Meandering Meadows Cards

Happy New Year my friends!!!  The tree and all the twinkling lights (both inside and out), and those little bits of Christmas decorating that are scattered all around the house are now put away for another year.  The house always looks so empty when all the trimmings are put away.  sigh.  But on to fun things.  Hope you enjoyed your partying last night.  We had fireworks still going off around here at 3am.  I finally fell asleep when they were still going off.  So much for a quiet New Year's Eve!  Well, are you ready to jump in on the stamping fun?  I'm starting out the new year with two versions of a similar card.  Here we go...

I've been kicking around a plan to use the Irresistible Blooms die to cut the center out and add one of the gorgeous new prints from the Meandering Meadow Designer Series Paper that is an Online Exclusive.  These prints are so lovely I almost hate to cut into them.  But I did and here are the results.  I started with the blue one so that's what we'll talk about first.

This card started out by deciding which print from the Meandering Meadow DSP that I wanted to use here.  I love the all-over print of flowers (lupine or something like that?)  Anyway, they are beautiful, and I wanted to showcase this inside the cute Irresistible Blooms circular frame.

Next step was deciding on the blue color.  I chose to use Blueberry Bushel that was cut at 5 1/4" x 4".  Then the circle was die-cut in the center.

The DSP print was positioned behind the circle and measured to fit.  I trimmed this to about 3 3/4" x 4".  It's attached behind the die-cut area with a little "green glue".  

The Sheer Ribbon Combo Pack in the Annual Catalog has a pretty Bubble Bath colored ribbon that looked nice with the pink flowers.  A length was tied around the side of this layer and tied in a knot near the top left side.  

This whole layer was attached to a folded Bubble Bath cardstock base that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  The layer was attached with Dimensionals to give it definition.

Since the card base is Bubble Bath, the sentiment was stamped on the same color.  The sentiment comes from the Lasting Joy stamp set.  It's stamped with Blueberry Bushel ink onto a 1/2" wide strip.  The ends were trimmed then flagged with the Banner Pick a Punch on both ends.

Using another piece of Bubble Bath, a flowering plant for the matching Garden Meadow stamp was used.  It's colored with Shaded Spruce and Blueberry Bushel Light and Dark Blends.  Then it's die-cut with the matching die set.  

Both the label and the flowers are attached to the card with Mini Dimensionals as shown.  Three of the 2022-2024 In Color Pearls in Starry Sky were added as a finishing touch.

Now let's check out the other version...

This card uses the same sheet of DSP, but this time it's the other side with the tranquil scene.  I still thought the Bubble Bath cardstock worked nicely.  It's cut to measure 5 1/4" x 4".  After it was die-cut, the piece was embossed with the Softly Sophisticated 3D Embossing Folder that is one of the fun items available during Sale-a-bration. It's a combo with the Softly Sophisticated stamp set.  I just love this delicate design!  You can order and get these free starting January 4th!  Woo Hoo!

Again, the DSP was measured and cut to fit behind the circular die-cut.  A little bit of the "green glue" was used around the edge of the circle.  I didn't add any glue to the die-cut design area.  That's left loose.

The smallest die from the Tailored Tags die set was used to cut a Basic White tag for the sentiment.  The sentiment is from the Softly Sophisticated set that you can earn free during Sale-a-bration.  It's such a pretty set that is just my style.  And the three sentiments that are part of this set will become a standard staple for me, I'm sure.

The sentiment was stamped with Starry Sky ink for this card.  After stamping the tag, the Metallic Woven Ribbon in Starry Sky was wrapped around the layer of the card twice then tied into a knot.  The tag was strung on to the ribbon.  Then the rest of the ribbon was tied into a bow.  Adjust the ribbon to where you want it, then use a Dimensional underneath the end of the tag to keep it steady.

The card base this time is Starry Sky cardstock.  It measures 11" x 4 1/4" and is scored at 5 1/2" and folded in half.  For this card, I used two strips of Tear & Tape between the layers to hold it securely to the front of the card.

As I was writing this and looking at the pictures, I realized I had put no bling on it!  Oops!  How could I have forgotten that?  I'm not sure what I'll end up using, but you can be sure that some sort of bling will be added.  Maybe those same 2022-2024 In Color Pearls in Starry Sky will work here too.

One last peek at this card.  Not sure why it looks faded out to almost white here.  It really makes a difference how the light is shining on the cards as to what color I get.  I'm not very good at this photography stuff, am I?  Anyway, I like both cards, but I'm a little partial to this version.  How about you?  Which one do you prefer?  Let me know what you like.

I hope you've enjoyed looking through and dreaming about your new Mini Catalog and Sale-a-bration Brochure.  Have you been making lists of what you simply must have?  Yes, I have too!  If you haven't received your copy yet, please get in touch with me and I'd be happy to send one out to you.  Just a little reminder that ordering from both of these catalogs starts January 4th.  And don't forget to check the Clearance Rack and Online Exclusives that are available to you.  Enjoy your shopping!

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

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