Let It Snow! (Card #1--Simpler Version/ Card #2--Fussier Version)

For my next card, I really wanted to stick to Christmas cards to build up my 2022 Christmas stash. I started with the Featured Stamper challenge when  I started researching possible Splitcoaststampers challenges to enter that I had not yet participated in. I found a card with snowflakes that got my mojo going, as I've collected many snowflake dies over the years. I had one particular Stampin' Up die set, Snowfall Thinlits, that had all sizes and shapes of snowflakes, including a snowflake swirl. Since I had another challenge I wanted to do that I thought would lend itself well to snowflakes, I decided to give it a whirl and see what I came up with.
 
I continued my search for other possible Splitcoaststampers challenges, both new and old, that might fit my into my snowflake theme. I ended up with 12 challenges that would fit my card if I adjusted the design a bit here and there to meet them.  I got to creating and actually ended up with two cards with similar design layouts. One is a simpler less fussy card using a snowfall embossing folder and snowflakes dies (Card #1), and the other is a bit more fussy using a snowflake embossing folder as well as the snowflake dies (Card #2). I am really happy with the results, but which one do you like the best? I think I'm partial to the simpler version (Card #1). Take a peek below at both finished snowflake cards:

Card #1 - Simpler Version

Ingredients: Stampin' Up-- Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White, Vellum (translucent), Basic White (inside); Glimmer papers: White (Myths & Magic 6x6 Glimmer pad--2018 Occasions), Dazzling Diamonds, Silver. Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Balmy Blue.  White Glimmer layer: lightly brushed w/Misty Moonlight ink. Dies: SU: Snowfall Thinlits (2018 November promo); Memorybox: "Let It Snow" (2021 catalog). SU EF: Softly Falling. Copic Markers: snowflake coloring (light/ dark blues). Chatterbox verse (inside). Size: 4-3/4" x 6."

Card #2 - Fussier Version

Ingredients: Stampin' Up-- Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White, Vellum (translucent), Basic White (inside); Glimmer papers: White (Myths & Magic 6x6 Glimmer pad--2018 Occasions), Dazzling Diamonds, Silver. Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Balmy Blue (ink brushing). Dies: SU: Snowfall Thinlits (2018 November promo); Memorybox: "Let It Snow" (2021 catalog). Darice EF: Snowflake. Copic Markers: snowflake coloring (light/ dark blues). Chatterbox verse (inside). Size: 4-3/4" x 6."

Welcome to the World, Evie!

 I recently order and received SU's Sunshine & Rainbows dsp pack. I LOVE this paper, and it immediately gave me a jump-start to make a long overdue "Welcome to the World" card for my third granddaughter, Evie, who was born in November 2019.  Her birth started a four-month long whirlwind of events that kept me away from crafting.  It started with her early arrival by C-section and a 10-day NICU stay; next, my sister's cancer surgery and needed care; then a four-generation, long-planned vacation; and finally COVID!  With the start of Covid, I entered a year-long cardmaking slump...I call it the great Covid card-block! 

 
Long story short, I just made good on my promise to make Evie's welcome to the world card with a unicorn theme.  Unicorns were an absolute must for its theme!  Evie had an IV line in the NICU unit, but because her veins were too small, it was attached through a vein in her head. It stuck up with a gauze prop that made it look very much like a unicorn horn. Ever since, she has been known as our little unicorn baby. This mythical creature has very much made its presence known in room decorations, clothing, bedding, toys, etc. So, naturally, her welcome to the world needed to have a unicorn theme!

I'd been wanting to try a Card-in-a-Box for several years. For some reason this rainbow paper and my unicorn idea just shouted out Card-in-a-Box and with the help of my Splitcoaststamper challenge research, it solidified into this card below, which I'm sure Evie will enjoy and Mom will put it into her Grandma keepsake box for future enjoyment:

Ingredients:  SU Papers: Cardstock--Island Indigo, Tempting Turquoise, Basic White, White Glimmer (unicorn). SU Patterned Dsp--Rainbows & Sunshine (rainbows, clouds; 2022 SAB). SU stamp: Welcome Easter (sentiment). Cottage Cutz die: Sweet Unicorns, Expressions--Baby/ Girl. Lawn Fawn die: Grassy Hillside Borders. SU dies--Brilliant Rainbow (clouds). Punches: 2-3/8" Circle, 2" Circle, 1-1/2" Circle. SU Ink: Island Indigo. SU Embossing Powder: Clear. ClipArt: Dandelionery (Etsy)--#182-Unicorn Rainbow (rainbow--Copic re-color). Paper Pumpkin "So Cool" sun sticker (Copic re-color). Acrylic Window strips (stand-up strips for pop-ups). Copic markers. Rainbow Duct Tape. Glimmer scraps. Size: 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

Oops! Things Got Missed!

I missed several friends' birthdays in January, but at this late date, I decided it was better to send Thinking of You cards rather than belated birthday cards! For my first card, I found the end of my crocheted flower stash. My Mom made these crocheted flowers back about 10 years ago when they were all the rage in cardmaking! I thought I'd finally use my last flower for this card...sort of a little present for the recipient! I've also asked Mom to make me more, as they seem to be coming back in style!

To find my final card design, I followed my normal pattern of checking the Splitcoaststamper website for challenges that I could give me some prompts for my design.  For instances, to use two challenges, I needed a wobbler, so I inserted this into my inside verse.  The challenges I will be using range from current ones to some really old ones. Most of the time when I'm making a card, I am usually having fun fulfilling my Challenge Catch-up goal that I've set for myself!  

Here was a happy surprise! While doing my challenge search, I found my planned card recipient was featured on a specific challenge that was to have a "Thinking of You" theme! It was a stroke of serendipity, for sure! Thus, this card will now fulfill two events for my friend! One for the challenge, and one for her belated birthday acknowledgement in the form of my planned "thinking of you" card! Take a look at the finished card inside and out. I'm thinking she will be quite happy with it, as I am with the finished results!

Ingredients: SU Cardstock--Basic Black, White Glimmer (retired). Patterned DSP--Fancy Pants Designs/ Country Boutique. Reverse Confetti stamp--Beautiful Banners. SU stamp--Butterfly Gala (mini butterfly-inside). Spellbinders Dies--Grand Labels LG (inside). SU punch--Butterfly Duet. SU Embossing Folder (by Sizzix)--Tufted Dynamic. Washi Stash--3 B&W patterns. Ribbon Stash--3/4" Black Sheer-White Stitch. Recollections Detail--White embossing powder. JoycieB--Crochet Flower. Stash--Black Rhinestone Gem. Sentiment Flag--Hand-cut. Chatterbox-1 verse. Size--4-3/4" x 6". 

Joy to the World Wreath (October 2020 - "Joy to the World" Paper Pumpkin Alternative)

 I was really please with my first alternative card for the Stampin' Up Paper Pumpkin October 2020 "Joy to the World" kit using the pretty Christmas rose flowers provided in the kit.  I had a little mojo going now, and I came up with some ideas for the wreath die-cut provided in the kit.  I thought I'd try my hand at another alternative card using it.

The pine needle wreath in the kit was so lightly colored that it was difficult to see what it even was...it really needed help.  I watched a few YouTube videos on completing this kit, and I saw that most were using the stamp set provided and stamping a new wreath with the leaf/ pine needle wreath stamp.  One particular video showed how to turn the stamp so that it fit best over the other wreath and did not cover up the red berries on the original...that was very helpful!  I used the wreath, the stamp set, and the red twine provided in the kit, but I added the other papers, loving the color combination from my first card, plus another "Joy" die that I had recently purchased from Stampin' Up.  I also loved the look of the first card's embossing folder so I thought I'd use that again as well.  Take a look at my finished card below:

  

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Paper Pumpkin October 2020 "Joy to the World" kit elements.  Paper/ Cardstock--Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Call Me Clover, Gold Glimmer.  Dies--Joy Dies (2020 Holiday).  Ink--Call Me Clover; Memento Tuxedo Black.  Other:  Paper--DCWV Kraft & Gold.  Hot Off the Press--Diamond Dots EF.  Pretty Pink Posh: red sequins.  Size:  4-3/4" x 6-1/4".

Christmas Stars Shining on High!

These next cards are for my four children for Christmas and they are all using the same design, but with a different color scheme using their favorite colors.  This design was presented at a monthly Stampin' Up card class hosted by Dar Peterson and Luci Kirschbaum in the fall of 2019.  I believe the original design was Luci's, and my thanks to Luci for her design, which I am casing with some modifications.  

I  added more layering, making the card larger, changed the sentiment tag shape, the colors, star positions, and ribbon placement.  I also used a ribbon knot rather than a bow.  The large center star uses beautiful silver Mercury Glass Acetate backed by the darkest color shade.  I have made an inside verse and design which focuses on the bright star seen on Christmas night...the Star of Bethlehem.

The first card is navy and periwinkle (Seaside Spray) and was made for my oldest son David:

The second was made for my oldest daughter, Michele, using Bermuda Bay and Pool Party, since aquas and turquoises are her favorite colors:

The third card is for my youngest daughter, Jackie, and her husband, Josh.  Jackie has always loved red and black and you will find her wearing those colors often.  They were even the color theme for her wedding:

The final card is for my youngest son, Mark, and his wife, Ginger.  Ginger's favorite color falls in the purple hues, and though she likes the lighter shades, I believe she really loves the darker ones more.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Silver Glimmer, Silver Mercury Glass, Night of Navy,  Seaside Spray, Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Gorgeous Grape, Purple Posie, Whisper White.  Stamps--So Many Stars.  Dies--Stitched Stars Dies; Chalk Talk Framelits (sentiment dies/ modified).  Ink:  Delicata Metallic Silver, Night of Navy, Bermuda Bay, Memento Tuxedo Black, Gorgeous Grape.  1/4" Seaside Spray Metallic ribbon.  Basic Rhinestones.  Other:  3/8" Offray ribbons--turquoise, black & silver, lavender.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6-1/4".  

Joyful Season

Here's another redesigned Christmas card from Liz's November Totally Lovin' Christmas.  I did quite a bit of rearranging, adding and subtracting, basically changing the card design almost entirely.  I used the original stamped wreath image, but colored it with my Copic markers, and the red glitter strip with the bell, though I moved the bell upward about an inch.   I made the wreath panel into a 2-1/2-inch square rather than a 3-inch rectangle and repositioned it near the top rather than at the bottom.  I did leave the red glitter mat layer beneath.
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I enlarged my card to an A6 size by adding a new cardbase layer, and added festive patterned Christmas paper for the top front layer.  I added Clear heat embossing to this paper to give it some sheen.  The patterned paper really perked up the card and brought it to life.  I chose a new and larger sentiment stamped on the same green as the cardbase and added it to a red glitter mat layer shaped with a decorative die.  I popped both the wreath and the sentiment up off the patterned paper front.

I am delighted with the finished look and like all the additional sparkle and sheen.  I then created a decorative inside design to coordinated with the outside.  Take a peek below at the finished card inside and out!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Red Glimmer paper.  Stamps--Lots of Cheer (wreath/ sentiment).  Dies--Labels Collection.  Linen Thread. Mini Jingle Bells (2019 Holiday).  Other:  Patterned paper--Candy Candy/ Holly Stripe/ unknown.  Zutter corner punch.  Copic markers--Wreath Bells--G40, G21, YG68, G07; Ribbon--R01, R32, R37, R39 (lots of blending).  Wink of Stella Glitter Pen--Clear.  Chatterbox verse.  Size: 4-1/2 x 6-1/4.

Improving on the Christmas Oldie but Goodie!

WONDROUS NEWS!  

THIS CARD IS NAMED A

SPLITCOASTSTAMPERS FAVORITE OF THE

WEEK ENDING - SEPTEMBER 16, 2017!!

In my last blog post, I made a card from an old, never used 1995 PBX stamp with a verse from the poem, The Night Before Christmas.  I entered it in several Splitcoaststampers challenges, and one in particular, the Alphabet Challenge, Round 7, it was entered for Letter J = "Just color...no dies."  The kicker is, the very next challenge for Letter I is "Improve upon your last card," which means I needed to do another card using this same stamp, CASE the card, and change it somehow by improving upon it.  Now, I really like my previous card, so all the while I was making it, I kept saying to myself, "Now, don't go overboard, because you have to leave something to do to it to improve upon it."  Take a peek below...here is my improved upon card.  I have also included the original below it so that you may see what I did to improve it:

Newest Version...improving upon the original.

Original version.

Ingredients:  Papers: Master's Touch 140# Watercolor Paper (WalMart); Core'dinations Silk Glitter Opulent Oval cs; Stampin' Up--Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer cs (retired), Night of Navy (card base).  Stamp: PSX (Personal Stamp Exchange)--Dasher Dash Away All!  Ink:  Stampin' Up--Night of Navy, Rose Red, Marine Mist; Versamark--Watermark Ink.  Paint: Folk Art Metallic Pearl White (splatters).  Gelly Roll White Gel Pen.  Stampin' Up White Embossing Powder. Dies:  Spellbinders--Layered Poinsettias; MemoryBox--Poinsettia Trio Blooms.  Offray Ribbon: White/Silver Striped Organdy (stash).  MISTI Stamping Tool.  Techniques: Heat Embossing; Watercolor background; Splattering.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".  Inside: Computer verse.

Graduation with Total Honors!

I'M GIDDY!  THIS CARD NAMED AS A

SPLITCOASTSTAMPERS CAS FAVORITE

WEEK ENDING - JUNE 18, 2017!!

Boy, you can't ask for much more!  Daughter Jackie just graduated today from the University of Washington with her Bachelors of Science Nursing and with summa cum laude 4.0 honors throughtout her journey to complete her B.S.N.  We are soooooo proud of her...I'm about to bust!

I decided to make Jackie's graduation card in UW colors...purple and gold...unfortunately, the picture shows it up more blue than purple...but really it is purple.  As I did not have any purple papers that were remotely appropriate, I went on Etsy and found some digital paper that I like in purples and gold.  Even though the paper looked purple and gold on the computer screen, they were navy blue and with white fleur de lis.  My next task was to move the two pieces into my PaintShop Pro program and re-color them to the appropriate colors,  That was finally achieve and I resized the papers in Word so the fleur de lis were smaller and the crown in the gold paper were also smaller.

After printing them, I decided to try something I've been thinking I should try.  About three months ago, when I was in Bath & Body Works, I saw a body mist named Magic in the Air, a diamond shimmer mist.  When I sprayed it on the paper sample piece, it put a beautiful shimmery mist all over the paper (and smelled good as well), and I thought, "Wow!  That would be great to use on cardmaking papers."  Now was the time to try it out, and it worked beautifully.  I sprayed it over all the papers and stamped images, except the graduation hat and the gold glimmer stars and tassel.  Unfortunately, the photo shot of the card does not show it off, but it's truly wonderful.  I see I will never have to buy Shimmer White cardstock again, because I can make my own!!!!  Take a peak at Jackie's finished grad card inside and out...I think she will love it.

Ingredients:  Cardstocks: Recollections Cardstock Essentials-purple; Stampin' Up Gold Glimmer (stars/ tassel), Naturals Ivory (retired); Clair Tales Purple & Gold Damask 06 & 07 (color-enchanced); DCWV Glitter Stack-golden yellow.  Stamps: Stampin' Up--Bravo (colored w/Copics).  Inks: Memento-Grape Jelly, Paris Dusk (two-step stamping).   Dies:  MFT-Stitched Star; Stampin' Up-Balloon Framelits (tassel); Impression Obsession-Instant Photo Corners.  Punch: Stampin' Up-IB Accents/ Star.  Bath & Body Works-Magic in the Air/ Diamond Shimmer Mist.  Computer-verse.  Size:  4-7/8" x 6".

Poinsettia for Christmas

At one of the cardmaking events hosted by Stampin' Up demonstrators Dar Peterson and Luci Kirschbaum, we made a poinsettia card, which was designed by Luci.  

I decided to make a similar card with some modifications for my Christmas card-giving stash.  I used the same color scheme, but added an additional mat layer of gold glitter paper, which I carried over for my poinsettia stamens as well.  I added more large and small petals to my poinsettia with the goal of a bigger and fuller flower.  I also used the Curvy Corner punch on each of the card front corners, which allowed the gold glitter paper to peek through the three eyelet holes.

My poinsettia card will travel all the way to Texas to bring Christmas wishes to one of my husband's many relatives.  Take a peek below at my version of Luci's original lovely design.  I think I'm pretty happy with the results along with my interior creation and verse to compliment the outside design.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Shimmery White, Real Red, Old Olive.  2016 Brights Background Stack stripe.  Stamps--Reason for the Season.  Ink--Real Red.  Punches--Festive Flower Builder; Curvy Corner punch (retired).  Dies--Layering Ovals framelits; Top Note BigZ (retired).  Other: Darice Opulent Gold Glitter paper.  Craft Medley sequins/ red.  Computer verse.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".  (Thank you Luci Kirschbaum for the design inspiration).

A Delicate Ornament for My Cousin!

I am barely getting started with my 2016 Christmas card needs.  I am starting with the cards that I have to mail long distance and out of state.  This one is for my cousin who lives midway across the United States in Colorado.

I was late placing my order for this year's Stampin' Up Christmas products; therefore, none have yet arrived.  So, I am using products from last year's stash, starting with the Delicate Ornaments die set and the Oh, What Fun! stamp set.  After choosing the Merry Moments plaid paper, it was easy to choose the rest of the papers I wanted to use: Old Olive and Real Red cardstock, Red Foil and Gold Glimmer papers, and a mini red print from Merry Moments as well.

I placed my red foil ornament onto a Lots of Labels die-cut of the Merry Moments plaid matted with a Gold Glimmer layer.  To achieve the gold layer, I die-cut the glimmer paper with the next larger framelit than that used for the plaid.  Then, I re-cut the gold piece smaller, using the same die, to fit more closely around the plaid die-cut, leaving only a 1/16" bordered edge all the way around (see card picture below).

I used the same mat idea under my sentiment by first stamping the sentiment with Always Artichoke ink onto Old Olive cardstock, and then cutting it with the label die from the Project Life Cards & Labels framelit set.  Next, I measured and cut a matching piece of Gold Glimmer using my paper cutter so that it was slightly larger than my sentiment die-cut (see card picture below).  I finished off the card using the red mini print as a center panel dressed up with Gold Glimmer scalloped edges.

I am pretty happy with my results, and now I'm ready to send it off on its long trip across the U.S.A.  Take a peek below at the finished card inside and out.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Old Olive, Real Red, Gold Glimmer.  Pattern Paper--Merry Moments dsp.  Stamps--Oh, What Fun!  Ink--Always Artichoke.  Dies--Delicate Ornaments; Lots of Labels framelits; Project Life Cards & Labels framelits; Top Note BigZ die (retired).  1/8" Red Stripe Ribbon.  Scallop Edge punch (retired).  Other products:  EK punch--Victorian Photo Corner.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6."

Witch's Boot Spinner!

I learned the spinner card technique last year in a class given by my Stampin' Up mentor, Liz Thayer.  I love these little tidibits of knowledge that we learn each time we do a card class with Liz.  Thanks, Liz!

I decided to use this spinner technique on one of my Halloween cards this year by using the witch's boot in Stampin' Up's Bootiful Occasin stamp set.  I colored my witch's boot using Copic markers, plus I added a band of gold glimmer paper to my shoe to add some glitz.  For my spinner card, I added a bit more embellishing when attaching my spinner item by using a double set of layered scalloped circle punches under my shoe.  I used pennies to make my spinner base, though I have seen nickels used as well.  I am pretty happy with my little polka dot witch's shoe, after all every outfit is all about the shoes, right!

And the finished inside created to coordinate with the card front pretties:

Recipe:  Papers:  SU cardstocks: Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Case, Soft Suede.  SU stamps:  Bootiful Occasions, Woodgrain.  SU Ink: Early Espresso; Colorbox Chestnut Roan distressing.  SU Punches:  Word Window, Large Oval (1-3/4"), 1-1/2" Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" Scallop Circle, Decorative Label (gold modified).  EK Punch: Journal Bracket (sides used on gold).  SU Candy Dots.  Stash: Gold Grommet base used under Candy Dots.  Other: 2 pennies; 3-D foam.  (Size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4").

MERRY CHRISTMAS: For the Birds!

Merry, Merry Christmas to all!  

Hope your day is delightful!

Here is another card that evolved from one I started at Liz Thayer's Totally Loving Christmas in August.  The card center was Liz's design with a smidgen of layout changes.  With my seeming need to layer and enlarge everything I seem to put my hand to, I trimmed the green embossed layer to an almost-square.  I then added three more layers beneath it, starting from a new Real Red cardbase, an Early Espresso mat layer, and then some patterned dotted paper from my stash. Again, with this card, I think the pattern made the little bird pop off the card more and added a bit of interest as well.  I loved the two different types of embossing that Liz planned for the mat behind the bird's circle and the Old Olive layer.  Wonderful touches on this card!

Recipe: SU products: Stamps-For the Birds. Cardstock-Real Red base, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Whisper White. Silver Glimmer. Embossing folders: Fancy Fan, Northern Flurry. Punch: 2-1/2” Circle punch. Deco Labels framelit. Markers: Rose-Red, Midnight Muse, Old Olive. Rhinestones. SU Early Espresso 1/8” Taffeta ribbon.  Recollections Christmas Stack (pattern). StazOn Black Ink.

Using Stampin' Ups New "MERRY" Expressions Thinlit #1!

I just purchased Stampin' Up's new Expressions Thinlits a few weeks ago.  The first time I saw this new die and also got to use it was at a Christmas Cardmaking Event hosted by my friend, Liz Thayer.  First, I am including the very first "MERRY" card I made designed by Liz for her cardmaking event.  I did tweak the card a bit with my own ideas by adding a white cardbase below the red to give it another layer and fishtailed my ribbon instead of burying it edges beneath a layer.  This card is just too darn cute and I know whomever I decide to give it to will be delighted!  In my next post, I will show my own card that I designed using this new "MERRY" die.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up products:  Paper-Whisper White cardbase, Real Red cs, Red Glimmer, Season of Style dsp.  Stamp: Happy Hour. Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green. Dies: Expressions Thinlits-Merry. 5/8" Satin-Sheer.

Merry Christmas Glitter - Tag Card #6

My last a final tag card conversion.  This was just such fun to prove to myself that I was right...a tag could be made into a lovely card.  Again, I change and tweaked the layout on this tag and added some elements to fill in areas to fit my ribbon and bow that I wanted to add to this card.  I also added tiny rhinestones for Christmas tree lights, and, yes, I am much happier with the smaller rhinestones than the size I used in Tag Card #4,  I deviated from all Stampin' Up papers on this bone and used BoBunny's Double Dot Frost Blue for my main background mat.  I really like the use of the oval Silver Glimmer paper on the Crumb Cake Decorative Label to fill in, and the addition of the small Silver Glimmer snowflake and the rhinestone center on scalloped circle element is a plus as well.  Now, I am inspired to try a tag on other occasion cards as well.

Inspiration from Christmas Tags by Heidi Gonzales - mylilscrapcorner.blogspot.com.Recipe:  SU stamps: Scentsational Season (tree), Mixed Medley (scallop design/ sentiment). SU dies: Two Tags Bigz, Holiday Collections framelits, Finishing Touches Edgelits (trim). SU Punch: 2-3/8” Scallop, 1-1/4” Scallop, 3/4” circle, 1-3/4” large oval, Decorative Label. Martha Stewart Punch: Aspen corner (mini snowflake). SU papers: Cardstocks-Early Espresso base, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla-tag; Silver Glitter paper; Festival of Prints dsp stack. SU Ink: Early Espresso, Gumball Green. Colorbox Chestnut Roan (distressing). SU Rhinestones (Copic color). Queen&Co. Twinkle Goosebumps-crystal. Hug Snug seam binding-Tropic Wine. Stash: Silver ribbon. SU Early Espresso Baker’s Twine.

Christmas & Hot Chocolate Go Together! Tag Card #5

I just love this Stampin' Up stamp and die that creates a hot cup of...hot chocolate, hot toddies, coffee, tea, etc.  I made quite a few paper, ribbon, and layout changes to this tag, plus added a scallop border and embellishments.  I also had this lovely sheer snowflake ribbon that just absolutely begged to be used.  I didn't have a picture at the time I was making this tag, so I just ad libbed with the pieces that I had.  I was really happy with how my tag and card turned out.  Hope you like it as well!

Inspiration from Christmas Tags by Heidi Gonzales - mylilscrapcorner.blogspot.com.Recipe:  SU stamp/die set: Scentsational Season (cup), Jolly Bingo Bits (snowflake). SU dies: Two Tags Bigz, Holiday Collections framelits, Snow Flurry Bigz. SU Punch: 2-3/8” Scallop, Scallop Edge Border. EK Punch: 3/4” Scallop Circle, Medium Scallop Photo Corner, Scalloped Scallops Edge Border. SU papers: Cardstocks-Early Espresso base, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla; Snow Festival dsp (scallop trim), Festival of Prints dsp stack, Silver Glitter paper. SU Ink: Soft Suede. Colorbox Chestnut Roan (distressing). Rhinestones. Stash: Cream crochet thread; Snowflake glitter ribbon (Michaels).

2012 Christmas Cards to Make for Moms!

I was fortunate to be able to start my Christmas cards before journeying to California and while in California for my fall trip to visit Mom.  It is so much fun to make these two annual trips because both my mother and my sister live in the same town and they are both cardmakers so we have a delightful time!

I decided to start my Christmas cardmaking with my Mom and my mother-in-law as they both have to be mailed to California.  This card is for my Mom, using Stampin' Up products stamp: Snow Much Fun; Paper: Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, White Vellum; EFolder: Perfect Polka Dots. SU markers used + Dazzling Details.  Card idea from Liz Thayer.  I enlarged my card and added a pink card base.  I changed the sentiment and added a pink mat behind it, and made vellum layer one unfolded piece.  I also elevated the ribbon rather than place it in the middle.  Thanks, Liz. . .I love the embossed dotted vellum.  It's such a nice touch.

Alice's card is one I made at a Christmas Card Palooza while in California.  It is a card taught by my sister, Heidi Gonzales: My Lil' Scrap Corner, and just love it.  It has the vintage flavor that I love, and the felt poinsettia that we made with a dies and Big Shot is absolutely beautiful.  Heidi's card designs are also so creative and a delight to make.

2011 Aunt's Birthday #90!

When my 96-year-old mother-in-law heard what was planned for Aunt Joanie's 90th birthday. . .a birthday card shower, she asked me if I would make a second card and mail it from her.  I was only too delighted to do this for her.  As I had already accumulated lots of ideas from her son about her hobbies and favorite things throughout her lifetime, I was intrigued by the fact the Aunt Joanie loved root beer floats, and was tickled to be treated with one even to this very day.  I thought this would be a fun idea for her second card from Alice.

Again, I went online search for a vintage photo involving root beer floats.  I saw numerous ones, but really like this old ad for a soda fountain shop encouraging you to come in for a delicious, creamy, and cool float!  From the image, I chose the colors of my paper.  I had the black and gold ribbon in my stash and thought it would be great to use, and I was off and running from there.  Here is the card that came together as my vintage creation.

This is the little verse that I composed all about root beer floats and the temptation to have one.  By the time I finished I think my mouth was watering. . .LOL!