Ink to Paper November Create-a-thon Day 21 & Inspired By

Hello and welcome to day 21 of the Ink to Paper November Create-a-thon! My card is also playing double duty for this week's Inspired By Challenge. The stamp sets that I am highlighting today are Garden Party and the fun Confetti and Streamers. I wouldn't necessarily think of these two for a Christmas design, but I had so much fun transforming them to use on this festive design!

Because my assignment was to use the two sets I linked above, I used the lights, colors, and patterns as my inspiration. 

To begin, I stamped the Confetti and Streamers image at the top of the red panel and the bottom using Scarlet Jewel ink. Once that was done, I die cut the To Die For Sentiments: Christmas three times out of black cardstock and glued them together using a fine tip 2 way glue pen.

I layered that onto the stamped red panel using the same glue. I added a light coat of Wink of Stella over the top for some sparkle.

I die cut and stamped the banner twice and added that to the red panel using foam squares and trimming off the excess length of the banner. I also added the strings of lights using liquid glue. I didn't add the Nuvo drops until I was finished with the card.

The "this holiday season" sentiment, which is from the Season of Joy stamp set, is heat embossed in gold for some shine. I added it over the top of the banner using additional foam squares. I layered the red panel onto a top folding A2 card base for some definition. Once that was done, I added the gold and red Nuvo drops and let it dry. This was an unexpected design, but I had fun putting it together using the photo as my color inspiration! I hope you get a chance to join us this week! Thanks for fluttering by!

The Greetery Winter's Song Release Day 1

I couldn't be more excited to welcome you here today to share the newest and one of the most beautiful releases from The Greetery! I am in LOVE with everything from the Winter's Song capsule collection and I'm sure you'll fall in love as well! You can head to The Greetery's Blog to read all about the fabulous new products and I'll be sharing a few here as well, of course! The new release will be available for purchase starting on November 22nd!

As always, you'll want to head to the other designers' blogs as well to see the fabulous inspiration they have waiting for you!

Kay Miller

Laurie Willison

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Keeway Tsao

Angelica Conrad

Lizzie Jones

Norine Borys

Wanda Guess

To begin this card, I spritzed the back of the Berry Branch stencil with Pixie Spray and placed it over a panel of Blush cardstock measuring 4 by 5 1/4 inches. I used Nuvo Moonstone Glimmer Paste and spread it over the stencil in an even coat. Once that was done, I carefully removed the stencil and set the panel aside to dry. I washed the stencil and spatula in warm soapy water immediately {even though I really didn't want to...LOL}.

As you can see, I actually made two of everything, so keep that in mind as I talk about my design process; everything was doubled. I actually like doing these types of cards in multiples, especially with stamps with multiple steps. It just makes sense once you've got it all lined up in a MISTI.

While the panels were drying, I got to work on the beautiful floral cluster from the Pine Blossoms stamp set. I actually made four of these images; I used the other 2 for the next set of cards in this post.

Once they were all stamped, which is always my favorite because the images spring to life with each layer, I used the coordinating Pine Blossoms die collection to die cut them. I layered them onto panels that are die cut using the AMAZING new Nordic Frames Die.

This particular frame collection has three different pieces that you can mix and match to create all kinds of different borders and backgrounds. I used foam squares to add the floral cluster. The sentiment, which is also from the Pine Blossoms set, is die cut using the Sentiment Suite Basics Die. I added this to the white panel using additional foam squares.

Once the stenciled background was dry, I layered the floral panel onto it using foam squares. This was attached to a top folding A2 card base.

I mentioned during the last release that my Flappable Stencils came late, so I was thrilled to put them to use for these cards!

I created 2 more cards using the extra two stamped floral clusters; this time in red! I just love how bold and bright these cards turned out! I used the Nordic Frames again for this design and you can see some of the different options. 

I die cut the red panel using the largest of the 3 dies. I knew I wanted to do some stenciling, so I die cut a slightly smaller panel of the same red cardstock. I knew that I didn't want the stenciling directly on the die cut panel because I find that cut outs and pattern can lead to a busy design, so that is why I opted to have the extra red panel. I used the Berry Branch stencil again, but this time for a tone on tone look with red ink. At this point, I added some white paint splatter using a fine tip brush.

The sentiment, which is also from the Pine Blossoms stamp set, is stamped in black directly onto the smallest of the three Nordic Frames die cuts. I layered the floral cluster directly underneath that, similar to the previous two cards.

I added a trio of sparkling clear sequins here and there for some sparkle and shinte. I also added some coarse crystal glitter to the floral cluster on this set of cards. I opted to leave it off of the first two cards because of the stenciled background; I felt they had enough sparkle.

The two red panels are adhered directly to the two A2 top folding card bases using a tape runner.

I especially love how the sentiments match up so perfectly with the Nordic Frames; a match made in heaven!

I can't wait to try these Pine Blossom images using different color combinations! These will be perfect for many different types of cards as well!

And last, but not least, is  fun new product in the Speed Tagging Collection; these fun tags were created using the new Speed Tagging Prints paper collection! I literally whipped up a whole sheet of these in minutes! 

I paired these with the previously released Speed Tagging Christmas Sentiments stamp set to make these in a snap!

There are 3 different pattern sheets so there are quite a few options! This is one of the sheets and they are just lovely! I had so much fun working on all of these projects! Join me again tomorrow for Day 2 of the release! Thanks for fluttering by!

Ink to Paper November Create-a-thon Day 17 {Spread Christmas Cheer}

November is slipping away quickly, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it! Sometimes Christmas can be overwhelming and stressful, but today's card is a great reminder to "Spread Christmas Cheer"! I created this festive design for today's Ink to Paper November Create-a-thon using the awesome It's a Sign: Wood Frames stamp set. These are the perfect stamps to set the stage for many different types of cards.

To begin this design, I stamped the wood frame using Cocoa Bean ink and then I die cut it using the coordinating It's a Sign: Wood Frames Die. I heat embossed the sentiment onto a piece of black cardstock using white powder. I used a circle die and then added it to the center of the wood frame piece using foam squares.

I had some leftover die cut pieces from THIS card so I used them to accent the wood frame piece. I also added some coarse clear glitter to the tips of the foliage for some snowy sparkle and shine!

I used the Border Bling: String Lights Die to create the border. I die cut it from Olive Twist cardstock and then die cut the lights using glitter cardstock. I adhered the light bulbs using liquid glue.

I layered everything up on a red panel using an assortment of liquid glue and foam squares for dimension. The red panel is adhered to a white A2 top folding card base using a tape runner.

I added a trio of sparkling clear sequins here and there. The lights give so much sparkle, I didn't want to overwhelm the design with too many sequins.

I'll be adding this one to my stash as well; I keep my cards in my storage room under the stairs. I went to add a few more that I had recently made and found that the entire box was tipped over and on the floor. I was super bugged thinking my kids had done it, but then I remembered that the delivery men who brought our new washing machine were doing an awful lot of banging. It must have made the box fall, because the laundry room is over the storage room! Anyway, the cards were all right, just tipped, so that was a relief! Ha ha! Thanks for fluttering by!

Spellbinders Large Die of the Month {Special Delivery}

Hello and welcome! I'm a bit late sharing my projects using the Spellbinders Large Die of the Month, but they are so much fun to use! This month's large die is called "Santa's Helpers" and I've also included the add-on die called Santa's Reindeer that I will talk about later in today's post!

My unexpected favorite in the collection is the elf; you can either create a boy or a girl elf, depending on your needs. I decided on this sweet little boy, which in the end, is reminding me of a Precious Moments figurine. I think it's the shape of the eyes and the placement of the white dot.

I added some color to his cheeks by adding some pink chalk using a ball of tissue. Do you think I could find my sponge daubers? Ugh! Oh well...this technique worked just fine as well!

To dress him up a bit more, I added some tiny jingle bells to the tops of his elf boots and to the end of his hat. I also added some buttons using liquid glue.

Mr. Santa is actually a top folding card, but he looks so cute next to this little muslin sack that I couldn't resist. I found these cute bags at the Dollar Spot in Target a few weeks ago and I bought a few of each design. These "Santa's Helpers" will be the perfect accent to attach to these bags.

I added some Liquid Applique to the pom pom on Santa's hat for some extra realism and dimension. I also added some chalk blush to his cheeks as well, but just before I added the beard.

Here is Santa's Reindeer all ready to guide his sleigh. I realized that I attached his hooves upside down, but oh well! LOL! I thought he looked like something was off!

Rudolph got a shiny red nose by adding some Nuvo Crystal Effects over the top. I also added some white dots to the top of his head using a white gel pen.

This festive crew will accent these cute bags perfectly!

These would be perfect to jazz up a treat sack or just to use as a tag for a Christmas package! Shaped tags like this are some of my favorites! I had so much fun working on these cuties! Thanks for fluttering by!

Spellbinders Small Die of the Month {Season's Greetings}

I'm a little late in sharing my cards using this month's Spellbinders Small Die of the Month, but I'm in LOVE with these beautiful Kaleidoscope Snowflakes! I know that I will be using these all winter long, and for years to come! They cut like butter and are so fun to use! I was able to die cut them from the heavy glitter cardstock without any trouble!

To begin both of these two designs, I watercolored  the panels using Zig Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors in a green and purple. I also spritzed them with Shimmer Spray for some holiday sparkle. I set those aside to dry while I got to work on the snowflakes.

The purple card is more simple than the green design, only because these snowflakes are smaller in size and easy to add to the panel. I die cut each of the three sizes using gold glitter cardstock; actually, I prefer to use the name "Gilver" because it's got a hint of silver in the gold. It's one of my favorites for projects like this.

Once the panels were dry, I used one of my favorite embossing folder from We R Memory Keepers. It gives you two different looks depending on the side that you use up; you can see the difference in the green one because I flipped it for that one. I bought it on Amazon, but I can't find the listing anymore.

When using the folder on the opposite side, like I did on this one, it gives it more of a star looking appearance which complements the snowflakes nicely. This particular snowflake is assembled by die cutting each individual "segment" so to speak. I die cut the bottom portion from gold specialty paper, also found at Hobby Lobby and the top portion is die cut from the same "Gilver" glitter cardstock.

The sentiments are from an old SU! set called Many Merry Messages and is one of my very favorites; I will never part with it! These are the perfect accent for these fun Kaleidoscope snowflakes.

I added some white paint splatter to this card for extra detail. I really like the look and feel it gives the card. The purple one felt a little more elegant so I didn't add the splatter. The finishing touch on both cards is a sprinkling of sparkling clear sequins for some additional detail and shine! I had so much fun with these beautiful dies. Stay tuned for another post using the Large Die of the Month which is super fun and festive! Thanks for fluttering by!

Ink to Paper November Mini Release {Season's Greetings}

Hello and welcome to the Ink to Paper November Mini Release! I've got a fun card to share with you tonight using a sampling of some of the products being released at 10 PM EST! This card was a joy to make and I'm thrilled to be adding it to my ever-growing stash of Christmas cards!

To begin this festive design, I cut a piece of Ripe Avocado cardstock to 4 inches by 5 1/4 inches and then used the new Border Bling: Tin Stitched die to give it that fabulous detail. Once that was done, I used my blender brush to add some Ripe Avocado ink to the perimeter for added depth. 

I set that aside and got to work on the foliage and pinecones from the Holiday Warmth stamp set. I always like to stamp more than I think I'll need so that I will have options when I get to the point of doing the actual arranging. This always gives me leftovers that I can use on tags or another project, which makes it quick since I have these ready to go.

I added a strip of plaid pattern paper that is from the Wonderland Patterned Paper Collection. I layered a piece of Weathervane cardstock that was die cut using the Basic Bookmark 3 die at an angle using foam squares.

I stamped the "Season's Greetings" sentiment, which is from the new Season's Greetings stamp set, in black onto a rectangle of Pure Poppy cardstock. I matted it onto a slightly larger white rectangle using a tape runner adhesive. Once that was done,I was able to start adding in the stamped images.

I added them here and there using foam squares for security and dimension. I also added some coarse crystal glitter using a 2 way glue pen. I love that I can just add it here and there for a natural and organic feel; just like it would if snow was falling onto the branches and berries.

I took a piece of post-it note paper and placed it over the sentiment so that I could add the white paint splatter. I used a fine tip paint brush so that I would get just a sprinkling rather than heavy globs.

I adhered the entire green panel to a top folding A2 card base using ScorTape for security. I also added the "to you and yours" portion of the sentiment directly over the greenery arrangement using additional foam squares.

The finishing touch is a trio of sparkling clear sequins here for sparkle and shine. I had so much fun working on this design; I'm usually working while the kids are at school, but I happened to make this while my family was downstairs watching a movie together so it felt nice to have a little company! Thanks for fluttering by~!