Year: 2013

This year I avoided shopping…I gave gift cards along with DIY gifts and packaging for a personal touch! I will be sharing all of my projects so keep checking back! I have a couple of dies that I just love and make DIY packaging very easy! One is the Gift Bow Bigz L Die and the other is the Snow Flurry Bigz Die (which just happens to be on the clearance rack while supplies last!) I used them on both bags and boxes. I love how they turned out! I used up quite a bit of Christmas background papers that I had been hoarding for just such a purpose and it felt great to finally be using them!

“Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.”

During the Christmas season most of our focus is on one baby, unless we, or someone we know, is having one! Since we are in the season of celebrating the birth of Christ, I thought I would share the fun things I made for my great niece’s baby shower. I used My Digital Studio and the Hello Baby Ensemble Kit Digital Download. It was the easiest part of the shower! I printed all the elements out on my own printer and either cut out with coordinating punches, circle framelits, or with the paper trimmer! I had not thrown a baby shower for a long time and I was shocked at the price of all the baby shower items at the party store. I opted for plain paper plates and napkins and just dressed them up to keep the costs down. I did choose to just serve small sandwiches, chips, and cupcakes so I didn’t have to worry about dressing up the paper plate with images on printer paper being attached to the plate. The very first baby shower was not very elaborate. Three wise men attended and brought some very nice gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. By today’s standards they were pricey gifts; but they were God’s provision to take care of the Christ child in a strange land while they evaded an evil man wanting to take his life prematurely. Eventually, He gave His life for us and we sing:

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!

There are more lyrics to the song…but the most amazing line to me is God and sinners reconciled! A joyous thing to celebrate indeed!

Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

HELLO, BABY ENSEMBLE KIT – DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Item: 126159

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Items will be available for download after checkout

“A Rainbow of Butterflies.”

This beautiful swap card was created by Karen Salamone. My favorite thing about it is that it showcases all the decadent 2013-2015 In Colors! These in colors have my favorite group as a whole! This card idea is also a great way to use up those small pieces that you have in your stash.
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	BEST OF GREETINGS CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 133485
	BERMUDA BAY 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131197
	VERY VANILLA 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 101650
	BAKED BROWN SUGAR 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131296
	BAKED BROWN SUGAR CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 131174
	COASTAL CABANA 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131297
	CRISP CANTALOUPE 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131298
	PISTACHIO PUDDING 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131294
	STRAWBERRY SLUSH 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131295
	2013-2015 IN COLOR DESIGNER SERIES PAPER STACK Item: 130136
	BITTY BUTTERFLY PUNCH Item: 129406
	ELEGANT BUTTERFLY PUNCH Item: 127526
	PERFECT POLKA DOTS TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER DIE Item: 117335
	BASIC PEARLS JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119247

“It is a Christmas crossover card!”

This is a card that I made for one of my convention swaps. It could easily be a Christmas card just by switching the sentiment! I like stamp sets that can serve multiple purposes!
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	MOSAIC MADNESS CLEAR BUNDLE Item: 132733
	STRAWBERRY SLUSH 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131295
	STRAWBERRY SLUSH CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 131178
	STRAWBERRY SLUSH 3/8″ RUFFLE STRETCH TRIM Item: 130023
	PISTACHIO PUDDING CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 131177
	CRISP CANTALOUPE CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 131176
	QUATREFANCY SPECIALTY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER Item: 130141
	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	STICKY STRIP Item: 104294
	STAMPIN’ DIMENSIONALS Item: 104430
	BASIC RHINESTONES JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119246

“The wreath was hung on the door with care in the hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there.”

Yes, I took a slight liberty with, “Twas the night before Christmas,” and instead of stockings and chimneys I went with wreaths and doors! You see, I needed to in order to feature this pretty swap card from Penny Blair. This card appeals to me because of its simple layout and the touch of elegance added with the embellishments.
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	WONDERFUL WREATH WOOD-MOUNT STAMP Item: 132748
	REAL RED 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 102482
	SILVER FOIL SHEETS Item: 132178
	SILVER 1/8″ RIBBON Item: 132137
	BASIC RHINESTONES JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119246
	REGALS DESIGNER SERIES PAPER STACK Item: 130139
	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	GARDEN GREEN CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126973

“Merriest Christmas wishes to you.”

This beautiful swap card created by Gina Taylor goes on my, I.LOVE.IT. list! All the simple little details come together to make fabulous! The embossed background, the Grunge stamped background, the Washi Tape, and a simple color combo are all pleasing to the eye.
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	TAG IT Item: 130303
	OH GOODIE! CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 131889
	CHERRY COBBLER 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 119685
	SEASON OF STYLE DESIGNER WASHI TAPE Item: 132155
	CHERRY COBBLER CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126966
	CHERRY COBBLER STAMPIN WRITE MARKER Item: 119681
	OLD OLIVE CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126953
	GORGEOUS GRUNGE CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 130517
	CHALK TALK FRAMELITS DIES Item: 129983
	CIRCLES COLLECTION FRAMELITS DIES Item: 130911
	STYLISH STRIPES TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 132174
	BASIC PEARLS JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119247
	BASIC RHINESTONES JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119246

“Christmas countdown; digital or paper?”

This is a 3×3 gift card that I received in a convention swap. I do not have the creator’s info…but if it is yours and would like credit…just let me know!

I just realized that we only have 25 more days until Christmas! Thanksgiving was late this year and the implications of that have just now hit me! While I love playing in the digital world (think mobile apps, software, etc.) I am still a big fan of retaining old traditions like handmade with love and paper, etc.

The following project is from the Stampin’ Up Blog and is an easy way to honor an old tradition:

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.”

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” -Melody Beattie

I love all the Thanksgiving traditions; setting aside time to reflect and count our blessings, and the family gatherings where we feast on great food! It is so easy to fall into the bad habit of taking all of these things for granted in the daily grind of life! May the spirit of Thanksgiving be in your life everyday and your heart filled with gratitude! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

This flip card was created by yours truly and one of the cards we did in my Harvest of Thanks class! I am in love with the extended flip cards! The top photo is with the card closed and the belly band on, the bottom photo is with the card flipped open and the belly band off.

Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	HARVEST OF THANKS CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 131739
	SWEATER WEATHER DESIGNER SERIES PAPER Item: 132184
	SAHARA SAND 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 121043
	EARLY ESPRESSO 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 119686
	EARLY ESPRESSO STAMPIN WRITE MARKER Item: 119680
	SAHARA SAND CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126976
	BRIGHTS STAMPIN’ WRITE MARKERS Item: 131259
	TANGERINE TANGO CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126946
	EARLY ESPRESSO CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126974
	EPIC DAY THIS AND THAT DESIGNER WASHI TAPE Item: 131269
	TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 111349
	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	LABEL CARD THINLITS DIE Item: 133479
	1-3/4 INCH CIRCLE PUNCH Item: 119850
	1-3/8 INCH CIRCLE PUNCH Item: 119860
	SMALL OVAL PUNCH Item: 120908
	BITTY BANNERS FRAMELITS DIE Item: 129267
	NEUTRALS DESIGNER BUTTONS Item: 130031
	STYLISH STRIPES TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 132174

“Greetings of the Season.”

This lovely swap card was created by Kendra Richardson. It has a quite a few layers and yet each layer is simple keeping the layout unfussy and classy.
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	EVERGREEN CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 127973
	GREETINGS OF THE SEASON CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 128033
	CRUMB CAKE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 120953
	OLD OLIVE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100702
	CHOCOLATE CHIP 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 102128
	NATURALS IVORY 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 101849
	SEASON OF STYLE DESIGNER SERIES PAPER STACK Item: 132181
	CHERRY COBBLER CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126966
	ALWAYS ARTICHOKE CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126972
	DAZZLING DETAILS Item: 124117
	OVALS COLLECTION FRAMELITS DIES Item: 129381

“A card of legends.”

The Cardinal is called the “Christmas Bird” for its spectacular red color. Legend says that the Cardinal is the symbol of beauty and warmth of the holiday season. A glimpse of this brilliant bird brings cheer, hope and inspiration on a gray, cold, snowy, wintry day. This is nature’s reminder for us to focus on our faith; the Cardinal’s scarlet plumage represents the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind. This lovely swap card created by Olive Barnes is a wonderful representation of the legend on paper.

	BIRD PUNCH Item: 117191
	MODERN MEDLEY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER Item: 126926
	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	CHERRY COBBLER 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 119685
	RED GLIMMER PAPER Item: 121790
	SILVER GLIMMER PAPER Item: 124005
	BOHO BLOSSOMS PUNCH Item: 119858
	LACY BROCADE TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 127819
	BASIC PEARLS JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119247

“Soothing color combo evokes the feeling of peace.”

This gorgeous card is a convention swap created by Renee Thompson.  The color combo of Pool Party and Smokey Slate is very soothing and evokes a feeling of peacefulness and calm.
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	FESTIVE FLURRY CLEAR-MOUNT BUNDLE Item: 133285
	GREETINGS OF THE SEASON CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 128033
	POOL PARTY 8-1/2 X 11 CARD STOCK Item: 122924
	POOL PARTY CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126982
	SMOKY SLATE 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131202
	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730			$8.50	REMOVE	$8.50
	VERSAMARK PAD Item: 102283
	SILVER STAMPIN’ EMBOSS POWDER Item: 109131
	LARGE RHINESTONE BASIC JEWELS Item: 129324
	EXTRA-LARGE OVAL PUNCH Item: 119859
	PERFECT POLKA DOTS TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER DIE Item: 117335
	WHISPER WHITE 3/8 INCH TAFFETA RIBBON Item: 109070

“I have a Holly Jolly Christmas earworm!”

Every once in awhile I participate in a by invitation only swap. The ladies that are in this group do fantastic work! The October swap was for holiday cards so I decided to participate since I had the time. Boy am I ever glad I did! You will be too because I will be sharing all of the awesome swaps with you! This first one that I am sharing today was created by Marci Long. This is a beautiful card with lots of fine little details! And…I now have a Burl Ives earworm! lol!
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	TAGS 4 YOU CLEAR-MOUNT BUNDLE Item: 133294
	DECO LABELS COLLECTION FRAMELITS DIES Item: 130102
	CHERRY COBBLER 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 119685
	CHERRY COBBLER STAMPIN WRITE MARKER Item: 119681
	PETALS-A-PLENTY TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER DIE Item: 116824
	SILVER GLIMMER PAPER Item: 124005
	SEASON OF STYLE DESIGNER SERIES PAPER STACK Item: 132181

“Christmas came from humble beginnings.”

I love the simplicity of this Christmas card! It reminds me of the humble origins of Christmas. New parents, a babe in a manger, lowly shepherds, and three wise kings who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; gifts that I am sure provided a means to take of a brand new baby in a strange land far away from home. This image is a far cry of the glitz, glimmer, and excess of Christmas today. While I love holiday decor and I put up my fair share of it, there are times I find myself longing for stark simplicity. While I find it hard to verbally convey the simplicity that I yearn for – this convention swap (creative origins unknown) depicts it perfectly!
Supplies used on this project are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	EVERGREEN CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 127973
	MORE MERRY MESSAGES CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 126402
	NIGHT OF NAVY 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100867
	NIGHT OF NAVY CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126970
	SMOKY SLATE 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK Item: 131202
	SMOKY SLATE CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 131179
	STYLISH STRIPES TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 132174
	APOTHECARY ACCENTS FRAMELITS DIES Item: 127003