Blog Candy winners and a Fall Wreath

Thanks to Nancy and Nance for posting a comment or sending me an email.  Both ladies picked the embossed version.  (See my last post to understand what I'm talking about.) I will have the cards in the mail to you both toot sweet.  Since only two people responded, I decided to make them both winners!!

Are you curious which version Hubby picked? He liked the plain Gumball Green card stock.  I've always said he likes the simpler cards.  I should have known, huh?

Now onto today's share.  A Fall wreath. 

 

 

I saw a card similar to this when the stamp set Day of Gratitude first came out.  This is a simple layout, but the card itself takes some time to make.  Cutting out the leaves and acorns is time consuming.  Fortunate for me, I love paper cutting.  I made ten of these cards. Yes, that's 90 leaves and 50 acorns I cut out.  It was a couple hours of meditative paper cutting.  Ahhhh. 

 

 

Thanks for popping in.  Sending thankful thoughts to you for being one of my blog readers. 

 

Kristine

 

Recipe:

Stamps: Grateful Greetings, Day of Gratitude

Wood grain Embossing folder

Card stock: Whisper White, Early Espresso

Inks: Bravo Burgundy, Cajun Craze, Gumball Green, Early Espresso

Linen Thread,

Punches: Corner Rounder, Oval



A Fall card

Demonstrators for Stampin' Up! get a monthly magazine called Stampin' Success.  There is always something in there that gets a response from me.  This time it was a card designed by Lisa Dolson from the great state of Montana.  I copied her card, except that I do not have the same stamp sets she has, nor do I have the patience she has to score a card the way she did.  I have searched the vast web to see if she has a website/blog. I cannot find either.  I cannot legally show her card on my blog, soooo you'll have to either imagine what she did, or become a demo to see the magazine. :-)  Here's some differences...she used a leaf stamp set different than the one I have used, she had a different sentiment, and she scored the die cut piece whereas I used the new wood grain embossing folder...so much cinchier. (is that a word?  Mr Spellchecker says no, but I'm using it anyway.) Colors and layout are the same.   

Here is my version:

Can you see why it won the art contest?  Once I had all the leaves made and cut, I decided a little shimmer would be extra nice.  Can you see the light sparkle on the leaves?  Purdy.

I liked this card so much that I made more of them for my Open Swappers friends as my swap card.  Click the link in the right side bar (the cute alpaca!) to see what all the swappers made.  Then contact me to join in the swapping fun.

Recipe:
Stamps: Autumn Leaf Prints, All Year Cheer
Dies: Labels Framelit, Woodgrain embossing folder
Paper: Very Vanilla
Inks: Cajun Craze, Lucky Limade, More Mustard, Island Indigo, Soft Suede
Fun embellies: Champagne Shimmer paint, Linen thread, a button from my collection.

------

Thank you to those of you who have emailed me to ask after my mom's health.  I appreciate the prayers and support.  She is doing well!! We go back to California this Friday to see how well she has healed from the surgery and to get a prognosis.  More prayers are always welcome!

Thanks for dropping in.

Happy Fall!

Kristine

Edgelit dies and matching embossing folders

A couple of the cool new items in the Occasions Mini Catalog are the Edgelit dies and the matching Adorning Accents Embossing folders. 

  

Some of you may be a bit unsure how to use these new tools.  Stampin' Up! has created a video to show you how to put these toys...oh, excuse me...tools to use in your paper crafting.  Just click on the picture below to see the items demonstrated by Brian from Stampin' Up!'s home office.

If you would like some of these cool things for yourself, and do not already have a demonstrator, I'd love to help you enjoy the fun.  You can order anytime on my website http://kristinechubb.stampinup.net.


Enjoy!

Quilted Christmas Cards

I have been on a kick as of late using the same layout and creating multiple cards with varying materials.  For these cards, I went to my stash of Christmas Designer Paper.  I think each card has a different feel based on the DSP used as well as the ribbon.  I used the technique of embossing over the DSP to give the look and feel of a quilt.  I really like this technique!  I used the new Snowburst Embossing Folder on each of the cards.  You can really see it in the first and third samples.  I think the colors and design overwhelm it a bit on the middle sample.  I also used the White Gel Pen to create faux stitching on the card.  The Snow flake punch, a Rhinestone brad, and Basic Pearls embellish each card.  When I showed the finished cards to my family, my daughter Olivia and I both liked the first one best.  My son, Thomas, like the second one best, and my husband, Mitch liked the third best.  These cards will be sent as my contribution for the Open Swappers swap this month.  Each swapper will receive a different card!  I hope they like the one they get!

Another Christmas Card

I seem to find myself with more time this fall than I have had in falls past.  I am putting that time to work by joining in on some of the wonderful challenges out there.  Last week I did the Color Throw down and a sketch from the Stampin Queens Sketch challenge.  This week I selected the Paper Players Challenge #63  (because I saw a beautiful card made by Ann Schach and decided I needed to play too!)


and paired it with Create with Connie and Mary Sketch #166.



 I think the colors of the Paper Players Challenge speak Christmas!  So I made a Christmas card using one of the sets I received free at Convention called Warmest of Wishes.  This is a hostess set, so to be able to get it, you have to hostess a workshop.  However, if you buy $150 worth of merchandise, this set can be your freebie choice until the Winter Mini ends on January 3, 2012.

Here's my interpretation of the challenges.

 I like this card so much that I used up all of the DSP (The DSP is retired and is called Cottage Wall.)  I had and made 6 more to send out at Christmas!  I feel so ahead of the game!  This card was the first time I used the new Stripes Embossing Folder.  What a simple way to add a little something.  The ribbon is the Basic Gray Taffeta which I made into a double bow and secured with a Clear Rhinestone Brad.  That is the only bling on the card. 

When I showed my husband this card, he really liked it, but then said, "What does No El mean?" I was baffled by his question.  Then I realized that his mind is not in Christmas mode like so many of us crafters, and I laughed.  He did not see the letters as belonging to one word.  So I jokingly said  that it translated to "No the."  He was even more baffled as to why there was a stamp for this saying. I could have teased him more, but when I told him to think about Christmas, he got it. 

I hope you enjoyed the card.  And, thanks for stopping in.  Please leave me a comment.  I love those!
Kristine

A little Mojo

Happy Father's Day!  As happens every once in a few years, today also happens to be my birthday.  I turn 22 (cough, cough) today! Actually, I am 44 today and glad to be 44 rather than 22.

I have been working on my convention swaps today.  I have one to share!  It is based on the Mojo Monday sketch #195. It uses two new hostess sets from the upcoming 2011-12 Stampin Up catalog called Posy Punch and Perfect Words.  The Posy Punch works with the Fancy Flower Punch.  So easy peasy to punch out those posies!  I made a boat load of these.  But, you know what, there are a stinkin' lot of pieces to this card!!  Took me forever and a day to get them all assembled!  Two pieces ran through the Big Shot to be embossed, lots of sponging...I kill myself with work sometimes! But, I get that bee in my bonnet and stubbornly keep with the original plan to make a boat load to swap. 

I can't see the sponging in the picture? The middle circles are sponged as are the rims of the posies. The sentiment flag is also sponged. (They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Some of the words in this picture are missing since the picture is not clearly representing real life!) The leaves are actually the wings on the bird from the 2-step bird punch.  Love making the easy leaves.  Lots of gold brads too.  Six per swap!!  But I just likey the way they looky, so no changey, changey! 

Recipe:

Stamps: Perfect Words and Posy Punch (hostess sets from new catalog)

Embossing: Pattern 2 from the Perfect Details Texture Plate, Polka Dot EMF

Ink: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz

Punches: Fancy Flower, 3/4" circle, 2-step bird, Eyelet border

Accessories: Gold brads, Victoria Crochet Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it!

Kristine



My first virtual card class!

I have created my first virtual class--and I'm so excited!!

Recently I held a class in which we made cards that are only one layer of card stock.  Just ONE.  I am very proud of the cards I created to share.  And I want to continue to share them!  So, I created a virtual classroom and created some slide shows to walk you through creating each of the three cards pictured below. 

Each of the cards teaches a technique as well.  We have shimmer painting, pastels and bleaching as well as matting.  Did you miss my class?  Do you want to have my guidance in making these cards?  Well then...read on for details on how to purchase access to my classroom!

Learn to create the projects above step-by-step with my latest on-line slideshow class. Only $5! 

• 24/7 convenience. 
• Access a private blog with three full-length project demonstrations.
• Watch, repeat and rewind. Enjoy unlimited access to my "One-derful"One Layer Cards Class thru July 31, 2011.
• Class supplies: Highlights include the Stampin' Up! Flower Garden Embossing Folder and the Sail Away Stamp Set both from the Summer Mini Catalog.  Complete supply list for each card as a part of the
• STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATORS WELCOME!

PayPal or credit card accepted. Payment may be made by clicking the BUY NOW button below. You'll receive the link to the class within 24 hours of payment. Please email me, if you need assistance or want me to resend the link.  I will send the link to the email address used in making the purchase. If you need me to send the link to an alternate email, please contact me and let me know to what email address it should be sent.

PLEASE: Access and content of this class are an exclusive privilege for paid class participants. Reproduction, modification, distribution or republication of materials (including but not limited to photos, pdf files, text, videos, all links or the user/name password for access) are strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of Kristine Chubb.

You may share products you create using the content of the class or individual photos of your projects as long as Kristine Chubb (use link if shared electronically) is appropriately credited as the designer.   Thank you so much for your support!

Sweet Summer and a Tidy Tip

I recently helped to host a multi-demonstrator Sale-a-Bration event.  It was a lot of fun!  One of the cards that I had for the ladies to do used the Sweet Summer Sale-a-Bration set.  It is an outline set, which means it works well for coloring!  I used to love to color as a child.  I still do.  For awhile when my daughter was younger and all I ever colored were princesses from Disney, the love of coloring disappeared.  I enjoyed watching my daughter color, but could not muster the excitment to color one more ball gown.  But now that I'm back to coloring with wonderful Stampin' Up markers on my cards, the love has returned. Here's the card.

Stamps: Sweet Summer, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Embossing folder: Tulips

Card stock: Whisper white, Blushing Bride

Inks: Blushing Bride marker, Pear Pizazz  marker, Daffodil Delight marker, Stazon Jet Black

Ribbon: Blushing Bride Poly twill

Punches: Scallop Oval, Medium Oval

It's a super simple card, which is why I think it ended up being such a hit!  It is also the kind of card that will work for many occasions, I used one of the stamps from the set Teeny Tiny Wishes for the sentiment.  That brings me to today's Tidy Tip.  I have to admit that I am one of those people who likes everything neat and tidy.  I cannot create in chaos.  I must have all chores off my mind before I can settle into the right side of my brain.  So, something that was driving me ab-so-lute-ly NUTS was the stamp set Teeny Tiny wishes.  Love the set...hate how the blocks refused to stay neat and all standing up so I could easily read the sentiments.  Because this was the set I used at the Sale-a-Bration event, I spent a lot of time helping guests find a sentiment.  By the time I got home, I wanted to chuck the whole thing!  Urgh!  Then a thought dawned from my weary mind.  It said, "Make ledges."  It wasn't a voice like Kevin Costner hears in Field of Dreams, but I did hear it.  So I took a piece of scrap Window Sheet and began making mountain and valley folds.  Mountains were taped together and valleys were about 3/4" wide.  I then taped the valleys to my plastic case and placed my stamps into the valleys with the mountains becoming the ledges the stamps could rest against.  And it happened...that sigh escaped my lungs as I smiled and felt all neat and tidy!  Look!

Okay, it may not look like much, but those stamps do not slop around in the case anymore.  I can put a sentiment back exactly where I left it last.  No other stamp has slid into it's place or flopped over and messed up the arrangement.  And when I close the lid!!!...Yes... NOTHING changes. Makes me all emotional.  I tried to get a picture of the mountain and valley folds inside the case.  Dare I say this might just be genius!?

 

Just look how that line of stamps stays so soldierly on their ledge!  It's a little slice of heaven for a neat and tidy chic.

Okay, go tidy up your own Teeny Tiny Wishes.  You can thank me later. :-)

Kristine

The cards I'm sharing today are from my last workshop.  My hostess wanted an Easter card, so the following is what I came up with. 

The card uses a technique that I think is such a simple WOW called faux letterpress.  Using an embossing folder (in this case the Vintage wallpaper Embossing folder), you rub ink onto the folder on the side that is bumpless.  (Is that a word?)  Then place your card stock into the folder and run it through the Big Shot and the paper will be embossed, but the color you rubbed onto the folder will be laid down around the embossing.  It is just too cool!  I also found the very pretty ribbon technique on the Paper Crafters Sampler site and added that the center of the cross.  It looks hard, but it really is not.  Trust me...I'm all about being easy. (Okay, that didn't sound right, but you know what I mean.)  Then added to the center of that gor-jus ribbon is one of Stampin' Up!'s new Vanilla Rosettes.  Notice how I said vanilla, but mine isn't?  I'm too clever!  I daubered blushing bride ink onto the rosette to change its color!  Vanilla with white ribbon looks...well, puky.  So by adding color I get ahhhh, not eewwwehh.  Using Versamark ink I stamped the leaf image from the stamp set Just Believe onto the bottom.  I wanted the cross to stand out, so I didn't do any other stamping.  Now for the inside...

Using the same set, Just Believe, I used markers to color in the image and then stamped.  Pretty!  Isn't the sentiment perfect for Easter? :-) Yup!

Next up is a simple, elegant card which was inspired by a similar card designed by Sarah Wills.  Love her stuff.  Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon and ink on white.  Good combo! Three pearls from the Basic Pearls gives the butterfly a body. Look!

And finally another stamp you can earn free during Sale-a-bration called Tiny Teacup.  The colors remind me of a delicious cup of coffee.  This card is a direct CAS of Lisa Young. Isn't is wonderful?!  I think the Love Letters Designer paper and the Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon are so complementary to each other.

That's it!

Here's a question for you...I have no idea how many readers I have out there in blog land.  I can see that there are some of you since my counter at the bottom of the page is going up, and that cannot possibly be just my mom and daughter and friends who kindly look at my cards!  So, the question...would it be helpful to you, my kind reader, if I include a recipe of my cards?  Leave me a comment.!  You have no idea how excited I get when I receive a comment. I do a little happy jig and SMILE!

Have a great day, and if the mood strikes you, do your own happy jig! 

Kristine

On the softer side

Happy Tuesday morning to you!  Today I am in a funk.  Ever have those days?  Just cannot get the rear in gear! Fortunately, I am ready to post some more cards for you!

The first uses the watercolor roses technique shown to me by my friend, Lynnette.  She's a talented lady! (Shame, shame shame she does not have a blog we can all oogle. Sigh)  Using an aqua painter and some reinker, you float the color on top of glossy or shimmer paper and let it dry.  I used So Saffron and Peach Parfait reinkers because, as Donkey says in Shrek, "Everybody like Parfait!." I used that wonderful flourish from the set Baroque Motifs (may it never retire) and the rose image from Fifth Avenue Floral.  The leaves of the rose are punched from the wing of the Two step bird punch! 

 "Ahhh!" you say, "What a versatile punch!"

  "Yes," I answer wisely, nodding my head, "It is not just for the birds!"  hahahahaha 

 Okay, add ramie to that funky thing I got goin'.  With a Polka Dot dry emboss on the Peach Parfait panel (again, because "Everybody like Parfait!")  and a vanilla Top Note, the card has a Victorian feel.  Yes?

 

"But, Kristine...how did you make those bird wings look like such realistic leaves?" 

I blush, smile and say, "It's easy!  Punch out the wing from Pear Pizzazz card stock.  Then crumple it 'til it's tiny, tiny.  Then uncrumple it and press it against a Pear Pizzazz classic ink pad.  The ink fills in the crumples and makes it look great!" 

You smile at me and we are both happy to know how to make leaves from bird wings.  I only wish I could press myself up against a classic ink pad and make my "crumples" look great. {sigh}  Basic pearls in the swirls of the flourish, some Victoria Crochet ribbon and a pretty font in the sentiment from Fabulous Phrases finish off the card.  Okay, you now get to look!

Next up is a direct CAS card from Mary Fish.  She is becoming my idol.  Love her stuff!  This card uses the Rub-ons from the Occasions Mini called Love Impressions.  An aside: Have you ever stopped to think that there is someone,( maybe multiple someones!) whose job it is to name the stuff in the catalog!  Hmmm, guess that would take a talent for alliteration or maybe just a need to control the world and name things?  Anyway, moving on....The card is framed with the pretty Tulip Embossing folder.  Simple black, red and white with a touch of pink keep it simple.  Not an ounce of ink is used on this card!  I suppose this isn't a stamped card, technically.  It's a rubbed card!  No inky fingers.

And the final card.  Thank you for reading this far.  My... you're a saint. 

This card uses Lap of Luxury DSP and the Square Lattice Embossing folder.  To get the look of a quilt, first layer all pieces and then run the whole thing through the Big Shot with the embossing folder.  It squishes (a very technical stamping term) all the layers together and it looks very "quilty."  The sentiment is from the Occasions set You're a Gem.  And really...YOU'RE a gem if you read my whole post today.  Gracias!

Greenhouse garden in concord crush

This is a card I did for my demo swap group.  Something about the concord crush and the espresso spoke to me.  I tried a different layout (yeah, some of us tend to get in a layout rut) and I really like how the flower focal point pops off the card.  The background is embossed and then sponged with espresso ink to make the design stand out a bit.  Baby pearls along the side add a little somthin' somethin'.  The DSP behind the flowers is from the Patterns Paper Pack that is the Hostess Level 1 gift.  You know, those packs are great.  I am always pleasantly surprised by what's in them!  To finish the card, I punched three 1/4" circles, adhered them with mini glue dots and then put some shine on them with crystal effects for the faux brad look.  The sentiment is also a hostess level 1 set called Afterthoughts.  It's true...I do love being spoiled!

If you would like any more details on the card, drop me an email.  If you would like to receive the hostess paper patterns pack or the Afterthoughts set, contact me about hosting your own workshop!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kristine

Some more Christmas cards

I have continued making Christmas cards.  You'd think I have enough by now!  Here are a couple more to share.

The first card is one of my favorites.  It came together easily for my, which is unusual, and I still like it after looking at it days in a row! lol  The paper is from the Nursery Specialty Suite DSP.  I would not have thought to look in this DSP for Christmas paper, but as I was browsing my papers, this pattern popped out.  It's always fun to use a paper for a purpose it was not intended.   Makes me feel like a rebel!  Wohoo, I'm such a wild and crazy girl. :-)  Now the bow...oh my.  I went to Lee Conreys blog, and she has these magic bow makers for sale.  Yup, bought one.  Love it!  Hey, doesn't my bow look fan-tas-tic!? And the bows just whip right up.  Ain't nothin' but a thing!  Thanks Lee!  The punch is from the Martha Stewart collection.



The next card is for my Open Swappers group.  This is a card making group that swaps once a month for four months.  Materials have to be Stampin' Up!, but they do not need to be current.  If you would like to be a part of the next swap group beginning in January and continuing through April, please contact me.  I can give you all the specifics.  It's fun, and you get to use anything SU!  Anyway, onto the card.  This card has an old fashion feel to me.  I really like it, but it got mixed reviews from my family.  I did one of my new favorite tricks on this card, which is to adhere DSP before running it through the Big Shot with an embossing folder.  I like the look!  All of the edges of the paper are "frosted" with craft white.  I liked using the eyelets again too!  I wonder why they went out of vogue?  I would love to know your honest opinion about the card.  Leave me a comment!

Next is my very sweet daughter, Olivia.  She wanted to do the Mojo Monday challenge for one of her Christmas cards.  Here she is with her finished card. 

And here is the sketch she followed...

And here is the close-up of her card.  Beautiful!!  I think this is one of her best cards.  It's hard to see in the picture, but the snowflakes have dazzling diamonds on them!  A little pretty bling!  As you note, she used the Magic Bow Maker too.  Soooo easy!

I have more cards to share, but will save them for another post.  Thanks for stopping by.  I hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful time with family and friends, and you had some time to stop and reflect on all that you have to be grateful for. 

Kristine

Day of Gratitude

This stamp set was the first one to catch my eye when the Holiday Mini came out.  It reminds me of one of my favorite retired stamp sets called True Friend.  Both sets have the same design style--a little western, a little ...Scandinavian?  At least that is what I think when I look at them.  I really like the sample card that is pictured with the set in the mini, so I decided to stick with the Cajun Craze color.  The layout is courtesy of Stampin 411 blog Saturday Sketch Challenge #171.  This will be one of the cards for my club this Friday.  I like the rich, warm colors of it. 

The DSP is the Autumn Spice.  Doesn't that sound wonderful?  Makes me think of warm apple cider.  The ribbon is in Early Espresso, and I used the lattice embossing folder on the Cajun Craze panel for some extra texture.

Here is the inside of the card.

Wonderful sentiment, yes?  I sometimes need the reminder that everyday is a blessing and a reason to be grateful. 

Thanks for stopping in today.  Remember to feel the gratitude today for all of your blessings!

Kristine

More Christmas cards

I'm continuing to make Christmas cards.  I will be making these two cards with some ladies on Saturday for a Christmas Card Class.  If you are interested in making either of the cards on your own, I do offer card kits for both.  Just send me an email and I'll reply with the particulars!

One of the ladies coming to the class loves blue and white.  This card is in her honor.  It uses the new snowflake embossing folder and the basic rhinestones.

This second card is really stunning in person.  It's the kind of card people want to touch because of the sparkle.  The sparkle is done with heat and stick powder and dazzling diamonds.

The sparkle is not showing up in the picture. :-( I need to learn how to take better pictures!

Hope you like the cards. 

Kristine

Holiday Bustle

It has been a fast week. I have been creating and cutting and making my fingers sticky and inky. And it was all glorious! All gazillion and one of my Christmas cards has been sent out! Whew! I made a few designs since after a little while, I didn't want to make one more of the same card!
Card #1 used the very elegant Scenic Season stamp set. This was one of the first sets I bought when the catalog came out. It appeals to the traditionalist in me. The picture doesn't show it well, but I misted the paper with the frost white shimmer paint, so when the card is tilted, it looks like it's snowing!


Card #2 looks like a quilt in person to me--and it happens to use my favorite color combo--red and white (must be the Danish background!) I REALLY do try to use colors other than red, but it seems to sneak in there on me frequently. The main white panel is embossed using the Holiday mini embossing folder Petals a plenty.




Card #3 was probably the most time consuming of the three. Using the large and small tag punches, you punch out and adhere the paper to vellum to create the star. I LOVED the look, but was cross-eyed and sticky after making the stars. It was like looking at the 3D books where you're suppose to see something in the picture. After awhile, I couldn't see the star in the pattern! There is a great tutorial on how to make these punch tag stars on Splitcoast stampers. In the tutorial they show how to make a double star. I decided to stick with the single layer because I felt like the card already had enough goin' on. I used my much missed Red Riding Hood on this card. I so miss that color! {sniffle}. It's still an "IN Color" in MY heart!




I have also been working on some 3D projects which I'll share in a separate post.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Kristine