My Christmas Tree Version

Hello stamping friends!  I hope you aren't bored by my card today.  So many people have shared their versions of Christmas tree cards this year.  Especially since there are several different tree-centered new sets this year to choose from.  After giving this some thought, I figured why not share one more.  After looking at so many different versions of Christmas trees on Pinterest to get inspired, I feel like I must have seen them all already.  And I hope my version isn't too much like anyone else's card idea.  I think I got idea overload and started mixing up what I saw and what I thought up myself.  Also, I was having a problem finding what I wanted to put together on this card from just my current stash of stamps, punches and cardstock.  So, this card is a real mixture of old and new, but I love how it all comes together into a beautiful Christmas card!

 

Isn't this just the perfect Christmas tree card?  I love how it came together.  When planning this card, I couldn't keep myself from using the retired original Shimmery Paper that we sold previously.  It has a subtle shimmer to it that it's almost unnoticeable, but it is there and makes a lovely backdrop for this tree.

The card starts with a card base of Shaded Spruce that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" that's scored and folded in half.  The first layer is the Shimmery Paper that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  For some added shimmer on this, I flicked a little bit of Wink of Stella on the layer and set it aside to dry for a minute.  I wasn't sure how I'd finish the design until I had a tree to work with, so that was next.

While that was drying, I created my tree(s).  The larger tree image in the Frosted Forest stamp set was stamped on Basic White cardstock with Shaded Spruce ink.  Then I worked with the coordinating stencils to add the rest of the color.  Stencil A was Shaded Spruce added with a Blending Brush.  Stencil B was adding some Mossy Meadow for a shading color.  Stencil C was carefully dabbing and smooshing White Craft ink onto the tree.  Don't rub it on or much of the green will transfer to your white ink pad.  Oops!  After adding the white ink, I added White Embossing Powder to one and a clear glitter embossing powder to the 2nd one.  After heat setting, you can see the difference of the two trees.  For this card, I chose the snowy tree with the white embossing powder on it.

A strip of Shaded Spruce was cut for the card front.  It measures 5 1/4" x 1 1/2".  A strip of the Graceful Greenery Vellum was added over this as a lovely accent.  The strip measures 5 1/4" x 1 3/8".  It's attached to the green strip only under the circle areas to hide the adhesive.  For a final layer on the strip, a length of the Silver & White Sheer Ribbon was wrapped around and adhered to the back.  This was all added to the card front and attached with adhesive.

Two of the Spotlight on Nature circle dies were used next.  The larger one cut a piece of Shaded Spruce, and the next size down cut a circle from the Shimmery White cardstock.  These are layered up together with adhesive.  Then they are attached to the far-right side of the card front using Dimensionals.

The tree was attached to the circles by using Dimensionals also, so it really stands out on the card.

Another retired favorite of mine, the Double Oval Punch, was used to make the sentiment piece.  The larger oval punched out Shaded Spruce and the smaller oval punched Basic White.  Shaded Spruce ink was used to stamp Joy from the Brightest Glow set which I think is retired.  The sentiment fit just right though, so that's what I used.

We're down to the home stretch now.  It was time for any extra bling to go on now.  After evaluating, I went back and added Wink of Stella over all the white embossing powder on the tree branches.  I like the bit of glimmer that added to the tree.  The very last addition was the five tiny Rhinestone Basic Jewels scattered on the tree.  

There, I'm so happy with the entire card, even if it is a mish-mash of old and new.  I really enjoy getting out my retired products and playing around with them.  It reminds me of why I held on to those special items when they retired in the first place.  Of course, I'd be happy to hang on to every single stamp, accessory, and tool I've purchased over many years.  But you know, I really don't want to rent a storage unit to fit it all!  LOL

Hope you had fun creating with me today.  I promise I'll try to stick with more current products next time around.  (Maybe)  Please don't get mad at me if I wander away into the past again.  

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

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

Love Those Wreaths

 Hello and welcome on this beautiful Monday.  It seems like the weekend went way too fast and it's time to get back into the groove.  As promised, I'm actually sharing Christmas cards today.  I loved the Wishes All Around Bundle when I saw it in the Mini Catalog.  Especially the snowflake wreath die!  Woo Boy - it's just gorgeous.  So of course, that is the first item from that bundle that I'm sharing with you.

I've got to admit, I used a retired Season of Chic DSP to play around with the die and get a feel for how it cuts, etc.  I thought they turned out beautifully, so I had to share them with you.  So that's why there are 3 cards in the picture.  We are going to focus on the Night of Navy version first because all the items used are current.  Then we'll touch on the other two cards for a little bit at the end.

Aren't the three cards lovely though?  I wish you could see them in person and touch them.  They are just so pretty!! I like how airy the snowflake wreath looks!  It really is easy to cut and get all the little pieces poked out of the snowflakes.  Usually, I only had five or six little 'chads' to poke out after cutting.  Like I said, so easy.  I can't wait to play with the other dies to see what else I can create.

For this card, I decided to work with my favorite Christmas card color scheme - navy, white, and silver.  The base of the card is Night of Navy cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half as usual.

The DSP that I chose to frame the snowflakes is from the Countryside Inn Designer Series Paper pack.  Yes, I know - that's not Christmas paper!  But I thought this print gave a feel of snowflakes falling with the Balmy Blue dots all over the design.  This measures 5 1/4" x 4".  It's attached to the folded navy card base using adhesive.

The snowflakes are die-cut from a piece of Basic White Thick.  I added a layer of the Adhesive Sheets cut to fit.  You can find this on page 138 in the Annual Catalog.  It's a great tool when die-cutting intricate pieces and trying to attach them to your card.  The adhesive is already there, so you just peel the backing and attach.  It's attached near the top of the card to leave lots of room for a sentiment.

There are single snowflakes dies in the Wishes All Around set also.  I cut three of these out of Silver Foil paper to add to the design.  It added a nice bit of shine to it.  They are each attached with a Mini Glue Dot in the center to hold in place.

The sentiment also comes from the Wishes All Around set.  This is stamped on a strip of Basic White that is about 3/4" wide.  It's stamped with Night of Navy ink close to the left side.  Then the right end is flagged with the Banners Pick a Punch.  It's then attached to the card front with adhesive at the left edge and a Dimensional under the right edge.  I liked it kind of lifting off the card as it went across.

A bow was made using the Silver & White Sheer Ribbon to highlight the extra silver snowflakes.  The bow is attached with Mini Glue Dots near the bottom of the wreath.

After looking at the finished card, I thought some small Clear Rhinestone Basic Jewels would add a touch more sparkle. They are added to the centers of the snowflakes that you can see, so only six were used.  But it does add a pretty touch.

Let me tell you about a problem I ran into so maybe you won't have the same problem.  Or maybe you will come up with a better way of doing this.  This was the first incarnation of the snowflake card idea.  The snowflake was still made of Basic White Thick cardstock, but I added a layer of the Foam Adhesive Sheets under this since I wanted some dimension.  After going through the cutting machine 4 times, it finally cut through the outer edges.  But when you look closely, you'll see that most of the inner chads on the snowflakes were absolutely impossible to remove.  Lots of poking to just get the outer circles empty.  So, that was just too thick.  Maybe it would work better with regular cardstock.  I don't know, I didn't try that.  I really liked the thickness of the snowflake wreath, but I don't think that out-weighed the hassle. 

The sentiment is from the Brightest Glow stamp set.  Same ribbon and silver snowflakes added and a few Rhinestone Basic Jewels to sparkle.

On this card, the retired White Velvet Specialty Paper was used on the snowflake wreath.  Love this.  The sentiment is from the Wishes All Around set and just fussy cut around it.  It's popped up with a Dimensional.  

For the bling on this one, something new was used.  These are the Adhesive-backed Glitter Sequins.  Oh my, they are so pretty and sparkly!  Again, the silver snowflakes were added along with the Silver & White ribbon bow.

Ok, there you have it - snowflakes in three versions.  I really love each one of these.  I wish that velvet paper was still current because it made lovely snowflakes.  But now that these are finished, I really need to make some cards using the wreath made from little trees.  I think that will be adorable.

Thanks for hanging with me for a little bit today.  Have fun trying out these creations as is or add your own special touch to the idea.  If you have an idea for something different to use for the snowflakes, let me know.  I love new ideas.  If you order, please use the Host Code shown at the top of the page.  Thank you!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon 

Stars At Night Fun Fold

Hey y'all!  Having a great day.  Hubby is coming home from a trip to the farm.  That won't be happening too many more times.  Ahh, changes.  Life is an ongoing process, isn't it?  Finally getting around to posting this card in the Stars At Night series.  Hope you've enjoyed them so far.  Today's card is simple, but I think it's rather cool.  Give a look and tell me what you think.

It looks just like a regular card when it comes out of the envelope, but then it pops out a little and stands up really nice.   To get started, use a piece of Boho Blue cardstock measuring 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 2 1/8" and 4 1/4" to get the fold back flap on the card front.  Cut another piece of Boho Blue that measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".

This smaller piece of Boho Blue was embossed with the Hybrid Embossing Folder that coordinates.  To help the stars show up a little better on the blue, I inked the embossing folder with Craft White ink.  The ink was only on the side of the embossing folder that has the Stampin' Up! logo on it.  I love how it softly defines all the stars both large and small.  This layer was then attached to a Basic White layer with "green glue".  The Basic White layer measures 5 1/4" x 4".  Cut two of these so you have one for the inside of the card.

The next step is folding the card base.  Fold in half, then fold the front flap back on itself.  Two strips of Tear & Tape were added to this as shown.  The Basic White layer was added to this trying to keep the edges all the same, so it has a frame of Boho Blue surrounding this.

I cut a piece of Vellum about 4" x 5".  I placed the coordinating hybrid die over the three large stars then added the Vellum piece.  Ran it through the embossing machine and set the stars aside.    There is a 1" x 4" strip of Vellum cut that was embossed with the edge of the embossing folder on that piece of Vellum.

The smaller star is attached over the larger star using a Mini Glue Dot in the middle.  This double star is then attached over the embossed star on the card front using a Dimensional in the middle only.  I prefer having the stars raised up without a lot of glue holding them together.

A small star die was used to cut some More Dazzle Specialty Paper.  This was attached in the center of the stars using one Mini Glue Dot only in the center like all the others.  This More Dazzle Paper star really gives it some lovely shine and sparkle.

The sentiment layer is Basic White cardstock stamped with the greeting that comes from the Brightest Glow stamp set.  Boho Blue ink was used.  The Labels Aglow die was used to cut this.  

The embossed strip of Vellum was attached about 1/2" from the bottom.  Adhesive was placed down the center behind where the label is attached.  The label is raised up on Dimensionals and placed in the center of the Vellum strip.  

The extra Basic White layer has one of the sentiments from the Brightest Glow set stamped in Boho Blue ink.  The stardust stamp is used to embellish each corner of the inside of the card using Boho Blue ink.  The white layer is attached inside the card making sure that it doesn't show from the front.  I had an extra star die-cut from the More Dazzle paper left-over, so that was attached in the top left corner near the sentiment.  A Mini Glue Dot was used for this.

Here's a quick view of the inside of the card.

The last little bit of bling on this card are the Rhinestone Basic Jewels.  I thought their clear shine was the best addition for this card.   I love how this card turned out.  I'm frustrated that I only used blue and silver for all three of the Stars At Night series cards.  I really will have to see what else I can design with this lovely set.  But I have to admit, I'm really partial to blue and silver together.  It's so elegant in my opinion, so what's not to like?

Thank you for sharing some time with me today.  Hope you give this card idea a try.  I truly think it's simply gorgeous and I'll be making a few more of these for own Christmas cards.

Many of the backordered items are in stock again.  If you've been waiting on something, keep checking back every day.  There's been an update of the Clearance items too.  If you do place an order, please use the Host Code shown at the top of this post.  A big thank you to all of you that do order.  It's so appreciated!  

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

More Stars

Hello friends!  Sorry for the long wait between posts.  Life just takes a few twists and turns, and then my schedule seems to get totally out of control.  I don't know whether I'm coming or going sometimes!  Let's hope things quiet down around here and we get back to normal.  Whatever that is!  Today I'm sharing another card using the new Stars At Night stamp set with coordinating dies.   Oh yes, it showcases the Oh Holy Night Designer Series Paper for a lovely starry background.  Let's get started making this card.

Isn't this starry print just gorgeous?  I wish you could see it in person.  It's so rich looking!  Once I had this idea in my head, this card almost made itself!  It starts with a base of Night of Navy cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.  A layer of Basic White was cut at 4" x 5 1/4".  Cut two of the white layers so you have one for the inside of the card.  The starry DSP layer measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".  I only wanted a very small white frame around it, so you've got measurements in eighths.  Sometimes I think the tiny white frame actually gives the card more of a pop.  My preference.  You could always cut it a little smaller to have a bigger white frame.

To start, layer the DSP onto the Basic White layer.  I used "green glue" on the outer edges of the layers only because I wanted the die-cut area to be separate.  One of the dies in the set cut out the multi-pronged star and all the tiny dots of light surrounding it.  That is what was used through the two layers that were glued together.  Because the center wasn't glued, these die-cut sections have a tendency to rise up somewhat and don't lay totally flat.  

A 5 1/2" length of the Silver & White Sheer Ribbon was wrapped around to the back and taped down.  This is about 1" from the bottom edge.  After the ribbon was attached, the entire layer was attached to the folded navy card base.  I used "green glue" for this.  You can see the navy background shows through the card front.

Two of the stars from the Stars At Night die set were cut from the More Dazzle Specialty Designer Series Paper.  The smaller star is attached over the larger one with a Mini Glue Dot between them.  They are attached to the card front using cut pieces of Dimensionals to hold it up away from the card base.

The smallest label die from the Something Fancy dies set was used to cut a Basic White label.  The sentiment is from the Stars At Night stamp set and is stamped with Night of Navy ink.  The label is attached over the strip of ribbon using Dimensionals.  Another length of ribbon was used to make a bow which was attached right at the edge of the tag.  It's held on with Mini Glue Dots.

On the 2nd piece of Basic White cardstock that you already cut, stamp the sentiment for the inside of the card with Night of Navy ink.  This sentiment comes from the Brightest Glow set.  The sprinkle of stardust is from the Stars At Night set.  They are stamped with Night of Navy ink that has been off-stamped.  The white layer is attached inside the card with "green glue".

The final touch on the card is of course the bling.  Even with the More Dazzle stars and the silver edged ribbon, I decided to add just a little more bling to the card.  I thought the Rhinestone Basic Jewels would be just the right touch.  A larger one was added to the center of the star.  Three smaller ones were added around the card front.  Simple and subtle.

I really enjoyed making this card.  I fussed around with the die-cut star background trying to decide how I wanted it to look.  I originally wanted something sparkly because of the shining star, but I ended up with the dark to highlight the star instead.  

Hope you like this card.  I have one more to share with you using this set, then it's on to another set.  I figured this way I would actually use all the sets I have instead of forgetting one (or more) and being very unhappy with myself.  Hopefully it won't take me so long to get the next post done.  Sorry again for the delay.  Thanks for spending some crafty time with me.  Hope you give this Stars At Night Bundle a try.  I think it's well worth it.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Joy of Noel Version 3

Hello friends!  I'm a day late here.  Thought I'd get this card posted on Friday.  But as you can see, that just didn't happen.  For not working at a full-time job, I certainly seem to be extra busy some days.  But not to fear, the post is finally getting done so you'll have the next installment using the Joy of Noel Bundle.  I knew as soon as I saw it in the new Mini Catalog this was a set I absolutely needed.  Well, to be honest, I didn't really need it, but I wanted it pretty badly!  😄 I've always liked the word noel and love the Christmas songs that use the word.  So why not cards too?

Today's card featured the lovely Joy of Christmas Designer Series Paper.  Isn't is just gorgeous?!  I love the different greens 'water-colored' onto this print.  I wish I could do painting like this.  But I can't, so I'm thrilled to have some lovely paper like this to use.  This card is also a new fun fold card for me.  I've made cards very similar, but this card has an extra score line that changes it a bit.

To start making this card, use a piece of Real Red cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  Cut off 1" from the end of the piece so it measures 7 1/2".  Score is at 3 1/4" and 6 1/2".  Fold in at the 3 1/4" line with the other score line on the right side of the card.

Cut your DSP at 5 1/4" x 3" and another piece at 5 1/4" x 3/4".  Attach the larger piece to the left side of your card front using adhesive.  The thin piece is attached near the right edge on the inside of the card, so it shows nicely lined up when the card is closed as shown here.

Next comes making the focal part of the card.  Stamp the noel onto Basic White cardstock using Real Red ink.  It was punched out with the 2 3/8" Circle Punch.  Next is a skinny framing layer of Real Red cardstock that was die-cut with the Deckled Circles Dies.  The next largest die cut a layer of the More Dazzle Specialty Paper for some sparkle and shine.  

The white layer is attached to the red circle layer with adhesive.  Then both are attached to the glittery layer with Dimensionals so it stays attached.

To attach this to the card front, I used Tear and Tape under the very right-hand side by the right edge underneath the O and L.  This is attached to the skinny layer of DSP only on the right of the card.  The other 3/4 of the circle just close over the card front without being attached.

To open the card, just fold back on the right-hand score line and it pops the focal piece upright to open the left flap and reveal the inside of the card.  Here's how the card looks when opened.

The inner piece of Basic White cardstock measures 5 1/4" x 3".  One of the sentiments from the Brightest Glow stamp set was used on the card.  It's stamped with Real Red ink.  Several holly leaves from the Joy of Noel set were stamped with Old Olive ink in two of the corners.  Berries from the same set were added with Real Red ink.  The holly leaves were colored with Old Olive Light and Dark Blends.

Closing the card, the Noel sentiment has three rhinestones added.  These are clear rhinestones that were colored with the Old Olive Dark Blends to match the card.  A double bow was made from two lengths of Parakeet Party Metallic Woven Ribbon.  It's attached with a Mini Glue Dot under the letters.  This gives it a little bit of subtle sheen.

I thought this picture from the top would give you a good idea of the fold and where the score lines go.  This back fold is a little bit different than anything I've done before, but it gives the card just a slightly different twist.

Thanks for visiting again and seeing the latest version of the Joy of Noel cards.  They've been fun to make and just given me more ideas to try with other cards too.   

If you ever have any questions about how my cards are made, feel free to call and ask.  I truly love helping others enjoy the art of stamping.  You can get more involved with your card designs than I do, or you can keep your them very simple and straight forward.  Either way, the idea is to have fun with your creating.  Then share them with someone else and spread the joy!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon 

Fun Fold Scenery Card

Hello stamping friends!   Hope you're having fun creating lately.  I've gone back to the lovely One Horse Open Sleigh Designer Paper for my inspiration today.  It's an Online Exclusive that's available right now.  If you don't have this yet, you really should consider this purchase.  The winter scenes shown on this paper is just gorgeous!  I have trouble cutting into it because I don't want to miss any of this goodness.  But cut away I did, and I love the card that emerged.  So simple yet elegant, and super quick to boot.  When you need all those Christmas cards to fill your list, this card is a winner.

You've got this wonderful wintry look as soon as you pull it out of the envelope.  I hope you can see the pretty white snowflakes sprinkled across the card.  They just add a subtle touch to the finish of the design.  Are you ready to make this card?

Start with a card base of Lost Lagoon cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 2 1/8" and 4 1/4".  Fold the card in half as usual.  Then fold back at the other score line so the inside of the card now is the front panel of the card.

The One Horse Open Sleigh DSP is 6" x 6".  One full print sheet is used to make this one card. First the DSP is cut across the bottom to take off 3/4".  This leaves a length of 5 1/4" to fit the card front.  Next a 2" strip is cut from the left side of the sheet.  This will be the front.  The 4" that are left will be the inside of the card.  You can attach these layers onto the Lost Lagoon card base at this time.  Make sure the top and bottom edges line up nicely.

Next a piece of Basic White cardstock is cut for the inside of the card.  This measures 2" x 5 1/4".  The sentiment for the inside of the card is from the Brightest Glow.  This is stamped with Real Red ink onto the white panel you just cut.  After stamping, attach this inside the card with adhesive.  Make sure the top and bottom edges line up with the other two panels.  This panel gives you plenty of space to write a small greeting to friends or family, but it's totally hidden when the card is closed.

I really like the "joy" sentiment in the Brightest Glow stamp set.  It's stamped on a Basic White scrap using Real Red ink. Then punched out with the smaller oval of the Double Oval Punch.  There was a debate with myself about using the larger scallop oval to punch a Real Red layer but it was decided no.  It made the sentiment area way too heavy looking, so it came off the card and I stayed with simple.  

The snowflake accents were added at this time.  There's one of each of the three sizes.  Oh yes, the snowflakes are an Online Exclusive also.  Make sure you check it out.  The last little bits of bling are the Loose Holly Gems and Sequins that can be found in the new Mini Catalog.  They are just a cute little accent that adds so much to the card.

Here you've got a last look at the finished card standing on a table.  Such a pretty wintry accent just sitting there.  And wasn't that an easy card to make?  Just perfect for getting ready for the holidays.  And yes, I'm just a little obsessed with this One Horse Open Sleigh DSP.  The prints just take me back to my childhood - outside playing in the snow with my siblings.  It was fun, but pretty cold.  This way I can enjoy the look but not freeze my fingers and toes.  😄

Remember, just a few more days before you can get your hands on all the goodies in the new Mini Catalog - September 6th!  And there are so many new goodies to choose from!  I still want to try everything, but I'm trying to exercise some restraint!  Not sure how good that's working out.

Thanks for coming by today.  Happy Christmas card making.  This is one of my very favorite traditions every year.  It just blesses me to think of my family and friends who will be receiving these cards.  Hope the cards sent will bless others too.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon