Merry Christmas!

I popping in with a quick Christmas card!  I am in between cleaning and Christmas decorating.   I am playing along with a couple of blog challenges with this card.  I am using The Sweetest Thing Sketch, The Paper Players Tic Tac Toe, and Just Us Girls Wild Card. 

For my card I went completely CAS.  I used a white card stock base.   I created a little scene with this card.  I think it turned out so cute.     To create the snowdrift I used Verve's Flourish Trim die.  I used the negative cut.  I added a few snowflakes using Verve's Merry & Bright stamp set.  Can you imagine if snowflakes were really that big?   I die cut the reindeer from Verve's Reindeer Fun die set.  I stamped the coordinating image from Verve's Unto Us stamp set  using dark chocolate ink.  

Next, I stamped the sentiment from Verve's Holiday Greetings stamp set in black ink.  I die cut the Christmas tree in green glitter card stock using Verve's Winter Fun die set.  The flags were cut with Verve's Banner Bundle die set.  I cut two to give the look that it goes all the way across.  I finished my card with a few of Verve's Holiday Sequin Mix.  

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas!

I am back again today with 2 more Christmas cards to share!  I started making this card with a color combo in mind.  I am playing along with Merry Monday Christmas Challenge.  This week is red, white, and green!  I am also playing along with Simon Wednesday "Anything Goes" Challenge.

 I am using all MFT Stamps products unless otherwise noted.  I combined MFT smooth white, wild cherry, and Jellybean Green card stocks.  I cut the base with jellybean green.  The smooth white layer uses MFT Blueprints 15.  I die cut the wild cherry panel using the MFT Jumbo Dot Cover Up.  I needed this panel to sit inside the stitched frame so I die cut it with MFT Blueprints 2.  This just takes a little bit off of the cover up edges without messing with the dot bordering.  I die cut the jumbo dot again with smooth white.  I filled all of the smooth white dots into the wild cherry panel.   I used MFT stitched rounded rectangles and die cut a wild cherry focal frame.  I die cut the stitchable circle stax in the top center and glued a scrap piece of wild cherry behind to peek a boo to the center.  

 I die cut a piece of vellum using MFT Fishtail Flag Stax.  I double end cut this.  I stamped the sentiment from Grand Holiday Greetings.  Love how this turned out.  I added a piece of foam tape behind the solid gold sentiment and adhered it to the card.  

To create the flower design I used MFT Flower Medley.  I cut the dies in smooth white and wild cherry and alternated the layering.  I added a gold glittered card stock piece to the center of the flower using the same flower medley die namics.  I used the MFT Layered Leaves cut in jellybean green to the outside.  I thought about adding some embellishments, but decided I loved it just the way it is.

For the next card, I am playing along with this week's Retro Sketch Challenge.  I am just getting this in under the wire.  I am also playing along with Crafty Hazelnut's "Anything Goes" Christmas Challenge.

I used the same colors as the above card since I had several pieces leftover.  I  used the opposite for the background so I have no waste there.  I used the same elements just created a different look.  The only different items used on the second card is the stitched sentiment strip from Blueprints 20.  I used the sentiment from PI Overflowing Joy stamp set in MFT hybrid black licorice ink.  I used a green staple to adhere the sentiment to the card.  

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Have a Cozy Christmas and Sweater TAGS!

Happy Friday!  I have 2 Christmas Tags and 1 Christmas card to share today!   I have been enjoying family, friends, and lots of food over the past few days!   My family and I are so Very Blessed and Very Thankful!   We have more festivities scheduled for today and tomorrow, so I wanted to pop in and get my latest creations posted.  

 
I am playing along with this week' s  The Card Concept.      The challenge is to make a tag based on the inspiration picture.  I thought it would be fun to create sweater tags this year!  With all the "ugly sweater" parties this time of year, I thought a sweater tag would be fun!  I must face facts, though.  I can only hope people who receive my Christmas cards keep them forever....but I am pretty sure a gift tag is going to get trashed!  Boohoo!   I personally think these sweater tags are absolutely adorable....not "ugly sweater" at all!

These were so quick and easy that I made two in no time at all!   I am using all MFT Stamps products unless otherwise stated.  The first tag uses MFT black licorice card stock.  I stamped the sweater with MFT Sweater Knit background using versa mark.  It is very subtle but shows in real life...not so much in the pictures.  The I die cut the Christmas Cuteness snowman and stamp with the coordinating Christmas Cuteness image using MFT hybrid black licorice ink.  I colored with copics and popped it up on some Jody Boosters(stash) for some dimension.  I used the cropodile to punch holes in the top left of the sweater.  I added ribbon ties with some red and white twine(stash).   

For the second sweater,  I used used Red Hot card stock.  I stamped the stitched pattern from Nordic Knits stamp set across the front using MFT Red Hot premium die ink pad.   I die cut the adorable dear from Christmas Cuteness dienamics.  I stamped the coordinating image from Christmas Cuteness stamp set.   I colored with copics and popped it up on some Jody Boosters(stash) for some dimension.    I love how these both turned out!  I definitely want to make more of these!   I am playing along with Simon's Work It Wednesday Holiday Themed Challenge.

 In keeping with the sweater theme, I am moving along to my Christmas card which also showcases two sweaters! 

Have a Cozy Christmas!

I am playing along with this week's MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge and The Color Throwdown.   I just love these colors together and the sketch is always fun!

For my card I am using MFT kraft, electric red, berrylicious, and smooth white card stocks.  I die cut the red panel using MFT Blueprints 13.  I stamped the sentiment from MFT Cozy Greetings with MFT Pigment Sweet Tooth ink pad.  I heat embossed with white embossing powder(stash).  I die cut the white horizontal strip with MFT stitched scallop (medium sized one).  I did this at the top and the bottom.  I added a kraft stitched strip from MFT Blueprints 1 to the center.  

For some added detailing I die cut this panel using the stitched die from MFT Blueprints 20.  I die cut the stitch strip in electric red and berrylicious as well so I could add in the different colored stitches.  Love this look! I  softly sponged the edges for a warmer feel.  I die cut the berrylicious focal panel using MFT rounded stitched rectangles stax.  Love these!  I softly sponged the edges.  I die cut two of the smaller sweaters using MFT Comfy Sweaters.  I stamped both sweaters  using MFT Nordic Knits stamp set.  I used MFT Natural Premium ink on the kraft and MFT Premium electric red on the electric red sweater.  I die cut the center of the sweater image using MFT Blueprints 20.  I really love how this card turned out! 

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Unto Us

Happy Wednesday!   I am out of school today!   I had a wee bit of time this morning before I start the cooking process to pop into my crafty space and make a card.  I am playing along with this week's Mojo Monday Sketch, Christmas Card Challenges inspiration photo, and Simon Wednesday Anything Goes Challenge!  I am using the colors from this week's Merry Monday Challenges.



For my tall skinny card I decided to start with some pattern paper.  I have not used many pattern papers lately and I still have a few packs that I have not even opened yet.  Today I used the Carta Bella it's a celebration paper pack.

I started with a few stitch die panels and added Verve's Cut Above On Occasion die cut in black.  I stamped the cool frame from Verve's On Occasion stamp set in MFT Pigment in in Sweet Tooth.  I let it dry a bit then softly sponged the edges.  In the center I stamped Verve's Unto Us stamp set using the same ink.  I stacked two sentiments together for this look.  I think they say it all for this time of the year.   While it is a chalkboard style, I did not smudge a lot on the inside of the frame.  Just around the edges to soften it a bit.   I finished the card with a few sequins from the newly released Verve's Holiday Sequin Mix!  Love!

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

PTI November Blog Hop 2014!

Happy Tuesday!  I am playing along today with PTI November Blog Hop 2014!   This month the challenge is all about SNOW this month!  

I got my inspiration from this photo on the blog.  I just love the individual jumbo sized flakes.  I see more hues of soft blues, so I decided to use PTI Stitched Snowflake die and cut it out using some blue glittered card stock.  I wanted to make a shaker card, but I find the process tedious when I am in a hurry.  I have come up with a full proof method that works for me that is easy peasy.  Thought I would share!

The Easy Way to Shake Shake Shaker!  
  
I die cut the scalloped rectangle frame from the Shaker and Sprinkles Kit 6 times.  I glue together 5 layers using Tombow Mono Aqua Glue.  Love this stuff.  You must make sure all 5 layers are glued around the inside edges and liquid glue works the best for this.  Next, I cut out the clear acetate for the shaker winder.  On the top of the fifth layer I add  1/8" score tape all the way around the inside frame.  I cut the acetate so that is it slightly smaller than the tape width.  I glue my acetate sheet to the top5th layer of the stacked frames.  Then,  I add some clear glue all around the edges of the top frame making sure to get the scalloped sections as well.  I glue the final frame onto the top.  This gives me a 6 layered frame die cut with the acetate window sandwiched between the 5th and 6th layer.  I let it dry for a few minutes.  

I glued the blue ice snowflake to the back panel.  I flip the acetate window frame over and fill with my shaker elements.  In this case I am using some sequins and the white sprinkles from the Shaker and Sprinkles kit.  I use more 1/8" inch score tape and add the solid backing onto the card.  My shaker box is complete.  I love doing shaker boxes this way because there is no foam tape sticky edging to worry about.  Not to mention trying to get that foam tape to stick in all the right places.   The thickness of the card stock sandwich is plenty deep to add shaker elements.  Takes all the fussiness out of creating a shaker.

I like the clean lines and unobstructed view for this card so I opted to not add a sentiment to the outside.  To complete the card I scored a background panel.  I used some foam tape to pop it up.  Then, I added some foam tape to the shaker box.  The card is all white with just the focal blue ice snowflake in the spotlight!  

As always thank so much for hopping by!

Betty

Another Trio of Christmas Cards!

I have another trio of Christmas cards to share today!   My first trio of Christmas cards can be seen HERE.   Today's cards are more CAS Style.  Each card plays off of the other in that I used some of the products already on my craft desk.  I also challenged myself to use the word PEACE 3 times!  Here are the results!

Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!  Especially this time of year with all the Christmas ads for Black Friday Shopping.  My Talbots Magazine arrived this week.  I just love looking through the magazine.  As I was looking through, I saw a couple of items that inspired a card.  This red sweater with the white centered snowflake resonated with me.  Love the elegant simplicity of the design.  I thought I could replicate the look since MFT STAMPS just released a Sweater Stitch background stamp!  LOVE!

All of the products used are from MFT STAMPS unless otherwise noted.  For this first card I am using this week's CAS(E) This Sketch  for the first card. started with MFT Card Stock Sampler Pack.  I am using Smooth White and Electric Red.  I die cut the electric red panel with MFT Blueprints 15.  I stamped this panel with MFT Sweater Knits background stamp using MFT Premium Electric Red ink pad.  Then, I die cut this panel with the largest of the trio of Pierced Snowflake die namics and the Peace, Love, Joy die namics.   I used re-positional tape to secure the dies in place while running through my vagabond.  I glued another red piece of card stock behind the main panel so only red would show through the snowflake.  I die cut the word and snowflake using smooth white card stock. I inlaid the white snowflake to the front.   I  inlaid the word "peace" and added the red die pieces.  Then I glued the main panel to the card base.   I was trying to decide if I wanted to add something else to the card like a touch of sparkle, but decided to leave it just like this.  

 CARD  # 2   Peace Wreath

For this card I am playing along with The Fusion Card Challenge.  I love the sparkly bells and balls wreath.  I thought I could replicate the look with stamps and dies in a more CAS Style.  I actually used the sketch on Card #3.  For this card I used the sketch from Cardabilities. 

First of all,  I am using all MFT Stamps unless otherwise noted.  I started with MFT Card Stock Sampler.  I am using smooth white, kraft, and electric red.  I die cut the scallops panel from Blueprints 20.  This blueprints set has this adorable scalloped frame.  I cut it out and used it for the card front. I added another kraft base behind the card cut very close so the scallops are still visible.  I then cut out the new MFT Jumbo Dot Cover Up in kraft and smooth white.  

I use both of these so there is no waste.  I inlaid all of the kraft circles.  I stamp using MFT Premium Natural ink pad for a soft color the MFT Sheet Music Background stamp.  I did this at a slight angle for added interest.  I then die cut the large circle frame from MFT Blueprints 16 using some silver glitter card stock from my stash.  (I cut this die again using foam adhesive sheets that I have in my stash to get a circle of adhesive foam to pop this panel up.  It is easier to do this that cut a bunch of tiny pieces to fix to any shape that is not straight).   I die cut the word "peace" 3 times (one was left over from the first card).  I glued them together.  I die cut the smallest of the three Pierced Snowflakes die namics to the card tied with some silver cording.  I really love how this card turned out!

CARD #3   Peace Stars!

                                           Card #3 uses  some of the same components of card #2.  Waste not want not!  I am playing along with this week's Festive Friday Inspiration Challenge!   I see a lot of wood and kraft tones along with vibrant pink and white with a few touches of sparkle.  

 

I started with MFT Card Stock Sampler.  I am using smooth white, kraft, and Razzle Berry.  I used Blueprints 20 for scalloped card front.  I used MFT Jumbo Dot Cover Up.  I added all of the white dots.  I then used  Blueprints 16 to die cut the larger circle frame.  I saw a lot of opened circle ornaments on the tree in the inspiration photo.  I stamped this circle frame with MFT Sheet Music Background using MFT Premium Natural Ink pad.   I die cut the word "peace" in Razzle Berry card stock 3 times and glued together for added strength.  I then used some silver glitter card stock from my stash and die cut the double cut stars from Blueprints 18 and added to the circle frame.  I used some foam tape to the center of peace so it does not dip in the center.  I thought about adding some more touches of bling, but I decided I love it just the way it is.  I actually used the Fusion Sketch on this card. 

I need to check to see how many more Christmas cards I need to make.  I know I need a few Christmas Gift tags!  

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Happy Birthday!

I have a fun Birthday card to share today!  I am playing along with this week's MFT Sketch Challenge and The Color Throwdown.

Love this week's Throwdown colors!  So fun to work with!  All products from MFT Stamps unless otherwise noted.  I started with MFT Card Stock Sampler Pack.  I am using Smooth White, Nightshift Blue, Cotton Candy, and Sour Apple.  I used Blueprint 10 to die cut the rounded edge nightshift blue panel.  I stamped this with MFT Snowfall background using MFT Pigment Sweet Tooth ink pad.  I then cut out the sour apple panel with fishtail flags stax in sour apple.  I stamped this panel with MFT Fine Check background stamp.   I inked the edges with Versa Mark(stash) for added definition.  I then cut out the white panel using MFT Horizontal Strips.  I stamped this panel using MFT Premium Sno Cone in pad with the tiny snowflake image from Cool Days stamp set.  

I die cut the bear from Cool Days Die namics and stamped with coordinating image from Cool Days stamp set using MFT Hybrid Black Licorice ink pad using Neenah Solar White(stash).  I colored with Copic Markers(stash).  I used some pop dots(stash) and attached to panel.  Next, I used MFT Balloon Stax and die cut the cotton candy balloon.  I stamped this image with the sentiment from Cool Days stamp set using MFT Hybrid Black Licorice ink pad.  I sponged the edges with Versa Mark to add some depth and dimension to the balloon.  I stamped the tiny heart from Cool Days stamp set using MFT Premium Lemonade Pink ink pad to the lower center of the balloon.  I wrapped regular sewing thread(stash) around the balloon and glued it in places to look like the bear was holding it.  I used some pop dots to create some varied height.  I finished my card with some Shine Bright Sequins(VerveStamps).  

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty 

Sending You Warm Thoughts!

It's Friday!   I have a card to share today.  I came home from school and decided I needed to craft!  Crafting helps me release all the tension from rushing around all day at school.   It is the BEST Therapy!

I am playing along with this week's Freshly Made Sketches.  I turned mine to make a vertical card.  

I just have to say that I love my new COMFY SWEATER die namics from MFT.  I see lots of possibilities with this die.  I just had to use it.   All products from MFT Stamps unless otherwise stated.  I started with MFT Card Stock Sampler Pack. I am using steel gray, smooth white, electric red, and kraft.  I cut the card base using steel gray.  I die cut the smooth white with stitched frame from Blueprints 13.  I stamped the electric red panel with Sweater Stitch using MFT Premium Electric Red ink pad.  I sponged the edges with versa mark.  Next, I die cut the white strip using Horizontal Stitch Strips.  I stamped the sentiment from Cozy Greetings using MFT Premium Steel Gray ink pad.  I then die cut the kraft card stock with MFT Stitched Rounded Corners.  Since the sketch calls for this panel to have a straight edge, I die cut it with the Blueprints 13 to give the stitched look all the way around. I stamped this panel with Cheesecloth background using MFT Premium Natural ink pad.  Love the subtle texture!

As for the sweaters, I die cut one in steel gray and left it plain.  Love the collar and cuff embossed detailing that shows so beautifully.  I stamped the electric red sweater with MFT Pigment Sweet Tooth ink pad using Nordic Knits stampset.  I heat embossed with white ep.  LOVE! LOVE!  how it turned out!  Looks so real!  I added some foam tape for dimension.  I felt like the card needed a little something, so I looped some MFT hemp cord and added a die cut buttom from MFT Blueprints 14.  It gave me just the perfect finishing touch!  I am playing along with The Friday Mashup!  It is all about the weather! I was thinking cold weather and need for sweaters and warm thoughts!

For card 2....I just happy *sigh*   I was on the fence about whether or not to get this Quilt Square cover up!  So glad I did!  I love it already!  I started with MFT Card Stock Sampler Pack!  I am using Primitive White and Steel Gray.
I cut the base with primitive white.  I die cut the steel gray panel with MFT Blueprints 15.  I stamped this panel with the image from MFT Nordic Knits stamp set using MFT Premium Steel Gray ink pad.  

I stamped the focal image using Sweater Stitched background using MFT Premium Steel Gray ink pad as well.  I die cut this panel using the Quilt Square Cover Up.  I die cut a primitive white panel with the Quilt Square Cover Up.  I inked the edges of the primitive white pieces with some vintage distress ink for dimension and to make it look like a well loved quilt.  I inked the steel gray with versa mark ink to add some depth and dimension.  I assemble my quilt.  I added a deep red button to the center tied with some MFT hemp cord.  I added a sentiment from MFT Starry Christmas stamp using a label die from MFT Blueprints 9.  I thought it looked like a quilt tag/label.  Too cute!  Love how it turned out!  I am playing along with Christmas Cards All Year Round.  The challenge is no patterned paper.  I stamped all of my card stock.  I am also playing along with Winter Wonderland:  Let's Get Sentimental.

Right now I must get ready!  I have plans to see Mockingjay Part 1 with a kiddos and some friends!  I hope to post again tomorrow when I try my hands at a couple of more challenges!

As always thanks so much for stopping by!  

Betty