Shining Brightly Truly Shines

 Hello my friend!  Hope you're having a blessed and productive day.  A couple days ago, I finally got around to creating with the Shining Brightly Specialty Designer Paper that is in the Mini Catalog.  This paper is so gorgeous that I didn't want to cut into it until I had a good idea of what I wanted to make with it.  Do you get that way?  Almost frozen with indecision?  I finally decided to cut a 3" wide section from the 12" x 12" paper and just work with that.  That turned out to be a perfect solution for the first cut into that paper.  I've only used just one the navy and gold designs, but I'm so happy with the two cards that I'll be using it again soon!  Hope you like these ideas too.  They're similar but still different enough that I'll share them both.

Here's the first card I made.  The card base is Night of Navy measuring 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half.  The 3" wide strip of DSP was trimmed up to 5 1/2" to fit top to bottom.  Next a strip of Gold Foil (found in the Annual Catalog) was cut to 3 1/4" x 5 1/2".  This gives a pretty frame to the DSP without being too overpowering.  The layering pieces were all attached with adhesive. 

Next, I decided on the sentiment to use.  This one is from the Night Divine Bundle on page 16 of the Mini Catalog.  I love both the words and the font of these sentiment stamps.  For this card, the Nested Essentials Die set was used.  I thought the rounded edges and stitching line made it a little more elegant than a plain square piece.  The sentiment is stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock a little higher and to the left of center.  Night of Navy ink was used for this.

To add some interest to the side, two of the dies from the Magical Meadow Bundle were used.  I love all the different bits of greenery that can be added wherever it's needed.  The leaf and berry stem is cut from the same Gold Foil, and the evergreen stem is cut from Night of Navy cardstock.  First the gold foil and then the navy pieces were attached to the sentiment label to the bottom right.  They were attached with a little 'green glue' down the center of the stems. 

A double strand of the gold Simply Elegant Trim was used to make the small bow.  This is attached over the stems with a Mini Glue Dot that's rolled to fit under the bow.  Even though the bow is small, it adds a touch of elegance.

The sentiment label was then attached to the card front using Dimensionals to raise it up and give it some definition.

After debating with myself, I didn't add any extra bling to the card.  With the gold accents on the framing layer, the DSP and the leafy stem, I thought any extra bling would either get lost on the card or would detract from the elegance of the card.  So, no extra bling on this one.

This is the 2nd version with several changes.  The first change is the Gold Foil layer was cut wider so more would show on each side.  It's cut to 3 1/2" x 5 1/2".  They're attached together with adhesive and then added to the card front with adhesive too.

The sentiment label is Very Vanilla cardstock cut with the Scalloped Contours Dies.  I used another one of the lovely sentiments from the Night Divine Bundle and it's stamped with Night of Navy ink.  It's attached to the card front using Dimensionals.

Because this label was bigger than the last card, I felt there was room for a bow.  The ribbon used is the retired Shimmery Gold Ribbon.  After the bow was made, it was attached to the label with a Mini Glue Dot.  

I liked the idea of adding just a little more gold bling on this card.  There was that whole open corner that was just calling for something pretty.  The gold Neutrals Adhesive-backed Sequins were the perfect touch.  I usually add embellishments in groups of three or five, but it seemed like only two were needed for that corner, so that's what I used.

Hopefully you enjoyed these two versions of card using many of the same products.  With a few changes, each of them has their own distinct look.  Can you come up with more ideas using just these same products?  I'd love to see what you make!  Thanks for stopping by and sharing your time with me.  Come back again soon to see what I get into next.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Magical Meadow Christmas

Hey there!  Boy, I can sure tell that autumn is here along with wet and cloudy days.  Brrr.  I know you probably don't think that 62 degrees isn't too cold but add in the rain and it's pretty chilly.  Sue and I started talking about soup this morning, so I thought I'd get some started in the crockpot - Chicken Tortellini.  Yummm.  Today is the perfect day for soup.  Anyway, I miss the bright sunshine we had yesterday afternoon.  It was a perfect day for my grandsons' cross-country meet yesterday.  The girls' team won top honors for the Regional Meet, but the boys' team only placed fourth.  Too bad, but everyone ran their heart out and did their very best.  That's all you can ask for, right?  What's that?  You didn't come here to talk about soup and cross-country races?  Where's the card???  Ok, let's buckle down and get to business here.

Here is today's card for you.  I love the different die-cuts in the Magical Meadow Bundle, and several of them are used on this card along with bits and pieces from some other sets.  Let's get on with the creating.

Start with a card base of Basic White Thick that measures 11" x 4 1/4".  It's scored at 5 1/2" and folded in half.  The first layer is Pretty Peacock that's cut to 5 1/4" x 4".  Next comes a layer of the new Tartan Foil Specialty Designer Paper that is 12" x 12".  I love this tone-on-tone Lost Lagoon plaid.  If you're looking at this on an angle, it's a very subtle plaid.  But with the light shining on it and looking straight on, it's so pretty!  Isn't it? This Specialty Paper is an Online Exclusive item and well worth getting.  The one side has a solid color diagonal plaid, while the other side is a straight-on plaid on a white background.  Either side is nice and of course you can use them together too.  For this card I used a piece that measures 5" x 3 3/4".  This is attached to the Pretty Peacock layer with adhesive.

A length of Silver & White Sheer Ribbon is wrapped around this and tied in a loose knot to the left side.  These layers are then attached to the folded card base using adhesive.

On to the good stuff - all the die-cuts!  First two images were die-cut from Pretty Peacock cardstock using the evergreen and berry die from the Magical Meadown Bundle.   Then the berry stem (?) die cuts the Lost Lagoon cardstock piece.  This one I cut into two pieces to fit them where I wanted.

I envisioned some snowflakes on the card and thought white would work.  Three of them were cut from the Wishes All Around Die set.  Love the look of those snowflakes, but I didn't like the color.  So, three more were cut from Silver Foil Specialty Paper.  Oh yes!  So pretty!

Next came the sentiment.  I wanted to use the sentiment from Night Divine.  Each of these sentiments are wonderful, but I wanted to use the "Glory to God in the highest".  After trying several different dies and punches, I decided on the Deckled Circles Dies.  I think this left enough room not to crowd the sentiment.  And the deckle edge added just a little sweetness to the look.

One of the sentiments from the Wishes All Around set was used for the inside of the card.  It's stamped with Pretty Peacock ink.  A small strip of the Tartan Foil plaid paper was attached to the bottom of the inside to carry the design inside the card.

Putting the card together, figuring the positioning of everything was first.  The two evergreen & berry die-cuts were attached with some adhesive just down the middle of each so the pieces were fairly loose. 

The berry stem needed something to make it stand out.  I had some white frost liquid from several years ago.  I added this to the sides of the berries.  It needed to be set aside to dry.  When dry, the bottom ends of the stems were attached behind the sentiment with adhesive.  Then the sentiment was added to the card front using multiple Dimensionals to hold all the pieces in place.

With everything else in place, the snowflakes were added to the design.  Each snowflake was attached with a Mini Glue Dot in the center of it.  That just left any extra bling that was needed.  The Adhesive-backed Glitter Sequins seemed to be the perfect little bit of bling.  The glitteriness (is that a word?) just made the card frostier and more wintery looking.

That's it today.  I've got to admit, I'm really loving the Pretty Peacock and Lost Lagoon used as Christmas colors.  It's surprising how much I love this since it is rather untraditional!  Normally I go either red and green, or navy and white for my own Christmas cards, but I'm giving these colors some serious thought.

Thanks for sharing some time with me.  If you're thinking of ordering, I'd appreciate it if you'd use the Host Code at the top of this blog page.  Each order helps so much to keep me going.  Love you all so very much!!

Remember to check out the Online Exclusives for the Tartan Foil DSP.  It's truly gorgeous in person.  Plus, there's many wonderful items that you can only find online including stamps & dies and Designer Paper that you won't find anywhere else.  Also check out the Clearance Rack.  There are new items added quite often.  You never know what treasures you'll find that you've been wishing you had ordered earlier.  Now's your chance!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Traditional Christmas Card

Hello friends, hope you're doing wonderful.  Are you spending some time outside in this lovely autumn weather?  I've been going to cross country meets as both my grandsons are running in this sport.  The parks they've been running at are really gorgeous this time of year.  I just love how the trees are showing off God's glory for all to enjoy!  Even though I'm so immersed in the fall weather at this time, it's really time to share another Christmas card with you.  This card is a traditional style of fold, nothing fancy.  But between the pretty Joy of Christmas Designer Series Paper and a few dies and embellishments, I think this is a very pretty card.  Sweet and simple.  That's what I like.

Like I said, it's a very traditional Christmas card that's quick and easy to make, but so pretty to look at.  These would be terrific for making a pile of cards to send out.  Just check out how quickly you can make them. 

The card base is Real Red.  It measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.  The gorgeous watercolor-looking print is from the Joy of Christmas Designer Series Paper.  I can't mention enough how much I love the prints in this paper set.  Each and every one of them is fabulous.  It's so easy to make a gorgeous card when you're starting out with this!  The measurements for the print are 5 1/4" x 4".  This was attached directly to the Real Red card base using adhesive.

Ooops, before we go any further, I forgot to mention that before putting the DSP onto the card base, I spattered it with Gold Wink of Stella that I have left-over from several years ago.  Taking the lid off and flicking the brush tip across this gives you a nicely spattered background.  If you've got any other type of gold paint (Pearl Ex, Gold Mist, etc.) just flick it over the DSP to give it a pretty sparkly shine.  It adds so much extra elegance to the finished card.

The sentiment used here is from the Magical Meadow stamp set.  I liked the idea of a sentiment going across the whole card, so I used the Nested Essentials Dies here.  The sentiment is stamped with Real Red ink onto the smallest size of this shape of die.  The Real Red cardstock was cut from the next largest size die.  I really like how they almost span the whole card front, but not quite so you can still see just a smidgen of that DSP on either side.  

Before adding the sentiment, turn it over and add a couple of strips of Tear & Tape to the back.  Then coil about 30" or so of the Simply Elegant Trim around the fingers of your hand.  (I never measure this first.  Just make sure it's big enough to show on the top and bottom of the sentiment.  I just wrap it until I'm happy - about 3-4 times wrapping it around usually gives me the look I want.  Add this to the back of the sentiment sticking it to the tape.  Then use a good number of Dimensionals to this so everything stays attached to the card and doesn't unwind.  Place on the card front above the center point.

The inside of the card has a layer of Basic White that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  This has the sentiment stamped with Real Red ink to match the front.  There's a 1/2" strip of the DSP that I had left over from a project, so that was tucked at the bottom of the white layer to bring the colors from the front into the card.

One last thing.  I felt it needed just a bit more bling.  I added just one of the gold Brushed Metallic Dots to the card front.  I liked the softer brushed look instead of a bolder sparkle since there was so much going on already.

There you have it.  Another Christmas card to add to my stash.  I'm so happy with the way this card turned out - quick and simple, but with an elegance to it.  Hope you get around to making some of these cards too.  Be sure to leave me a message and tell me what you think.  Thanks for stopping by and stamping with me.  If you're shopping, please use the Host Code at the top of this post.  I do appreciate it!  Make sure you look at all the Online Exclusive items and check out the Clearance Rack too.  You don't want to miss any treasures.  Right?  Hope you stop by again soon.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Moody Mauve Christmas

Hello everyone!  Hope you're having some lovely weather like we are here in Boiling Springs.  It's crisp and sunny with gorgeous blue skies.  I just love autumn!  But today we're sticking with some Christmas card ideas.  I made one of these in blues, then another.  Then I decided I really needed to use some different colors for Christmas and get out of my comfort zone.  There's just a serenity about blue and white that it seems to fit for this holiday.  But there are so many other options out there and today I'm sharing something different.  If you hang around to the end though, I will share the two blue and white cards that I made first.  And for those of you loyal Hostess Club members, you're getting this packet in the mail this month so you can make it too.

Aren't these colors just gorgeous?  Instead of a playful card, this time it's definitely more elegant.  But the fun fold is still so easy to do that you'll want to make this type of card often.

Start with a piece of Moody Mauve cardstock that measures 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square.  On one side, score at 4 1/4" to make a regular size card when folded.  

There is a piece of the awesome Winter Meadow Designer Series Paper.  I just love the watercolor look of the prints - just my style!  I started with a piece that measures 6" x 5 1/4".  Then two strips of 1" each are cut from this to leave a piece that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  Just right for a card front.

One of the DSP strips is attached to the front flap using adhesive.  Remember this is the backside of the entire piece of DSP.  Open the flap and add adhesive to the inside of the flap.  This will hold the DSP in place for the card front.  Line up the edges nicely with the right edge of the card.

The Basic White sentiment piece is die-cut using the Deckled Circle Dies.  This is the 5th smallest die.  Use the next largest die to cut a Moody Mauve circle to frame it.  Stamp the sentiment that is from the Night Divine stamp set with Pretty Peacock ink.

Set these aside while the bits are all die-cut.

The branches are all from the Magical Meadow die set.  The larger evergreen die cuts both the Pretty Peacock and the Lost Lagoon branches.  The berry (?) is cut from Moody Mauve.  I debated about adding something in white and/or silver but decided to keep it understated.

Put adhesive on the back of the right side of the Lost Lagoon branch.  Curve this around the front of the sentiment circle and attach.   Add adhesive to the backside of the sentiment in that area and add the Pretty Peacock branch behind.  Angle the branch to be seen.

Attach the Moody Mauve die-cut circle behind this to frame it nicely.  I used adhesive for this.  Use Dimensionals to attach this to the card front close to the center of the card.  At this time, I added the Moody Mauve berry branch over the others using adhesive on the center stem and some of the right berries to attach it.

A bow is made from the Silver & White Sheer 1/2" Ribbon.  I used about 8" or so to make the bow.  It's attached to the card front using Mini Glue Dots.  With a bow this size and so sheer, I usually use 2-3 Mini Glue Dots to attach it securely.

The inside of the card is rather plain at the moment.  I couldn't decide on which sentiment to use for this card.  I'll come back to that later and use Pretty Peacock ink to finish.  If you'll notice, the second 1" strip that was cut from the DSP in the beginning is used here on the right side of the Basic White layer.  It coordinates nicely with the back of the DSP that shows from the card front.

Well, if you've stuck it out this long, I have a few more pictures to share with you.  Not too much dialog on them, but the dimensions and info are pretty much the same.

This uses a print from the same Winter Meadow DSP pack.  The cardstock on this is Misty Moonlight.  The circle die-cuts are the same as the first card.  

The holly and snowflakes are die-cut from the Snowflake Magic Specialty DSP in the Mini Catalog.  This paper is just beautiful!  There are also Misty Moonlight holly leaves tucked in for some contrast.  The holly die comes from the Magical Meadow dies and the snowflakes come from the Wishes All Around die set found in the Mini Catalog.

Ok, next one.  There are a few more changes on this one.  The biggest change was using Blueberry Bushel for the card base.  It's amazing how much this changes the feel of the card in person - much brighter and cheerful, I think.   

The die-cuts are still from the Magical Meadow die set.  One stem is cut from Basic White and the other is from More Dazzle Specialty Paper.  What a pop that gives this card.  There's also an evergreen stem from the same set cut from Basic White cardstock.

The bow is made from double strands of the Simply Elegant Trim in the silver color.  

Lastly, the gems come from the Adhesive-backed Sparkle Gems.  They are such a glittery addition that helps to make this card really sparkle.

Ok, I've given you several ideas for using this fun fold card.  It's funny I started out with the idea of making a fall card using this fun fold and you can see I went a bit off the rails here.  Hope you enjoy these ideas and make a card with your own choice of materials.  I think this fun fold is so perfect when you don't want to cover up the back of your DSP.  Some of these prints are so gorgeous I have trouble cutting into them!  

In case you didn't know, Stampin'Up! is have a 3-day free shipping fest on all orders of $75 or more.  It's only October 9-11th.  Hope you can take advantage of this!  Happy shopping!  Get a head start on your Christmas card making or get some of those special gifts for friends.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Magical Meadow Christmas

Hello friends!  Here it is another week gone and another month too.  Can you believe it's already into October?  Where have the months gone?  This means the holidays are coming up fast and furious.  I need to get serious about making these cards!  Today's card is something I envisioned before I even ordered this wonderful stamp bundle - the Magical Meadow.  Yes, this really does portray a magical meadow of possibilities.  I've done this card as a Christmas card, but with a quick change of colors I think it would be a gorgeous fall card.  I'll have to give that a try when I have time.  For now, let's just focus on the Christmas theme.

I totally love navy and white for Christmas card colors but have already done several with those colors.  It was time to use other colors even though I was sticking with a monochromatic color scheme.  I debated about purple or Pretty Peacock.  As you can see, Pretty Peacock won out.  I'm so happy with how the card turned out.  If you'd like to make one too, I'd be happy to share the instructions with you.

Start with a half piece of Thick Basic White that's scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.  There is a layer of Pretty Peacock next.  This is cut at 4" x 5 1/4".  Then a layer of Basic White that measures 3 3/4" x 5".  Let's work with the white layer first before putting them together.

Using Pretty Peacock ink and a Blending Brush, add a soft background color from the bottom left up and out.  This fades out with about 1/4 of the cardstock having no ink on it at all.  Keep the color very light but add a little more in the bottom corner.  This picture is a little deceiving as the color added is a little darker than it shows.  

There are several greenery stamps in the Magical Meadow set.  I used two of them.  First I stamped the largest stamp (with the tiny berries) coming up from the corner using Lost Lagoon ink.  Another partial one was stamped angled to the side.

Then switching stamps to the smaller leafy one, this was stamped with Pretty Peacock ink.  It was stamped between the two Lost Lagoon branches.  Then it was stamped two more times with only part of the stamp on the card to fill it in somewhat.

There are also 4 extra greenery dies in the matching set that do not have a coordinating stamp.  Two of these were used on the card.  The leaf and berry branch was used to die-cut the truly fabulous Snowflake Magic Specialty Designer Paper twice.  I love how the snowflake design just gives highlights to the leaves and you can't really see the design at all.  The one on the left was fully used.  It's attached with adhesive.  The same branch on the right is cut down to fit the area.

To add a little sparkle, the evergreen type of branch was die-cut once from the More Dazzle Specialty DSP.  It was big enough that it was cut apart and made to look like there were two branches.  They were attached to the card front with adhesive.

At this point, a 7" strip of Silver and White Sheer Ribbon was attached across near the bottom of this layer.  It's attached in the back with a bit of Tear & Tape to hold it in place.  A Mini Glue Dot is placed under the area that the bow will be attached. 

Then the white layer is attached to the Pretty Peacock layer with adhesive.  This is then attached to the folded card base using Dimensionals.

The sentiment is from the Christmas Classics set.  First the Christmas was stamped on Basic White, then the merry was tucked in closely on top of it.  The sentiment was die-cut with the Deckled Rectangle Dies.  

To enhance the edge, the Blending Brush that I used earlier was lightly flicked on the edges.  This not only brought out the lovely edges, but it also helps the sentiment to stand out from the white card front.  Then it's attached with Dimensionals.

A bow was made from the same ribbon.  I actually needed two Mini Glue Dots to make the bow feel secure.  The pretty silver edging on the ribbon is so nice and delicate, a great addition for this card.

Lastly, there was a need for a little more bling.  The Adhesive-backed Glitter Sequins were the perfect choice.  The color fit in perfectly with the card and I love the glittery sequins.  As a plus, they're fairly flat for ease in mailing - no extra postage!  Hooray!

In many aspects this is a simple card just a few layers, a few stamps and some ribbon.  But I think it sure packs a wow.  I sure hope you give this monochromatic style of card a try.  I love the serene look of using just one color family but differing shades to give it depth.

Thank you for stopping in today so I could share this card idea with you.  If you're shopping, please use the Host Code at the top of the post.  I'd truly appreciate it.  There's so much going on at the Stampin' Up! website for you to peruse.  You'll find great Online Exclusive items that you won't find in either catalog, so don't forget to check it out.  As always, I love hearing from you.  If I can help you with your stamping needs, please let me know.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon