SSINKspiration Sale-a-bration Preview: Tasty Trucks

Good morning!  Hope you had a enjoyable and relaxing Christmas.  It was nice and quiet for us and we were able to have some fun family experiences that were really special.  Now that Christmas is over it's time to start looking forward to the new year, and for us that means the Stampin' Up! Sale-a-bration is about a week away and it's always an exciting time for this promotion.  Today the SSINKspiration designers are sharing projects made using some of the free Sale-a-bration items to help get you excited for all the fun and today's card uses the Tasty Trucks stamp set and Carried Away Designer Series Paper (both of which can be yours for free).

I started with Mint Macaron cardstock for the cardbase and used the little banner image from the Tasty Trucks stamp set and Mint Macaron ink to stamp the banners along the top.  Next I took a piece of designer series paper from the Carried Away Designer Series Paper and matted it with Basic Black cardstock.  The greeting was stamped directly on the designer series paper using Basic Black ink.  For a little bling I added a few silver enamel starts from the Metallic Enamel Shapes.

For the stamped image I stamped the cute little truck using Basic Black ink on Whisper White cardstock and then cut it out with the Big Shot and Layering Ovals Framelits.  I used our Classic Inks, a Blender Pen, and Stampin' Write Markers to color in the truck and cupcake images before attaching the stamped image to the cardfront with dimensionals.

I had so much fun coloring this image, it's really no wonder the adult coloring fad is so popular it really is very therapeutic, and who doesn't love a tasty cute little cupcake?

 Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card (please note SAB product items will be available starting January 4, 2017):

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Christmas Cards: Detailed Santa Chalkboard Style!

Happy Friday (and Christmas Eve Eve)! Today’s my last day of work (yeah!) and the guys are joining me this afternoon for my Holiday party at work, Aidan will get one last chance to put in a good word with Santa before the big day!  Today the SSINKspiration designers are sharing what are probably our final Christmas cards of the season (can’t believe it’s already here).  I’ve decided I’ve waited long enough and decided to share our family Christmas card for the year with you (I’m hoping everyone I’ve mailed them to has received them at this point).  I always start designing our family Christmas card over the summer when the Holiday catalog is first released and try to have it all completed (minus the picture) by the end of the summer, some years I’m more successful than others.  This year as soon as I saw the Merry Medley stamp set and Detailed Santa Thinlits I knew they would be on this year’s Christmas card.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Basic Black Cardstock that was stamped with the Merry Medley stamp set and Whisper White Craft Ink for the perfect chalkboard effect background.  I used the Candy Cane Lane Baker’s Twine to wrap around the bottom and tie a bow.

Next came the fun part…the Santa.  I used the Big Shot, Detailed Santa Thinlit, and Whisper White cardstock to cut out the Santa.  It’s actually really easy, you just need to poke out all the little pieces of each Santa (did I mentioned I made 70 of these cards?)  After getting the Santa’s all glued on the background I realized it needed a little bling (shocking I know!!)  So I then proceeded to cut Red Glimmer Paper for the little pieces of the ball on Santa’s hat and glue them on (again cut these 70 times, haha yes I am just that crazy!)  The final touch was our picture and after getting family pictures taken it was convenient that we coordinated with the colors of the Christmas card so I just cut them out with the 1 ¾” Circle Punch and attached the picture with dimensionals.

I absolutely love this card!  It has lots of my favorite things and just makes me smile.  I don’t normally make lots of the same card (and when I do it drives me a little batty, but it is so worth it this one time a year).

Below are easy ordering links to the products used on today's card:

Have a great weekend and a Merry Christmas!

Diana

Star of Light Emboss Resist Greetings

Good morning!  Christmas is almost here and I realized that there are still cards I’ve made and haven’t shared (I know, how is that possible?)  Today I have a really pretty and elegant card that was actually really easy to make (and has a bling factor which always suits me).  The images in the Star of Light stamp set are so elegant and dreamlike I didn’t think it suited my usual style but thought I would give it a try. 

I started with Soft Sky cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock for the cardfront.  On this piece I started by stamping the larger swirling image in Versamark ink and then heat embossed it with the Heat Gun and Silver Embossing Power.  Next I took a sponge and rubbed Soft Sky ink all around the embossed image for the emboss resist technique and came up with this really pretty background.  The greeting is stamp in the bottom using Island Indigo ink.

Next I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock and stamped the large star image in Island Indigo ink and then cut it out with the coordinating Starlight Thinlit Dies and the Big Shot.  I used the same die to cut out the detailed star out of Silver Foil Paper to layer on top of the blue star.  The finishing touch was to add a Soft Sky Enamel Dot (from the Subtles Enamel Shapes) to the center of the star.

I love how soft and pretty this card turned out.  It reminds me of snow which it looks like we won’t be getting here this year for Christmas but that’s OK, I’m sure it will be coming soon.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Gift Packaging: Cookie Cutter Christmas

Good morning!  We're rapidly approaching Christmas, 4 days to go.  If you're like me you're still working on last minute items on your to do list, including wrapping and packaging gifts.  Today on the SSINKspiration blog we're sharing gift packaging ideas that are perfect to help you with those last minute packaging needs.

I started with our White Gift Boxes and added pieces of Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper on each of the panels for decoration.  These boxes are great since they also come with clear acetate sleeves to go over the box.  Next I took a piece of Real Red 3/4" Stitched Edge Ribbon and tied a bow.

For the tag I started with a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and then used the Big Shot and Cheerful Tags Framelits to cut the tag.  I added a strip of the designer series paper along the bottom of the tag to dress up the inside.  I used the coordinating Cheerful Tags stamp set to stamp the swirly image using Early Espresso ink.  Next I punched out a piece of Real Red cardstock using the 1 3/4" Circle Punch for the background of my little gingerbread man.  I used the Cookie Cutter Christmas stamp set to stamp the gingy man using Whisper White cardstock and Early Espresso ink and then used the coordinating Cookie Cutter Punch to punch him out.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and was punched out with the 3/4" Circle Punch and both the gingerbread man and greeting were attached with dimensionals.   The final touch was to use a piece of baker's twine from the Candy Cane Christmas Baker's Twine to tie the tag to the package.

These boxes are quite big and will hold a lot and it was super easy to decorate which is perfect for those last minute gifts.  Make sure to go check out the other gift packaging ideas the design team is sharing for even more inspiration.

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Occasions Bundles: Birthday Blast

Happy Friday!  It's a very big day in our house, one almost a year in the making, and that is the release of the latest Star Wars Movie, Rogue One.  The guys have been counting down for months and are so excited so of course we've already got our tickets and reserved seats to see the movie tonight, yeah!  While the guys have been anxiously anticipating the movie there's something else I've been looking forward to, and that's the release of the upcoming Occasions Catalog which is just a few weeks away.  Demonstrators have been able to preorder products from the catalog since the beginning of the month and today the SSINKspiration designers are sharing projects using their favorite product suites/bundles from the upcoming catalog.  One of the first bundles I knew I needed to have was the Birthday Blast stamp set and coordinating Star Blast Edgelits, perfect for all sorts of birthday greetings.  I've been very busy with Christmas projects but this is the one set of products from the new catalog that I've actually had time to play around with a little.

 

For today's card I started with Dapper Denim cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Whisper White cardstock as a mat for the Basic Black cardfront.  On the basic black I stamped the large star image using Versamark ink and then heat embossed it with the Heat Tool and Gold Embossing Powder.  I used the same to stamp the greeting (I love how the gold pops against the black).

 

 Next I used the Star Blast Edgelits and a piece of Vellum cardstock to cut out the star strip and I wanted it to pop off the page so I only glued along the bottom edge of the velum and the stars naturally rise off the card (it's really cool in real life!)  To finish the edge of the die cut I wrapped a piece of Dapper Denim Ruched Ribbon around the cardfront and then tied a nice simple knot.

I have to admit I absolutely love how this card turned out and it would work equally well for a guy or girl.  And while it has dimension with the raised velum the card is actually very "mailable" which is good for the post office.  If you want some additional ideas using products from the upcoming Occasions catalog make sure to check out the blog to see what the other SSINKspiration designers are sharing!

 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Have a great weekend!

Diana

SSINKspiration Blog Hop: Winter Wonderland!

Good morning!  We’re in the middle of all the holiday happenings and while there’s a lot going on I’m really enjoying every moment.  I hate the idea of getting so caught up in everything that you miss the memories (if that makes sense).  Today over on the Stylin’ Stampin’ INKspiration blog it’s time for our monthly blog hop and this month’s theme is winter which is perfect given the cold air that we’re about to get hit by.  There are so many options with this theme but since I’m still working on some last minute Christmas cards (I always tend to need more and just carry them around with me so I can work on them during little bits of time).  I saw this great idea recently to use the jar top to make a snowglobe so I decided to take that a step further and make this super fun shaker card (and it’s got bling!!!)

As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number #5 on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - Jennifer G. at Jenny G Paper Crafts. If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.
 

I started with Sweet Sugarplum cardstock for the cardbase and then added a Soft Sky piece of cardstock that’s the base for my shaker with a piece of Whisper White cardstock on top.  I used the Big Shot and Layering Circle Framelits to cut the circle out of the center of the Whisper White piece and then used the snow stamp from the Greetings from Santa and Soft Sky ink to stamp the snowfall in the top left and bottom right corners.  I used the Clear Wink of Stella to add some sparkle to the snowflakes (little tip:  make sure to use the Wink of Stella before stamping the greeting, I didn’t and it the greeting smudged a little).  The greeting was stamped in Early Espresso ink and I attached a piece of Window Film on the back of the cardstock for the shaker window.

 

 Next I took the circle that was cut out and softly drew a line around the edge so I knew where my window would be and stamped on the Soft Sky piece, the snowflakes again in Soft Sky ink, reindeer in Soft Suede (with a little early espresso added for the antlers) and the tress are from the Lovely as a Tree stamp using early espresso ink (just ink part of the stamp to use some of the trees for a smaller image.)  Next I took a foam strip and attached it around the circle to create the boundries for the glitter and added some Fancy Frost Sequins for the snow (there’s my bling!!)  Then I just attached the Whisper White cardfront to seal the shaker (I did add dimensionals to the four corners of the cardfront to the whole later was raised and the same height).  Make sure press really hard to seal you sequins in. 

Of course every snow globe needs a base so I used the Jar of Love stamp set and heat embossed the lid using the Heat Tool, Versamark ink, and some Silver Embossing Power.  After embossing I cut the lid out with the Big Shot and coordinating Everyday Jars Framelits and attached it with dimensionals to the cardfront.  The final touch was to add a couple more of the Fancy Frost Sequins on the front bottom of the cardfront to look like falling snow outside of the snow globe.  

I love the soft feel of these colors, they’re not your traditional Christmas colors but definitely give that cool winter feeling.  And a card you can play with and shake?  Super fun!!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s project:

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog hop for lots of other great ideas.  If you click the “Next” button, you’ll go to Pamela's’s site but you can also access any of the hopper’s site from the full blog list below.

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Pamela W. ~ Stinky Tofu

2. Darcy J. ~ Dj's Stampin' Place

3. Tobe B. ~ The Craft Sea

4. Cheryl H. ~ Create with Cheryl

5. Jennifer G. ~ Jenny G Paper Crafts

6. Diana E. ~ Stampin' Fun with Diana

 

Have a great day,

Diana

SSINKspiration Card Sketch SSINKCS40: Jolly Friends

Good morning!  Another weekend full of holiday fun and I really enjoyed all the time spent with friends.  The guys were away at Winter Survival Camping and while being very cold all weekend they're home safe and sound now.  With the start of another week it's time for another challenge on the SSINKspiration blog, this time it's a sketch challenge.  This month's sketch is a really fun design which was fun to play with.

I used Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Brickwall Embossing Folder.  Next I added two pieces of designer series paper from the Warmth and Cheer Designer Series Paper Stack.

For the main stamped image I used the Jolly Friends stamp set and stamped the elf head using Basic Black ink on Whisper White cardstock and then punched it out with a circle punch.  I stamped the elf hat on Old Olive cardstock using Old Olive ink and then punched it out using the coordinating Jolly Hat Builder Punch (also on sale).  I attached the had with dimensionals and then added a Mini Jingle Bell to the hat and tied it with a bow using Basic Black Baker's Twine.

The final touch was to add a greeting so I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and stamped using Basic Black ink on Old Olive cardstock and then used Paper Snips to trim the ends before attaching to the cardfront with dimensionals.

The images in this stamp set are so cute, and right now the stamp set is on sale as part of the year end sale so if you don't have this set, now is the perfect time!  The other designers are sharing some other cards using the same sketch for inspiration so go check them out and then play along and share what you create.





Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Daily December: Easily Documenting all the Holiday Memories!

Good morning! Are you ready for the weekend?  With all the holiday happenings it's easy to take lots of pictures, and maybe you get a few posted to Facebook or Instagram but then after the holidays they sit on your phone and not looked at often.  I love all the fun of the holidays but I also love to look back and remember all those memories and enjoy them with my family which means they need to get off my phone and organized, enter the Project Life by Stampin' Up! product line.  Today on the SSINKspiration blog we're sharing ideas using the Daily December product suite and how it makes holiday memory keeping quick and easy.

This is my third year doing a Daily December album and I love it!  I work on the album early (September/October timeframe) so the album is all decorated and the page layouts designed (I'll add sticky notes to the pages with different activities so I have an idea of what I'm doing some days and others are just fun things, like decorations, or just everyday things like basketball practice, the dentist, it's all part of our holiday season) so come December I just need to slide in the pictures, and some journaling and I'm done (awesome!!)  By preworking my album I'm able to have it finished and ready to enjoy before the start of the New Year. 

For the most part I use all the items in the Daily December Card Collection and Accessory Kit (which just a few added pieces here and there).  This means I cut up some cards to use as elements in different pockets and help you get the most bang for the kits.  Below are several pictures of the album and different pages I've finished for you to enjoy!

Album Cover

 

First Page of Album

 

 Visit to Santa (Happens before Thanksgiving, no lines!!)

 

Thanksgiving - Our festivities start before December 1 so I start my album a little early

I hope this has provided some inspiration and you take the plunge to get those pictures off your phones and into albums so you can enjoy them for years to come!

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's project:

 

 Have a great weekend!

 

Diana

SSINKspiration Tags, Tags, and Tags

Good morning!  We made it to the midpoint of the week and I'm sure like me you are in full on holiday preparations and trying to figure out how to get it all done.  One of the things I love to do is make gift packaging special with handmade touches (anyone who knows me is not surprised by this!)  Today the SSINKspiration designers are sharing some fun and easy gift tag ideas to help you put the finishing touches on your packaging.  The great thing about gift tags is that they are small so you don't need a lot to really make them WOW and you can make them very quickly.

I'm sharing two different tags today for your enjoyment.






The first tag uses the Fab Friday Sketch Challenge for inspiration along with several items from the Candy Cane Lane Product Suite (I found out the designer series paper has sold out but you could easily make this card using the Washi Tape for the same look).  I started with a piece of Whisper White cardstock and used the Scallop Tag Topper Punch to punch the top and then threaded a piece of Candy Cane Lane Baker's Twine through the top for the tie.  I used the Tin of Tags stamp set to stamp the greeting in Early Espresso ink and then added two strips of Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Paper along the bottom.

This cute little reindeer is from the Cookie Cutter Christmas stamp set and was stamped on Crumb Cake cardstock with Early Espresso ink before being punched out with the coordinating Cookie Cutter Punch (both the stamp set and punch are carrying over, yeah! but the discounted bundle price is only available through the end of the month so if you haven't added these to your collection make sure to purchase the bundle now to save a little $$).  I used Stampin' Write Marker's to color in the antlers and nose and then used dimensionals to attach him to a Real Red Circle cut with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch.

Nice and easy and still uses the card sketch for inspiration.

The second tag uses the Here's to Cheers stamp set and coordinating Cheerful Tags Framelits (both items are carrying over so like above, purchase them now since the bundle price is only available until the end of the month).  I used a piece of Real Red cardstock, Big Shot, and Cheerful Tags Framelits to cut the base (love that it cuts and scores everything all at once!!) and then added a piece of Washi Tape on the inside bottom (this tape is retired but we have lots of washi tape that would work great so take your pick).  Next I took a piece of Gold Glimmer Paper and cut out the little arched piece using the framelit set.  For the greeting I used Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on the stamp and then stamped on Whisper White cardstock before punching it out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch.  I attached the greeting with dimensionals and being careful not to cover up the hole for the twine at the top (the circle hangs over the top a little).  I used some Basic Black Baker's Twine as the tie for this tag.

We make this tag at my gift packaging class and used it to decorate one of the large 6"x17" Cello Bags along with some Cucumber Crush Mini Striped Ribbon and it turned out uber cute!!

I hope these tags have provided some inspiration for your gift packaging needs.  I'm hosting a cookie exchange this weekend and think I'll be whipping up some of these tags for the ladies to use on their packaging so it's nice and stress free!

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's tags:

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge SSINKCC40: Layering Love

Happy Monday!  What a wonderful weekend full of fun adventures.  I was able to get a little time in the studio and got to play with some non-holiday items to make my color sketch card for this months challenge over on the SSINKspiration blog.  These are some bright and cheery colors that just make me smile.

I stared with Sahara Sand cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Flirty Flamingo cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Fluttering Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of Old Olive designer series paper from the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack.

For the main stamped image I started by stamping the greeting from the Layering Love stamp set using Flirty Flamingo ink on Whisper White cardstock.  Next I used the Big Shot and Stitched Shapes Framelits to cut out the circle.  To soften the white background I used the Timeless Textures stamp set and used the Old Olive ink to stamp the floral image all over (I stamped off first to lighten up the green).  I wanted another element to balance the card so I took a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock and cut out a circle using the Layering Circles Framelits and then embossed it with the Delicate Dots Embossing Folder.  I used dimensionals to attach the greeting circle and the final touch was to tie a bow using the Flirty Flamingo Ruched Ribbon (such a pretty ribbon).





This card is so pretty that it will definitely help brighten someone's day.  Make sure to check out the other design team cards for inspiration (they're so fun) and then we would love for you to play along with us and share what you come up with.






Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 30

Good morning and Happy Wednesday!  We've reached the end of the month and the last day of this years gratitude challenge.  I've had so much fun, been really productive, and I hope have inspired you a little.  For the last card of the challenge I decided to use the Proverbial Stampers November Color and Sketch challenges as inspiration for today's card that mixes Holiday catalog items for a fun everyday card.

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Cherry Cobbler cardstock as a mat for the Very Vanilla cardfront.  On the cardfront I used the A World of Thanks background stamp set for the background (and greeting at the same time) and stamped it in Crumb Cake ink.  I took a piece of Always Artichoke cardstock and cut a flag and then embossed it with the Big Shot and Boho Chic Embossing Folder. 

For the main stamped image I used the Basket of Wishes stamp set and stamped the berry basket and berries in Chocolate Chip ink before coloring them in with a blender pen and Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke ink.  Once I was finished coloring I cut the image out using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits and then used the same framelits to cut a scallop circle mat out of Always Artichoke cardstock. 

Of course you've seen I've had a thing for Copper Foil Paper lately and I decided to use it again on this card as an accent, this time cutting a circle out using the new Stitched Shapes Framelits for a beautiful edge.  I used dimensionals to attached the smaller circles to the foil circle for a little extra dimension.  The final touch was to tie a double bow using the Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine from the Baker's Twine Trio Pack (love getting three coordinating colors in one package!!)



This card makes me think of summer and all the fun times in the sun and love that you can get so many looks with this one stamp set, so versatile (I have to admit I really hope this set carries over to next years catalog)!

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 29

Good morning!  We've almost reached the end of November, how is that possible?  This means it's almost the end of this years 30 Day Gratitude Challenge, I've had so much fun sharing with you this month and either mailing these cards or getting them ready to mail (so thankful I'm all set for thank you's I'll need during the holidays).  I hope you've enjoyed and been inspired by this years cards as well.  Today it's time for another quick and easy card that uses the addition of a little copper foil to really help dress up the card (I'm really in love with the copper right now!)

I started with Early Espresso cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock for the cardfront.  On the cardfront I stamp the leaf image from the Embellished Ornaments stamp set in Early Espresso ink and then colored in the leaves in Garden Green ink.

For the greeting I used the One Big Meaning stamp set and stamped the greeting in Night of Navy ink on Whisper White cardstock and then matted it with Early Espresso cardstock.  For the ornament I used the Big Shot and Delicate Ornaments Framelits to cut out the solid ornament using Night of Navy cardstock and the ornate top layer using the Copper Foil Paper (super easy).  The final touch was to tie a bow using the Garden Green Baker's Twine from the Baker's Twine Trio Pack and attached it to the top of the ornament to look like the attachment of the ornament on the branch.

I love the simplicity of this card and how the Whisper White background really lets the design pop.  You could also easily change out the greeting to have an elegant Christmas card.

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 28 (SSINKspiration Technique Challenge #SSINKTC39)

Good morning and Happy Monday!  Hopefully you had a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  I always love this weekend but it also officially kicks off all of the Christmas bustling that can sometimes get overwhelming so it's good to just relax and enjoy while we can.  Today it's time for another technique challenge over on the SSINKspiration blog and this month we're showcasing the Baby Wipe Technique.  I'll admit I've heard of this technique but I've never used it before so this was fun to try out and I decided to do one more fall themed card to close out the season.

I started with Cajun Craze cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Soft Suede cardstock as a mat for the Delightful Dijon cardfront.  On this layer I started by stamping the grain image from the Wetlands stamp set using Delightful Dijon ink and some were stamped off one so there was different levels of shading.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and was stamped in Soft Suede ink.

To make the leaf I took a baby wipe and added several dots of reinker using Cajun Craze, Delightful Dijon, Rich Razzleberry, and Soft Suede ink and then took the large leaf from the Vintage Leaves stamp set and used the inked baby wipe to ink the stamp and then stamped onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. I'll admit I took several tries stamping the leaf to get the one that I liked so this does take some practice but it's fun and you get a different look each time.  Then I took the Big Shot and cut out the leaf using the Leaflits Framelits.  I used the same framelit to cut out another leaf using Soft Suede cardstock and then then embossed it with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  Layering both leaves helps elevate it and then I added a knot I tied using Rich Razzleberry Ribbon from the 3/8" Trio Ribbon Package.

This card is so pretty and I love how all the colors blend and complement each other.  This was also the first time using this stamp set and the greeting is lovely!  Make sure to check out the other cards the design team is sharing using this technique and then we would love for you to join us and play along and share what you create using this technique.

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 27

Good evening!  We made it home safely last night and have been busy today getting the rest of the Christmas decorations up, laundry, groceries, etc. everything so we'll be ready for the week.  I didn't want to miss sharing today's gratitude card so better late than never.  Since I've shared several Christmas cards I thought I would change things up and share an everyday card that has the addition of copper which really elevates this simple card.

I started with Soft Suede cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Night of Navy cardstock as the mat for the Whisper White cardfront.  I used the Flourishing Phrases stamp set for this card and used the large floral image and stamped it in Mint Macaron ink.  Next I took a piece of Copper Foil Paper and used the Big Shot and Flourish Thinlits (the thinlits and stamp set are offered as a bundle so you can save 10% on both) to cut out the coordinating floral piece and attached it to the cardfront as an overlay.

Before attaching the cardfront to the cardbase I wrapped a piece of Mint Macaron ribbon from the 3/8" Trio Ribbon Pack and then tied a knot.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and was stamped in Night of Navy ink on Whisper White cardstock before being cut out with the Big Shot and Layering Ovals Framelits.  I used the same framelits to cut a scalloped oval mat out of Soft Suede cardstock and attached the greeting piece with dimensionals.

I love the color combo in this card and the copper is so sparkly, it's just the right touch.

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 26

Good morning!  It's been a wonderful holiday weekend but it's time to start heading home so we can get all ready for the new week (and avoid some of the traffic, haha!)  Before we hit the road I wanted to make sure to share today's gratitude card so I didn't miss it.  This card uses one of my favorite stamp sets from the Holiday Catalog, Merry Medley, it has some great fonts and greetings and makes a great background.

I started with Old Olive cardstock for the cardbase and then added Real Red cardstock as a mat for the Smoky Slate cardfront.  On the cardfront I stamped the Merry Medley stamp using Smoky Slate ink for a nice, simple background.

The greeting is from the One Big Meaning stamp set and was stamped in Old Olive ink on Whisper White cardstock.  I cut the greeting out with the Big Shot and the Layering Circles Framelits.  I used the same framelits to create the scallop circle mat out of Early Espresso cardstock.  I used dimensionals to attach the greeting piece to the cardfront.

I wanted to give the greeting the look of a wreath so I added a bow that I made using Real Red Glimmer Paper and but it out using the Big Shot and Everyday Jars Framelits.

I love the simplicity of this card and it's nice and flat for easy mailing!

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy your weekend!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 25 (SSINKspiration Holiday Catalog Accessories)

Happy Black Friday!  Were you out shopping last night?  We did our annual pilgrimage but with the value and benefits of online shopping I actually had a lot of my shopping done before we headed out last night.  Today on the SSINKspiration blog we're sharing our favorite Holiday Catalog accessories and one of mine is the Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Paper, such cute patterns and very classic Christmas so I decided to use it for today's gratitude card.

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Real Red cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Sparkle Embossing Folder.  Next I added a strip of the Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Paper and then wrapped some of the coordinating Candy Cane Lane Baker's Twine and tied a double bow.

Next I took another piece of the DSP and cut out the cute gingerbread house using my Paper Snips.  I used the Cookie Cutter Christmas stamp set to stamp the gingerbread man using Early Espresso ink and Whisper White cardstock and then punched him out with the coordinating Cookie Cutter Punch  His bowtie is from the same stamp and punch and he was attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.

The greeting is from the Jar of Love stamp set and stamped in Early Espresso ink and then cut out with Big Shot and Stitched Shapes Framelits.  I sponged around the edge with Crumb Cake ink and then attached the greeting with dimensionals.

This card just screams Christmas which is perfect today as we're all in full on Christmas happenings.  Make sure to check out the other cards the design team is sharing so you can see their favorite holiday accessories to inspire you.

Don't forget, the Online Extravaganza is going on now and you can save up to 40% on select products. I've set up an online hostess code: SY7VUWGC and everyone who places an order through this hostess code will receive a FREE gift from me!  The sale ends November 28 and remember there will one more one day sale that starts on November 28.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 24

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you are enjoying a great and relaxing day with family and friends.  We're having a wonderful time (hence the late posting today).  For today' gratitude card I needed a quick card but definitely had to do something fall themed and since I had the October Paper Pumpkin kit out on my desk I knew I could use the stamps for something fun.

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a cardfront with Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of designer series paper from the Warmth and Cheer Designer Series Paper Stack (I'm over the moon happy that the patterns in this pack fit so many occasions and then wrapped a piece of Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine around the cardfront and tied a bow.

For the leaves I took some Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke cardstock and stamped using the pattern stamp from the Paper Pumpkin kit and then cut the leaves out with the Big Shot and Leaflets Framelits and then scrunched them up for texture before attaching to the cardfront with some Mono Liquid Glue.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and was stamped in Cajun Craze ink on Very Vanilla and then cut it out with the Big Shot and new Stitched Shapes Framelits and then sponged around the edge with Always Artichoke ink before attaching it with dimensionals.

I know black isn't a normal fall color but I love how the fall colors pop against the black background, makes it very elegant.

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy your holiday!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 23 (SSI Thanksgiving Card)

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving Eve!  Today I'm thankful for starting our family holiday and heading out to spend a few days with some dear friends, it's a tradition!  Before the fun gets started I wanted to share today's gratitude challenge card and I used it on the SSINKspiration blog where the design team members are sharing Thanksgiving cards.

Now you may recognize several elements in this card, it was the same as Monday's card and I just changed a few things up to completely change the card. 

This card showcases the Basket of Wishes stamp set and I used the Heat Tool and Copper Embossing Powder to stamp the greeting on top of the decorative mask sponging on the cardfront.  For the main stamp image I stamped the basket and gourds onto Very Vanilla cardstock and after coloring it all in with Stampin' Write Markers I matted it with Cajun Craze cardstock and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The final touch was to add a bow I tied using Garden Green Baker's Twine from the Baker's Twine Trio Pack.

The mixture of textures, metals, and colors make this a perfect fall card and way to send Thanksgiving wishes.  Make sure to check out the cards the other design team members are sharing for more inspiration.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 22

Good morning!  Today's the last day of school and work before the holiday break and I have to admit, I'm very excited for some extended time off with the family and to see some friends we visit every year (it's definitely a highlight).  Even though Thanksgiving is a couple of days away you really can't escape all the Christmas "everywhere" so today's gratitude card is another Christmas theme and uses some fun stamp sets and colors.

I started with Real Red cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Old Olive cardstock and stamped the greeting in Basic Black from the Suite Sayings stamp set (I used my Stampin' Write Marker to just ink up part of the greeting).  I added a piece of Basic Black Designer Series Paper from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack that was matted with Real Red cardstock to anchor my fun jar element.

It seems like masons jars are everywhere and all the rage so it's only fitting that we now have mason jar stamps (Jars of Love) and coordinating framelits.  I love to use mason jars for giving little treats so I decided to make one holding peppermint candies but I didn't have the holiday stamp set that coordinates with the jars so I decided to make my own using the Sweet Home stamp set.  I stamped the mason jar on Whisper White cardstock using Basic Black ink and then cut it out with the Big Shot and Everyday Jars Framelits.  Next I took the candy stamp from the Sweet Home stamp set and stamped it one in the bottom corner.  Next I used my 3/4" Circle Punch to create a mask and set it over the candy I just stamped and stamped again so the candy didn't overstamp.  I continued to do this until I had the far filled as I wanted.  Then I stamped the candy again on a scrap of paper and punched it out with the circle punch and attached it with a dimensional so it popped up a little more than the rest.

Of course every mason jar needs a lid so I heat embossed mine using Silver Embossing Powder and my Heat Tool, then I cut it out with the framelits and attached it with dimensionals.  The finishing touch was to add a bow I tied using Old Olive Baker's Twine so it looks like it was wrapped around the jar (kind of clever I thought!!)

This is such a fun card, I really just want to reach out and eat one of the candies.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 21

Good morning!  After an eventful and jam packed weekend I have a really fun card and cool technique for today's gratitude card.  This uses heat embossing to make a faux metal embellishment, we made this card awhile back at stamp class and while it's a bit of work it's a fun technique that was definitely a hit with the ladies.

I started with Rich Razzleberry cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Soft Suede cardstock as a mat for the Very Vanilla cardfront.  On the card front I took the Seasonal Decorative Mask (on sale starting today as part of the Online Extravaganza so don't miss it) and sponged the sweater knit pattern using Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, and Rich Razzleberry ink.  Then I added a piece of designer series paper from the Petals & Paisley's Specialty Designer Series Paper (this cool copper foil piece of paper is beautiful!!)

To make the faux embellishment I took my Big Shot and the Hello You Thinlits and cut the "thanks" greeting three times out of Whisper White cardstock.  Then I glued all three cutouts together so they were stacked.  So now comes the messy part, I covered my thanks in Versamark ink and then covered it in Copper Embossing Powder and heat embossed it with the Heat Tool.  Once it was set I reapplied Versamark and embossing powder and heated it up again.  You do this a total of three times and it's really cool a the end you get a cool metal look and the edges of the cut out the embossing starts to wrap around the edge for a realistic look (provided a close up here so you so you could try to see it).  Isn't this cool?

To finish the card I took a piece of 5/8" Burlap Ribbon and attached it to the cardfront using Fast Fuse Adhesive and then attached the greeting using the Fine Tip Glue Pen (I had to place a punch on top of the greeting to weight it down so it would stick really well).  The final touch was to add a Cajun Craze Enamel Dot from the Regals Enamel Dots in the top right corner.

I was so happy with how this card turned out, and didn't use a single stamp, go figure.  Can't wait to use this technique on other projects using different colors of emboss powder and cut outs, so fun!!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 20

Good morning!  Boy how things can change around here, after a beautiful start to the weekend the temps have dropped and the wind is kicking so it's definitely back to feeling like fall (at least we got to enjoy it while we could).  Today it's time to get into holiday prep mode full time, family Christmas pictures, decorating, a little baking, along with the usual school homework, football (and there may be a little visit to Santa, I really like to do it before Thanksgiving when it gets busy).  Today's gratitude card is super easy and definitely fits with today's activities and uses the Greetings from Santa stamp set for this super cute tree.

I started with Early Espresso cardstock for the card an then added a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardfront and wrapped a piece of Gold 1/8" Ribbon around the front and then attached a bow. 

For the trees I used the Greetings from Santa stamp set and stamped the center tree in Garden Green ink and then stamped the two side trees using Early Espresso ink (and stamped off first so they were a little lighter).  I used a small star punch and some Gold Glimmer Paper for the star and attached it with a dimensional.  The greeting is from the On Big Meaning stamp set and was stamped in Early Espresso ink.

I really like the simplicity of this card, they don't all need to be over the top.  This would also be great if you're running a little behind and need to make a lot of cards and don't have a lot of time but still want it to be special.

Below are easy ordering links for the products on today's card:

Happy Sunday!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 19

Good morning and Happy Saturday!  We're in for a busy morning and then looking forward to a fun family outing this afternoon (if the weather cooperates).  I'm loving all the fall colors and leaves this time of year and it was definitely the inspiration for today's gratitude card.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Crushed Curry Cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Cable Knit Dynamic Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of designer series paper from the Warmth and Cheer Designer Series Paper Stack (I love the variety of patterns and colors in this stack since it has so many options) and matted it with Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

The greeting is from the Scenic Sayings stamp set (definitely not a fall themed set) and was stamped in Crushed Curry ink on Whisper White cardstock and then matted with Basic Black cardstock before being attached with dimensionals.

A nice and simple card that still has some impact, I'd say it's pretty perfect!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy your beautiful Saturday!

Diana