The Greetery {Winter Crafting Olympics}

 Hello and welcome! I'm popping in today to share a fun wintery project using both old and new products from The Greetery! I’m so excited the Olympic Winter Games are this month and I’ve had card ideas on the brain using that theme! My card features the darling penguin and I couldn’t resist trying another little pocket/pouch idea like I did for the Amour Market Collection release! So, I’ve got the ski theme with the card, and the Après Ski theme with the pocket/pouch {snuggle up with a cup of cocoa after an afternoon on the slopes}! This pouch is a little bit roomier so you could add a few packets of hot cocoa to the inside and even some marshmallows if they are the smaller size or the freeze-dried variety. 

For the card, I couldn’t resist using the new Shortbread Shapes: Scalloped Hearts Die and coordinating embossing folder. Now, you might be thinking to yourself: why didn’t she use the snowflake edition? I totally get why you’d wonder, BUT I really liked the scalloped opening of the one I used, so that was the winner. However, both would work just fine! I cut it from Spring Rain cardstock and then did the embossing.

Once that was done, I added some uncharted mariner distress oxide ink over the raised portions using a sponge dauber. I set it aside and got to work on the background. I simply cut another panel using the main die included in the Shortbread Shapes Scalloped Hearts die from white cardstock and then added the stenciling using the Snowflake Prints Stencil and Spring Rain ink. I added some uncharted mariner ink splatter for a snowy look. 

Next, I created the penguin using the darling Hey Honeycomb Penguin Die. I wanted to showcase the card with the white honeycomb open, but you could definitely leave it closed so you can mail it and add images from the Hey Honeycomb Holiday Stamp Set. There are some sentiments that would work perfectly for this particular card. I added Glossy Accents to the eyes, beak, and feet for a shiny look. I set this cutie aside so it could dry. 

I knew I was going to be using the Cocoa Cozy Stamp Set for the pocket/pouch, so I decided to cut and stamp a few of the snowflakes that are included in the set to use on the card. I also created some snowdrifts using the Drifting Die and the skis are created using the Holiday Hatchback Die. I think these are just the cutest thing and I can envision this cute penguin descending the slopes in the skis! Ha ha!

Once I had all of the pieces ready to go, I added them to the background using foam squares for dimension. I also added a cute bow to the top using the Regency Bow No. 2 Die along with the sentiment, which is from the Christmas Time Sentiments Stamp Set and die. I added some Snow flock to the entire card front along with some glitter and sparkle gems to the snowflakes and the holly on the penguin. The holly is cut using the Ornamental Tag Die and adds the perfect arctic charm to this cutie! 

The pouch was created by adding some strategically placed score lines to the panel that was cut and embossed using the same supplies as the card.

 I folded it along the score lines and then added a little clothespin to the top to keep it closed. You could use ribbon or any other type of fastener, depending on your preferences. 

As I mentioned earlier, I knew I would be using the Cocoa Cozy stamp/die set for this project, so I cut all of the pieces I would need and then added the color using sponge daubers. I love adding the embossed details to the mittens using the Winter Mitts Embossing Folder.

 I needed a landing spot for the “hugs and cocoa mugs” sentiment, so I cut the smallest Oblong Octagon Labels Die to stamp it on. Once that was done, I simply added everything to the pouch using foam squares and liquid glue. I added some Candy Crumble Mix to the cocoa for some chocolatey goodness! I had so much fun working on these two projects and I’m crossing my fingers I’ll find some additional time to create a few more festive cards to celebrate the Olympic Winter Games! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Seasonal Sympathy {and breaking all my rules}

It's never fun to need sympathy cards and I wish this one in particular wasn't needed, but here we are! A dear friend lost her mom a few weeks ago and is now awaiting the passing of her sweet dad! None of the cards I had in my stash seemed fitting for this time of year so I decided to make something new, a little more fitting of the season. Also, I'm breaking a few of my "rules" for sympathy cards, so come along as I dive into the creation of this card.

To begin, I created the background by cutting a 4 by 5 1/4 inch piece of Powder Green cardstock and embossed it using a cable knit embossing folder from Gemini Junior. I'm having a hard time locating it, so maybe it is discontinued. I added some Walnut Stain Distress Oxide Spray for depth and interest and set it aside to dry.

Next, I die cut all of the foliage, berries, and pinecones using some assorted sets. The brown leaves, the broad, thick leaf and pistachio colored leaves are all from the Into the Blooms: Anemones Die. The brown leaves are colored with Creamy Caramel ink from SU!, the broad leaf is colored with Stormy Sea (PTI) and Handsome Hunter ink from SU!, and the pistachio colored leaves are colored with Mint Julep (PTI) and Handsome Hunter (SU!). The large leaf cluster is from the Into the Blooms: Christmas Sprigs Die and is colored with Stormy Sea and Handsome Hunter.

I used the Into the Blooms: Pine Die for the pinecones. They are colored with Chocolate Chip ink (SU!) and then the berries are from the Into the Blooms: Bold Berries Die. I colored them with Antique Linen Distress Oxide ink with a touch of brown (whatever was left on a sponge dauber). I spritzed everything with a combination of Frayed Burlap Distress Spritz, Walnut Stain Distress Oxide Spray (linked earlier) and Antique Linen Distress Oxide Spray.

I set all of the foliage and things aside to let them dry. I die cut the middle size included in the new Love to Layer: Polished Points Die from Vintage Cream cardstock and stamped the sentiment. It is my go-to sympathy sentiment and is from the Vintage Garden Stamp Set. I stamped it with Walnut Stain Distress Oxide ink and added some ink splatters with the same ink. I used a sticky note to cover up the main portion of the sentiment and then just splattered it everywhere else.

I felt the sentiment needed something extra, so I rummaged through my mini sentiment stamp sets hoping to find an accent that was fitting. I made some modifications to the original saying; it said Sending Prayers For A, so I just used a sticky note to cover up the unnecessary bits and then heat embossed it in gold. The sentiment is from the Just Sentiments: Get Well Mini  Stamp Set. 

I added the sentiment panel to the background using foam squares and off-set it near the bottom right. I knew I was going to need more room on the left side for the foliage, berries, and pinecones. 

I arranged them using foam squares and liquid glue until I was satisfied with the arrangement. I added some Rock Candy Glitter and Shimmer Spray-Sparkle. Now, if you've been around awhile, you will know that I generally don't add glitter to my sympathy cards. I decided to add it to this card to give it the snowy look I was going for. So, here I am breaking my rules! ha ha! I also usually don't like to add sequins, but I did add a trio of sparkling clear sequins around the sentiment.

I think they just work on this seasonal, winter design! I adhered the entire background to an A2 top-folding Vintage Cream card base using liquid glue. I did stamp an inside greeting and added a few extra berries and leaves to the inside, but I forgot to take a pictures. I am definitely trying to be more prepared and stamp the inside of my cards as I make them and not wait until I NEED them. This really came back to bite me during Christmas....I didn't even get around to stamping on the inside of many of them and I felt bad. 

Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Baby It's Cold Outside

Hello and welcome! I'm sharing a fun wintertime card using a variety of products! I fell in love with this sweet Snuggle Snowman and immediately purchased the die! It arrived when I was busy with other projects and deadlines, but I made some time to use it. I got it out of the package and was ready to get crafty, but got called away for other motherly duties. ha ha! Anyway, I ended up setting it aside and then inadvertently threw it away. I was so sad, but I bought another one and it arrived the other day. I couldn't wait to spend some time creating this card. I saved a snippet of wrapping paper from Christmas to use as my inspiration, but I didn't want it to necessarily be Christmas-themed.

I also bought the beautiful Eyelet Layer Frames, but thank heavens I didn't throw them away! ha ha! To begin this card, I die cut the largest frame included in the set using Seafoam cardstock. I set it aside to do the embossed layer. I pulled out an older embossing folder that I've had for a few years called Pine Bouquet from SSS, but it looks like it's retired. I cut the panel down so it would fit inside the frame. I added some Seafoam Ink over the top using a blender brush to add some dimension.

I attached it to the lace frame piece using foam squares and then added it to a top-folding A2 card base. I die cut all of the pieces for the snowman and got to work assembling it. I took all of my color cues from the wrapping paper, which was fun, because I don't think I would have come up with the hat combination on my own. I glued a red pom-pom from my stash to the top for some added whimsy.

I die cut the eyes and nose twice; once so they could be placed back inside the holes, and again to go over the top for some added dimension. I wanted to add Glossy Accents to those pieces and it's always easier when they are raised a bit. Everything for the snowman himself was cut from white and then I just added some black marker to the eyes and Canyon Clay ink to the carrot nose.

The scarf is cut from Pure Poppy with some Scarlet Jewel blending for depth and contrast. I glued it to the body using foam squares and added the hat with liquid glue. I did add some ink splatter to the body as well for that snowy look. Once the eyes were dry, I added a dot of white gel pen to each one.

The wrapping paper had the snowman holding a bunch of greenery, ,so I got to work creating some. I used the Into the Blooms: Swag Die and cut the pieces from white cardstock. I didn't cut anything that was too holiday or Christmas-y, like holly. I colored the pieces with Stormy Sea ink and then Garden Green and Handsome Hunter from SU! I gave them all a spritz or two of Hickory Smoke Distress Spritz.

While those were drying, I attached the snowman to the embossed panel using foam squares. I tucked the greenery around him using liquid glue and foam squares. The snowflakes are cut from the Build-a-Hat die and the smallest one is from the Bring Home the Holidays Die. I added some blue pearls to the center of each snowflake.

I just love this sentiment and thought it would be perfect for this card. It is from the Just Sentiments: Winter Wonderland Stamp Set and is heat embossed in white on a strip of Pure Poppy cardstock. I added it using strips of foam tape. The finishing touch is some Rock Candy Glitter which I made sure to add to the top of the pom pom for a realistic snowy look! I had so much fun creating this card and I'm so glad this cute snowman is finally here to stay! ha ha! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Walking in a Winter Wonderland {PTI Release Day}

Hello friends! Thanks for stopping by today! There are a few products from the new Papertrey Ink release that I didn't have a chance to use during the countdown, so I have a card to share with you today using one of the never-been-used products, a few of the new products that I DID use, but are some of my favorites, AND some of my older favorites!

To begin this card, I used the Fanciful Snowflake Hot Foil Plate with gold foil on a panel of teal cardstock. I also used the new In Frames: Circle Die to cut the medium and small sized frames from the same cardstock. I adhered those to the two opposite corners using mini foam squares and they are slightly overlapping to keep the circles within the confines of the card front.

The large snowflakes, which are included in the Forever Snowflake Frame Die, are cut using gold glitter cardstock and adhered to the middle of each of the two circle frames. I cut the ornament using the new Holiday Tags: Elegant Ornament Die from white cardstock and then colored it with Pale Peony ink and blender brushes. I gave it a spritz of fossilized amber distress oxide spray and added the top that was cut from gold cardstock using liquid glue. 

I cut a few of the smaller snowflakes included in the Holiday Tags: Let It Snow Die from the same glitter cardstock and added one to the pink ornament and the other to the side of the larger circle frame. I used bright pink adhesive pearls to add to the center of each small snowflake and also scattered across the background.

The greenery and flowers are included in the Tag Creations: Modern Gift Die and were cut from white and then colored with Pale Peony, Stormy Sea, and New Leaf ink and spritzed with the same distress oxide spray.

The centers of the poinsettias are cut from gold cardstock as well as the cute little bow on the ornament that is included in the Bows Galore Die. I added the gold details using liquid glue.

The sentiment is heat embossed with rose gold embossing powder and then cut using the versatile new Hold that Thought Die and adhered using foam squares. I gave everything a spritz of shimmer spray-sparkle for maximum shine and a trio of sparkling clear sequins to really make it sparkle! Everything included in the new release will be available for purchase today at 12:00 PM EST. Thanks for fluttering by!

 

The Greetery {Do You Want to Build A Snowman?}

 

Do you want to build a snowman? Hello friends, I’m excited to be here today sharing something unexpected and perhaps a little whimsical! For those of you who visited my blog during full reveals of the Hint of Autumn Collection, you most likely saw one card in particular that I mentioned seemed a little German or Swiss. I was having a conversation with my daughter about the card having that look and she got wide, excited eyes and said, “Mom, you should make some cards like Anna and Elsa’s doors from Disney’s Frozen! I knew immediately that so many of the new products would be perfect to recreate that Scandinavian feeling!

Of course, I had to immediately watch Frozen again to see the doors, and while I loved my daughter’s original idea, the doors didn’t have quite enough detail for me to base an entire card around, but their clothes? Oh, yes…. absolutely! From there, an idea was born and here we are! I fell head-over-heels in love with both coronation dresses, but opted instead for the classic looking clothing they wear for the remainder of the movie.

I began working on the Anna-inspired card first because that one seemed to be a little more daunting to execute. I had full confidence I could pull off an Elsa look with no problem, but if the Anna card wasn’t successful, I was going to scrap the entire idea and move on! Of course, that meant turning the movie on yet again (twist my arm) and looking at colors and patterns a little more closely. To begin, I got to work on the Floral Borders portion, which is sandwiched in the middle of the design, so why I started there, I don’t know! Ha ha! I used the Capsule Basics Die and cut Rose Red cardstock. I used one of the beautiful border stamps with the same color ink. Rather than adding in the flower design, I opted to die cut some flowers from the Winter Medley Die (shocker!) from Antique Gold cardstock. I pressed them into my foam mat with the end of a stylus to achieve the curved look. I added adhesive gems to the center of each flower and then glued them around the border, opting to skip every other dot on the border. I set that aside to dry and got to work on the next step.

After inspecting the floral images on the dress, I was thrilled to realize how beautiful the single blooms and bluebell florals from the new Wild Wetland Die would look on the card. I die cut the stems from Tropical Teal cardstock but the rest of the floral pieces are cut from white and then colored with blender brushes and dye ink. I used liquid glue and foam squares to assemble the flowers, gave them a spritz of shimmer spray and set them aside to dry.

I cut a piece of Blueberry Sky cardstock using one of the larger dies included in the Capsule Basics Die. This particular size is perfect for the large border image included in the Thankful and Blessed Stamp Set. I stamped it using Pacific Point ink. The outer scalloped border was cut from Blueberry Sky cardstock as well, but I also blended some Pacific Point ink around the edges for added contrast. I glued them together and then got to work on the black portion.

I used champagne foil on black cardstock with the Capsule Borders 1 Hot Foil. I cut it with the Capsule Basics Die and then adhered that original floral border piece using foam squares. I layered everything together and then arranged the florals. I wanted to add a heart to the center so I used the Nordic Hearts Die and cut the medium size from black cardstock. I arranged the die cut flowers until I was satisfied with the arrangement. The sentiment, which is from the new Capsule Cameos: Autumn Stamp Set, is heat embossed in gold and then die cut using the coordinating die. I added it to the card with small pieces of foam squares. I created a shaped card base using the Capsule Basics Die and strategically placing it along the score line. I added a few more gems to the flowers and called the “Anna” card done! I was very excited I could execute the look so of course,  the project was a success and I moved on to the Elsa card!

At this point, I was finished watching (more like listening, since I was working) Frozen, so I decided to “watch” Frozen II.  I perused my cardstock collection to find the right  Elsa-blue and landed on the gorgeous Stardream Lagoon cardstock; I bought this for summer projects, but didn’t use it once. I was so thrilled how perfect it was for this design!  I used one of the larger sizes of hot foil from the Capsule Borders 1 Hot Foil and silver foil. I cut it out using the Capsule Basics Die and a border of silver using the same die. I glued them together and set it aside.

I knew some of the beautiful products that were released last year for Christmas would be just the thing to execute this design. I grabbed the Frost Buds Die and cut some of the single blooms from vellum and some from the same silver cardstock. I used the foam mat to give them a curved look as well and then added some sequins from the Crystal Sequin Mix, adhesive pearls, and adhesive gems.

I also used the beautiful foliage from the Ornamental Tag Die to create the clusters. I cut some from blue glitter cardstock and some from silver and then had fun mixing and matching sprigs with a Frost Bud in the center. Some of the sprigs have little bulbs on the ends that I added both gems and pearls.

I did some additional foiling on white cardstock with silver foil and cut it out. The most iconic Frozen image is probably the lone snowflake, so I found the one I felt would be best in the Snipped Snowflakes 2 Die. I cut it from silver and vellum and layered them together with a Frost Bud in the center. I glued it to the center of the white panel using a foam square in the center. The vellum snowflake  layer had a mind of its own and was flipping up from the pressure of the die cut machine. I added some adhesive pearls to stick it to the panel, but in the end, they also got a bit of liquid glue to really get the job done.

The sentiment is from the same set as the Anna card and I heat embossed it using silver powder. Once I added the sentiment to the bottom, the top seemed a little bare; the cute bow in the Ornamental Tag Die was the perfect addition cut from the same Lagoon cardstock. I wanted to add more gems to the border in between the foliage/floral clusters, but sometimes you just need to put the pearl and gems down and walk away! Ha ha!

This card is also layered onto a shaped base that was cut the same way as the first card. I must say, I had so much fun creating these two cards and now I want to make a card for each of the Disney princesses; wouldn’t that be so fun? While I was thinking about this idea, it reminded me of a darling card Betsy made back in the day with a Beauty and the Beast theme…..so absolutely clever and adorable! I was also thrilled to see how many of the products included in the Hint of Autumn Collection I could use on one card! LOL! I hope this post today as has given you some additional inspiration for using the new collection and how well it works with previously released favorites! Thanks for joining me today!

Papertrey Ink November Release Countdown Day 2

It's day 2 of the Papertrey Ink November release countdown and the team is showcasing some really cute and fun new products! My first project for today features the darling new Build-a-Hat dies and the new This is Big Sentiments: Snow. These cute new dies will be perfect for winter and autumn! 

There are quite a few design options for the hats: hearts, snowflakes, stars, pom-poms, stitching, etc! I created something a little bit woodsy and rustic. To begin, I created the background using the Simple Stitch Crochet Stencil-Small. Confession time: I have used this stencil here and there, but I haven't used it as actual crochet! ha ha! It was fun to use it to create that fun pattern as a background for this card. I cut a panel of Prairie Grass cardstock and then used the first stencil with Ripe Avocado ink and the second stencil with Prairie Grass ink.

I die cut the hat from Fine Linen cardstock as well as the brim. The pattern detail is a separate optional die, but I love how it looks, so I used it. I also added a zig-zag piece from Ripe Avocado cardstock as well as the dots that are die cut from Kraft. The pom-pom and snowflake are also cut from Kraft, but I added Cocoa Bean ink to the pom-pom and the center of the snowflake. I also added a button to the center for a homespun look.

The sentiment is from the new This is Big Sentiments: Snow stamp/die set. I stamped it in both Simply Chartreuse ink with a bit of Ripe Avocado shadow at the top. The accent sentiment is heat embossed in white embossing powder and then added over the top using foam squares.

I added some foliage to enhance the woodsy feeling; all of the pieces are from the Into the Blooms: Swag die. I cut them from white cardstock and then colored them with ink. Everything got a snowy touch with white acrylic paint and a dusting of glitter! 

My second card for today is also a snowy design, but definitely not woodsy OR rustic this time! ha ha! I went for something a little more elegant and icy and I just love how it turned out! I feel like blue would be the typical choice for a card like this, but I always like pinks and purples for snowflake cards. 

This card features the new Fantastic Front: Snowflake die and then I used the This is Big Sentiments: Snow stamp set again. I chose the scripted font for the "snow" word to keep with the feeling of this card. As you can see, I went with the crochet look again, but this time I used the Simple Stitch Crochet Stencil-Large.

I had a light bulb moment when I created my first card that you are supposed to ALTERNATE the stitches to make it look more realistic. I had both stencils go the same directions for this card, so you can compare and contrast. I'm happy to make these kinds of mistakes so others can learn! ha ha! (hangs head in shame)

To begin, I cut an A2 panel of Plum Pudding cardstock and used the stencils: one with Royal Velvet ink and the other with Amethyst Allure ink.

I die cut the Fantastic Front: Snowflake panel using Royal Velvet cardstock and silver glitter cardstock for the snowflake. There are guide marks so you can line it up perfectly. Because the glitter cardstock is not super thick, I die cut it again from white cardstock and then glued it together for a sturdier piece. I added it to the panel using a foam square in the center.

Once that was done, I adhered the Royal Velvet panel to the stenciled panel using foam squares and then added the white paint splatter. I also gave the entire thing a generous spritz or two of shimmer spray.

The sentiment is heat embossed in silver and then I die cut the 'snow' portion using the coordinating die. I added it over the top using pieces of foam tape. A few years ago, I really got stuck on adding poinsettias to the top of snowflake dies, so I decided to do it again for this card. The poinsettia is from the Tag Creations: Modern Gift Die and the leaves are cut from both silver metallic paper and vellum using the Into the Blooms: Poinsettia Die. I tucked them here and there and then added a bit of glitter and sequins.

I staggered the sequins so they would have some movement, like falling snow! I really enjoyed making this card!

My final card for today features the new Elegant Edges: Clock dies and the new Celebrate the New Year Sentiments and Line It Up: New Year dies. I went for a very traditional look with the black, gold, and silver.

This particular clock die remains intact on a panel, but I just snipped the connection points to create a stand-alone die cut clock. I cut it from Antique Gold cardstock and set it aside.

The background is created using the Cascading Dots Hot Foil Plate with black cardstock and Aura foil for a sparkly effect. I layered the clock over the top using foam squares.

The large Happy New Year die is from the new Line It Up: New Year die collection; I cut it from both white and silver glitter cardstock and stacked them with liquid glue for a sturdy piece. I layered it over the top of the clock with liquid glue.

The smaller sentiment is from the new Happy  New Year Sentiments stamp set and is heat embossed in gold to match the clock. I added it with foam squares for dimenion.

The finishing touch is a trio of sequins and then I layered the background panel onto an A2 panel of Antique Gold cardstock and then added that to a top-folding A2 card base. Thanks for fluttering by!