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Friday, November 30, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 30

Good morning friends!  We’ve officially arrived at the end of November and I’ve successfully completed my 30-Day Gratitude card challenge.  This was a fun challenge and I want to thank you for joining me and I hope that I’ve provided you some ideas to use in future projects.  For my final gratitude card for the month I wanted to share something bright and cheery.  This card uses the Easy Events stamp set which is very versatile and perfect for any occasion, this is definitely a set that any stamper should have in their crafting toolbox.  I started with a Marina Mist cardbase and added pieces of Polka Dot DSP (in Daffodil Delight and Marina Mist) from the Polka Dot Parade DSP (love that our DSP is double-sided which offers double the options).  I also added a strip of Whisper White cardstock that I embossed with the Delicate Designs embossing folder and then trimmed the scallops with paper snips.  I added a piece of Wild Wasabi ¼” stitched grosgrain ribbon along the edge.  I stamped the image in Basic Black ink and colored the flower in with Stampin’ Write Markers.  Then I just punched it out with the 1 ¾” circle punch and matted that in Wild Wasabi with the 2 3/8” scallop circle punch.  This whole piece was attached to the card with dimensionals to give it some lift.
I hope you have a great day and definitely looking forward to a great weekend which includes my Christmas Gift class and we’ll be having lots of fun!
Enjoy,
Diana

Thursday, November 29, 2012

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The great thing about these bundles is there is no stamping necessary, so even my non-crafty friends can use these bundles to give fabulous gifts this holiday season.

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30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 29

Welcome back!  You've just about reached the end of the challenge, just one more day to go.  I wanted to make something super awesome for today's gratitude card so I decided to use the emboss resist technique.  I had thought that this card would turn out to be Christmassy because of the colors but don't know if it's all that Christmassy.  I started with a Gumball Green cardbase (isn't this green just the most perfect Christmas green ever??) and ran it through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder.  Next I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock and stamped the doilies from the Delicate Doilies stamp set with Versamark and then embossed them with Whisper White embossing powder.  Next I took a sponge and swirled Gumball Green and Cherry Cobbler ink all over the paper.  The great thing about this technique is that after you've added the color you can take a paper towel or tissue and rub off the excess ink and the embossed images will stay white and really "pop."  This panel was matted on a piece of Whisper White cardstock and then I added a piece of Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon.  The greeting is from the Lacy and Lovely stamp set and is punched out with the oval punch and then matted with Cherry Cobbler cardstock that was punched out with the Scallop Oval punch.
 
What do you think?  This card is so fun and easy and really makes a statement.  I've enjoyed hainv you join me with the challenge this month and tomorrow will be the last day so you won't want to miss out.
 
Enjoy,
 
Diana

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Stampin’ UP! Online Extravaganza ends today with 3 AMAZING DOOR BUSTERS

Today is the final day of Stampin’UP!’s online Extravaganza and they are going out BIG… Check out these 3 door busters..


Remember you can also truly stretch your spending power

1. Add any or all of these items to a demonstrator starter kit - YOU GET your choice of $125 in product for just $99 AND a set of FREE INK PADS

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Happy shopping!

Diana

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 28

Happy Wednesday Friends!  I'm having a great week, I just need to slow things down so I can get about 50 more things done each day and we'll be all set.  So this week I saw this really great, simple card on Mindy Backes website so I decided to use the layout for today's gratitude card.  The cardbase is Island Indigo and I added a piece of DSP from the Twitterpated DSP pack for the main design.  Next I punched four squares with the 1 1/4" square punch out of Baja Breeze cardstock, used the corner rounder punch to punch two of the corners on each square and then embossed them with the Big Shot and Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  The greeting is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and is punched out with the Word Window Punch and then matted with the Modern Label Punch and Island Indigo cardstock.  The greeting is popped up with dimensionals and I added three half back pearls to the top right corner to help balance the card.
 
This card is awesome and I love it's simplicity, definitely perfect for these crazy days and you could easily change the designer paper, colors, and greeting for any occasion.
 
Hope you enjoy and try to stay warm today (I'm most definitely not enjoying the arrival of the cold weather).
 
Diana 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 27

Good evening!  I bet you thought I forgot about you but I have a fun and simple card for today's gratitude card.  This card uses a Tempting Turquoise card base and I stamped the greeting with the Curly Cute stamp set and Midnight Muse Classic ink.  I added a strip of Daffodil Delight Polka Dot DSP that I cut into a flag and then added a piece of Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon.  I cut two flowers with the Blossom Punch in Whisper White and used paper snips to trim in all the petals and then curled it with my bone folder.  The final touch was to add a Tempting Turquoise button with a bow of Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.
 
This is another bright and cheery card, I'm loving it so you may be seeing more like this as we close out the month.
 
I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the last day for the Online Extravaganza sale where you can save up to 50% on stamp sets, designer paper, Big Shot dies, even the new MDS2 software which you have to have.  To help close out this sale Stampin' Up! is offering three additional items on sale for 20% off tomorrow only.  The three items are the Clear Block Bundle, Clear Block Caddy, and the Stampin' Store Caddy.  All these items are fabulous and if you don't already have them you'll want to make sure to take advantage of this special offer.
 
Enjoy and good night!
 
Diana

Monday, November 26, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 26

Happy Monday!  I'm so excited to begin this first week of the Christmas season, the cold has set in and is really me in the mood for the holiday while making me want to stay inside and toasty warm.  Today's gratitude card definately has a warmest that mimicking my mood rights now.  I started with a Bashful Blue cardbase and I added a piece of Early Espresso Core'dinations cardstock that I ran through the Big Shot with the Lacy Brocade embossing folder and then lightly sanded (I love how this paper has a core that's a different color that comes through when you emboss/sand it).  Nex I added a piece of designer series paper from the Festival of Prints DSP pack and a piece of Victoria Trim ribbon.  The greeting is from the Cute and Curly stamp set and is stamped in Island Indigo ink before being punched out with the decorative label punch (this punch is on sale right now during the Online Extravaganza through this Wednesday and if you don't already have this punch you need to grab it now since it's so versatile.  I sponged around the edges with Crumb Cake ink and then I added a string of pearls along the bottom.  The greeting piece was popped up with dimensionals so it really stands out.
 
This is such a lovely card and definately one that you could make in multiples and changed up for different occasions, which is awesome.
 
Enjoy,
 
Diana

Sunday, November 25, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 25

Good evening friends!  I'm back after a long, restful, and productive holiday weekend.  I hope you had an enjoyable holiday as well.  Since we got home yesterday we spent most of today putting up the outdoor Christmas decorations and getting ready for the start of the new week.  Since we now have about 80% of the Christmas decorations up I thought I would share another Christmas inspired gratitude card.  This card was another creation from the tags we made a workshop a week ago.  The cardbase is Old Olive and I used the Snowflake embossing folder.  I added a piece of Candlelight Christmas Speciality DSP pack.  Next I used the Two Tags Bigz die and cut the small tag out of Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used the Mixed Medley hostess stamp set to stamp the green snowflake as well as the "Merry Christmas Greeting".  The thank you message is from the Sassy Salutations stamp set.  For the scallop end of the tag I layered a scallop circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch (from DSP), 1" circle punch from the Champagne Shimmer Paper, and the 1/2" circle punch for the greeting.  The final touch was to add a little 1/8" Early Espresso taffeta ribbon for the tails.
 
This card is so easy and so fun, I love it!  So if you've been playing along with this challenge we have 5 days to go, let's finish strong.
 
Have a great week!
 
Diana

Saturday, November 24, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 24

Happy Saturday!  What a fabulous holiday, we're having so much fun and I especially love that we still have two more days to enjoy.  Today I wanted to share something bright and cheery for today's gratitude card and this definately fits the bill, it's always really easy.  We once again used the Cute and Curly stamp set for the greeting, along with the Floral District DSP (and used the DSP for the color combination).  The white top layer was embossed with the Big Shot and Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder.  Next I used the Blossom punch to punch our the flower (save it for another project) and then used diffent ribbons (Daffodil Delight Stiched 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Tangerine Tango Scalloped Polka Dot ribbon, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and Rich Razzleberry Stiched satin ribbon) to fill in the flower.  I saw this great technique with the ribbon at convention, what a great way to use all those little pieces of ribbon we can't seem to part with and you can use any shape punch.
 
This card will definately brighten someone's day and you could very easily change this to a birthday card, or other occasion.
 
Don't forget, there's still time to take advantage of the awesome Online Extravazana promotion, so don't miss out on those items on your wish list and stuff your stocking with lots of crafting goodies.
 
Diana
 
 

Friday, November 23, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 23

Wecome back!  So I started this morning out bright and early shopping in all of the Black Friday craziness, my friend and I love to shop on this day and look forward to it all year.  Since we're shopping for Christmas I thought today's gratitude card should be a Christmas one.  At my workshop I had this past weekend hostess wanted to make gift tags so I decided to take some of the extra pieces and turn it into a thank you card.  The Early Espresso cardbase was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder.  Next I cut the tag with the Two Tags Bigz die (definately one of my fav's).  I added a piece of Candlelight Christmas DSP and Early Espresso cardstock that was punched with the Scallop Trim border punch.  I stamped the "Greetings of the Season" stamp from the Greetings of the Season stamp set and used Stampin' Write markers.  The new Champagne Glimmer paper makes such beautiful accents, this time I used the Snowflake Flurry Bigz die and added Faceted buttons that look like glass and a bow made from the Lucky Limeade baker's twine.  The final toches are a piece of Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon at the top and the thank you greeting from the Cute and Curly stamp set.
 
It's always great when you can use scraps you have to create something new and this is definately fun.
 
Have a great day!
 
Diana

Thursday, November 22, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 22

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you are spending time with your friends and family and relaxing.  For today's gratitude card I thought I would share the Thanksgiving card I made for our family.  I started with a Crumb Cake cardbase and stamped the little border image from the Full of Blessings stamp set along the bottom with Crumb Cake ink. I added a piece of Orchard Harvest DSP and a piece of Early Espresso coordinations cardstock that I ran through the Big Shot first with the apothocary accents framelits and then the woodgrain embossing folder.  By lightly sanding the embossed cardstock it really makes the woodgrain show.  Two pearls help anchor the accent piece.  The made stamped image was colored in with a blender pen and classic inks as well as Stampin' Write markers  I sponged around the edges with More Mustard cardstock before matting on a piece of Cajun Craze cardstock.   The greeting is from the same stamp set and stamped with Early Espresso ink.  I cut flag tails on one end and then sponged around the edges with Island Indigo cardstock before using dimensionals to pop it up.
 
I really like all the texture on the card which is so much fun and I'm sure our families will enjoy it as well.  We'll I'm off to enjoy the day before getting ready for the start of our marathon shopping.
 
Take care!
 
Diana

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Gift Wrap to "Leaf" them Speechless

Welcome back (I know two posts in one day for two days in a row!)  I always take pictures of the families at our Thanksgiving get togethers but for some reason I always forget to send them the pictures so this year I made them a special picture frame to hold the pictures from last year and they can use it for future pictures as well.  In order to really wow my friends I wanted to make an equally special gift bag for the frames.  I started with a basic white gift bag and added two pieces of designer series paper from the Orchard Harvest DSP, a piece of Cajun Craze cardstock that I stamped with the leaf outline images from the Gently Falling stamp set, and a piece of Early Espresso cardstock that we embossed with the lattice embossing folder.  I also added a strip of Island Indigo ruffled ribbon.
 
I really wanted to make a wow gift tag so I used the Two Tags Bigz die to cut out the tag and used the Timber stampin' wheel along the bottom and sponged around the edges with Cajun Craze ink.  The greeting is stamped with the Day of Gratitude stamp set and inked with Stampin' Write Markers (you'll notice I used the same greeting and coloring for several of my Thanksgiving projects so they all coordinate.  The leaves were cut out with the Autumn Accents Bigz die and I used the Woodgrain, lattice, and Fancy Fan embossing folders.  For the acorn I added a piece of Champagne shimmer paper for the top (cut it out with the same die).
 
This gift bag turned out so cute you'll want to use it for gift after gift.
 
Enjoy,
 
Diana

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 21

Happy Thanksgiving eve my friends!  I'm so excited for this holiday to arrive, we spend time with our friends from college every year and it's nice and relaxing.  Thankfully I'm only working half the day today and then it's time to hit the road.  Since I'm sure you're as busy as we are so I'm sharing a quick any easy gratitude card.  This card uses Riding Hood Red for the cardbase and I embossed it with the Delicate Designs embossing folder (this folder reminds me of snowflakes) and the Big Shot.  I simply added a piece of designer series paper from the Twitterpated DSP pack and Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon.  The greeting is from the Word Play Stamp set (this set is so versatile, and if you're only interested in one or two of the stamps you can now purchase the single stamps under the pilot program SU! is offering, awesome!) and inked with Stampin' Write markers.  I punched the greeting out with the decorative label punch (on sale this week with the Online Extravaganza promotion).  The final touch was to add one of the Silver Flourish Designer Frames and mini brads
 
There are so many fabulous specials during the Online Extravaganza where you can save up to 50% off on stamp sets, designer series paper, Big Shot accessories, etc.  You don't want to miss out and can shot 24-7, even in your pjs.
 
Enjoy,
 
Diana

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Thanksgiving Dinner Favor

I'm back again today to share a quick gift I made for Thanksgiving.  I love to make little items for each of the kids for Thanksgiving for them to enjoy leading up to the big dinner.  This gift started with cute scallop kraft bag that SU sold a couple of years ago (I also picked up some up on the clearance rack, love it).  I used the new Timber Stampin' Wheel to stamp the image along the bottom.  Next I added a piece of Orchard Harvest DSP and matted that on Early Espresso Cardstock and used the scallop border trim along the bottom.  Next I cut out several leaves with the new Autumn Accents Bigz die and embossed them with different embossing folders (Houndstooth, Woodgrain (with the coordinations paper in Gumball Green), Fancy Fan).  The greeting is from the Day of Gratitude stamp set and was inked with Stampin' Write markers and punched out with the decorative label punch.  The final touch is a small bow from Lucky Limeaid baker's twine

The great thing about this bag and the leaves is that by not gluing all the leaves to the bag I was able to fold the bag over and tuck them behind the leaf and use it to keep the bag closed.

Hope you enjoy and remember, there's still time to make your last minute projects for your Thanksgiving get together.

Diana

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 20

Good morning friends!  I'm back again to share today's gratitude card.  This card uses the same stamp set as yesterday, Full of Blessings.  This card uses the wreath image, I'll admit I had planned on color it in but was having problems with it looking good so this card uses the wreath and I but it out with my paper snips and then sponged it with Old Olive, More Mustard, and Cajun Craze ink.  I added a bow of 1/8" Early Espresso taffeta ribbon to the wreath.  The card also uses the Orchard Harvest DSP for two of the strips and stamped with the Border Banter stamp set on the new cotton ribbon.  The greeting is from the Day of Gratitude stamp set, was inked with Stampin' Write Markers, and punched out with the decorative label punch
 
I'll admit this card isn't my normal style and I don't know if I love the card but it is very soft and pretty and I wanted to show another way to use this stamp set.
 
Enjoy,
 
Diana

Monday, November 19, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 19

Welcome back friends and Happy Monday!  You can definately feel the Thanksgiving feeling this week as we're getting ready to celebrate the holiday this weekend and we're really looking forward to getting together with friends.  For today's gratitude card I decided to use the use fall as the inspiration.  I used the Full of Blessings stamp set which has some beautiful images.  I stamped the line image on Very Vanilla cardstock and colored it in with a blender pen and Classic ink, then I cut it out with the apothocary framelits die and Big Shot for the fabulous shape.  The edges were sponges with More Mustard ink.  The designer paper is from the Orchard Harvest DSP and was added to the Cajun Craze cardbase.  The final touch was to add a piece of Victoria Trim ribbon and Early Espresso button with Lucky Limeaid baker's twine tied through the button.
 
Hope you enjoy this card and it helps feel thankful this time of year.
 
Diana

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Online Extravaganza Sale Starts Tomorrow - Take Care of Your Holiday Shopping Before the Holidays Arrive!





Stampin’UP!’s ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA begins NOVEMBER 19th with 3 AMAZING DOOR BUSTERS..
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Retail Price
24-Hour
Sale Price
181
125586
Simply Scored Diagonal Plate
$11.95
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186
113439
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
$99.95
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186
113474
Big Shot Doctor’s Bag
$69.95
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The Online Extravaganza ends November 28th with These Door Busters
Wednesday, November 28, midnight – 11:50 PM (MT)

Page
Item
Description
Retail Price
24-Hour
Sale Price
7
118941Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I)
$66.95
$53.56
7
120279Clear Block Storage Caddy
$16.95
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175
109127Stack & Store Caddy
$34.95
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Check out My Online Store for All the Items and Bundles on Sale

It will be a great week.

BUT WAIT – Want an even better deal??? If you join Stampin’ UP! on any of the days of the ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA you can select SALE items in your kit – $125 in Merchandise for jut $99 – If you select sale merchandise from the extravaganza just think how far Your $99 will go.
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H. MDS2 Software and Downloads

Make it a great Holiday – Shop Stampin’ UP! or Join Stampin’ UP! – either way I am here to help and look forward to helping you enjoy GREAT DEALS.



30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 18

Good evening friends! I hope you had an enjoyable weekend, we had a great time starting to get get ready for the holidays, the decorations are still going up, but all three Christmas trees are up and decorated which I'm very happy about. We also participated in the 1st Annual Snowflake Stampede, which was a 2.5 mile fun run/walk through the Festival of Lights Christmas display, it was fun to see all the lights up close and get into the holiday spirit. I also had a workshop on Saturday for Renii and her fabulous friends. I had some extra pieces from the projects we made so I decided to use them for my gratitude card challenge and just changed out the stamp set. This card showcases the Candlelight Christmas Speciality DSP (I love that flocked paper). I just cut three different strips of DSP and cut them into flags. The greeting is from the Sassy Salutations stamp set (just got this set and was excited to ink it up). The final touch was to add a piece of Primerose Petals stiched satin ribbon. This card is so fun and versatile, you can use if for so many occasions and is fabulouse for our DSP.
Enjoy and have a great week!
Diana

Saturday, November 17, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 17

Welcome back on this beautiful Saturday.  I'm so looking forward today, not only do I have a hair apt. this morning but I'm having some ladies over for a private party this afternoon and we're going to have lots of fun making Christmas projects.  Today I'm sharing another gratitude card that is so fun.  I started with the cardbase of Soft Suede and stamped the greeting from the Blooming with Kindness stamp set with Early Espresso ink.  Next I stamped the large flower image on Very Vanilla cardstock.  To color the flower I first inked up the flower with Primrose Petals ink and then took a sponge dauber and Raspberry Ripple ink around the edges and Luckly Limeaid to the flower stem.  Next I ran the cardstock through the Big Shot with the Apothocary framelit to cut out the shape.  I used the same Raspberry Ripple ink to sponge around the edge.  I added a Lucky Limeaid printed designer button and attached the cut out piece to the cardbase with part of the right side hanging off so I could trim it down.  The final step was to use the new paper piercing tool to piece holes around the edge of the die cut shape.

I made two of this card this weekend, one was for a friends birthday, the other was this gratitude card, so fun and pretty.

Enjoy and happy stamping,

Diana

Friday, November 16, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 16

Whoo hoo, it's Friday!  Are you really ready for Thanksgiving?  We'll definately be making lots of preparations this weekend for our visit with friends, plus my favorite shopping day is almost here (yes I love Black Friday and all the fun that's involved).  Anyway, today I'm sharing a fun fall thank you card that would be perfect to give to that special hostess that you visit.  I started with a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock (this has definately become my go to neutral cardstock colors) and ran it through the Big Shot with the Woodgrain embossing folder.  Next I added a strip of Orchard Harvest designer series paper that I matted with Early Espresso cardstock.  Next I used the Perfectly Preserved stamp set (this little canning jar is so cute!) and after stamping the jar I cut it out with the matching framelit.  I used the same framelit set to cut the "fabric" jar topper and pears.  I added a piece of Lucky Limeaid baker's twine around the jar lid so it looks like it tied the topper around the jar.  I did use a dimensional to pop up one of the pears.  The greeting is in the same stamp set and was stamped in Early Espresso ink and then punched out with the small oval punch.

This card was really easy to put together but has so many little elements it's fun to enjoy each one!  I also cut out several of the jar and fruit pieces that will make it really easy to put together additional cards, and remember when you purchase the stamp set and matching framelit as a bundle you save 15% (fabulous!)

Happy stamping,

Diana

Thursday, November 15, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 15

Good morning friends!  So we're half way through the challenge, are you keeping up?  Today I'm sharing a fun card using a stamp set I just bought, Pursuit of Happiness.  I started with the Soft Suede card base and added a piece of Orchard Harvest designer series paper (love how some of the prints are multi-tasking and just not fall theme.  Then I added a piece of First Edition DSP that I stamp the compass from The Open Sea and then sponged around the edes with Crumb Cake ink.  I added a piece of Chocolate Chip 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon (retired) around the DSP and to create a flag.  Next I ran a piece of Crumb Cake paper through the Big Shot first with the Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die and then embossed it with the Houndstooth embossing folder before sponging the raised texture with Crumb Cake ink.  Next I inked the greeting from Pursuit of Happiness with Stampin' Write markers, stamped and sponged around the edges with Crumb Cake Ink.  The final touch was to add one of the extra large Always Articoke buttons from the Deck the Halls Package (retired but available on the clearance rack) and used linen thread to die a bow in the button. 
 
This card was so fun and I love all the texture, plus it's so versatile, you could simply change the colors and greeting for any occasion.
 
Have a great Thursday!
 
Diana

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 14

We've reached the halfway point in our week already, I can't believe it.  I've been working this week to set to get our Christmas decorations out and up, I absolutely love how the house feels all decked out for the holidays!  Since we visit friends every year for Thanksgiving I like to try to have all the Christmas decorating done before we leave so it's one less thing to worry about when we get back and I find it's easier to get the decorating done by breaking it up into little projects that I can work on each evening.  Today's gratitude card is another card I made to say thank you for Christmas gifts and uses the Snow Festival gift tags.  I started with a note card and ran it through the Big Shot with the Lacy Brocade embossing folder.  I simply stamped the greeting with the Thank You Kindly stamp set in Gumball Green ink and added a rhinestone to the "i".  The finishing touch was to add a piece of Midnight Muse Stiched Satin Ribbon and tied a little knot.
 
The thing I really like about these gift tags is that you're able to adapt them to use them for things other than Christmas, you don't want to miss out on these tags before they are gone.
 
Enjoy!
 
Diana

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 13

Good morning peeps!  I'm back again and excited to share today's gratitude card.  This card came together in a snap since I found all the pieces on my desk left over from a swap I made for convention this summer so everything is the same except for the greeting.  I used The Open Sea stamp set to stamp the compass image on the First Edition DSP with Soft Suede ink before sponging around the end with Crumb Cake ink. I added a piece of Soft Suede cardstock that was run through the Big Shot with the Houndstooth embossing folder and the Blue Denim ribbon.   The greeting was stamped with the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and punched out with the Modern Label punch, then a large oval punch with Night of Navy and then a Soft Suede piece that was cut out with the apothocary framelits.  The final touch was a couple metallic brads.
 
This is definately a more manly card and it's great to use up those odd and end scraps laying around, so don't be afraid to use those little items you already cut, stamped, etc.
 
Have a great day!
 
Diana
 
 

Monday, November 12, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 12

Good morning!  We're starting another week with beautiful weather, unfortunately we have to work on this holiday so we'll be enjoying what we can this evening.  For today's gratitude share I have a simple, "antiquey" look.  I started with a Very Vanilla cardbase and sponged around the edges and then added a layer of Crumb Cake cardstock.  I stamped the butterflies from the Kindness Matters stamp set in Pool Party and then embossed around round the butterflies with the decorative frames embossing folder.  I sponged Soft Suede ink around the embossed oval so it stands out  I also stamed the greeting from the same stamp set with Soft Suede ink and added a little pearl to accent the "i".  I pulled out the color misting tool and Soft Suede marker to add some splatter to the cardfront.  I added a bow with Pool Party seam binding ribbon as well as a strip of Very Vanilla 1/8" taffeta ribbon along with a strip of Pool party that I cut and embossed with the Finishing Touches edgelit and the Big Shot
 
This card is soft and pretty, which is sure to please.
 
Have a great day!
 
Diana

Sunday, November 11, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 11

Happy Veteran's Day, and it's a beautiful Sunday!  We're heading off to a wedding today so I wanted to drop in to share today's gratitude card.  This card definately has a fall feeling.  It uses the Wacky Wishes stamp set.  The cardbase is Lucky Limeaid and then I added a piece of Very Vanilla.  The patterned paper is from the Orchard Harvest DSP and I added a little bling with the Champagne shimmer paper and Early Espresso cardstock that I punched with the Scallop Trim border punch.  Next I cut some leaves from the Autumn Accents Bigz die and then embossed the leaves with different embossing folders.  The final touch is a Brushed Bronze designer button and bow tied with linen thread.
 
I hope you enjoy and have a great rest of your weekend!
 
Diana

Saturday, November 10, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 10

Welcome back friends!  Just wanted to drop in quickly to share today's gratitude card.  This is another card I made using the Snow Festival Gift Tags.  I started by embossing the note card with the Big Shot and the Argyle embossing folder.  I decided to use the striped side of the tag and stamped the greeting from the Thank You Kindly stamp set in Early Espresso ink.  Then I just added a couple of rhinestones and some Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine.  Not only is this not a strictly Christmas thank you note but it's also very mailable (love it!)
 
I've got to fun but have a great day!
 
Diana

Friday, November 9, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 9

Happy Friday, yipee!  We have a jam packed weekend coming up with lots of traveling but we're looking forward to catching up with friends.  I was so excited to make today's gratitude card since it uses a new stamp set I just got and it's always so much fun to break in new stamps.  This card is really straight forward it uses the Blooming with Kindness stamp set and the flowers are ink with Island Indigo and Lucky Limeaid Stampin' Write markers.  I used the color spritzing tool with the Rich Razzleberry marker to add some spritzing all over the flowers.  Next I added Early Espresso cardstock, Champagne shimmer paper, First Edition designer paper (cut with the Big Shot and Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die) and the Orchard Harvest DSP.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and inked with markers, cut out with the large oval punch and matted with Lucky Limeaid cardstock punched with the decorative label punch.  I used dimensionals again to attach the greeting (I have to tell you something funny about dimensionals, I remember when I first started stamping and I got my first package of dimensionals and I was so afraid to use them because I wanted to save them.  Finally I realized that each dimensional cost about a penny and they really make a difference so now I use them ALL the time, one card actually had 12 on just one card.  The point of the story is that when you find something you love it's better to use it and enjoy it than saving them, just my thought).
 
Take care and have a great weekend!
 
Diana
 
 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 8

Good morning! Today's another beautiful, if not cold day, and thankful it looks like the latest storm missed us.  Today I'm back and sharing another quick and easy card that packs a lot of WOW!  I started with an Always Artichoke cardbase and then took a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot with the Lattice embossing folder.  I also sponged all along the embossing with Crumb Cake ink so it was more distressed.  Next I took a piece of designer series paper from the Comfort Cafe DSP and added a strip of Always Artichoke cardstock that was cut with the Adorning Accents edgelits.  I added a piece of Soft Suede 3/8" taffeta ribbon along the top of the DSP along with three rhinestones.  The greeting was first stamped with the Four Frames stamp set in Soft Suede ink.  The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and is stamped with Always Artichoke ink.  The floral accent behind the words is from the Elements of Style stamp set and I used Crumb Cake ink and stamped off one before stamping so it was a lighter image.  I punched the tag out with the decorative label punch and matted it with Island Indigo.  The entire piece was mounted on the card with dimensionals to give it some "pop".
 
This card is so pretty and has lots of texture, it would also work for any occasion, just by changing the words which makes it an excellent go to card.
 
Enjoy!
 
Diana

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 7

I'm back again and so thankfully that it's Wednesday which means we're half way through the week (whoo hoo!).  For today's gratitude card I'm sharing another card I made with the Snow Festival gift tags.  I used the Simply Polka Dot embossing folder to emboss the Note card.  This time I used the back of one of the gift tags which had the bold striped side.  I wrapped a piece of 3/8" Primerose Petals stiched satin ribbon.  I stamped the greeting from the Thank You Kindly Stamp Set and punched it out with the Large Oval punch and sponged it with Gumball Green ink.  Next I puched a piece of Raspberry Ribble cardstock with the decorative label punch.  After adhering all the layers together I used dimensionals to make it pop.  The final touch is a couple of rhinestones to the tag for a little sparkle.
 
The great thing about this card is that it doesn't scream Christmas so you could use it throughout the year.  You don't want to miss out on these tags and you get 25 of them for $3.95 which is a steal.
 
Have a great day!
 
Diana

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 6


I'm back this morning to share a very bright and cheery gratitude card.  The card starts with a cardbase in Lucky Limeaid.  Next I added a piece of Whisper White card stock and used the Betsy's Blossom wheel to wheel the flowers along the bottom with Island Indigo ink.  Next I stamped the greeting from the Wacky Wishes stamp set and used Stampin' Write markers in various colors to creat a rainbow effect.  The designer paper is from the Floral District DSP pack and is matted with a piece of Daffodil Delight cardstock. 
 
The flower was really fun to make.  I stamped the large floral image from the Betsy's Blossoms stamp set in Calypso Coral and then punched it out with the Blossom punch.  I also punched the leaves with the same Blossom punch using Lucky Limeaid cardstock.  I used my bone folder to curl the edges of the flower so it really stands out.  The center is a piece of daffodil delight cardstock that was punched with the 3/4" circle punch and then an In Color Printed brad (love them!)
 
I have to say, I love all the bright, cheery colors that we have this year and the designer series paper we have this year really showcase these bright colors, which are fabulous.
 
Have a great day!
 
Diana
 
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 5

Good morning!  It's a really chilly morning which really makes me not want to get out of bed and head off for my day, but it must be done.  For today's gratitude card I'm sharing a very simple one layer card that was actually made with scraps I had on my desk.  I started with a Crumb Cake card base and stamped the butterflies along the bottom with Pool party ink.  Next I used my Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker and the Color Spritzer Tool to add some ink to the background.  The Very Vanilla piece was embossed with the Designer Frames Embossing Folder and then I tore around the edges and sponged with Crumb Cake ink so the embossing really pops.  The Pool Party piece is from the Attic Boutique designer series paper (retired) that I had already punched with the Extra Large Oval Punch and sponged with Crumb Cake ink.  All I had to do was to stamp the sentiment from the Kindness Matters stamp set in Soft Suede ink.  I added pieces of Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon and 5/8" Crochet Ribbon scraps I had as well as an Antique brad.
 
This card is very simple and has an antique feel which is very comforting.  This card could easily be adapted to any occasion you have but just changing the greeting.
 
Enjoy!
 
Diana

Sunday, November 4, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 4


Good evening friends!  I bet you thought I forgot about you...I actually spent the majority of the day in the studio working on gratitude cards and I'm so excited to share them with you in the upcoming days.  So yesterday I had an Easy Peasy Christmas Card class featuring the Snow Festival Gift tags and the Note card set to make cute and easy Christmas Cards.  Since I had already made a set for the class samples I decided to make a second set, this time as thank you cards so I'm all set for thank you cards after Christmas, I know you're jealous!  Today's card is nice and simple, I love the little reindeer tag.  I simply added the thank you greeting with the Thank You Kindly stamp set (retired, this is definately my go to set for thank you cards).  I embossed the note card with the delicate designs embossing folder so there's just a hint of texture.  The final touch was to add a silver glitter snowflake that I cut with the Big Shot and the Snow Flurries Bigz die and Silver Glimmer paper.
 
These cards are so cute and easy and will be perfect for after the holidays.

Have a great week!

Diana

Saturday, November 3, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day Three

Happy Saturday peeps!  I'm dropping in this morning before my stamp class to share todays gratitude card.  To change things up I decided to use the Kidoodles stamp set and make a fun card, perfect for kids, and adults of all ages.  The cardbase is Lucky Limeade and it's layered with a piece of Whisper White cardstock that I ran through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder and a piece of DSP from the Summer Smooches designer series paper.  I also added a piece of Early Espresso 1/4" stiched grosgrain ribbon along the middle and tied a knot.  The main stamped image is stamped in Basic Black ink and colored in with Stampin' Write markers.  This piece was matted with a piece of Daffodil Delight cardstock and popped up with dimensionals.
 
It's funny, I've used this stamp set so much, it has some great images for kids, and the kid a heart. 
 
Have a great weekend!
 

Friday, November 2, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day Two

Happy Friday!  Today I'm back and sharing another great card.  This is a spin off a card we made in card class a couple of weeks ago.  I decided to keep a monochromatic color scheme using Very Vanilla and Midnight Muse.  I stamped one image from the Elements of Style set all over the background piece.  Then used the larger flower and stamped the smaller Vanilla piece.  The greeting is stamped on vellum with stamps from the Kindess Matters stamp set.  I used dimensionals to pop up the smaller flower layer.  The final touch was to add a bow tied with the 3/8" Midnight Muse Stiched Satin Ribbon
 
This card is so pretty and you can use the layout and change the greeting or the colors to create a totally different look.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day One

Good morning!  So a couple of months ago a fellow demonstrator issued a challenge to make a thank you card each day for a month.  I was taught from a young age the importance of showing gratitude and thanking people for the gifts you receive.  This included hand-writing thank you notes, a practice I still use and am teach Aidan the importance.  So when I saw this challenge I was moved but I wanted to do this during the month of November when your thoughts naturally turn to thinking of our blessings.  So starting today, through the rest of the month I'm going to work to create and share a card a day that expresses these thoughts.  Now these cards will cover all sorts of themes and occasions to give you lots of ideas you can use and they won't all be crazy over the top, but practical and useful.  I challenge you to join me and feel free to share your creations.
 
So, my first card uses the Wacky Wishes stamp set for the greeting and Gently Falling to stamp the leaves on the background.  I used two different prints from the Orchard Harvest designer series paper (the ric rack piece was cut using the Big Shot and Tasteful Trim EX Bigz die).  The final touch was to add some pearls to the top corner.
 
Hope you have a great day and enjoy your first day of November.