Blue and Silver Embossed Tree

Halooo! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, I certainly did. I was able to spend it with people very dear to my heart and soak up a little sunshine. I had intentions of scheduling posts while I was gone, but it just didn't happen. I have a few more Christmas cards to share and plans for a few other creations. This one was created from a card kit. I like making Christmas cards without red or green. Blue and white are so crisp!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #82

Color Inspiration
Cardvaarks Challenge ~ Monochromatic
Stamping Vacation Monochromatic Challenge: Blues

Inspiration
The Corrosive Challenge #96 ~ Bling it On
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #98 ~ Pearls I hope my silver pearls qualify.
A Spoon Full of Sugar #133 ~ Christmas Card
Stamping Vacation Pick 3 for December
I picked ornament (I added silver pearl ornaments to the tree), snowflake image (on the background), glitter (I accented the snowflakes with Stickles)

My Creation

Image Detail

Ins and Outs ~ Blue and Silver Embossed Tree

Stamps: SU (Simple Snowflake, Season of Joy, Curly Cute)
Paper: SU (Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy) 
Ink: SU (Bashful Blue, Night of Navy); Versamark
Accessories: SU (Silver Embossing Powder, Brad, Ribbon), Dew Dropz
Techniques: Embossing

Stenciled Vintage Card

This card was a learning experience. I've never tried to stencil a pattern as 'paper' and while I appreciate new things, I don't know that I'll do it anytime soon. :o) The process was a bit tedious and since I sponged the ink, quite messy. I really like the end card and I guess having red fingers is appropriate for the season!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #83


Photo Inspiration ~ The Paper Variety
My card could be used for Christmas, but I purposefully left off any sentiment or image so it could also be for just about anything else. I was inspired by the way the red looks with the 'vanilla' of the sweet puppy.

Inspiration
365 Cards Day 270 ~ Vintage Plus Dimensional Sticker
365 Cards Day 271 ~ Vintage Plus Lace
ABC Challenge ~ J is for Jewels
Pals Paper Arts Challenge #73 ~ CAS Lace
Simon Says Stamp and Show ~ Yesteryear

My Creation

Image Detail

There are a few 'flaps' to this card. I tried to capture all the elements for you.

 

Ins and Outs ~ Stenciled Vintage
Stamps: None

Paper: SU (Very Vanilla, Real Red)
Ink: SU Real Red
Accessories: SU
Techniques: Stenciling

Latte Bella

There are three great sketches over at the Midnight Madness Challenge to carry us through the holidays. I have several Bellas who have been neglected. I thought I would get ahead of things by stamping several images and even colored a few. Well....now they are gathering dust! LOL. I'm proud to finally get one of my girls to land on a card. :o)

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #84

Photo Inspiration ~ Crafty Creations Challenge #98
I LOVE photo challenges. Often I'll use the color for inspiration, but in this one I felt the girly vibe, added my version of a 'ruffley' ribbon, and picked up on the polka dots in the linens that are reflected in my DP.

Inspiration
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #97 ~ Food and Drink
Die Cut Dreams Challenge #79 ~ Girlie
365 Cards Day 279 ~ Super Star Saturday: Inspired by authors
I just finished reading The Espressologist by Kritina Springer It’s a debut release, so I’m stretching things a bit by choosing a favorite writer; however, I’m an avid reader and try not to play favorites so whatever I just finished or am currently page turning is my fav! This is a great quick read about a girl who works at a coffee shop and matches people’s personalities to their choice in drinks.
Stamping Vacation Special Month Challenge ~ December Write to a Friend
Stamping Vacation When I Grow Up Challenge ~ Waitresses
Every cafe isn't complete without a friendly waitress to bring out your yummy latte.

My Creation

Image Detail

This sentiment from Totally Stamplicious just cracks me up.
 

Inside

Ins and Outs ~ Latte Bella
Stamps: Latte Bella (Stamping Bella), Totally Stampalicious Verse
Paper: SU Whisper White, DCWV Latte Stack
Ink: Printer, Copics (BG0000; E30, 31, 37, 50); SU (Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay); White Gel; Clear Star
Accessories: Buttons, Ribbon

Rustic Christmas Tree

This card was quick and simple. I was able to use up a few scraps and still add some sparkle. I have several cards ready to share this week, hopefully I'll stay on track and not get sidelined. We have another winter storm moving in tomorrow - just in time for Christmas. Considering we already have several feet of snow our white Christmas is guaranteed, but another few inches will assure a pretty scene for all.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #66

Inspiration

Stamping Vacation Watch This Challenge ~ It’s a Wonderful Life

Whenever I think of this movie I think of the closing scenes where everyone is gathered around the Christmas tree.

Stamping for the Weekend #53 ~ Christmas

Top Tip Tuesday Challenge #14 ~ Christmas Inspired

Sentimental Sundays #34 ~ Inspired By A Song

One of my favorites, Oh Christmas Tree

 

My Creation

Image Detail

Ins and Outs ~ Rustic Christmas Tree

Stamps: SU Tis the Season
Paper: All SU
Ink: All SU
Accessories: Brads, Embossing Powder, Stickles

One Stop Craft Challenge #111 ~ A Charming Fairy Sketch

Wahoo! It's time for another challenge over at OSCC. This week Val came up with an awesome sketch and challenged us to use a fairy image and include a charm. Robyn's Fetish is our sponsor and we received some adorable fairy images to play with. I used the winter fairy and went off the standard route by using a non-winter color theme. This card is actually for a sweet young lady in my life who has an upcoming winter birthday.

Sketch Inspiration
One Stop Craft Challenges #111 ~ Do You Believe in Fairies

Color Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 281

Inspiration

Die Cut Dreams #78 ~ Fairies
Flutter By Wednesday #135 ~ Open
PaperTake Weekly Challenge ~ Christmas Birthdays
Cute Card Thursday #143 ~ One for the Kids
Belli Challenge #106 ~ Old Christmas Embellishments (the bells have been lost in a drawer for years!)
Oldie But Goodie Challenge #8 ~ You’re a Star
Copic Creations Challenge #41 ~ Sparkle
Stamping Vacation Get the Music in You Challenge ~ Jingle Bells
365 Cards Day #90 ~ Card Recipe

My Creation

Image Detail

Lots of sparkle thanks to Stickles!

Inside

Ins and Outs ~ Fairy Nice
Stamps: Robyn’s Festish (Fairy, Ornament). TLC Verses
Paper: SU Whisper White, DCWV, Bazzill
Ink: Copics (B000, 41, 45; 100; C2
Accessories: Mulberry Paper Flowers, Stickles, Bells, Pop Up Dots, Metallic Gold and Silver Markers, Metallic Cording

Vintage Christmas Rose

I love using blue and gold on Christmas cards. It's such a rich color combination and makes me think of crisp blue skies and piles of lovely snow. I embossed the image with gold embossing powder and added stickles accents for even more glitz. The vintage/weathered back ground paper provides a nice contrast to the glitzy image.

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 252 ~ Super Sketch Sunday

Inspiration
Creative Inspirations Challenge #49 ~ Anything Goes Christmas
Rainbow Lady’s Challenge #131 ~ Vintage Delight

The Crafty Pad Challenge #101 ~ Embossing
365 Cards Day 290 ~ Touchy Feely Add texture with embossing, glitter, fabric
I stretched the rules a 'smidge' by using organza ribbon - organza's fabric - right? :o)

My Creation

Image Detail

Ins and Outs ~ Vintage Christmas Rose
Stamps: SU Christmas Cardinal
Paper: All SU
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: SU (Embossing Powder, Brads, Cording, Organza Ribbon); Stickles
Techniques: Embossing

On Dasher

This card was quick and easy. It would be a quick mass production card.....if I did those. This year I'm making all one of a kinds!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #96

Inspiration

Stamping Vacation To Who? Challenge ~ Someone Who Loves Winter
This card is for a good friend who LOVES Christmas and the winter season. She's singing Christmas carols at Halloween and literally jumps up and down when the first snow flakes fly.

My Creation

Image Detail

Ins and Outs ~ On Dasher
Stamps: SU (Dasher, Contempo Christmas)
Paper: SU (Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, DSP)
Ink: SU Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: SU (Seam Binding, Dazzling Diamonds, Punch)

Snow Inspired

This card is a redo of one I had in my stash. The original card is shown on the left. Nothing wrong, just something CAS from my beginning stamping days. I wanted to change it up a bit as the base was a bit tattered and decided to try to jazz it up a bit. We've been blessed with an abundance of snow in my world. The news guys said we've already our average snow accumulation for the entire winter and it's not even officially started! I love where I live and the snow is part of the beauty. Scroll to the end of the post for some snow pics.

Since I've seen a lot of it, I played with some fun flurry inspired paper from DCWV. I ended up keeping the same basic layout in my redo but love the card so much more. The colors in the DP pick up on the shimmer of the pearl ex. An extra strip of ribbon and a few baubles finish it off.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch #33

Color Inspiration ~ Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #113

Inspiration
Incy Wincy Designs #72 ~ Non Traditional Christmas Colors
Cupcake Craft Challenge #121 ~ Non Traditional Christmas
Snow ~ Daring Cardmakers; Wags n Whiskers Challenge #42; Moving Along With The Times; The Pink Elephant Challenge #90; Stamping Vacation Name That Card Challenge

My Creation

Image Detail

I did the standard technique of layering puddles of embossing powder and reheating before I stamped my image. After it cooled down, I trimmed it into a square and painted on pearl ex for shimmer.

Real Life Inspiration

Can't leave without sharing a few pics of my winter wonderland.

My concrete window art pieces are even chillier with a blanket of snow; and the icicles grew over night on the eave. 

Our trailer was empty last night and is now filled with a load of snow.

Looks like the bird feeder needs to be filled - and shoveled!

Ins and Outs ~ Snow Inspired
Stamps: SU Snowflakes
Paper: DCWV Winter Stack
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Embossing Powder, Pearl Ex, Silver Cord, Organza Ribbon, Bella Gems, EK Success Snowflake Border Punch

Lip Balm Gift

This was a fun project from stamp camp and although I didn't use wintry images, the treat inside is perfect for this time of year! This was so quick and easy to make for last minute gifts and stocking stuffers.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Corrosive Challenge #94

Inspiration
Anything But a Card ~ Fussy and Fancy Friday and  PaperPlay
Creative Card Crew ~ Anything Goes
Christmas Projects/Gifts ~ Charisma Cardz #49; Allsorts #82; Everybody Art Challenge #121

My Creation

Inside

The tube is stuck on with a glue dot. You could easily swap out any other similar shaped item.

Ins and Outs ~ Lip Balm Gift
Stamps: SU Just Believe
Paper: SU Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Ink: SU Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive
Accessories: SU (Filigree Brads, Paper Piercer, Scallop Edge Punch, Ribbon)

Vintage Christmas

Another Christmas card to share. This card started with a kit and I added a few personal touches. Vintage isn't in my comfort zone, but I'm starting to like it a bit more. I've seen some great vintage Christmas cards out there and was inspired to give it a try.

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 210 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday

Color Inspiration ~ Simon Says Christmas ~ No Red or Green

Inspiration

Paper Pretties Challenge ~ Punches

Stamping Vacation For Your Amusement ~ EnJOY Your Holiday
365 Cards Day 242 ~ Wonderful Watercolors
365 Cards Day 267 ~ Vintage Plus Stickpin

My Creation

Image Detail

Ins and Outs ~ Vintage Christmas
Stamps: SU All Holidays, Bells and Boughs
Paper: SU (Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry)
Ink: SU (More Mustard, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede), Black Staz On
Accessories: SU (Punches, Ribbon, Brads), Stickles (Yellow, Copper)
Techniques: Watercoloring, Distressing

Counting Down to Christmas

Sorry for the lapse in posting. I've actually been very busy crafting away at home and with friends. I anticipate a follow up to my Halloween issue where I had more cards to share than time permitted before the holiday. I should probably get started on Valentine's posts now!

Here's a fun card. The center piece was a make and take from a scrapbook retreat I attended. I don't use small gift enclosure cards very often, so I opted to change it into a standard card.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch #64
I've been pondering this sketch for awhile from the Madness girl. I distressed some paper strips (i.e. crumbed them in my hand and ran along the edge of the table) until the cardstock started to separate. I was able to create 2 strips from the original by pulling them apart.

Color Inspiration ~ Curtain Call Color Challenge ~ Act 60

Inspiration

ABC Christmas Challenge ~ Y is for Yuletide (Red and Green)
Magical Monday ~ Christmas Card with Red and Green
Stamping Vacation Start Here Challenge ~ Red Glitter
I didn't go overboard with glitter, and used a red glittered designer paper for a bit of glitz.

My Creation

Inside

The inside could almost be the outside of another card. I had a few medallions I'd made last year with a PTI set that are finally starting to find homes.

Ins and Outs ~ Counting Down to Christmas
Stamps: SU Tags Til Christmas, PTI Holiday Tags
Paper: SU (Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, DSP), DCWV, Bazzil
Ink: SU Cranberry Crisp
Accessories: SU Decorative Label Punch, Nesties