A Sweet Thank You

One of my girlfriends was hosting her first Thanksgiving Dinner this year. I know how that goes...you're nervous, excited and frantic all at the same time. I've hosted plenty of my own dinners and I feel this way every time.

Imagine how surprised I was, when I answered the phone on Saturday to my friend's husband. Unlike my husband, he is not accustomed to making his own cards, so he wanted me to make one for her.

I just happened to be perusing the new mini (which we demos get an early peek at) and saw this card. I love Black & White. I've done it quite a few times here on my blog. It's classic, it's elegant...it's perfect. I sure hope she liked it ;)

Stamps: Pedaling Past
Paper: Basic Black & Whisper White Cardstock; Night & Day DSP (Retired)
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Lots of Tags Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Black Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones and Sponges

A Real Baja Christmas

Here's another card featuring the Baja Breeze/Real Red color combo. The star of this card is the fun polka dot paper from the Candy Cane Christmas DSP. You can't see it in this photo, but the polka dots are shimmering with glitter.

As if a little glitter wasn't enough, I added some Rhinestones, some Satin Ribbon and just a little paper piercing. It all just works perfectly!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations & All Holidays
Paper: Baja Breeze, Real Red & Whisper White Cardstock; Candy Cane Christmas DSP
Ink: Real Red Classic Pad
Accessories: Ornament Punch, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Circle & Scallop Circle Nesties, Rhinestones and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Winter Wonderland

These are not your traditional Holiday colors, but with the new Candy Cane Christmas DSP, it works. I love the Baja Breeze and Real Red together...I would have never paired these up on my own!

Believe it or not, these images come from the same two stamp sets I used on my last card: Jolly Old Saint Nick and Bright Christmas. Talk about getting two sets that perfectly coordinate and are so versatile.

I'm not sure if you can tell in the photo or not, but this card has a lot of Dazzling Diamonds glitter to create a true Winter Wonderland. I used two-way glue to dot each snowflake and to edge the banner, then I let the glitter flow. We were laughing at my last workshop about how long your glitter lasts. You think you're using a lot, but in reality, this glitter will last a lifetime. It adds the perfect finishing touch. Hope you like it!

Stamps: Jolly Old Saint Nick & Bright Christmas
Paper: Real Red, Baja Breeze and Whisper White Cardstock; Candy Cane Christmas DSP
Ink: Basic Gray and Basic Black Classic Pads, Black Stazon
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Scalloped Edge Punch, Two-Way Glue Pen, Baja Breeze Satin Ribbon (Retired), Blender Pen, Real Red Stampin Marker and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Holly Jolly Saint Nick

I have to be honest...I had not even noticed these two stamps sets in the Holiday Mini any of the times that I perused it (which was quite a few ;) I just started seeing cards pop up online with this cute little fella.

I was inspired to buy these two sets by Rose's card here. These two stamps were made for each other. Add some of the New Tinsel Trim and you have the perfect throw-back Christmas card.

Here's a big *Wink* to you for stopping by!

Stamps: Jolly Old Saint Nick & Bright Christmas
Paper: Very Vanilla & Real Red Cardstock; Merry Moments DSP (Retired)
Ink: Real Red Classic Pad & Black Stazon
Accessories: Silver Tinsel Trim, Top Note Die, Scalloped Circle & Circle Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Very Merry Snowflakes

This card is a CASE of Jenn Sannes' card seen here. Her gorgeous card is a much simpler version in blues. I've been playing with a lot of non-traditional holiday colors, so I wanted something a bit more traditional with this one: Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive.

This whimsical little snowflake is one of the stamps in the Serene Snowflake set. I blinged up the centers with Rhinestones to finish them off.

This card could very easily become a one layer card that could be duplicated to make quite a few Holiday Cards quickly. Hope you like it!

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes and Short & Sweet
Paper: Cherry Cobbler & Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive Classic Pads
Accessories: Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer & Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Give Thanks

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner? I'm trying to get a few more Fall cards posted before I move on to Christmas, but I'm not sure that will happen. So, you may see a mixture of the two in the coming weeks.

This card mixes the Falling Leaves & Holiday Best stamp sets. The Holiday Best stamp set was a Hostess set in last year's catalog. If you have it, pull it out. I love this Give Thanks stamp and it works perfectly with the leaves.

The DSP on this card is Autumn Spice. I paired it up with Early Espresso and sponged the edges to soften it a little bit. The tag is from the Lots of Tags Die Cut. This one is my favorite design in the set. I added some Old Olive Satin Ribbon to give it a pop of color. I think I got the job done ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Falling Leaves & Holiday Best (Retired)
Paper: Early Espresso & So Saffron Cardstock; Autumn Spice DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Pad
Accessories: Lots of Tags Die, Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Brown Brads and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Got Treats?

Happy Halloween Everyone! This is my one and only Halloween post for this year. I wouldn't even have had this one, if it weren't for my mom. How is that you may ask? Well, she came over for my workshop last month and was browsing the catalog, when she pointed out these cute little Milk Cartons. Sure, I had seen them before, but didn't really give them much thought.

Well, we went in together to get them and I'm sure glad I did. They are just too cute! The Milk Carton die cut runs through the Cuttlebug or the Big Shot. It not only cuts it out, but it scores the fold lines as well. There are plenty of videos on YouTube on how to put them together. They're really very easy.

Of course, Milk Cartons aren't Milk Cartons without a cute little holder. I found this tutorial at Kim Score's Blog. It lists all the dimensions and directions for creating them. Then, all that's left is decorating. I purchased the Got Treats? stamp set to go with this. It has Got Treats? stamps for: Halloween, Christmas, St Patty's Day, Valentine's Day and Birthdays. Just adorable! I can guarantee you'll see one of these for each upcoming holiday. What a great gift idea...just fill the cartons with some sweet treats. Can't wait to gift one ;)

Hope you all have a fun & safe Halloween!

Stamps: Got Treats?
Paper: Pumpkin Pie & Basic Black Cardstock; Cast-A-Spell DSP (Retired)
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: Mini Milk Carton Bigz Die, Bone Folder, Sticky Strip, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch and Black Brads

Fabulous Foliage

I saw this beautiful card by Dawn Olchefske and had to recreate it. I love the colors and the design...not to mention, it's using my new favorite stamp set, French Foliage.

What caught my eye was the square shadow that's part of the focal image. You use SU's Clear Blocks to create this effect. I used size 'D' here.

To create this look:
1. Ink up the block on your stamp pad and stamp off two times.
2. Stamp it on your cardstock. I used Crumb Cake for this step.
3. Run the edge of the block around a darker color and stamp over the original image. I used Early Espresso for this step.

I would have loved to have added some Early Espresso ribbon to this, but I didn't have any. So, I improvised with one of my must have items - Linen Thread. I tied it threw a button and ended up with a piece of art. I Love it!

Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: French Foliage & Falling Leaves
Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso & Crumb Cake Classic Ink
Accessories: Clear Block D, Linen Thread and a Very Vanilla Button

French Foliage

When I say that this stamp set is a must-have, it truly is. Not only can you use it for Fall, but, it has a cute little circular Paris stamp and a French Script stamp. Both of these can be used with other themed stamp sets (think Artistic Etchings ;) In two words...It's Versatile.

This card is straight out of the Holiday Mini. I used the same design, but switched it up a little. I added ribbon and stamped the 'Grateful' sentiment directly on the mat. I just couldn't make the tag on the original card work for me.

I must disclose that the Grateful sentiment is from another stamp set - Falling Leaves. I bought it for the sentiment and for the cute leaves and acorn it has. The Grateful works well with this card, but you could use any other sentiment that you have.

I will be making more designs with this set, so you'll be getting lots of ideas for it. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: French Foliage & Falling Leaves
Paper: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard & Crumb Cake Classic Pads
Accessories: 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon & Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Paper Strip Pumpkins

I'm a sucker for pumpkins...any kind! So when I saw these in our Stampin' Success Demo Magazine, I had to make them. They were a definite hit at my last workshop.

For the paper, I used the new Autumn Spice DSP. It's a heavier weight paper which I think you'll need for these. Cardstock would work as well. Here are the instructions:

1. Cut (9) 3/4" x 6" strips of paper.
2. Stack them print side up and punch two holes
in each end. You will need a Crop-A-Dile
type tool to get through the layers.
3. Adhere a 5/8" Jumbo Brad to one end - this will be the bottom. Fan out all the strips in an even circle.
4. Pull the strips up alternating opposite sides and adhere at the top with a 5/16" Brad. This will be the top.
5. Now embellish your pumpkin as you like. I used a Leaf Die, a Button and a Curly Cue made by wrapping a thin strip of cardstock around a pencil.

They're too cute! You could make a couple different designs and put them in a cute little tin or basket. Instant Fall Decor. Would love to see yours if you make some, so be sure to leave me a link. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: None
Paper: Old Olive Cardstock; Autumn Spice DSP
Ink: None
Accessories: 5/8" & 5/16" Brads, Crop-A-Dile, Leaf Die, Green Buttons, Linen Thread and Pop Dots/Glue Dots

Autumn Spice

Autumn Spice...doesn't it just conjour thoughts of Fall? Well, that's the DSP that I used on this card. The Fall patterns are colored in Cajun Craze, Old Olive, More Mustard and Early Espresso. It's perfect for all those Thanksgiving cards you'll be making next month. There's not a bad print in the pack.

I still feel like this card is missing something, but I've exhausted all the possibilities....so, it is what it is. Hope you like it...thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes & Falling Leaves (inside of card)
Paper: Cajun Craze, Old Olive & More Mustard Cardstock; Autumn Spice DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: 1/4" More Mustard Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Oval XL Punch, Modern Label Punch, Leaf Button, Linen Thread, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack

SSSC86 Bella Bleu Sympathy

I'm trying to branch out and make some cards other than Birthday or Thank You. For this one, I pulled out my Thoughts & Prayers stamp set. This set is great for Sympathy and Get Well cards.

Before I even started thinking about designing, I knew I wanted to use this DSP. Has your paper ever called out to you from the bottom of pile? Mine did ;) The print is from the retired Bella Bleu pack. It's so simple and understated which is perfect for a Sympathy card.

My design is based on Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 86 at The Sweetest Thing. Pop on over and see what everyone else has come up with.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Bella Bleu DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Circle & Scallop Circle Nesties, Lots of Tags Die, a Clear Button & Linen Thread

The Ghostess with the Mostess

Our October host for Book Club always goes all out for Halloween. So, I decided to make her a little Thank You Card. I got the sketch from Card Pattern's Sketch #82 and the theme from Paper Pal Arts' 'Wickedly' fun challenge.

This paper is from a retired pack called Cast-A-Spell. If you have some, pull it out...it's that time of year! I added some Chunky Black Glitter, as I've been seeing it all over and wanted to play a little bit. I think I'll be finding glitter for quite some time in my workspace ;)

I don't have a lot of Halloween sets, but I feel this one is timeless. It's great for treat bags and toppers but also works great on cards. Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Batty for You & All Holidays
Paper: Pumpkin Pie & Basic Black Cardstock; Cast-A-Spell DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink
Accessories: Chunky Black Glitter, Scallop Edge Punch, Circle & Scallop Circle Nesties, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Black Satin Ribbon, Black Brads, Two Way Glue and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Out on a Limb

How cute is this guy? This owl is one of our new punches in the catalog. This one punch, punches out all the pieces you need to put him together. Want to kick it up a notch...add some googly eyes. Too fun!

The paper I used is from the Nursery Suite DSP Pack. This paper is perfect for any baby cards you may need. But, as you can see, it's versatile for other type cards as well.

The hardest part about this card...not being able to tie a bow with my ribbon. I just couldn't make it work. I do, however, love the simplicity of a non bow and the addition of the Rhinestone Brad.

If you're lucky enough to have gotten the Picture This hostess set from Sale-A-Bration, it has an owl stamp that says, "Thanks for Owl you do". It has a picture of an Owl for the word and perfectly matches with this punch. I used it for the inside of the card. Quite a great ensemble!

If you have this punch, I would LOVE to see how you've used it. Please share a link in the comments ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Whimsical Words (Retired) & Picture This (Retired)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Bashful Blue & Whisper White Cardstock: Nursery Suite DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Two Step Owl XL Punch, Little Leaves Die, Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon, Clear Rhinestones, Scallop Border Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Googly Eyes, Crystal Effects and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

In the Lap of Luxury

Lap of Luxury...doesn't it just sound impressive? Well, it truly is. That's the name of the DSP that I used on this card. It's full of pinks and purples...including the new Concord Crush.

I got the idea for this card right off the front of the catalog. The Top Note Die is perfect for mixing all the sheets of a DSP pack. Here I mixed them with some cardstock and the new Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. How clever to add the punch in with the design.

Can't wait to play some more with this paper. TFL!

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Paper: Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Lap of Luxury DSP
Ink: Concord Crush Classic Ink
Accessories: Top Note Die, Lots of Tags Die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Pretty Pink Butterfly

OK, so this is the second post of my new Favorite, Must-Have item - the Beautiful Butterflies Die. Why do I love it so? Well, here goes.

1. The Butterflies are simply beautiful.
2. They allow you to throw together a card in the matter of minutes.
3. You can use any patterned paper that you want (maybe I should try something other than pink...hee hee!)
4. You can use them for any occasion.

Well, maybe not any occasion...your father, uncle, son or grandfather may not appreciate them, but everyone else will ;)

If you have a Big Shot or a Cuttlebug, you need to add this to your collection. I promise, you won't regret it!

Stamps: Short & Sweet
Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic Ink
Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies Die, Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Linen Thread, Pink Buttons and Mini Glue Dots.

New/Returning Demo Incentive

Is this Tote not Fabulous? The design is based on SU's Greenhouse Gala DSP. Sign up as a Demo (New or Returning) between Sept 1 - Oct 18 and it's yours Free (a $39.95 Value) with your Starter Kit.

The center is roomy enough to hold 12 x 12 Cardstock and a Paper Trimmer. The outside pockets will hold XL Punches and provide storage for other accessories. A back zipper will hold up to (7) Ink Pads.

Have you ever considered becoming an SU! Demo? I signed up 18 months ago and have never looked back. I had been buying supplies regularly and my collection was growing. I figured, why not at least support my own habit? Are you interested in using the 20% Discount and doing the same? If so, email me at julie.marshall@cox.net and we can chat.

I'd love to get a Team started!

New Holiday Mini

The SU! Holiday Mini is here and available from Sept 1 - Jan 3. It is full of Fabulous new products for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Fall/Winter and Christmas. SU! has introduced Fabrics, New Buttons, Glass Glitter and some great new Big Shot/Cuttlebug Dies and Embossing Folders. Click on the image above to check it out.

If you'd like to place an order, just email me at julie.marshall@cox.net. To place your order online through my Demonstrator Website, click on the link in the top right corner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Big Beautiful Butterflies

These butterflies were cut from the Beautiful Butterflies Die on page 206 of the catalog. I've wanted them For-Ever and finally bought them. It cuts the butterflies in 4 different sizes. This Butterfly combines the two larger sizes with the smaller size.

For a sense of scale, this card is a standard size card, turned on it's side. As you can see, the biggest butterfly takes up quite some space. It could easily work alone being your focal image. Just add some gorgeous paper and you're set.

I used the retired Shades of Spring DSP from the Occasions Catalog. Beautiful isn't it? It's tempting not to use it and save it...but, then no one gets to see it but me. Let's not be selfish ;)

We'll be doing another card design with this Die at my next workshop on Thursday. I'm sure it's gonna Wow the girls. If you'd like to order this die or any other supplies, just click on my Online Order button to the right. It's product code: 114507.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Short & Sweet
Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic Ink
Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies Die, Pink Button, Linen Thread, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Pretty Basic Elements

I saw this Fab-U-Lous card over at Renee's Stamping for Sanity Blog. I kept the basic card the same, just switched up the color combo.

The card base is beautiful Basic Grey and it's Clear Embossed with the swirls from the Elements of Style Set. The flowers are stamped in Black Staz-On and colored with Blender Pens in Pretty in Pink and Blushing Bride. Add in some Basic Grey Satin Ribbon and you have one stunning card!

I love how it turned out. Thank you Renee for the wonderful inspiration!

Stamps: Elements of Style & Vintage Labels
Paper: Basic Grey, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock; Welcome Neighbor DSP
Ink: Basic Grey and Blushing Bride Classic Pads, Black Staz-On & Versamark
Accesories: Embossing Buddy, Clear Embossing Powder, Basic Grey Satin Ribbon, Grey Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch, Small Glue Dots and Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery & Old Olive Stampin' Markers