Valentines Already?!

Well, I've been told that Christmas is over, and I need to move on and take down all the decorations.  Hmmm.  (grumpy face)  I'm not ready to take all the festive decorations down just yet.  But I can share a card I made today using some new products that will be available on January 4th.  Can't believe another year has pretty much come and gone and it's time to get myself a new calendar.  Really?  2024?  How can that be here already?  Since it is time, I got out some new items that caught my attention to see what I could do with them.  I used the new Adoring Hearts stamp set on page 18 of the new January - April 2024 Mini Catalog.  I liked the images, and the font used for the sentiments was really fun and sort of funky.  I added a Sale-a-bration item to the card to make it special.  Then added an embellishment that is a carryover from the Winter Mini Catalog to pull this card idea together.  Ready to give this one a try?  Let's get started.

I love red roses for Valentine's Day - not that I ever get them mind you!  There's just something so sweet and traditional about them.  Can you pick out all the new products used here?  Just about everything!

The card starts with a base of Basic White that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 2 1/8" and 4 1/4".  This makes a back-fold card base.  The layer after that is Calypso Coral that is 5 1/4" x 4".  Don't attach together yet.

The DSP is a wonderful Sale-a-bration freebie called Most Adored.  It's a 12" x 12" paper pack that has gold foil designs on one side and pink and red designs on the other side.  Looked perfect for Valentine's Day to me.  There are two pieces of the red plaid design cut.  One is 5 1/4" x 1 1/2" for an accent piece inside the card and one at 5" x 3 3/4" for the front.  (I cut both pieces at the 5 1/4" length and then just trimmed off 1/4" from the front layer.)  The larger piece of DSP was attached to the Calypso Coral layer with adhesive.

A length of Silver and White Sheer Ribbon was wrapped around the two layers and tied into a small bow on the right side.  At this point, I used two strips of Tear & Tape to attach the layers to the fold-back part of the card base.  Make sure your adhesive is only where it attaches on the fold-back area, so it doesn't seal the card closed by accident.

Next the focal piece of Basic White cardstock was die-cut using the Everyday Detail Dies.  You can find these on page 28 of the New Mini Catalog.  I love the clean, bold lines of these new dies!  Very striking and fun to play with, don't you think?  The rose bouquet from the Adoring Hearts set was stamped angled at the top to give me space in the bottom corner for the sentiment.  The roses were stamped with Basic Gray ink.  The sentiment is stamped in Real Red ink.

Coloring the roses, I used Stampin' Blends - Real Red Light and Dark, Shaded Spruce Light and Dark, and Pecan Pie for the stem.

The layer is attached over the ribbon towards the left side of the card front using Dimensionals to give it some definition.  

The sentiment inside the card is also from the Adoring Hearts set.  It's stamped with Real Red ink.

The last bits to finish the card sort of surprised me.  After trying a bunch of different embellishments, I added three of the 2022-2024 In Color Pearls.  The Sweet Sorbet pearls looked really nice with the reds and Calypso Coral layer too.  Who would have guessed?  

I think this card will be perfect for my hubby, not too frilly with clean lines.  I need to pack it away until then, so he won't see it sitting out on my worktable.  Then, the big trick will be to see if I remember it come Valentine's Day and can find it!  

That's all I've got for you today.  Hope you had a very blessed Christmas celebrating the birth Jesus.  We had a few sickies with colds that were keeping their distance.  Other than the fact that I forgot to get out the grandsons' stocking stuffers and I still have them, everything was relaxing and fun.  

If you haven't received your new mini catalog yet, please let me know so another can be sent.  Any questions about ordering and Sale-a-bration, please get in touch with me.  I'd me very happy to help you with anything.  Wishing you a creative new year!  

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours,

 Wishes for a very blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Sharon and Rick

Musical Christmas Classics

Hello again.  Just 3 more days until Christmas.  Woo Hoo!!   Boy has it ever crept up on me this year.  Today I have one last Christmas card to share with you.   I couldn't resist one last card that's beautiful and so easy to make.  Just in case you're going to visit, one of these cards and a plate of goodies would be a lovely hostess gift.

Stamps:  Christmas Classics

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Pecan Pie

Ink:  Pecan Pie

Dies:  Stylish Shapes Dies

Embossing Folder:  Merry Melody

Extras:  Festive Pearls in gold, Adhesive-backed Star Trinkets, Gold and Vanilla ribbon that is from several years ago, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

The embossed music staff really shows up nicely to go with the words of the song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".  Seems like this song has been playing in my head for the last few days.  It's a good thing I like the song.

Just another picture for you because I think the card deserves a 2nd look.  

Hope you have all your cards finished and in the mail.  For some reason I always leave one or two cards until the end that need a long letter included.  One of these years I'll learn to do those cards first and get it out of the way, so I don't need to stress over it.

My daughter has been here making cookies with me today.  A couple of the recipes need to chill overnight, so we'll get those two finished up tomorrow.  Whew!  We did get a batch of pimento cheese spread made today too.  I was never a fan of this until a new 'southern' friend shared her recipe with me.  It's so yummy, but it makes a huge batch.  So, Heather took some with her to a party tonight.  Hope they love it as much as we do!

Christmas Blessings to you and your family,

Sharon

A Little One Horse Open Sleigh Idea

Hello friends!   I have some pieces of the lovely One Horse Open Sleigh DSP left over and couldn't resist making another card from it.  I know the time is running out, but I've gotten a few unexpected cards in the last few days and needed to make some to send.  Hope you like this one.  The colors are so not what I expect at Christmas, but I love how it turned out.

Stamps:  Merriest Trees

Cardstock:  Early Expresso, Petal Pink, Basic White, One Horse Open Sleigh DSP

Ink:  Early Expresso, Petal Pink

Dies/Punches:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Banner Pick a Punch

Extras:  Frosted Lace Gel (retired), Adhesive-backed Snowflake Assortment

The bottom layers of the card are strips of Basic White that are ripped to get that wonderful texture.  The Frosted Lace Gel stuff was added randomly along the torn edges.

Wishing you God's blessings as we worship His Son this Christmas!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon    

The 2nd Meandering Meadow Card

Hi!  Ready for the second half of the Meandering meadow piece of DSP?  It was used to make the focal point on this card tucked between two pieces of "lace" on either side.  This idea was the entire reason I bought this paper.  I love the look of this, and it really can't get too much easier to make.  

Stamps:  I honestly don't know what stamp set this hello comes from.  Anything the right size will do.

Cardstock:  Night of Navy, Basic White, Vellum, and Meandering Meadow Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Night of Navy

Dies:  Darling Details Dies

Extras:  Double Oval Punch, pink 3/8" Sheer Ribbon Combo Pack, Adhesive-backed Glitter Sequins (retiring soon), Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

Just die-cut two 2" strips of Basic White and tuck under the pretty DSP.  Make sure the top and bottom edges are trimmed straight.  Add your sentiment and ribbon.  Finish up with the glitter sequins.  What could be quicker than that?

Enjoy using this DSP - it's another fabulous scenery print DSP that is as wonderful as the last several they have had.  Are you ready to get back to the Christmas cards?  Come back tomorrow for the next installment.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Meandering Meadow First Card

Hey there!  Are you tired of Christmas card ideas yet?  I'm not.  There's still more to share with you, but I thought we'd take a break today for something a little more spring themed.  Just in case you're getting tired of the cold already.  Yes, it's cold here too.  It was a crisp 36 degrees when I got up this morning and the house was rather chilly.  The insulation on these southern houses is not anywhere near comparable to what we had in Michigan.  So that means chilly houses!  The pond has a slight layer of ice on it too.  Makes me feel right at home!  LOL

Stamps: Charming Sentiments, Garden Meadow

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White, Vellum, Meandering Meadow Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Night of Navy, Basic Gray

Blends:  Smoky Slate Light & Dark, Basic Black Light, Highland Heather Light & Dark, Magenta Madness Light, Polished Pink Light & Dark, Lemon Lime Twist Light & Dark, Granny Apple Green Light & Dark, Petal Pink Light, Night of Navy Light

Dies:  Deckled Circles and Charming Meadow Dies

Extras: Dragonflies & Birds Adhesive-backed, Starry Night Metallic Woven Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

Don't you love the archway?  Love the little radiating stitches all the around the inside and outside of the arch.  Awesome!  For this card, I just die-cut the Night of Navy card front, not the DSP.

Wondering where all those Stampin' Blends are used?  This is the left side of the card when it is opened.  

Sentiment and image were all stamped with Basic Gray ink.  It was easy to get everything colored in with the Blends.

The Meandering Meadow stamps, dies, DSP, and Dragonflies & Birds bitty pieces are all found on the Online Exclusive section of the online store.  Don't forget to check these out because all the separate pieces of this collection are wonderful either by themselves or all bundled together.  Think next spring - you'll love it!

Here's the right side of the inside of the card.

This card uses 1/2 of a 6" x 6" piece of Designer Paper for the arched opening.  I've made a different card using the other half of the paper that I'll share tomorrow.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Night Divine Nativity Card

 Happy Monday to you.  Things are getting busier as Christmas approaches.  There's always so much to do and get finished before the big day approaches.  In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, so often we lose sight of what the season is all about.  This is a gentle reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season.  I've made several versions of this card and decided to share this one as it's my favorite of them all.  Hope you like it too.

Stamps:  Stars at Night

Dies:  Stars at Night and Night Divine

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla

Ink:  Pecan Pie

Extras:  Shining Brightly DSP, Distressed Gold Specialty Paper, Dimensionals

The nativity set is die-cut from Crumb Cake cardstock.  It's attached low on the DSP with the bottoms of the side beams shortened to fit the landscape style card.  

Two die-cut stars are attached to the roof of the stable.  Merry Christmas is fussy cut then attached to the left by using Dimensionals.

This is a very quick card to put together.  For some reason, I keep using die-cut stars instead of the Adhesive-backed Star Trinkets which I bought to use with these cards.  On one of these cards, those Star Trinkets will finally show up.  I really did use them, I promise.  

Enjoy your cardmaking!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Trucking Along in the Woods

Hello there.  Ready for another quick card?  This one was inspired by my daughter who loved her grandpa's old red truck.  It's fairly quick to make because you have dies and punches to do all the work for you.

Stamps:  Trucking Along, sentiment (?)

Cardstock:  Balmy Blue and Basic White

Ink:  Real Red, Garden Green, Basic Gray, Night of Navy

Extras:  Walk in the Woods Designer Series Paper, Truck Punch, Aspen Tree Die, Banner Pick A Punch, White Frost Glitter (retired), Basic Jewels Rhinestones in clear

Just another shot to get a better look at some of the details.

Die-cut trees layer.  Add DSP behind it only on the edges.  Layer onto card base.  Stamp truck and punch out.  Stamp tree and fussy cut.  Attach to card front.  Add sentiment.  Rip a strip of Basic White for snow area and attach.  Add glitter and let set up.

 Hope you're enjoying this card blitz and something peaks your curiosity.  Give these ideas a try!  

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Glory to God Christmas Card

 Hi!  I woke up this morning with this idea in my head.  I finally got downstairs today to make it and thought I'd share it right away.  If you're still looking for super quick cards to make, this one (or two) truly fit the bill.  Enjoy!

Stamps:  Night Divine

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Shaded Spruce, More Dazzle Specialty Paper, Silver Foil

Ink:  Shaded Spruce

Extras:  Deckled Circle Dies, Stars At Night Hybrid Die with Embossing Folder, and Dimensionals

Just a closer up look if you're interested.

Couldn't decide on the orientation of the card, so I did it both ways.  I like how both of them turned out.  

The stars are a little different on the two cards, but those are the only changes.  This card is so quick and easy to make.  Just get everything die-cut, then put it all together.

Just a reminder that you have a few more hours to take advantage of the free shipping on December 14.  Orders must total $75 or more.  Have fun shopping!!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Merry Tree Card

Hi there!  Today is the first "quickie" card post.  Let's see how this works...

Stamps - Merriest Trees, Cottage Wreaths

Cardstock - Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, and Basic White

Ink - Garden Green

Extras - Merriest Trees Dies, A Walk in the Woods DSP, More Dazzle Specialty Paper, Red Glitter Paper (retired), Double Oval Punch, Adhesive Sheets, and Dimensionals

Any questions, just ask!  And let me know what you think of the format.  Is this enough info for you to duplicate if desired?

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Quick Note - There is FREE SHIPPING on December 14th only.  Plan what you need to order to take advantage of this promotion!  Please use the Host Code shown at the top of the blog page.  Thanks so much!

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Happy stamping and creating (and cookie baking!),

Sharon

Merriest Trees Card

 Hey there!  Have you been dealing with lots of rain lately?  We sure have.  There were 1 3/4 inches that fell just yesterday alone.  So glad we don't have to worry about flooding anymore!  And after two days of rain, I woke up to sunshine and blue skies this morning.  What a pleasant surprise.  It's gotten me invigorated to get on with the card sending.  All the cards for the shut-ins from church down here have been made.  This morning was time for adding the inserts, getting them in the envelopes, adding postage, and mailing them.  I'm finished except for going to the Post Office to mail them.  Seems like the mailman doesn't like picking up 26 cards all at once.  Oh well, at least it's a nice day for running errands!  Now that those are all taken care of, it's back to making my own cards.  Today I have a card to share made with the Merriest Trees die set.  I didn't stamp the tree at all (just sentiments), but I did die-cut the different elements to make this one.

I keep looking at the finished card and wondering if it's too busy.  It's got a lot more going on than what I normally make.  What do you think?  The card starts with a half sheet of Lost Lagoon measuring 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half.   

 

The first layer is Basic White that measures 4 1/8" x 5 3/8".  This is a very skinny layer behind the next layer which is the Tartan Foil Specialty Paper that is an Online Exclusive only.  This paper is so pretty, and I thought it would make a great focal point for the card.  The layer is cut at 5 1/4" x 4".  It's wrapped with a piece of Silver and White Sheer Ribbon that is attached to the back.  After adding the ribbon, attach the DSP to the Basic White layer with adhesive.  These get attached to the card base with adhesive also.  

 

The love and joy are a stamp in the Merriest Trees set.  They were stamped with Lost Lagoon ink and fussy-cut apart to place on either side of the tree.  They are attached with segments of Mini Dimensionals.

The Merry Christmas comes from the Stars At Night set.  It's also stamped with Lost Lagoon ink and fussy-cut.

The silver trim on the tree is part of the same set we've been focusing on.  It's cut from Silver Foil.  It was backed a section of Adhesive Sheet before die-cutting.  This made it so easy to just peel and stick the trim where I wanted it to be.  After the trim was added, the sentiment was placed over this with Dimensionals.  

One of the star dies from the Stars At Night Bundle was die-cut from the More Dazzle Specialty Paper.  I thought it was a nice sparkly addition to the design.

This is where I might have gone a little overboard on the additions.  Three little clear Rhinestone Basic Jewels were added to the tree for decoration.  Too much?  Tell me what you think.  

I was making changes to my design all along the way.  The tree was going to be the backside of the DSP which has a white background with  different plaid.  It looked too white against the white layer, so it turned into the darker side of the paper.  With the darkness of the tree, I struggled to figure out how to brighten it.  That's how I think I over did it.  Ah yes, another work in progress.

Thanks for stopping in to see what's new.  I've been stamping up a storm of Christmas cards and I'm running out of time to share them all.  I might do the blog posts a little different for the next week or two.  If I just share a card or two using the same set or DSP without all the directions it would go much quicker.  Besides, most of these cards are pretty straightforward and don't need lots of details.  What do you think?  More cards and less talk for the next two weeks?  Or stay as it is and post every 2-3 days?  I can do it either way.  Or maybe a mix of the two plans?  Give me some input here.  I'm running out of time.

Be sure to shop the Online Exclusives and the Clearance Rack for interesting gift ideas for your crafty friends.  If you'd like to get a gift certificate from me for a friend, give me a call and I'll make one up special for you and put it in the mail.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Cottage Wreath Christmas

Hey there!  I need a break!  I've been in cookie-making mode the last couple of days, and I'm exhausted.  It's time to do a sit-down-and-get-off-my-feet project.  I forgot just how crazy it is to stand all day and rush around to get cookies on and off the baking sheet and in and out of the oven.  I know you probably have no sympathy for me because I'll be enjoying all those cookies, but I'm tired!  So instead of getting back to baking this morning, I'm sitting down to write a blog post.  Sitting, aaahhh!  Today I wanted to share a card using the versatile Cottage Wreath stamp set.  It's been around since last year, and I love it.  The set is so versatile with all the little Halloween, fall, and Christmas bitty accents that are part of the set. That means you can use it over and over and still make it look new depending on what you put with it.  To me, that is a great investment in a stamp bundle that I love to use.

First of all, I love this layout with something along the left side to make the card look asymmetrical.  That is a pleasing look to me.  Secondly, I love the wreaths.  So, this card makes me doubly happy when I look at it.  If you like it too, come create along with me.  Start with a Thick Basic White cardstock base of 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half. 

The first layer is Pretty Peacock cardstock that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  Then a layer of Basic White is cut to measure 5" x 3 3/4".  This piece is embossed with the Distressed Tile Embossing Folder.  Don't you love all the detail this makes?  And it shows off so nicely.   Attach the white layer onto the Pretty Peacock layer with adhesive.  

A strip of Joy of Christmas Designer Series Paper is attached near the left edge of the white paper with just a small white edge peeking around it.  This one is a rather dark print, so I added only a 1" strip to the card.  At this point, I attached these layers to the card base using Dimensionals.

The leafy wreath was stamped on Basic White cardstock using Garden Green ink.  I tried Old Olive first, and it didn't look right to me, so I made another in the Garden Green.  This is not one of the coordinating colors listed on the DSP package, but it seemed to look better to me.

After stamping, the wreath was die-cut using the coordinating die.  It was centered and then attached to the card front using Dimenisonals.

The accent bow is die-cut from the Pretty Peacock color choice from the Soft Shimmer Specialty Paper in the Annual Catalog.  This paper has such a pretty, soft shimmer in real life.  It seemed to be the perfect choice here.  It's been attached to the wreath with a Mini Glue Dot in the center.

The sentiment is from the Brightest Glow stamp set.  It is stamped with Pretty Peacock ink on a strip about 1" wide.  The sentiment is die-cut using the coordinating die from the Labels Aglow die set.  Don't you love the pretty detail on this die?

After stamping and die-cutting the sentiment, it was attached over the wreath using Dimensionals just where it layers over the wreath.

The inside of the card has a sentiment from the Brightest Glow stamp set.  It's stamped with Pretty Peacock ink.

There are two leafy branches that match the branches in the wreath stamped as an accent.  A few tiny evergreen sprigs are tucked in.  They are stamped with Pretty Peacock ink.

There is a sprinkling of retired tiny Real Red Rhinestones added to the front of the card.  I think they added just the right touch, even though they are retired.  (Why do they keep retiring some of my favorite accent pieces???)

Hope you like this simple Christmas card.  I tend to like the more clean and simple style so that's what you usually see here.  Every once in a while, I get a little crazy with the design and you get something over the top.  But basically, you get basic straight forward card ideas from me.  Hope you like this style of card too and are looking forward to more posts.

The new Mini Catalogs will be mailing out soon.  If you'd like one sent to you, please let me know, so I can do that for you.  And Sale-a-bration is coming back in January for two months.  Definitely something to look forward to.  I've seen the freebies, and there's some really cool items in there you'll want to get.  Remember to let me know if you need a catalog or anything else that I can help you with.  That's what I'm here to do - help you with your stamping questions.  Thanks for your loyalty over the years.  I appreciate you and all you do.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Red and Gold NOEL

Hey friends!  Are you having a good day?  I started my cookie baking on Sunday.  Then I made a batch of peanut butter cookies this morning.  I hope if I do a little baking every day, maybe I'll get my usual plate of cookies made in time for sharing.  Why is it when I was at the grocery store with my list of things to make all these cookies, I either forgot to put things on the list or forgot to pick it up at the store.  Looks like another trip to the store is necessary for making more cookies.  I can never have enough different flavors of cookies!  They are my downfall.  Well, let's leave the cookies alone for a while and get on with the card making.  OK?  

Today's card comes with two versions again.  When I'm making my cards, so often I can't decide to make them one way or the other, so of course, I make two!  That's what happened with this card.  I had the idea in my head with general thoughts on DSP and ribbon accent, but then got bogged down trying to decide which color to feature and which to use as an accent.  Take a look and choose which one you prefer.

Both cards start with a Thick Basic White cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  No surprise there, just a basic card base.

Let's focus on this card first.  The first layer on the card is Cherry Cobbler that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  Do not attach to the base yet.   

Next is a layer of the gorgeous Joyful Specialty Design Series Paper.  This print is a delicate design of gold leaves, holly and evergreen branches accented with Cherry Cobbler berries.  So pretty.  I used a piece measuring 3 1/4" x 5".  This is attached with adhesive to the right side of the Cherry Cobbler layer framing the top, bottom, and right side to match.  Just a heads up - the dimensions on the width of the DSP might change with your choice of ribbon.  

The ribbon I used is retired from possibly last Christmas.  Some of you must still have some of this ribbon left.   It's a beautiful woven Cherry Cobbler and Gold ribbon that is 1/2" in width.  When you look at the ribbon it changes to show more of the Cherry Cobbler or the Gold depending on how the light hits it.  I thought it would be a great match with this lovely DSP.  A 6 1/2" strip was wrapped around the open area left from the DSP.  It's attached in back with adhesive.

This layer is then attached to the card base.  I used Dimensionals to attach it.

The ribbon looks so much more gold here because it's angled to catch the light.

On a piece of Basic White cardstock that measures about 2 1/2" square, the NOEL letters were stamped in the center with Cherry Cobbler ink.  It's die-cut using the Joy of Noel Bundle.  The square die fits the lettering perfectly.  After cutting, I added a 2 3/8" square of the Distressed Gold Specialty Paper behind it.  This beautiful paper can be found in the Annual Catalog.  They're attached together with adhesive.

The detailed die from the Joy of Noel Bundle cut a layer from Cherry Cobbler cardstock.   I did have to run it back and forth in the Big Shot several times to get the detail to cut nicely.  The NOEL lettering layers are attached to the detail die-cut using adhesive.  This is all added to the card front using adhesive.  

On this card I used the gold pearls from the Festive Pearls set as an accent.

Now we'll take a closer look at the opposite design.  This card starts out the same with the Thick Basic White card base, the Cherry Cobbler layer, the DSP layer, and the ribbon added to the side.  The NOEL lettering is still Cherry Cobbler ink on the Basic White and die-cut. 

The Cherry Cobbler layer was cut 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" square, so it's a little larger than the distressed gold layer on the other card.  The detail die cut the Distressed Gold Specialty paper to make the detailed layer.  Again, I ran it through several times just like the first time. 

The Distressed Gold layer is attached to the card base flat using adhesive.  The NOEL and Cherry Cobbler layer were attached over the gold layer using Dimensionals.

For an accent, the same Festive Pearls were added, but this time I chose the Cherry Cobbler pearls.

I hope you like these two NOEL cards.  Like I said, I really couldn't decide which one I preferred.  So, it's up to you to decide which one you like better.  Let me know which one you prefer.  I'd really like to know what you think.

Make sure you shop in the Last Chance areas to see what's retiring.  These items will only be available until January 3rd unless they sell out before that.  Some of the Designer Series Paper packs are already gone.   And don't forget to visit the Clearance section to get some really great bargains.  Please consider using the Host Code at the top of this blog.  I really appreciate it when you do.

Thanks for stopping by to see what I've been creating.  Hope you're inspired by something you see and get out your stamps to create something beautiful yourself.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Back with More Stars at Night

Hi all.  Seems like there's been a little flu bug going around in the area and it made a visit to our family members.  Wasn't that nice?  Can you hear the sarcasm?  Seems like something is always happening to throw me off track lately.  But we pick ourselves up and carry on.  The card for today was made before things got bogged down.  But it's still a lovely card and, it's time to share this with you.  I love the Stars At Night set!  The stars are beautiful, and I love that the set has a hybrid embossing folder/die set that work together to die-cut stars with incredible embossed detail.  When it's used with the Silver or Gold Foil Papers, oh my!  Let's get started and you can see what I mean.

See?  Gorgeous, right?  I love all the bits of detail on this card that look like a lot of work, but it's quite easy to get done.  The card starts with a card base of Night of Navy.  Yes, I'm stuck on my navy and silver Christmas look.  The base measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" that's scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half to make a regular card.  

The front of the card base is embossed with the Snowflake Sky Embossing Folder found in the Mini Catalog.  Because the front of the card is embossed, there is extra texture without adding any extra bulk on the card.  But it adds another layer of appeal to the design.

The strip of a starry sky comes from the Oh Holy Night Designer Series Paper.  I had a strip of this paper that was only 1 1/2" wide.  What can you do with that?  I think it packs a big wow on this card carrying through with the starry night feel of the card.  I cut it at 5 1/4" long and attached it to a strip of Silver Foil Specialty Paper that measures 1 3/4" x 5 1/2".  They are layered together with adhesive. Then this is attached to the card front using adhesive about 1/2" from the left side.

A piece of Silver Foil was cut a little larger than the largest star in the Hybrid Embossing Folder.  The matching die was added in the folder over the stars before embossing and cutting at the same time.  Awesome.  I'm amazed at how detailed the embossed images are on this star!  I thought it would need some other stars layered here, but it already looks like it has layers on it.  I had to touch it several times to make sure I hadn't layered a star on it already.  So, why mess with it?  I left it as is and only used a single layered star here.  The star is attached to the card front using Dimensionals for mounting.  It is not layered symmetrically on the strips, but over to the right onto the snowflake sky.

The sentiment used is from the Night Divine set.  I've mentioned before how much I love these sentiments and have used them often.  The sentiment is stamped on a Basic White cardstock piece using Night of Navy ink.  Then it is fussy cut around it.  It's attached to the card front to the right side using Mini Dimensionals.

The inside of the card is stamped on a Basic White cardstock layer that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  The sentiment used here is from the Brightest Glow stamp set found in the Annual Catalog.  It's stamped in Night of Navy ink to match the rest of the card.

There is a star cluster stamped in the bottom right corner of the card.  This comes from the Stars at Night set.  It is inked in Night of Navy ink then off-stamped before stamping on the card to give it a slightly softer look.  The layer is attached inside the card using adhesive.

Now, for the embellishments.  I tried several different gems and sequins on the card for the crisp, clear night sky look.  I finally chose the Rhinestone Basic Jewels that are clear.  That gave me the best look of stars in the night sky.

The center of the large star needed something a little more impressive than the clear rhinestones.  I chose the Tinsel Gems 3 Pack with this lovely blue gem.  The catalog says it's Misty Moonlight, but I thought it worked perfectly here.

Of course, you could easily turn this card into a landscape look by just changing the orientation of the star and sentiment.  Maybe I'll do one that way too and see which way I like it better.

Thanks for stopping in to see what is being created around here.  It's funny how often I go down to my stamp room planning on working with a certain set.  Then before I know it, I've got something totally different in front of me that I'm working on.  There are still some ideas floating around in my head that use the Night Divine dies that I haven't gotten around to yet.  I'd like to say I'll get going on that tomorrow, but who knows what the day will bring.  I might not even be working on Christmas things tomorrow.  We'll see what happens.

Have you had a chance to check out all the items being retired from the 2023 September - December Mini Catalog?  Some of my favorites won't be coming back again.  Such a shame.  But that means there will be more new goodies in the future.  If there is anything you've had your eye on in that Mini Catalog, please don't hesitate to order before it's sold-out.  Feel free to get in touch with me if you need help ordering.  I'd be happy to help.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon