Stamping with the Stars

Christmas Swap Card

This is the card I sent to Dawn's Glitter Queen Swap this year.  I wanted to wait until after the deadline for submitting them before posting the tutorial.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp sets:  Lovely as a Tree, Pg. 110 #115026; Holiday Best, Level 1 Hostess Set, Pg. 13 #115364

Paper:  Bride Specialty Paper, Pg. 158 #115669; Not Quite Navy Cardstock (CS), Pg. 156 #101722; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink:  Whisper White Craft Pad, Pg. 155 #101731; Not Quite Navy, Pg. 156 #103008

Accessories:  Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Pg. 183 #114319; White Embossing Powder, Pg. 188 #109132; Clear Embossing Powder, Pg. 188 #109130; VersaMark Pad, Pg. 190 #102283; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; 2-Way Glue Pen, Pg. 192 #100425; Dazzling Diamonds, Pg. 182 #102023; Mat Pack, Pg. 191 #105826; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430

Cut Not Quite Navy CS 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and score at 4-1/4" to form the card base.

Cut Not Quite Navy CS 2-1/2" x 3-1/2".  Stamp the tree image with Whisper White Craft Ink, then heat emboss with White Embossing Powder.

Use the 2-Way Glue Pen to apply Dazzling Diamonds.

Cut Whisper White CS 2-3/4" x 3-3/4" and use Mat Pack and Needle to pierce holes in the corners.

Attach the tree image to the Whisper White mat with Snail Adhesive.

 Cut Whisper White CS 2" x 2".  Load the image up with VersaMark and then Not Quite Navy ink and stamp in center of CS.  (You may want to use a Stamp-a-ma-jig to center the images. Pg. 191 #101049)

Use the Mat Pack to pierce holes in the corners.

Cut Bride Specialty Paper 4" x 5-1/4" for the card front.  Wrap Whisper White Organza ribbon around the Bride Specialty and tie in a bow.  Attach to the card front with Snail adhesive.

Attach the matted tree image and the greeting to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Repeat 19 times and you have your swaps done!  I can't wait to get my swaps back from the other Glitter Queens.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.  My posts will be a little slower during the holidays.  I just retired last March, so this will be the first Christmas that I don't have to rush all of the shopping, decorating, baking and stuff.  I plan to take it easy and enjoy the season for a change. As soon as I finish the 45-50 handmade Christmas cards that is. And then there's the cookie exchange.....  *sigh*

Happy Holidays!

Mickey

Christmas Calendar Card

I didn't invent the easel card, but I sure wish I had.  It looks so complicated, but it's super easy to make.  I guess the original concept was from Deborah March, but I found a great video tutorial at My Stampin' Dreams . I haven't seen anyone turn it into a calendar yet, so I guess that part is sort of my own.

Oh, and if you're wondering why it took me so long to post this article, it's because I made 40 of these puppies to send for Christmas cards this year. And no, I don't have too much time on my hands, I just can't stand the thought of going to all the trouble of making Christmas cards and then having them tossed or packed away after the holidays.  Maybe they'll keep it out for the calendar. (At least until spring, LOL)

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp sets:  Holiday Lineup, Pg. 43 #111648; Many Merry Messages, Pg. 33 #116586; Punch Pals, Pg.40 #116588

Paper:  Merry Moments Designer Series Paper (DSP), Pg. 160 #102482; Real Red Cardstock (CS), Pg. 156 #103133; Old Olive CS, Pg. 156 #100702; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink:  Jet Black Staz-On, Pg. 190 #101406; Old Olive, Pg. 156 #102277; Stampin' Write Markers:  Real Red, Pg. 156 #100052; Old Olive, Pg. 156 #100079; More Mustard, Pg. 156 #100076; Ballet Blue, Pg. 157 #100066; Basic Black, Pg. 155 #100082; Optional:  Use Blender Pens, Pg. 192 #102845 with inkpads.  For instructions on using Blender Pens, go to my Snowman Cube tutorial.

Accessories:  Ticket Corner Punch, Pg. 186 #107214; 1/2" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #104390; Dazzling Diamonds, Pg. 180 #102023; 2-Way Glue Pen, Pg. 192 #100425; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Sticky Strip, Pg. 192 #104294; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049; Craft & rubber scissors, Pg. 191 #103179; Paper Piercing Tool, Pg. 191 #116631; Calendar Pads.  (I found mine at Stamp On This! LLC

Cut Real Red CS 4" x 8" and score at 2" and 4" on the 8" side as shown.  Apply Sticky Strip to the 2" x 4"  end panel.

Cut Whisper White CS 3" x 1-1/2".  Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position in image and stamp with Staz-On.

Color image with markers or Blender Pens.  Then dot the image with the 2-Way Glue Pen and apply the Dazzling Diamonds.  Ink around the edges with Old Olive. (Or your choice of color.) 

Cut Real Red CS 4" x 4".  Cut Designer Paper 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" and ink around the edges with Sponge Daubers and Old Olive ink.  Attach to the 4" square with Snail Adhesive.

Attach the image to 3-1/3" x 1-3/8" Real Red CS with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Attach to the card front with Snail as shown.

Attach the calendar with Sticky Strip.

Peel off the Sticky Strip on the card base and attach the card front as shown.  Only the bottom part of the card front will be attached to the base.

Now flip the card over and attach DSP to the 4" x 4" panel.  Measure in 2" from the front corner as shown and mark with a small dot.

Stamp a small snowflake image on Whisper White and punch out with the 1/2" Circle Punch.

Pierce the center of the image and insert a brad.  You'll have to cut the ends of the brad so they don't stick out of the circe when open.  You can use a wire snips, but I prefer my Craft & Rubber Scissors.  It cuts through wire and brads like string.

Attach the brad over the the mark in the center of the DSP with a dimensional.  You'll need the extra height to hold up the card front.

Stamp the sentiment on 3" x 1-1/4" Whisper White CS.  Punch out the corners with the Ticket Corner Punch and ink around the edges.  Cut Old Olive CS 3-1/4"x 1-1/2" and punch the corners.  Attach the sentiment with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Then attach to the card with Snail.

I'll be adding a piece of Whisper White to the top portion with a personal note and signature.

I ran a little experiment on this card yesterday:  I showed it to four different people to see if they would realize that the calendar would stand up.  Not one of them did.  They just read it and then closed it up like any other card.  I was afraid of that, so I'm going to add a little sticker behind the calendar saying that it should be tucked behind the button.

One other thing.  This card would fit into a 4-1/4" square envelope, but you'll have to pay an extra $.17 postage, so I'm send mine in standard A1 envelopes.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Be sure and check out My Stampin' Dreams to see the video I used to make the easel card.

Mickey 

November Thank You Cards

This month's thank you card is also my entry for the new Pals Paper Arts Christmas Cheer Challenge PPA16.  I also tried a new technique for embossing the flap on the envelope, which I first saw on a Mary Fish's Curried Fresh-Cut Notes post.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  Holiday Best, Hostess Level 1, Pg.13 #115364

Paper:  Real Red Cardstock (CS), Pg. 156 #102482; Bride Specialty Paper, Pg. 158 #115669; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink:  Real Red, Pg. 156 #103133

Accessories:  Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pg. 183 #109034; Mat Pack, Pg. 191 #105826; Needle; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; Clear Embossing Powder, Pg. 188 #109130; VersaMark Pad, Pg. 190 #102283; Embossing buddy, Pg. 188 #103083; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049; Optional:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Finial Press  Embossing Folder, Pg. 195 #115963; Whisper White Mini Square Envelopes, Pg. 168 #107309

Cut Real Red CS 3" x 6" and score at 3" to create the card base. 

Cut Bride Specialty Paper 2-3/4" x 2-3/4'.  Wrap ribbon across the Bride Specialty Paper and tape in back.  Attach to the card base with snail.

Cut Whisper White CS 2" x 2".  Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, center the image on the CS.  Load your stamp up with VersaMark and then Real Red ink.  Stamp the image and apply Clear Embossing Powder.  Heat emboss.

Use the Mat Pack to pierce holes  in the four corners of the image.

Attach the image piece to 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" Real Red CS with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Attach this piece to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals.

If you missed my October Thank You Card post, go back and take a look to see how I cut the Finial Press Embossing Folder to create a single row of embossing.

Insert the envelope flap into the short piece of the embossing folder and run it through the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine to emboss.

The embossed envelope is a perfect match for this card.  I hope you'll give it a try.  Don't have a Big Shot yet? Watch this video demonstration  then put the Big Shot on your Christmas Wish List.  Or better yet, go to my online store today and place your order so you'll have it in time to use during the holidays! 

Thanks for stopping by today, and Happy Friday the 13th!

Mickey

Americana Christmas Card

Good morning!  I haven't posted anything for a few days because I've been busy making all of my swap cards for Dawn's Glitter Queen Swap.  The swap is only for Dawn's downlines, but I'll try to share some of them with you with their permission, along with a tutorial for my own swap card.  There are 19 downlines participating and I can't wait to get all of those cards in the mail!  Can you tell this is the very first card swap I've ever done?

There's something about this card that has that sort of old world-y Americana look to it, don't you think?  I'm a little disappointed in the picture.  Even though I tried to photograph this card in every room in my house, I just couldn't pick up the red glitter on the tree. 

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp sets:  Lovely as a Tree, Pg. 110 #115026; Yuletide Christmas, Holiday Mini Catalog, Pg. 22 #116855; Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Pg. 132 #114996

Paper:  Natural Ivory Card Stock (CS) , Pg. 159 #101849; Old Olive CS, Pg. 156 #100702; Ruby Red CS, Pg. 156 #102030

Ink:  Old Olive, Pg. 156 #102277; Ruby Red, Pg. 156 #102259

Accessories:  Mat Pack, Pg. 191 #105826; Punches Plus Template, Pg. 188 #109539; Sleigh Bells Ribbon, Holiday Mini Catalog, Pg. 17 #116795; Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter, Pg. 180 #114287; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049; 2-Way Glue Pen, Pg. 192 #100425;  Needle; Post-it note or other masking material.

Cut Old Olive CS 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and score at 4-1/4" to form the card base.  Cut Natural Ivory CS 5-1/4" x 4" for card front.

Position the star template in the upper right corner of the card front. Punch holes with a needle.

Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the greeting in the lower right corner.

Wrap ribbon across the card front as shown and tape in back.  Now you can attach the card front to the card base.

Stamp the tree image on 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" Natural Ivory CS.

Now I'll show you how I added the tree decorations.  You could just dot the image with the 2-way glue pen and add glitter, but I wanted nice neat circles.

Stamp a tree image onto masking material and carefully cut out with paper snips or hobby blade.  (Save the masking and the tree cut out---we may be using them in a future project.)

Place the mask over the tree image and use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp random circles on the tree with Ruby Red ink.  I know, it sounds goofy to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp a random pattern, but I didn't want the dots to overlap.

Remove the mask and put a tiny dot of glue on each cirlce and add red glitter.  I think this would also look nice with emblossed red circles.

Attach the tree image to a 2-3/4" x 3-3/4" Ruby Red mat with Snail.  Position on the card as shown and attach with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stampin' Dimensionals between the image and the Ruby Red mat would look nice, too, but you have to be kind of scimpy with the dimensionals if you're going to mail your card.  Last year, I wasn't sure if my cards would fit the new post office guidelines so I took them to the post office and ask the clerk how much postage I needed---just to be safe.  And I still got half of them back for more postage!!!  Oh man, now I'm getting mad all over again just thinking about it. Okay, shake it off, Mickey....

Thanks for stopping by today.  If you'd like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here:  Mickey's Stampin' Up! Website.

Now I'm off to the post office to mail my swaps to Dawn.  Then I can get busy on this month's "thank you" cards.  Then, my own Christmas cards!

Mickey

Snowman Note Card

Today I have just a quick little note card to go with the Snowman Cube I posted on October 30th.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  The More the Merrier, Hostess Level 3, Pg. 17 #115322

Paper:  Whisper White Cardstock (CS), Pg. 155 #100730; Not Quite Navy CS, pg. 156 #101722

Ink:  Jet Black Staz-On, Pg. 190 #101406

Stampin' Write Markers:  Real Red, Pg. 156 #100052; Only Orange, Pg. 156 #100051; Garden Green, Pg. 156 #100080; Ballet Blue, Pg. 157 #100066; Basic Black, Pg.155 #100082; Sahara Sand, Pg. 155 #105105

Accessories:  Red Gingham Ribbon, Pg. 183 #104827; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049

Cut Whisper White CS 3" x 6" and score at 3" to create the card base.  The Not Quite Navy mat is cut 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" and the Whisper White front is cut 2-1/2" x 2-1/2". 

The image is stamped with Jet Black Staz-On and colored with markers. Use the Sahara Sand marker to add depth as shown.  (You could also use a blender pen and inkpads to color the image like we did on the Snowman Cube.)

Use Snail to layer the image onto the Not Quite Navy mat.  Wrap the ribbon around the two layers and tie in a bow.  Attach to the card base with Snail.

One of my readers commented that the Snowman Cube would make a great teacher's gift.  Now you have the perfect note card to go with it!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Mickey

Snow Bear Card

This card was inspired by those cute Coke commercials they always air during the holidays.  I usually run out of the room during commercials, but I just love those cute polar bears.  I guess those ad people know what they're doing!

This is also my entry in the MOJO111 Challenge over at Mojo Monday.  

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp sets:  Cold & Cuddly, Holiday Mini Catalog, Pg. 18 #116523; Simple Snowflake, Pg. 208 #115554; Many Merry Messages, Pg. 33 #116586

Paper:  Whisper White Cardstock (CS), Pg. 155 #100730; Bermuda Bay CS, Pg. 155 #115317

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Pg. 155 #115655

Accessories:  Printed Window Sheets, Holiday Mini Catalog, Pg. 27 #116805; Silver Cord, Holiday Mini Catalog, Pg. 27 #109866; Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Pg. 183 #114319; Jumbo Snowflake Punch, Pg. 186 #116628; Heat & Stick Powder, Pg. 180 #100625; Dazzling Diamonds, Pg. 180 #102023; VersaMark Pad, Pg. 190 #102283; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; Embossing buddy, Pg. 188 #103083; Clear Rhinestones, Pg. 179 #113144; Paper Piercing Tool, Pg. 191 #116631; Bone Folder, Pg. 188 #102300; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332;  Sticky Strip, Pg. 192 #104294

Cut Whisper White CS 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and score at 4-1/4" to form the card base.  Cut Bermuda Bay CS 5-1/4" x 4" for card front.

Cut Whisper White CS 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" and use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the bear image and sentiment.  Stamp with Bermuda Bay ink.  I guess I could have positioned my sentiment a little better, but of course I didn't notice that until I started writing my post.  Oh well, as my friend Joni use to tell me when I first started machine quilting, "If you're going to worry about every little flaw, you're not going to enjoy this hobby very much."  Of course, Joni's work is always flawless as far as I can tell.  LOL

Layer the stamped CS on 3-7/16" x 2-7/16" Bermuda Bay.  You could cut the Bermuda Bay mat  3-1/2" x 2-1/2" and it would look fine.  You could also use a contrasting color, but I've been into this same-color layering lately.

Wrap Whisper White Organza Ribbon around the Bermuda Bay card front as shown and attach with tape to back.  Layer the image piece over the ribbon and attach with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

Cut the Window Sheet 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" and score at 4-1/4" to form the overlay.  You may need to trim the card base to fit inside the overlay.  I trimmed 1/8" from the bottom of my card base.  Attach the card front to the card base with Snail, but don't attach the card to the overlay yet.

Dust Bermuda Bay CS with the Embossing Buddy and stamp the Simple Snowflake with VersaMark.  Apply Heat & Stick Powder and tap off the excess.

Heat the image just until the Heat & Stick Powder turns shiny.  Apply Dazzling Diamonds and tap off the excess.  Heat again to set the glue.  Be careful not to overheat---it only takes a second or two. 

Punch the image out with the Jumbo Snowflake Punch.

Slide the card into the overlay and position the Snowflake on top of the Window Sheet.  You may want to use temporary adhesive to  keep the snowflake in position.

Remove the card from the overlay and pierce a hole through the snowflake and overlay front.  Insert a Clear Rhinestone Brad and attach.  If you use the smallest rhinestone, you should be able to position the brad "wings" under the snowflake so they don't show.

Insert the card into the overlay.  I used a little Sticky Strip on the back of the card to hold the overlay in place.  Wrap Silver Cord around the top of the card and tie in a bow.  Position the bow over the Whisper White Organza Ribbon as shown.

That's it.  I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.  Now I have to get busy preparing for tomorrow's workshop!

Mickey

Snowman Cube

SPOILER ALERT:  This is one of the projects we'll be making at our stamping club next week.

When I found these cute little note cubes, I knew I'd just have to use them in one of my workshop projects.  The really cool part is that I didn't know until I set the finished cube into the base that the short, chubby snowman in front would fit perfectly in the slot.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  The More the Merrier, Hostess Level 3, Pg. 17

Paper:  Not Quite Navy cardstock (CS), Pg. 156 #101722

Ink: Basic Black, Pg. 155 #101179Real Red, Pg. 156 #101133; Garden Green, Pg. 156 #102272; Only Orange, Pg. 156 #102696; Ballet Blue, Pg. 157 #100907; Sahara Sand, Pg. 155 #105208

Accessories: Blender Pens, Pg. 192 #102845; Sticky Strip, Pg. 192 #104294; Red Gingham Ribbon, Pg. 183 #104827; Mini Glue Dots, Pg. 192 #103683; 3/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #107217 White "Post-It" Note Cubes; Baby's Breath; Rubber Band

Wrap the rubber band around the cube to hold the sheets tightly together while you stamp the image.  If you want that short little snowman to fit into the base slot, try to center him as much as possible.  Also, be sure to stamp about 1/4" down from the top so you don't cut off your snowman's head.  Repeat on all four sides.

Squeeze a little ink onto the covers of the inkpads and use the Blender Pen to pick up a little of the ink.  Color in the image as desired.  Scribble on scrap paper in between each color to clean the pen.

After coloring the snowman images, I used Sahara Sand to give the snowmen and snowbank a little depth.  (My coloring doesn't look nearly as sloppy on the real thing as it does in this close-up!)

Measure the bottom of your note cube and add 1-1/16".  My cubes were 1-7/8 x 1-7/8", so I cut a 2-15/16" square. (Or, as I call it, 1/16" short of 3")

Score 1/2" on all four sides and snip the corners as shown.  Use the 3/4" Circle Punch to punch out the half-circle slot in front. Add Sticky Strip and assemble the base.  I should tell you that the Sticky Strip in this photo did not come from Stampin' Up!  I used some 1/8" Sticky Strip I had on hand.

Use a Mini Glue Dot to attach a few sprigs of baby's breath to top of the cube.

Tie a ribbon around the cube and base, covering the Mini Glue Dot and you're all done.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll be inspired to try one of these note cubes for yourself.  This would be a perfect little Secret Santa gift, don't you think?

Mickey

In the Pink

Today's card was created for the Pals Paper Arts In the Pink Challenge PPA14 to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and  Karol Harris, and her loving daughter (and PPA Design Team member), Kris Kilcoyne. 

I'm also dedicating my post to my very dear friend, Germaine, who is also fighting this battle.  I have no doubt that she will win, because she is the smartest and bravest person I know.

The only requirement for this challenge was to use pink, so I made my first pink Christmas card.  Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  Gifts of Christmas, Pg. 37 #115372

Paper:  Whisper White Cardstock (CS), Pg. 155 #100730; Pretty in Pink CS, Pg. 157 #100459; Brushed Gold CS, Pg. 159 #102935

Ink:  None!

Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder, Holiday Mini-Catalog, Pg. 21 #116824; Oval Scallop Frame Die, Pg. 199 #114521; Hobby Blade, Pg. 191 #102449; Craft & Rubber Scissors, Pg. 191 #103179; Gold Embossing Powder, Pg. 188 #109129; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; Embossing Buddy, Pg. 188 #103083; VersaMark, Pg. 190 #102283; Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pg. 183 #109032; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Dazzling Diamonds, Pg. 180 #102023; 2-Way Glue Pen, Pg. 182 #100425; Fine-tip Glue Pen; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049

Cut Pretty in Pink CS 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and score at 4-1/4" to create the card base.

I first saw this technique of cutting out the oval in a Petals-A-Plenty embossing folder over at Patty's Stamping Spot.  The only difference is instead of cutting out the oval on both sides of the embossing folder, I only cut out one side.  This has two advantages:  First, I'm basically a lazy person, and this is a whole lot easier.  And second, I can actually pop the oval back in and emboss the full sheet as intended.

You'll need an oval shape to trace onto the embossing folder.  The Oval Scallop Frame die works great if you have one.

Once you trace around the oval, cut it out.  I used the Hobby Blade to get it started and then cut around the oval with the Craft & Rubber Scissors.

Yes, I actually wore "Sharps" gloves when I cut the oval out of the embossing folder.  (My husband bought them for me the last time I cut the tip off my finger.)

Insert a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Whisper White CS into the embossing folder and run it through the Big Shot.  I usually spritz the CS with alcohol before embossing it, but I forgot this time.  Still, I think I got a nice crisp texture.

Here is a piece of cardstock I ran through after popping the oval back into my embossing folder.  Looks fine to me.  Now I can cut a rectangle out of my spare folder!

Dust the embossed CS with the Embossing Buddy and use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to center the image in the oval.  Stamp with VersaMark, apply Gold Embossing Powder and heat set.

Now use the 2-Way Glue Pen to fill in the dove.  I also used a fine-tipped glue pen to get into the tight areas.  Apply Dazzling Diamonds and tap of the excess.

 Layer the image piece onto 5-3/8" x 4-1/8"  Brushed Gold CS.  When I made my card, I attached the embossed piece with Stampin' Dimensionals, but I wasn't thrilled with the results, so I recommend attaching it with Snail Adhesive. (When you're attaching an embossed piece to CS, apply the Snail to the base CS so you don't flatten out the embossed piece.) Wrap Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon around the layered piece and tie in bow.  Attach to the card base with Snail.

We're all done. I hope this tutorial will inspire you to submit your own entry in to PPA's In the Pink Challenge.  While you're there, check out the links to other websites for more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mickey

Serene Snowflake Card

I'm so excited today!  I just found out that my Serene Snowflake Ornament was chosen to be one of Pals Paper Arts Artist Picks this week.  They even sent me that cool blinkie thing you see in my left sidebar!  If you haven't checked out this site yet, click on the blinkie.  A lot of my ideas start out as one of their challenges.

Okay, enough bragging.  Time to get to today's tutorial.

This just might be the Christmas card I send to my friends and family this year.  I think the glittered snowflake beautifully sets off this simple two-color card.  Well, three colors if you include the gold embossing. 

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp sets:  Serene Snowflakes, Holiday Mini-Catalog, Pg. 26 #115438; Snow Swirled, Pg. 36 #111690

Paper:  Very Vanilla Cardstock (CS), Pg. 155 #101650; Very Vanilla Textured CS, Pg. 155 #106530 (Optional); Not Quite Navy CS, Pg. 156 #101722

Ink:  None!

Accessories:  VersaMark, Pg. 190 #102283; Gold Embossing Powder, Pg. 188 #109129; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; Embossing Buddy, Pg. 188 #103083; Dazzling Diamonds, Pg. 180 #102023; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Ribbon Originals, Pg. 182 #116231; Fine tipped glue pen

Cut Very Vanilla CS 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and score at 4-1/4" to create card base.

Rub the Embossing Buddy over 3-3/4" x 5" Very Vanilla CS.  I used Very Vanilla Textured CS on my card because I happened to have a piece already cut.  I do think it adds another nice texture to the card, so I'll probably use it for all of my cards.

Stamp the snowflake image in the upper left section and apply Gold Embossing Powder.  Use the Heat Tool to heat set as shown.

Add the sentiment.  I used the Season's Greetings sentiment from the Snow Swirled stamp set.

Use a fine-tipped glue pen to fill in the open areas of the snowflake as shown. I used a Quickie Glue pen I found at a local craft store.  Sprinkle on Dazzling Diamonds and tap off the excess.

Cut Not Quite Navy CS 4" x 5-1/4". Layer the Very Vanilla piece onto Not Quite Navy CS with Snail. Using the Not Quite Navy ribbon from the Ribbon Originals set, wrap ribbon around the card front and tie.  Attach to the card base with Snail.

I haven't decided on a sentiment for the inside of the card, but I'll probably keep it simple so it can be embossed as well.

That's it for today.  Be sure to check in tomorrow to see another glitter card I made for the next Pals Paper Arts "In the Pink" Challenge in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Thanks for stopping by today.

Mickey

Serene Snowflakes Ornament

This is my entry for Pals Paper Arts-Anything but a Card-PPA13.  It's also one of those projects that looks much prettier in person than in the photo.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  Serene Snowflakes, Holiday Mini-Catalog, Pg. 26 #115438

Paper:  Brushed Gold Cardstock, Pg. 159 #102935

Accessories:  VersaMark Pad, Pg. 190 #102283; Gold Emboss Powder, Pg. 188 #109129; Embossing Buddy, Pg. 188 #103083; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; Hobby Blade, Pg. 191 #102449; Cutting Mat, Pg. 191 #101087; Paper Snips, Pg. 191 #103579; Mini Glue Dots, Pg. 192 #103683; Gold Elastic Cord, Holiday Mini-Catalog, Pg. 27 #109867; Pretties Kit, Pg. 178 #109114; Crystal Effects, Pg. 192 #101055; Ornament

Dust Brushed Gold cardstock with Embossing Buddy to remove static.  Stamp image from Serene Snowflakes with VersaMark and heat set.

Cut out image as shown.  I used the hobby blade to cut just outside the embossed circle in the center.  This may vary depending on the ornament you use.  The rest was cut with paper snips.  Curl each section downward.  I used the handle of my paper-piercing tool for this.

Flip the piece over and stick a mini-gule dot on four sections as shown.

Cut four pieces of gold cord about 4" long.  Tie a knot on one end and thread into a teardrop crystal from the Pretties Kit and place a tiny drop of Crystal Effects on the knot to hold it in place.  Cut the pieces even.

Remove the ornament hanger and attach the gold cords to the ornament with Mini Glue dots as shown.

Layer the Serene Snowflake over the gold cords and replace the ornament hanger. 

That's all there is to it!  I'm working on a little gift box for this ornament.  I'll let you know what I come up with.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mickey