it from the same Forest cardstock as the background panel and then mounted it using foam squares. I added more sequins, pearls, and gems (believe me, I have been having A LOT of fun) to each of the snowflakes and Frost Buds.

The sequins are from a beautiful new mix that will be available with the rest of the collection. It comes in a small jar with oodles of sequins for years of creative time! I added some gold watercolor paint splatters before I added the birds and the white buds. I let it dry and then added the birds, white buds, additional greenery and the sentiment.

The sentiment is from the previously released Winter Crest Stamp set and the very, very back background (ha ha!) is stamped using the Pine and Berry Background Stamp. I used the same Forest cardstock with white ink . I really like how it gave a bit of lightness to the final design! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, the arch is from the Arch Box Large Die and was the perfect layer to attach the birds.

Yep....more birds! ha ha! This time I made a gift box using the Arch Box Large Die and then accented with the new Frost Buds Die and Nordic Birds Die.

I know I mentioned in the original post where this box was showcased, but it is such a nice size!

After it was all said and done, I forgot I wanted to try adding some Fancy Feet Die to see if it would add some detail without looking like a postbox and I TOTALLY forgot! ha ha! So, I think I will still give that a try!

I tied a simple knot of specialty ribbon and adorned the box with a tag that I  made using the Inside and Out tag die that I will be showing next!

I tied it to the ribbon using metallic gold DMC floss.

Here is a set of three of the MANY tags I made....they are SO MUCH fun and super addictive! You'll just want to try different combinations! ha ha!

Here you can see a few more.....I die cut all of the Crystal Charms using the Crystal Charms Die from Antique Gold cardstock and powder green. The powder green is really hard to photograph, unfortunately. It is the same color that I made the box from if that helps!

I was so pleased with my tag collection and I was so excited to show my daughter and she said, "are those Victorian baby rattles?" I just about died! LOL! No, my dear, they are not baby rattles, but beautiful crystal gift tags! ha ha!

To begin this process, I used the Inside and Out stamp set and Inside and Out stencil to the main message portion. I used the Inside and Out Tag Die which cuts four of the outside and four of the inside sentiments. I didn't use the inside like Betsy will most likely show, but rather adhered the "to: from:" portion to the back of the tag that I will show later on.

Once that was done, I used the Ornamental Tag Die for the backer and the foliage and bow. I secured the first Crystal Charm directly onto the tag backer using liquid glue before adding the foliage. Once that was done, I was able to continue on with the crystal strand. there are tiny "jump ring" dies included so it really makes them look realistic.

Here you can see the backside where I attached the "to: from:" portion.

In past posts, I have explained my process for making lots of little embellishments and details and the process for these tags wasn't any different. I got all of the foliage ready, all of the crystals ready, all of the main tag portions ready and then just had an absolute ball putting these all together. I still have quite a bit of crystal pieces left over so it looks like another crafty tag session is in order! The best part was adding all of the sequins, gems, and pearls. I bought THESE to use on some projects I shared last week and I just couldn't stop....the best part is the assortment comes with those awesome tweezers that make using them an absolute breeze!

Eep! I think I may have saved the best for last! I'm absolutely head-over-heels in love with the new critters being offered in the Hey Honeycomb series! I chose to use the penguin for today's post, but there is also a polar bear, and a snowman. I'm sure between all of us designers, you will see each of them in action!

For this go-round, there is an all-white honeycomb assortment for each of these new characters. I just love how this little penguin looks all puffed up!

A few things to note: all of the pieces of the penguin are included with the die, but there is NOT a die for the eyes. You can easily use the die as a stencil because Betsy cleverly left the eye portion open, so all you have to do it trace it and color it in. Please be aware that it is most effective if you drop the diecut back into the die backwards, but making sure it is perfectly lined up and dropped back in the guides so the eyes line up perfectly. My first penguin was giving me the side-eye, so he ended up in the garbage! ha ha! I tried just placing the die over the top of the die cut without placing it back in the guides and it was off-center. ha ha!

As with the other Hey Honeycomb products, there is a coordinating stamp set that you can use with the Honeycomb ball not pulled open. This stamp set is called Hey Honeycomb Holiday Stamp Set. Also, I want to point something up with these two side-by-side; I added Nuvo Crystal Glaze to the feet, cheeks, eyes, and nose. Once it was dry, I added white gel pen detailing to the eyes on the left penguin, but I FORGOT on the left penguin. That tiny detail really makes a big difference in bringing the penguin to life! I feel safe with all of you and that's why I point out my mistakes freely so we can all learn together! ha ha!

I didn't get nearly enough time with the Ribbon Frame Die on the last release so I was positively giddy when I saw how cute it looks with this little penguin! P.S. it looks equally precious with the Nordic Birds, and I can't wait to finish that idea!

To begin, I used the Snowflakes Prints Stencil and Speckled Egg distress oxide ink on A2 panels of white cardstock. I added some ink around the edges of one and left the other white....I like options! I die cut the Ribbon Frame from Oat Milk cardstock and then used the Ribbon Frame Stencil and more Speckled Egg ink to add the shading.

I layered it over the top using little strips of foam squares.  The snowflakes over the bows are from the Ribbon Maker: Crystal Strand....I just carefully snipped it apart and then added it using foam squares. I added more Frost Buds, the penguin and the sentiment is from Christmas Time Sentiments. I added some glitter for some frosty, sparkling detail! I had SO much fun with this release and I hope you fall in love with it as much as I have! It's absolutely gorgeous and wonderful! Don't forget to stop back by at 10 am and make sure to leave a comment here and on each of the designers' blogs. Thanks for fluttering by!

Angelica

Dana

Kelly (you are here)

Laura

Laurie

Melissa

Wanda

 

Papertrey Ink November Release Countdown Day 4

It's the 4th and final day of the Papertrey Ink November release countdown and I have A LOT to share! I think you're really going to love the products being featured today! I had so much fun creating all of my projects today!

My first card features the new Cookie Swap dies and this collection is just perfect for creating cards, tags, and more! My daughter and I have been making cut-out sugar cookies every Christmas eve and now my boys join in on the fun! This collection of dies evokes such feelings of happiness and joy and I loved creating each and every project!

The die set includes two dies to create the cookie sheet; I cut three portions of the top piece to really create depth to the cookie sheet for realism. I cut it out of Weathervane cardstock and then assembled it using liquid glue. It also features the cute oven mitt, spatula, plate and of course all of the cute dies to create your Christmas cookies! There is a rolling pin, but I included that on the inside, which I will share later in the post.

The cute little gingerbread boys are actually buttons that I purchased at Hobby Lobby and then I added adhesive pearls over the holes on the stomach. I think the pearls look wonderful as little candy buttons!

I die cut all of the pieces for the cookies from white cardstock and then colored them using distress oxide inks and finger daubers. I added Nuvo Crystal Glaze to the centers of the Linzer Cookies and then each of the cookies got a touch of glitter as well.

For the background, I cut a panel of Pure Poppy cardstock and cut it using the Cover Plate: Quilted die. I also die cut the largest size included in the Border Bling: Skinny Ric Rac collection and glued it to the quilted panel. I added some Scarlet Jewel ink the to the corners of the ric rac and the quilted panel.

For additional detail, I added one of the ribbons/bows from the Wrap-It Ribbons die to the two corners. The sentiment is one of the companion sentiments from the This is Big Sentiments: Merry Christmas stamp set.

This is the sentiment I wanted on the front, but I just couldn't make it work with the layout I have, but I took some of the extra bits and gussied up the inside! I also added sprigs of holly and berries that are from the new The Bigs Winter Sentiments that was showcased on day 1.

My second card using the Cookie Swap Die is a nod to the delicious Christmas cookies we leave out for Old Kris Kringle on Christmas Eve! I incorporated a few of the recently released products on this card since I sat that release out and I have been itching to use them! 

To begin this card, I used the beautiful Christmas Laurel Hot Foil Plate on a large panel of Ocean Tides cardstock using red foil. I set the heat to the highest setting and set the timer for 25 seconds. I got a perfect result using this formula. I tried it once before with the middle heat setting and 20 seconds and didn't get good results at all. Once that was done, I was able to align the North Pole Mail: Postage Stamp Frame Post Card (largest) where I wanted it and cut it out. I purposely used a larger than A2 panel of cardstock because I didn't trust myself to get the Laurel hot foil lined up perfectly. This allowed me some wiggle room. 

I stamped the sentiment at the top using the darling North Pole Mail stamp set and black ink. I set that aside and got to work on the cookies and cocoa. I cut all the pieces from white cardstock with the exception of the plate and the mug; those are die cut from Pure Poppy cardstock.

I colored and decorated the cookies and cocoa the same way as I did on the first card. I'm especially in love with the green tree cookie....with the exception of the white swirl, this is how I decorate my tree cookies on Christmas Eve with cinnamon imperials and a thick layer of frosting. This would be my FIRST pick of cookies off this plate! ha ha!

I used the beautiful Into the Blooms: Swag Die to gussy up the top of the hot foil wreath. I used a foam candy cane embellishment to decorate the top of the bow.

I used one of the included postmark images to add to the bottom and of course some glitter for sugary sweetness!

My third project using the Cookie Swap dies originally was supposed to be a trio of tags, but eventually morphed into 3 cards! ha ha!

I used the The Bigs Christmas Sentiments stamp set for the sentiments and the greenery and berries.

I'm in love with the new Pine Hot Foil Plate so I wanted to give it a little bit more love as well! I love the gold on the red.

The little plate of cookies is my ideal combination....yummy!

I think I've made more paper cookies than I will real cookies! ha ha!

I used the North Pole Mail: Candy Cane Frame Post Card Die for the background and the smaller mat.

This card features the adorable new Trees n' Patterns stamp/die set; I absolutely love the cute patterned boughs, don't you? I had fun stamping the trees in different colors and contemplated alternating colors, but in the end, just stuck to the same color for each tree. I have two extra trees that I can use on a different project!

The die set includes a base tree shape for both sizes of trees. You can stamp the different sections directly on the base or you can use the different sections, which are also part of the stamp/die set, like I have shown here!

I made this card before I made the first cookie card, but you can see I used the same background, but this card has a nice splattering of white paint to mimic snow!

The new Garnished Edges die set is the perfect backdrop for this pair of patterned trees. The star in the middle is also part of the new stamp set, but I did add a bow from the Bows Galore Die. Rather than stamping the stars, I die cut them from silver glitter cardstock and glued them to the top of each of the trees.

I was on a kick with the adhesive pearls, so these trees got some baubles in assorted sizes to give them added detail and color!

The Trees 'n Patterns stamp set has three included sentiments, but I chose this one from the Just Sentiments: Winter Wonderland Mini Stamp Set. I heat embossed it with white detail powder on a strip of Pure Poppy cardstock and then notched the ends and added it with foam squares. Thanks for fluttering by!