Merry Christmas!

I had planned to have a Christmas blog candy, but realized that most people will be too busy to visit blogs, so I decided to postpone it until next year and it will be a bigger prize that includes new stamps and a sampler of my seam bindings. So, stay tuned.

For my Christmas post, I thought share a few cards from each of the teams I have had the privilege to be a part of in 2010.

First is a card using Layers of Colors' A Touch of Elegance clear art stamps.

This one uses my Gina K Designs stamp sets, Heirloom Ornaments, Fanciful Tags and Vintage Backgrounds.

Here's a card using SRM Stickers Sentiments Happy Holidays using the upcoming Card Patterns sketch. Here's a little sneak peek for you. :-)

Finally, I hope you all a very merry Christmas. As a Christian, I have a huge appreciation for this holiday. Beyond presents and merriment, Christmas is a day that celebrates God's love toward mankind. As my pastor, John MacArthur says, "The babe Jesus Christ in a manger is more than just a tender child. He is the express image of God. He took on a body of human flesh so He could bear in that body the sins of the world. He made possible the gift of God--eternal life (Romans 6:23). That is the sum of the Christmas message."

I took the quoted notes above from Grace To You's article that you can find in its entirety -->> HERE. I hope you will take the time to read it and even follow the Scripture reference. It sums up why I, along with the many followers of Christ, celebrate Christmas. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me by clicking on the Contact tab above.

Here's my favorite new Christmas song this year. I love the lyrics!

Easy Shabby Cards

Here's another set of mass-produced cards I made that are more on the shabby side. I used my Heirloom Ornaments and Vintage Borders stamp sets, Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather papers and SRM Stickers Sentiments Happy Holidays.

This is what I did:

• I cut the coordinating 12 x 12 double-sided papers into 4 x 5.25 sheets (I got 6 from one 12 x 12 sheet with small strips leftover for other projects).
  
• I cut each small sheet on the 2" mark. I used the purple side for the bottom of the card and flipped the paper strip for the top portion.
  
• I inked all the edges of the strips and card front using Distress Antique Linen and Vintage Photo.
  
• Die cut the Spellbinders Lacey Circles and ink edges. Stamp text background stamp.
  
• Stamp world, then die cut or punch out (I used a 1-3/4 circle punch).
• Tie bow to hide seam between two papers.
• Adhere sticker sentiment.

To make it all go faster. I did one step at a time for all the cards. So, I inked all the edges of the pieces at the same time. I cut all the paper strips and sheets for all my cards. My kids even helped with making these. They love die cutting and punching out stamped images. They could have helped with inking the edges, too. It's more fun when it's a group effort. :-)

Christmas Cards, Pt. 2: Tips on mass producing cards

I would say I owe it to not having Hallmark-type stores in Croatia for me to be interested in cardmaking in the first place. Even though I only started with papercrafting seriously and professionally less than 2 years ago, I was already making cards for many years prior to that with what little paper scraps, ribbons and stamps I had.

Because my husband and I are in full-time ministry, one of my main responsibilities is correspondence. And we have been blessed with so many friends and family who pray for us faithfully. So, I made a commitment to send them at least a Christmas card every year to let them know how much we appreciate all that they do for us.

This year, I made about 150 and, as you can imagine, that's no easy feat, esp because of the lack of craft stores here. I've learned some tricks and tips to accomplish this in the last few years.

Make a simple sketch to follow. I used the same sketch for all my samples below.

Use a paper collection to mix and match since they are already color coordinated for you. Use the collection's colors as a guide and limit the colors you use to 3. I used the Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly papers for these cards.

Utilize available tools like punches, stamps and stickers to get the job done. I used the GinaK Heirloom Ornaments set, which I punched using my 1-3/4" circle punch. I used the SRM Sticker Sentiments Happy Holidays on another set of mass produced cards on this post. This card design is also great to use ribbon scraps.

Computer-generate your note inside and print on white paper. For A6 cards, I print 4 in one sheet and just trim the papers to 4" x 5.25" then adhere inside the cards. Make room on the bottom for a personal note. I also computer generate the address labels.

More tips:

• Start early. I start mine around September and do it slowly until about mid-November when I do most of them.
  
• Pre-cut all your patterned papers. I can get 6 card fronts from one sheet of 12 x 12. I cut them to 4" x 5.25" and mix and match the papers for more variety.
  
• I don't make all my cards look the same. Otherwise, I would get bored :-). I make 6-12 cards per design. You can see another set of mass produced cards I made in a previous post.
• If you're in a DT, make Christmas cards with your DT assignments as early as possible. I had close to 50 cards by the time mid-November came. If you're not on a DT, think Christmas cards when entering challenges. You can see a Christmas card I made using fall colors on this post. I wouldn't have thought of doing that, but that's the fun of entering challenges.
• I set a goal to send out our Christmas cards in late Nov/early December. It's not because mail takes longer here. We get many guests from the US and so I just plan ahead to send my cards through them. It's cheaper this way. I set the date goal because it's always better for the recipients to get your cards early on. The closer it is to Christmas, the more cards people get and more likely yours to be set aside.
  

I hope that helps.

Circa 1934 Blog Hop and Tutorial

The SRM Stickers Crew is featuring Cosmo Cricket's Circa 1934 Collection today. This paper collection is perhaps my favorite of the Cosmo Cricket lines. The color combo is something I use often: red, black, aqua and a hint of straw.

If you're coming from Tobi Crawford, then you're on the right spot. If not, check out the SRM Stickers blog for a list of participants, including the info for today's prize giveaways: Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 Crafting Kit and SRM Stickers Prize Package!

I made a family photo ornament for today's hop. This would make a great gift, esp for the grandparents. I used the SRM Sticker Sentiments Happy Holidays and A Year of Memories 2010 for my project.

I shared a similar ornament a week ago and I promised to give you a tutorial, so here it is:

Supplies used:

• Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 paper collection
• SRM Stickers Sentiments Happy Holidays and A Year of Memories 2010
• Spellbinders Label 15, Circle Large, Heirloom Ornament Dies
• GinaK Designs Heirloom Ornament stamps
• Thick cardstock
  
• Fibers: cream ribbon and red baker's twine
• Accents: buttons and paper flowers
• Tools: hole puncher and ScorPal, Scortape
  

Step 1: Die cut the following:

• 1 of the largest Labels 15 dies from cardstock and another from patterned paper
• 2 of the 2nd largest Labels 15 from cardstock and one from patterned paper
• stamp ornament four times, then die cut
• four of the smallest ornament die from patterned paper
  

Step 2: Score middle of the ornament die cuts, then fold. Glue sides together to make a 3-D ornament.

Step 3: Adhere patterned papers to corresponding die cut cardstocks. Layer the smaller label frames using foam tape. Punch holes on the frames and 3D ornaments as shown above. Adhere "merry christmas" sticker to cardstock, then adhere to label frame using foam tape in the middle and Scortape on the sides as shown above.

Step 4: String twine and make a knot through hole on the ornaments and ribbon on top of the ornament.

Step 5: Tie a knot to attach hanging ornaments as shown above.

Step 6: Thread twine through button and wrap around twine attached to the ornament as shown above. Tie into a bow. For better placement, adhere stringed button with a glue dot.

Step 7: Repeat Step 6 for the second ornament. Adhere paper flower and stringed button with ScorTape.

I hope you found that helpful. Now your next stop is the very talented Kathy Racoosin.

Christmas Cards, Part 1

Though I'm still not quite done, I now have the satisfaction of finishing 120 handmade Christmas cards and sent out. I usually semi-mass produce the cards, i.e., I make 6-12 of each design so I don't get bored. Starting today and over the course of the next 3 weeks, I'll be showing you some of the cards I made in groups and hope that you'll find inspiration in them.

This group was one of my elaborate designs. I stamped the globe from my Heirloom Ornaments set and punched it out with a 1-3/4 in circle punch. The lacy circle is by Spellbinders and was stamped with the vintage ribbon image from Vintage Borders. The sentiments are from SRM Stickers Sentiments Happy Holidays.

Here is the set with different sentiments from the same SRM Stickers Sentiments Happy Holidays set.

Finally, this card is for StampTV's Sketch spotlight challenge today. I used the Heirloom Ornaments set again for this one (die cut with Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments dies), along with Fanciful Tags for the sentiment. The papers are Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly.

Feeling so incredibly blessed

It's Thanksgiving week in the US, but unfortunately we don't have that in Croatia. But, that shouldn't stop my family and I from celebrating the holiday as we have much to be thankful for. We have the obvious reasons: loving parents/grandparents...friends from all over the world...our church family in Croatia...a warm home...healthy bodies, etc. There are also minor reasons: a computer to communicate with...a good night's sleep...a soothing cup of tea...the list goes on and on.

But above all these, we rejoice in the gift who is Christ Jesus. He has lavished us with every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3ff). He has made us see the blessings, big and small, in our life with appreciation. We have joy, hope, peace and contentment because of Him. We have no reason to worry for anything because we know God is in control and He is good. We have His Word to guide us in our everyday life. We enjoy and love our life. In short, we feel incredibly blessed because of Him. And what a great gift that is! How about you? What makes you feel incredibly blessed today?

Today I have two cards to share for the StampTV sketch #3 and color spotlight #2 challenges. I used Heirloom Ornaments stamps for both. The papers for the above card are Cosmo Cricket Winter Mittens. The background was stamped with the music stamp from Vintage Borders. The card below uses Graphic 45 Christmas Past papers,some hand-dyed seam bindings and a Prima flower.

Holiday Hoppin' with Spellbinders Paper Arts

Welcome to the second day of the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop! Spellbinders, along with Gina K Designs are showcasing their newest products just in time for your Holiday crafting and gift giving. Lots of creative ideas are in store, as well as prizes galore! Each participating company has generously donated towards the prize package listed on the Spellbinders Blog. A total of two identical prize packages, one for each day, November 18 and 19 will be given away! To enter, just leave a comment on a participating blog! Comments in the first 48 hours of the post are eligible. One commenter each day will be randomly selected as the winner. Winners will be announced on November 22, on the Spellbinders Blog! Be sure to see all of yesterday’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs for inspiring projects and another chance to win!

Visit all of today’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs:

Mona Pendleton
Gina Hanson
Deborah Young
Becca Feeken
Julie Overby
Kimberly Crawford
AJ Otto
Margie Higuchi
Beth Pingry
Jennifer Holmes
Kerry Urbatch
Shona Erlenborn
Tammy Inman
Jessica Turner
Brenda Hurd
Julie Koerber
Rae Barthel
Rachel O’Crowley
Kellie Fortin
Kristen Cohen
Joy Dickson
Candy Rosenberg
Laura Craigie
Stephanie Hester
Leesa Crutcher
Nina Brackett <<--you are here!

I have lots to share with you today as I feature the following Spellbinder dies for my projects:

• S4-291 Labels 15
• S4-285 Nested Mittens
• S4-283 Heirloom Ornaments
• S4-293 Lacey Circles
• Nesties-005 Classic Circles
  

These dies coordinate with many Gina K Designs stamps, including:

• Lovely Labels 2
• Heirloom Ornaments
• Winter Mittens

This photo ornament was created using Lovely Labels 2 stamps, Labels 15 and Heirloom Ornaments dies. The papers are October Afternoon. Tutorial coming soon on this blog!
Here are some detailed shots.Here's another ornament or gift card holder using the Nested Mittens dies and felt. This is an easy project to do with your young kids. I handstitched the die cut felt together, along with the decorations.
This card uses the Heirloom Ornaments stamps, Classic Circles and Lacey Circles dies, which was stamped with the vintage ribbon image from Vintage Backgrounds stamp set. The papers are Graphic 45 Christmas Past. (This is a little preview of tomorrow's Card Patterns sketch).

Finally, another card using the Winter Mittens stamps and Nested Mittens dies. The papers are Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather.

Simply leave a comment on my blog to be eligible to win the Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Prize Package, including some Gina K Designs stamps! One winner will be chosen from all the comments on all the blogs participating today. Comments made in the first 48 hours of this post will be eligible to win. Winner’s names will be published on the Spellbinders Blog on November 22, and they will have 48 hours to reply to Spellbinders to claim the prizes. Happy Hoppin'!

Earthy Christmas card

This is my second post today. For my IPPITY BLOG HOP PROJECTS, scroll down or click -->> HERE.

This card is for Stamp TV's Sketch Spotlight Challenge. I used my Heirloom Ornaments set and Pink Paislee papers. I followed The Color Room's color combo. I hope you can play along with us.

One more thing, GinaK is making a HUGE announcement on Stamp TV today. Make sure you check it out.

More Marvy Creations and Turquoise Christmas

I'm showing more Marvy and SRM Stickers creations today. This time, the SRM team is featuring the Paper Trimming Buddy and 8 interchangeable blades on the SRM blog, where they are giving away 3 of this trimmer and accessories.

For my first card, I used the pinking cartridge on the edges of the patterned paper (Togetherness by Cosmo Cricket). The ornament is from Heirloom Ornaments stamp set. And the sentiment is SRM Stickers Sentiments Happy Holidays.

My second card used the perforating Marvy cartridge and created a grid for a background. I also used the scallop to highlight the sentiment. "Merry" is from Quick Cards Merry by SRM. The papers and letter stickers are by Cosmo Cricket.

Make sure you visit the SRM Blog for more inspiration and information for the Marvy giveaway! Have a good weekend!

Christmas Ornament Box

Today's card is for the SRM Stickers Marvy's Quick Borders Craft Punch feature. The SRM team was spoiled with this new product that we used on our projects today on the SRM Blog. Make sure you check it out as I hear there are quite a few of this punch system being given away. :-)

I made a box using the Ribbon Stitch punch. What I like about this system is the no-guessing where to punch next to make sure the borders are lined up correctly. I also like the fact that it doesn't take up as much room as normal border punches. Storage space is precious to me in my little craft corner in our bedroom.

Here's the top view. I used my Heirloom Ornaments stamps to make a 3-D decoration on top. The sentiment is from SRM Stickers Sticker Sentiments Happy Holidays.

Don't forget to visit the SRM Blog for more inspiration and information for the Marvy giveaway!

A Landmark Post

Today's post is my 500th! Can you believe it? And sometime last night, my blog visitors just hit the 200K mark! Wow, thank you all for coming to visit me and commenting regularly. Very few things thrill me more as a cardmaker than your encouraging words and knowing people are inspired by my work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

My card today is for the new Stamp TV/GinaK Designs Sketch Spotlight Feature. Here is my card using my latest Heirloom Ornaments set. I stamped the ornament in Memento Rhubarb Stalk and the sentiment in Vivid Vintage Green. The papers are Graphic 45 Christmas Past. The cardstock is GinaK Cranberry Tart. I used the Spellbinders Fancy Tags with the sentiment. The ribbon is a RAK from my friend Laura.

Here is this week's sketch. I hope you can play along. More info-->>HERE.

Introducing Winter Mittens and Heirloom Ornaments

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you have a great weekend ahead. The sun is shining in Croatia and the weekend is off to a good start already.

I am excited to show my two latest stamp sets from GinaK Designs. First is one that is perfect for gift giving, Winter Mittens and it coordinates with the Spellbinders Nested Mittens die set. Here are some tips on how to best utilize this set:

The sentiments all fit inside the oval and rectangular frames. The oval can be die cut using the Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities. The rectangular frame can be used as a cuff for the largest die as seen on my tutorial for Christmas tags at the end of this post.
My second set, Heirloom Ornaments, coordinates with the Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments die set.
Here is a shabby vintage card I made with this set. The papers are Webster's Pages. The music background was made using the Vintage Borders stamp set.
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Quick Christmas Tags using the Winter Mittens and Spellbinders Nested Mittens die set:

I forgot to mention that I die cut two sheets of paper at a time and it cut without a problem.