A Blog Called Wanda

Wishing you a very Happy New Year and a great 2023!

Hi everyone! Happy New Year wishes! Sending you love and good vibes on this first day of 2023! Can you believe it?! Another year just flew by!! I have high hopes for 2023 and I hope we all have a wonderful year ahead. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love and support in 2022. I am so grateful for all of you and your kindness and encouragement. This is my happy place, and you guys are a big part of it. Always a kind word and a little note to keep me going. I love sharing my joy of creativity with you and I'm hoping we can do some fun things in 2023. I don't know what's going to happen but I'm optimistic! Let's do this!!

I have a fun and sparkly new year's card to share with you today! I used a simple color palette of gold, white and kraft to make this one! Oh, and lots of stars! The finished card is an A2 card base. I layered woodgrain for a bit of texture, then a white embossed layer, and then all the good stuff. I used products old and new from my stash....

 

I started by die cutting lots of stars from vellum, gold paper and kraft paper. Then I embossed my white layer with a stars embossing folder. I splattered on some gold metallic paint over the white layer and let that dry.

 

I die cut the numbers from kraft cardstock.... And I die cut those pretty words from gold cardstock! 

 

I mixed and matched all the paper stars until I had a layout that I liked, then I attached them to the card with foam squares to pop them up a little bit. For the finaly touches, some white paint, white enamel dots, gold sequins and mirrored stars... I just kept adding things! 

 

 

 

I do really love the vellum and gold together - super classy! Reminds me of champagne and a party!

 

 

Again, Happy Happy Happy New Year! My hope is for a new year full of love and peace and joy and faith!! Have a wonderful week. I don't really do new year resolutions but I've been thinking about a lot of things, especially coming out of the pandemic, and making plans to be more intentional with my time and to nurture my friendships more. What are you pondering as we enter the new year? I would love to know. Lots of love, and see you soon! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's card (Affiliate Links Used)

Merry Christmas 2022!

 

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS! BLESSINGS AND LOVE!

WISHING YOU ALL THE JOY OF THE SEASON!

 

 

A Cup of Christmas Cheer! Cross Stitch Project!

Hey hey hey! I finished my cross stitching and I actually framed it and am getting it posted! Yippeeeeee! Okay, this is definitely the last crafting post for Christmas 2022! Whew. I made all I could make.... Left some things not started or half started, but it is what it is! Time to step away from the Christmas crafts. LOL. It has been my pleasure to share with you all season and show you my projects and fun things. You guys bless me with your enthusiasm and support and I'm grateful for all of you! 

My finished piece is sitting on our entry way table for now... Not sure if that's where it will end up next year or not! The pattern is called Cup Of Christmas Cheer and it's by Brenda Gervais. It's a new pattern from last year so you should be able to find it anywhere. I used 14 Count Aida from my fabric stash. The frame is from Hobbly Lobby and the holly paper embellishments are from Anna Griffin. I used Anchor Threads from Joanns.... I did not use the exact colors on the patter, because I just used what I already had!! The frame is an 8x8 so that will give you a sense of the size.

 

The cutest little pink house with snow dripping off the roof! Love it...and absolutely love those tiny candy canes in front!! 

 

Here's when I first started it... It was a while ago!!

 

 

 

I mean who doesn't love a Santa Mug!!! I'm pretty sure there's peppermint cocoa in that mug!! I used a green pom pom for his hat to pull in some of that green from the Jolly word... There is so much white on this pattern so I didn't want to add a white pom pom....

 

He has those rosy cheeks and cute red lips! Blue eyes and a bit mustache too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by friends! It's Christmas Eve Eve! Sending love your way and good wishes for a Merry Christmas! I already have received some cute Valentines stamps and dies in the mail so we'll be on to something new very soon. Thanks for crafting with me. XOXOXO

 

Christmas Houses & Candy Canes! Ready for Christmas 2022!

Hi everyone! Just a few more days until Christmas now! It's almost midnight here and the house is totally quiet... Lucky is curled up next to me... We just got home from a wonderful church program full of beautiful music and lots of cheer and laughter! The hubs went to bed and I came in to the craft room to share a project! I wasn't sure I was going to make anything else, but I had a little time Tuesday so I made some cute things! Got the photos done before we went out today. Whew! I am still trying to finish up a cross stitch Santa piece before the end of the week. It's about 90% done and I think I'm gonna do it! LOL. I'll share that too when it's done. After a nice dinner out and a lovely time at church, I feel super peaceful and ready for the winter solstice change tonight, and for the celebration of Christmas.... I hope you are having a good week and feeling some peace too! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping me encouraged during this crazy year. I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

I made projects with new to me Stamp Market Dies! No stamping today, just die cutting and snow! I used the 3D Little House Dies to make two houses. I ran out of time, but I want to make a whole village! I will use these as place setting decorations for our Christmas dinner... They are small and so so cute! Some little candies will fit inside or a small gift. I assembled mine and then put battery operated tea lights inside for that warm glow... They came together easily and it was a really fun project.

 

I made the boxes from pink and aqua cardstock and then put on silver roofs! Just a bit of sparkle, ya know. After I cut the windows out with the dies, I added vellum behind them to look like frosted glass. I made the wreaths from bright cardstock in Christmas colors....

 

You know I like to add a little heart to all my projects so I used some enamel shaped hearts to add over the big windows on the front. I used lots of texture paste and glitter to make it all look pretty and snowy! To put the white texture paste on, I used a small, stiff paint brush and kind of dabbed it on, messy. 

 

I adore that small scalloped edge detail on the roof! 

 

I took a photo of the houses without the tea lights inside - the vellum is nice in case you are trying to hide the candy or present!! 

 

Here is a side view of the smaller windows. I put a set of them on each side of the houses. You don't have to do this part - you can mix and match the windows for your desired look. 

 

 

Here is one of the houses in my hand so you can see the size and scale!

 

 

This really makes me feel all cozy inside!! I am going to make a bunch more of these to put on our entertainment center next year! Maybe in all the rainbow colors???

 

 

I also had purchased the Jumbo Candy Cane Die so I whipped up a couple of candy canes to use as present tie ons! They are fat and delicious and sparkly. I loooooove candy canes. I used texture paste and lots of chunky glitter on these sweets!

 

 

Okay, friends, that's it for today! Squeezing in those last Christmas projects! How are you doing with your holiday prep? Are you all done shopping and wrapping?? I've been volunteering for gift wrapping with our church and it's been fun. I love to wrap presents. I think I am pretty much done... And I'm vowing once again to start earlier next year so I don't run out of time!! (Someone remind me!) I hope you are doing great. It's 11:59 so I'm gonna finish this and get it published! Love you. XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies for today's projects! (Affiliate Links Used)

Doodlebug Candy Cane Lane Shadow Box Project! Ho Ho Ho!

Hi guys! Happy Monday! Happy Christmas week! So, I had big plans to make allllllll the things for Christmas and I had stacks of pretty things in my craft room on the counter..... And it started giving me stress. The holidays totally got away from me this year and to be honest, I'm really exhausted and burned out. I was putting so much pressure on myself to make more cards and make cookies and make presents. I literally shut down. When I get anxious like that, nothing creative will come out. I've tried. LOLZ. So this might be the last Christmas project for 2022... I will write all my ideas down and try again next year. I just needed to relieve the self induced pressure. So on Friday I cleaned my craft room and put all the Christmas crafty bins away (five of them full!), vaccumed, cleaned all the surfaces and hung up some twinkly lights. I called it and decided to focus the rest of the year on the reason for the season, and gratitude, and church and cocoa and looking at lights and all that good stuff. The past few years have been so hard and I'm struggling as we come to the end of the year. I will renew myself and set my goals for 2023. I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed a wonderful holiday season with your friends and families. You guys are like family to me and I am so thankful for you and your support! Sending blessings your way as we come into Christmas week.

And so, my Doodlebug loving friends... I'm here today to share my final Doodlebug project for the year! My project features the super fun Candy Cane Lane Collection!  My shadow box I am sharing today is up on the shelf in my craft room to bring some Christmas joy and cheer. But, it would also be great in the entry way or any room that needs fun and joy! And would also make a great gift!!  I used the new Candy Cane Lane Shadow Box Kit and the brown frame to put this together. If you haven't made a Doodlebug Shadow Box yet, I really recommend it! I guarantee you will have some fun crafting! I've made five so far and I love changing it out for the season!! Now they make one for every new collection!! 

Here is my finished shadow box. I splattered on some white paint to make it look snowy and artsy! I used some stickers and embellishments to add a bit of extra interest to the bottom of the frame. I always like to add some matching decorations to my frame! It's hard to see, but I backed the vellum panel with blue snowflake 12x12 paper from the Candy Cane Lane Collection.

 

I just adore all the little houses in this kit!! I want to live in a pretty Christmas house! You can see that I also splattered white paint onto my finished panel. I used Diamond Stickles to add glittery accents to the rooftops and other areas. 

 

So many pretty, sparkly gems in this kit - it makes it come alive and shimmer!

 

The color palette in this kit is just so cheery and sweet. I do love a pop of pink or aqua in with my Christmas colors! No one does it better than Doodlebug.

 

Here is my insert before I put it in the frame. The kit comes with a sheet of thick vellum and you place the vellum over a pattern and put the stickers and gems, etc down onto the vellum. It's genius and really fun. Some of the elements are popped up with foam squares and some are flat. 

 

 

Thank you for spending a little time with me today!! I hope you will make one of these shadow boxes!! My next Doodlebug project will be for New Years Week!! They have a brand new collection for planning and for calendars and I can't wait to show you. I'm waiting for mine to be delivered and I'm so excited! Have a great week! Love you! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's project (Affiliate Links Used).

A vintage card for my vintage husband!

Hi friends! Last week was SO busy. Gosh. Christmas is coming at me at lightning speed. Can we hit the pause button so I can catch up for a minute?! Are you feeling that way too? There are just so many fun things to do this time of year and I want to do everything!! Happy Monday!!  I have something different and fun to share with you today! It's a birthday card I made for my husband! He just celebrated his 60th birthday!! Gosh, we are both kinda freaking out about it.... I met him when he was 30! How does that much time go by so quickly?? Jeez!! He is a pretty low key sort of guy so he didn't want a lot of fanfare... We enjoyed some fun activities together over the weekend to celebrate him! I made him a vintage inspired card (since now he's vintage) using lots of cool Tim Holtz supplies!! I almost always grab my TH supplies when making masculine cards. Especially the Blueprints stamps....

The finished card is a 5x7 card base made from kraft, then layered with black and cream. I kept the color palette muted and masculine using kraft, grey, black and gold. 

 

I started by stamping the background panel using the mini blueprints of some of his favorite things: cameras, party hats, stars and skulls.... I used grey ink to make the background more muted. Then I stamped some of the same icons in black and cut them out by hand. I used gold metallic watercolor paint to paint on the icons.

 

I used Tim Holtz Label Stickers for the sentiments... I think they look cool and graphic. I used black and gold splatters for this card.

 

Here are some of my supplies as I was laying out my card idea. The number dies have been in my stash forever - they are Papertrey Ink By The Numbers. Unfortunately they are discontinued now. I used gold paper layered with black paper for the numbers. 

 

 

I attached a strip of vintage text paper across the card. Then I layered the icons around the numbers....

 

I used a large jump ring to hang a little camera charm from the bottom of the zero... 

 

The last step was to add a few mirrored stars, since he is my super star!!

Hope you're doing great today!! I'll be back soon with some more Christmas projects!! Thank you SO MUCH for shopping my affiliate links! I am SO GRATEFUL and it makes a huge difference to me!! I think I will have enough stash to do another giveaway in January!! I hope that sounds good to you too. Take care!! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's card! (Affiliate Links Used)

Doodlebug - Candy Cane Lane Collection - Mitten Ornament Gift Card Holders!

Hi crafty friends! Happy Holiday Season to you all! Happy Monday! It's Doodlebug Monday, too! Did you have a good weekend? We were busy doing fun holiday things - putting up the tree, buying poinsettias, getting coffee, church.... It was a good weekend! I'm here today to share a project made with the brand new Candy Cane Lane Collection from Doodlebug! It's so holly jolly and cute and fun! Everything you could want in a winter paper collection... I was smiling the entire time I was making this project to share with you. I am always looking for cute handmade gift items to give out to friends, neighbors, and coworkers this time of year. I decided to make some paper mitten ornaments that hold a coffee gift card tucked inside. After the recipient takes out the gift card, they can hang the ornament on their tree! I will put the date and name on the back of each one too. 

I started by using the gorgeous 12x12 papers from the Doodlebug Candy Cane Lane collection. I die cut out two mittens in each color and then glued them together back to back. I die cut two cuffs and did the same, being careful not to glue the top shut. I used the Gingham 6x6 paper pad to make the cuffs. I tucked a little bit of tissue down inside the mitten to make it puff out just a little.  The mitten shape is a discontinued die set from Taylored Expressions called Mitten Garland. But, you could easily find a mitten template online or an SVG file of a mitten. I thought this idea would also be cute with coffee mugs instead of mittens. I might try that too! 

I used silver brads on the cuffs and put some Doodlebug Chunky Twine through the brads to act as the ornament hanger part. Then the really fun part - decorating the mittens with stickers and ephemera! I tucked a bit of tissue, the coffee cards, and a small candy cane into the top opening. Super festive. I can't wait to give them away! I think they will be cute hanging on the tree!

Here are my three mitten ornaments...

 

 

I used lots of stickers (Icons) and gems and all the good things from the Candy Cane Lane Collection. If you look closely, can you see those super cool clear acetate snowflakes? Love them! I used my favorite Bearly Glue to glue around the edges. They are of course, open at the top.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is one of the mittens in my hand so you can see the size and scale. 

 

I adore this happy jolly snowman! He's holding his Christmas tree, and I added lots of rhinestone ornaments to it! I do love the sparkle! Regular stickers and Puffy Stickers and gems....oh my!

 

 

 

 

 

I am kind of obsessed with snowmen and candy canes right now!

 

 

 

And lastly, my home for the holidays mitten!! I love this holly patterned paper - and paired with green gingham - so cute!! This would be a nice gift to bring to someone's home as a hostess gift!

 

 

 

 

 

More of those adorable puffy stickers!!

That's it for today!! We are doing something really special tonight at church and I am excited! We are attending a dinner and tour of Bethlehem. We have our own tour guide via video conference walking us through all the holy Christmas sites and showing us everything. All the while we will be dining on traditional food from that region. It should be an amazing time and definitely get us more into the reason for the season. Also, this week my husband turns 60!!! I'm not sure which one of us is freaking out more, me or him! I met him when he was 30!!! I made him a cool card that I'll share later in the week. I hope you have a wonderful and happy week! Thanks for spending some time with me today. XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's project (Affiliate Links Used)

Christmas projects with new Taylored Expressions! Stamps, Stencils, Glitter, and an Elf!

Hi everyone! Happy December 1st! Can you believe it? Another year, another holiday season, another winter.... Wow, this year went fast! I hope you have a delightful, happy and peaceful December. Our month is so full of activities I have two different calendars going. There are so many fun things to do this time of year. I like to volunteer a lot and there are so many things happening at church, and work and of course craft fairs and Christmas festivals. Looking forward to a lovely month. Oh, and it's raining here today - yay! Lucky and I are all cozy in the craft room with the candles going and the twinkle lights...What a nice day. 

I have some projects to share with you today - both projects were made with awesome new supplies from our friends at Taylored Expressions! Yippeee! One classic card, and some bright and cheery tags. Supplies are all listed at the bottom of my post - including my ink colors for stenciling! Let's get to it!!

First up is a classic Christmas card, with kraft, red, green and gold. I used the new NOEL stamp/stencil combo and it is such a nice suite!! My finished card is an A2 red card base. I layered cream and then my top layer is kraft with the stenciling on it. I added snowflakes and splatters of course...

 

The NOEL stencil/stamp combo is soooo pretty. It's a set of four stencils and then a set of tiny accent stamps to add the leaf details. It's perfection. I used shades of greens and then the new Lumberjack Red Distress Ink!! The final stencil does the lines inside the words and I chose to use glitter gel/paste as my accent. Tip - make sure all your inks are 100% dry before you add a paste!!! I used both my small and large sized blender brushes to get a nice even coat of ink onto my paper. The colors look different on Kraft paper - and I love this look. I used Distress Inks - colors are listed in the supplies!

 

Here's a close up of all the details. I used a TE die to make a set of vellum snowflakes which I added to my card and also my other project for today. I love a pretty vellum snowflake, don't you? 

 

 

 

This is such a nice idea for a one layer card and would be great for mass production.... 

 

Next up is the Holiday Squad!! I made three tags using the new Holiday Squad dies/stamp set! The die set makes Santa, Mrs. Clause, and an adorable elf. All die cut from whatever color cardstock you want! I again stayed with traditional red and green.... I added snowflakes to my tags also...and snow splatters... There is a small stamp set that comes with the dies - for the eyes, cheeks and glasses. So easy and fun! I used the Joyful Season stamp set to add the small words on each tag.

Remember last year I made this card with the Snow Squad Dies! I'm so happy TE is adding to this fun collection of 'squads!'

 

Sweet Mrs. Claus with her smiling face and cute holly barette!! I added white gel pen accents to all three tags. I attached the figures to some postage stamp die cuts before adding them to the tags.

 

OMG how cute is this elf with his pointy ears!!! Instead of white for the hat brim and pom pom, I used silver glitter paper....

 

And of course Santa with his fluffy beard and cheerful smile....

 

 

 

These were so much fun to make!! I tied some twine at the top of each tag in a matching color. Added snowflakes and some tiny hearts...

 

 

 

Here's a photo I took the other day of a delicious drink I made in my new W mug! I love coffee mugs and I have a bazillion coffee mugs! But I always buy more! There never is a W so I had to get it, right??? I made hubs and I some peppermint mocha coffees the other day. He found peppermint flavored whipped cream at Whole Foods!!! So I mixed coffee, milk, chocolate, and peppermint syrup. I put on the whipped cream and some crushed peppermint candies. And WOWZA, sooooo yummy.  On a side note - have you ever had the peppermint milkshakes at Chik-fil-a???? OMG so good! I haven't had one yet this year, but I'm going to take care of that this weekend! Ha!

That's it for today! What are you working on!? Are you looking forward to a fun December too? I am sending out big hugs and good wishes for a happy holiday season to everyone. Love you guys. XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see all the supplies used in today's projects (Affiliate Links Used)

Let's kick off Christmas 2022 - Projects from the Honey Bee Make it Merry Collection!

Hi friends! Happy Friday! How was your Thanksgiving? I hope you had a great one! Our Thanksgiving was very quiet and peaceful here at home. I did the cooking and we relaxed and watched some movies. The holiday days always go so quickly! Now it's Black Friday! Are you shopping today? We usually go out at 5am and go shopping and hang out but this year we're not doing that. There isn't the budget this year and really, honestly, I want for nothing! I am so blessed and we are in general trying to be more zen so we are home crafting and decorating instead of in the shopping madness! Maybe next year we'll get back at it! We have a full weekend to come with my work at the store (I work part time at Paper Source) and church activities. But enough yammering on from me....Let's get to some crafty things! 

There were SO many wonderful Christmas releases from the stamp companies this year! Wow! I feel like everyone crushed it. Today I'm sharing FOUR cards in one post! Cards I made with the EXTRA SUPER DUPER FABULOUS Make it Merry release from Honey Bee Stamps. Like wow. WOW. I saw the new items and the ideas flooded my brain. I sat down this past week and made everything and I'm so excited to share it all with you. It's a little bit vintage, a lot classy, and some fun too. My cards all have a different flavor to them. This is one of those long posts with tons of pictures, so grab your coffee and spend some creative time with me! I'll show you all four cards first and then go into the detail photos. Thank you for being here with me!

All four cards are A2 sized card bases. There are tons of little details I put into each card to make it my creation - that is my signature - I love the small details! The supplies are listed at the bottom of my post (or click here). There are tons of Black Friday crafting sales now on these items too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's go a bit more in depth on this classic Christmas poinsettia card! This card features the Lovely Layers Poinsettias and the Vintage Picnic Basket Dies... SO much fun and vintagey goodness!! Lots of snow and some gold too.... I die cut the poinsettia dies from dark red paper and blended on some darker red distress ink to the tips. I die cut the leaves from both green and gold. Nothing says classic vintage Christmas like red, green and gold....and plaid! The picnic basket die is genius and so much fun. I die cut it from plaid cardstock to mimic those old thermos tins.

 

Just like all the other gorgeous Honey Bee Layered Florals, this Poinsettia came together like a dream. It's four layers and then the yellow center. EASY to put together! I used Snowfall Grit Paste and Opaque White Grit Paste to make snow and painted it onto the leaves and petals and set them aside to dry. In this photo you can also see that gorgeous background texture plate....love.... I used bits and bobs of the Winter Greenery Dies also to complete my arrangement.

 

My card base is made from woodgrain cardstock and layered with red and cream...

 

For the picnic basket I wanted a hint of metallic to make it look like a metal picnic basket. I used the Foundry Wax in Gilded to add gold with my fingers just at certain places.... I really like how this came out!! 

 

Here's a side view of that beautiful poinsettia flower! I gently lifted the petals with my finges to raise them upwards. I used Bearly Glue to glue them all together. I added some gems to the flower center and splattered on some snowy white ink...

 

I think this bells card might be my favorite one of the bunch! I LOVE how it came out with that 50's Christmas vibe!!! These dies are so pretty. I found just the right striped paper in my stash and it all came together.... I used the new Holiday Bells Dies along with the Winter Greenery Dies (just used the Holly leaves) to make this card. I again used red and green to create a vintage/classic look. I die cut the bells from red cardstock and used Copic Markers to add the darker red you see on the botton part of the bells. I used cream and silver cardstock to complete the bells. 

 

Here's a close up of my little cluster at the top of my bells. I had a red bow at first but it didn't look right with all the other red... So I finally decided on a pretty teal bow. I think that keeps with the 50's theme I was going for. I layered cream, red, stripes and vellum and then an oval for my card. To apply the texture paste snow is a bit tricky. It took me a few tries to get it the way I like it. I used a small paint brush but instead of 'painting' I 'dabbed' the paste on, leaving it super bumpy. I found if I 'painted' it, when it dried it was flat.... 

 

 

I used some glitter glue Diamond Stickles on the yellow part of the bells. I added a few clear and white gems to finish off the card. I stamped the sentiment in brown ink instead of black, and die cut it with the matching die.

 

A few quick and easy ways to add details to your cards.... When you're making die cuts, either blend on some distress inks with a blender brush, or use your markers to add some quick shading... Add gems, pearls, enamel dots, rhinestones for a bit of texture.... Add paint splatters in white, black or gold for that artsy feel (or snow feel!) Use a layer of vellum in between some of your other layers to add depth.... Me, you know, more is more. So I use all these things! Ha! 

 

My next card features the new Winter Greenery Dies, the new Mason Jar Vase Dies and the previously released Build A Snowman Dies (a favorite).... I wanted to make a little scene inside of a mason jar.... This card has a fun and playful feeling to it... I found the red snow paper in my stash and it's still available! It matched my card perfectly.... 

 

I built my classic snowman and gave him a plaid scarf and a peppermint on his hat! Of course he has a broom and a little red cardinal friend too! I wanted some trees in my scene and the trees from the new Winter Village dies set were PERFECT!! I added a stitched hill to set the scene and added my trees... The mason jar was die cut from light blue cardstock and I stamped some snow onto it.... 

 

I used Winter Greenery for the pine boughs and the bow from the bells die set for the top of the jar.... I added a small snowflake to the center.

 

 

 

For this last card I wanted to make another poinsettia in PINK! Such a pretty pop of icy colors...and silver....and blue.... This card is so cheerful and bright!! I made the poinsettia and then splashed on silvery white metallic watercolor!! I made the background with the awesome Fancy Flakes Die... I used a new to me embossing powder that is really pretty and glittery...it's called Silver Moonlight. YUM. 

 

I made the leaves from green and silver - again trying to get that 50's vintage look... I used vellum as my top layer. 

 

 

 

Every time I get one of these lovely layers dies I am blown away by how pretty they are. I mean, seriously. Could it be more perfect??? And so simple. Love it.

Okay! Thanks for hanging in there with me on this long post. I believe we have officially KICKED OFF CHRISTMAS here on the blog! Yay! Looking forward to sharing with you over the next month as we go through this fun time of year. Again, I'm going to run out of time, but I'll make as many fun things as I can! LOL. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful day and will find some creative time this weekend. Love ya! See you soon! XOXO

If you're crafty shopping today - I would be super grateful if you used my links! THANK YOU!! 

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies I used in today's cards (Affiliate Links Used)!

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2022!

Hi everyone! Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours! I am so thankful for all of you here! I am sending big hugs and wishing you a very blessed and happy day with your friends and family! It's been another weird year, but still so much to be grateful for. I love this holiday - simple and pure.  I will see you soon with a project! Take care - love you! HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2022!

 

I decided very last minute yesterday to make a couple of Thanksgiving cards! I bought the Pie Perfection Dies and Stamps months ago, and never used them... Well, it was the perfect occasion to make some pie!!! These stamps and dies are literally the cutest thing ever!! Pies, pie slices, serving pieces, and adorable stamps too! I made two clean and simple cards using warm tones of orange and brown.... Both cards are sized A2 white card bases. Cheers to pie and good food today! CLICK HERE to shop the pie collection!

For this card I made two pies! And I used the toppers to make leaves to decorate them.... One is pumpkin and one is cherry. YUM... I sprinkled on lots of Rock Candy Glitter to make them look nice and sugary.

 

And this one is just a slice...but a big slice! 

 

Here are some close up photos of the dies. Really fun and these cards came together quick and easy. Can't wait to make some Summer pies too! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay - signing off now! Going to watch the parade and eat too much, and hang out with the fam. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I will see you soon. I am THANKFUL for YOU! XOXOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's cards (Affiliate Links Used)!  These dies are on sale too!

Fun Card Trio with Doodlebug Farmer's Market Collection!

Hey hey hey! Happy Doodlebug Day! Yep, it's my turn over on the Doodlebug Blog!  Once again, using the fabulous Farmers Market Collection! Yippeeeeeee! Hey, guess what? I made some non holiday cards! I thought it was time we could use some more birthday cards and just because cards, and this fun collection is perfect for it!! The new Doodlebug Christmas Collection arrived on my desk last week and it is CCCCUUUUUTTTTTEEEEEE! Just wait!! But, today, I'm sharing a trio of fun and cheerful cards that I hope will make you smile!

All three cards are white A2 card bases. I used the awesome 12x12 text patterned paper as the background for all three cards also. I do love a good text pattern.... So I have two birthday cards and one just because card. Each card features a Doodle Pop as the focus, some mini doilies, and lots of color! Here is my trio....

 

Look at these delicious Doodle Pops!!! Three layers, four layers...oh my! These are just the happiest things ever!

 

I used basically the same card design/layout for each card. Either a stitched circle or a stitched rectangle, offset on the card... Then all the embellishments and doilies. Oh, and some paint splashes too. I really just went to town mixing and matching all these colors. Everything is from the same collection - Farmers Market.

 

 

 

The little Beehive Doodle Pop is a shaker! Bzzzzz. I added a couple of flowers and a heart to that sweet little hive. Oh, and some buzzin bees too.

 

 

 

 

 

I used the sentiment strips along the bottom of each card and that just ups the cuteness factor. Everything is done for you! These cards come together easily and the combinations of elements is endless!

That's my Doodlebug Post for today, and that finishes up this collection. My next project will be made with the new Christmas Collection and I can't wait! Have a super wonderful and happy week. And don't forget to get in some creative time! Love ya. XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's cards (Affiliate Links Used)!

 

It's Greetery Release Day - and a Surprise!

 

HEY FRIENDS!! EXCITING NEWS!!

THE GREETERY NEW RELEASE IS LIVE NOW!!

AND THERE'S A SALE - ON EVERYTHING!!

CLICK HERE!!

 

 

It was my pleasure to introduce the new release to you this week!! And, I hope you love it as much as I do!! Happy Crafting!! Thank you for ALL the amazingly kind comments on my project reveals post!!! You are so nice to bless me! I would be so grateful, as always, if you would shop via my Greetery affiliate link! Have fun!!

 

The Greetery - All Wrapped Up New Release!

Hello friends! Happy Monday! Oh, and what a very happy Monday it is! I'm here to share the product and project reveals for the November new release from The Greetery! The new release is called "All Wrapped Up" and it's all about gift giving. It is such a beautiful release and if I had more time, I would have made 100 projects! I think you're going to love it too! The design team will be sharing our projects today only.... And then RELEASE DAY is TOMORROW November 22nd at 10am EST. So you only have to wait one day! I am really excited to show you my projects.

The release has innovative new dies for gift wrapping and card making...and tags too! I made four different projects mixing and matching all the new things. I kept the same color palette for all of my projects, because I just love that look. I used kraft, black, green, and gold with pops of red and gold. It's classic Christmas and so pretty. Let's get to it! Grab some coffee - because you know I have a ton of photos!! 

Here is a gift I packaged up with all the new goodies!! I wrapped the present in kraft wrapping paper (one of my fav things) and decorated it with pine boughs and bows and paper ribbons.... I will share more about the process a little further down in my post. This project features the brand new Crimped Circle Tags, the new Ribbon Maker Dies (Pinked Stars), and the new Pine and Ruscus Dies, and MORE!

 

And here is my matching card to go with the gift! It's a 5.25" x 5/25" square card to feature that pretty wreath. Winter Wishes indeed! This card features the brand new Round About Winter wreath dies, the new Tagged Elegance Stamp Set and the super cool new Loopy Bow Dies.

 

Next up is a big fat pillow box gift box! Wrapped in red with golden snowflakes.... This project showcases the brand new Large Scallops Ribbon Maker Dies, the new Tear Strip Tags stamps and dies, and the new Eucalyptus Die....

 

And lastly, a set of pretty gift tags perfect for prezzies! This project uses the brand new Tear Strips Tags Dies and stamps along with crisp white embossing on black, to keep with the color palette....

 

Now that I've shown you all my projects, I'll go into a little more detail about everything with some more photos. (I love doing project photos and thoroughly enjoyed making this pretty scene in my studio!) Here's a close up of the first package that shows the cluster of foliage I made. I used two colors of green cardstock and also some vellum.... I covered everything with a bit of snow and some glitter... I used Opaque white paste and Stickles to make the snow (supplies are at the bottom of my post)

 

For the focal point I used the new Crimped Circle Tags dies (gold) and the Crimped Circle Dies (white). I stamped the new sentiment in red and tied a bow and a red bell onto the tag. I also added snow and glitter to the tag to tie it all together visually. 

 

The black (gorgeous) wrap on the package was made with the AMAZING new Ribbon Maker Dies!! I used the Pinked Stars die and the black Paper Ribbon (also new) to make the wrap. OMG you guys this new product is sooooooo cool. The paper riboon comes in a roll, and you die cut it into a strip to the length you need for your project. Genius!!! And so elegant....

 

Here are my process photos for making the paper stars ribbon!! The die is designed so that it lines up perfectly and you just keep die cutting.... It really was super simple. I die cut everything upside down, with the cutting edge up to see what I was doing....

Here is my 'naked' package with the splatters and snowflakes...

 

And my pine boughs are drying.... all snowy and pretty....

 

 

 

 

I staggered the small and large pine boughs underneath my circle tag to look like a spray of foliage. It looks really nice against that rich black paper.

 

 

 

Next up, a few more details about my card. I used the new Round About Winter die.... Yes, one die made this wreath! I die cut the wreath six times!! Two in vellum, two in gold, and two in green. I layered all the pieces together to form this wreath. The bow is the new Loopy Bow Die and I used red of course!

 

For my card base, I layered the kraft card base with white, red, and then black patterned paper. But the wreath is the star of the show! I added snow and glitter to the leaves. Red enamel dots to look like holly berries....

 

I stamped the sentiment in deep black ink. Such a pretty font!

 

 

 

For my pillow box project I used the brand new Large Scallops Paper Ribbon Die, and the new Red Paper Ribbon. I wrapped my ribbon strip around the pillow box and then decorated from there! I used one of the new tags to add my sentiment.

 

 

For the foliage I used the new Eucalyptus dies in green and added snow and splatters.... I added some gold snowflakes from the Snowflake Soiree Dies set. Black enamel dots bring in the contrast....

 

 

 

More information about those cool new tags! The die set is called Tear Strip Tags... It die cuts FOUR skinny tags at one time! And there is a perfectly matching stamp set that stamps all FOUR tags at once! Again, genius! I die cut my tags from black and embossed the sentiments in white. I die cut more tags and mixed and matched a second color underneath. LOVE these!

 

 

 

And here are my festive projects all lined up! I found this release to be so inspiring. I have so many ideas! And, remember, these items are not only for Christmas wrapping!!! The wheels are turning in my creative brain...LOL. I know that I'm a bit 'extra' and my projects have a lot of steps. I totally believe that these new items would be just a beautiful done in a simple way without all the splatters and snow etc. The wonderful thing about The Greetery is that the products let each of us create in our own perfect way. I hope I have inspired you to do some personalized gift giving this year!!

Okay, friends, that's it for our release reveal of The Greetery All Wrapped Up Release!!! This release 'week' is only one day - today!  I am so happy to be sharing these products with you. The new release will be for sale Tomorrow! - Tuesday November 22nd at 10am EST!  Have a blessed day. XOXO

PRIZE INFORMATION! The Greetery will be giving away two $50 gift cards,  To be entered to win, leave a comment on each blog for today!  Random comments will be chosen and announced on The Greetery Blog! 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE GREETERY STORE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for these cards! (Affiliate Links Used)

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION LINKS FOR TODAY!

Laurie

Kelly

Angelica

Wanda

Dana

Dawn

Melissa

 

TGIF - The Greetery Inspiration Friday - Holiday Snowglobe Card!

Hellooooooooo! Hear those sleigh bells ring ring ringing??? It's Christmas time in the city! Oh yeah! Today I'm up on The Greetery Blog for TGIF - The Greetery Inspiration Friday! The design team takes turns sharing a project with you on Fridays, and today is my day! I wanted to think up something new and fun for Christmas using beautiful supplies from The Greetery! So I had an idea to make a winter snowglobe shaker candy pop card! Ha! That's a mouthful. I thought I might take the super cool Candy Pops Dies and use them to make a snowglobe. Well....lo and behold, the idea came out just like I had hoped and I can't wait to show you! 

My finished card is an A2 white card base, layered with red paper and some striped paper from my stash. I layered a pretty Postage die cut as my top layer. Then I mounted the candy pop shaker on top!! Let's get to it!

 

Here's a side view of my layers and that fun globe. I also die cut some pretty snowflakes from the Snowflake Soiree dies to add a bit of shimmer to the card. (Of course)! I fully assembled the candy pop part of the card seperately and then mounted it on the card. Worked out so easy. I think I could have also just made that part into ornaments!!

 

I die cut all the candy pop pieces and stamped the sentiment onto the outside ring. For my scene, I ink blended some oxide ink and stamped on some snowflakes from the Christmas Time in the City stamp set. I used the Christmas Time in the City dies to make my city skyline and the tree. I put glitter glue on the tops of the buildings and on the star and let that part dry.

 

For the inside of my snowglobe I added fake snow (from Michaels) and some small circular sequins I had in my stash. I didn't put very much in there because I didn't want it to be too cloudy.... It looks so pretty!!! 

 

I used silver accents for the wrapper on the candy pop and added bits of red/white twine. I also added some holly and berries that come with the Candy Pop dies set. 

 

 

 

One more side view! This is the 1/2 inch bubble. You'll see in my supply list you can buy the bubbles in different depths depending on what you're going to put inside.

 

 

Sweet Holiday Wishes my friends! Happy Friday, and happy crafting! Ho Ho Ho! See you soon!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's card (Affiliate Links Used)!

Warm and Cozy Fall cards with Simple Stories Harvest Market Collection!

Helllooooooo! Autumn is winding down and will soon be gone...and next week is Thanksgiving! Wow! There is a lot to be thankful for, for sure! I am going to share a couple more Fall/Autumn themed projects and then we'll switch on over to our regularly scheduled Christmas programming! LOL! You guys know how much I love Fall! I hate to see it go, but I guess I better switch my brain from pumpkin spice to peppermint mocha!

My cards today feature one of my favorite favorite favorite paper collections from all of 2022!!! It's called Harvest Market and it's from Simple Stories. This paper collection is EVERYthing I love about the season - pumpkins, coffee, sweaters, warm florals, and plaid. OMG it's wonderful!! I made two cards using the collection and I have more ideas too! These would be nice friendship cards for Thanksgiving, or a hostess card if you're going to someone's house. Also - great for Fall scrapbooking! Okay, let's get to it!

My first card is an A2 cream card base. I used lots of the patterned papers to form the background for the sentiment panel. I put lots and lots of good things on this card! I do love mixing and matching colors and textures!

 

I used ephemera pieces, chipboard stickers, metal stickers and enamel dots! Oh, and some twine for good measure! Here's a side view so you can see all the layers and elements.

 

A sweet little birdie sitting on a fall banner....

 

You know I love a pop of teal in with all those warm and cozy colors!

 

 

 

Exactly what I love - Fall breeze and Autumn leaves - please!

 

 

 

My second card is also an A2 cream card base. I again layered different patterned papers for my top layer. I used the big FALL word ephemera piece as my focal point, then added some cozy things...including that adorable sweater! How pretty are all these colors?? Seriously. 

 

Side view! I added a leaf piece to the front of the sweater. I would totally wear this sweater! 

 

I tucked a little twine bow behind the metal piece. I like to add shiny textured things to all this warmth....

 

 

 

Pumpkin Spice + Cozy Sweaters = Happiness!

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today to see my cozy cards! Have a wonderful day, everyone! Love you! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's cards (Affiliate Links Used)!

Pixi Dust Winter Mugs!!

Hello crafty friends! It's going to be another fun crafty week I think! I have something really fun and cute to share today! I made some Christmas tags with awesome dies from our friends at Pixi Dust! I used the Reindeer Mug Dies and Penguin Mug Dies to make big round tags. I could put these on a package or mount them onto a card. Haven't decided yet! I used some sparkly snowflakes from Pinkfresh Studio and pretty patterned papers from Lawn Fawn. It all came together like a crafty Winter dream! Let's get started!

First up is my jolly reindeer mug! Isn't she the sweetest thing ever?! I love the whipped cream and the candy cane. I'm pretty sure it's a peppermint mocha! MMMMMM. 

 

And here is my festive penguin! Love her plaid scarf and all the details to make her face come alive!

 

I used large scalloped circles as the base of my cards/tags. I then die cut a smaller white circle to be the base. (Supplies are listed at the bottom of my post) Here is a close up of my layers and all the little details that make this project so much fun. Pixi Dust - they thought of everything!

 

The snowflakes were hot foiled with silver foil onto vellum - love that look! I ink blended her cheeks and ears and gave everything a good splatter of white paint snow. I added a few gems and hearts to make it sparkle. This die set is so easy to use and put together. I am a huge fan! There are many other mugs in the collection - santa, snowman.....

 

 

 

Here are the close up details of my penguin mug! I added a bit of toastiness onto the marshmallows and a good sprinkling of glitter too! 

 

 

 

I absolutely adore this color combination for winter! So fresh and pretty - but still icy too! 

 

 

That's my project for today! I can't say enough how much fun I'm having with my new supplies from Pixi Dust!! Everything is really just adorable and happy. I am wishing you a happy, fun and creative week! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's tags/cards (Affiliate links used)!

A visit to see the butterflies in Santa Cruz!

Hi guys! I'm gonna warn you - this is a long post with lots of photos! So grab some coffee and spend a little time with me and I'll tell you a cool story! Hope you had a great week. Happy Friday! I think everything is finally working right with my blog - so thank goodness for that! Wishing you a wonderful weekend this weekend! XO

My birthday was last week! My husband took the week off so we could go and do some things and it was a great week. We ended up taking a couple of day trip road trips around here which worked out great! I had a wonderful birthday week and ate some yummy pizza and got spoiled with flowers and a new glitter Christmas tree! I hate getting older, but I do love to be spoiled! 

One of our day trips last week was to Santa Cruz. We live about 2 hours or so Northeast of Santa Cruz, so it's an easy trip for us. I wanted to see the Monarch Butterflies that winter at the coast. They haven't been here in a few years because of the wildfires and they are returning in good numbers this year. So that was the purpose of our trip that day! HERE IS SOME INFORMATION about the Butterflies and the place we went. We have a yearly State Parks Pass so we love to explore new California Parks. The butterflies are at Natural Bridges State Beach! The Monarchs come here for the winter because it is just the right climate. It is amazing because they cluster in the tops of the trees! It was a magical thing to see! The butterfly area is a short walk from the ocean!

 

There is a small gift store and museum. There were a bunch of kids there that day on a field trip and it was very cute to see the kids marvel at the butterflies too.

 

 

The butterflies come to a grove of eucalyptus trees that are down in a canyon. So you have to walk down into the canyon to see them. It's so quiet and peaceful. And the smell of eaucalyptus trees is one of my favorite smells in the world. My family is from Monterey/Carmel area and my grandma's backyard was basically a forest of eaucalyptus trees. And when they are wet from the fog, the smell is intoxicating. It brings back all the good memories for me.

 

There is a really nice walkway to get down into the canyon. 

 

If you don't know what you're looking for, you could easily miss the giant butterfly clusters! They are way up in the trees and completely blend in with the leaves. When it's cold they all huddle together like this. When the sun hits them and they warm up - they all start flying! It's incredible!!

 

Just look at them!!!! 

 

 

 

It was a very foggy day for the most part. A few times the sun did peek through the fog and it was great to see the butterflies flying overhead!

 

More clusters - smaller ones, bigger ones - everywhere in the trees!

 

 

 

This little guy landed on the walkway right in front of me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We just stood there in awe of this cool phenomenon. So lucky to be able to see this in real life!!! Puts everything else in perspective - these fragile creatures sticking together to survive through the winter. I feel like we could learn some things....

 

 

 

We saw some beautiful flowers on our walk....

 

And this cutie wandered by....

 

 

 

We went down to the beach and enjoyed the view and the fresh air. It's a lovely beach and I think we will definitely come back when it's a bit warmer. This is a really nice State Park! We loved it. Natural Bridges State Beach.

 

 

We drove down through the main part of Santa Cruz and saw some sights. Visited the Surfing Museum, and this guy was surfing right outside of it! Brrrrr.

 

 

I was taking a photo of this pretty sailboat when a whale breached!! See the puff of water to the left of the boat in the photo? That was a whale!

 

And check out these best friends floating by enjoying some snacks! 

 

That building is the Surfing Museum. It's such a pretty spot - lots of benches and a great walking path too.

 

Here's my new house, right across the street from the ocean! (I wish!!)

 

 

That's a wrap on our trip! I hope you enjoyed sharing these things with me! I say, get out and explore! Wherever you live, find something new to do and see! You won't regret it! Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO

 

Christmas tags with Wendy Vecchi stamps!

Hi friends!!! How's your week going? We had a super wet and rainy election day here in Sacramento! Hard to believe we are now well into November. I'm here for it, and I wish time would slow down some. Our nights have been chilly and we are all cozy with our couch blankets! I absolutely love this time of year! This weekend we're going to a huge antique fair and I'm looking forward to that too! Still getting caught up here on the blog and I have lots of projects to share. November is a weird month for crafting because I'm still wanting to make Fall themed things, but Christmas is coming on strong too! I guess we can do both, right?! 

Today I'm sharing some pretty Christmas mixed media tags I made with some new supplies from Wendy Vecchi! I love Wendy and her cool vibe and style and she has some great new stamp sets and chipboards for the holidays this year. I got out some of my big manila tags and had fun getting messy! Here are my finished tags... These will be great to tie onto a present or a gift bag!

 

The NOEL and JOY words are chipboard shapes - nice and thick - for painting, inking, or embossing! I used gold embossing powder and heat embossed the letters four times! This is a very cool technique if you've never tried it! Simply use your Versamark ink pad directly to the chipboard and heat emboss the gold powder. Then repeat, repeat, repeat adding more and more gold. It gets so nice and rich layer after layer! I also like that it looks sort of aged or vintage. 

 

I stamped all the images with Archival Ink and watercolored with Distress inks. I hand cut out all the images to use on the tags... 

 

To age the tags themselves, I put some distress ink onto a stamping block and added water. Then I wet the tags with my sprayer and painted the distress ink mixture until it looked the way I wanted. I used a sponge dauber to ink around the edges of the tags also. 

 

After the tags were dry, I went back and added background stamping in brown ink - snowflakes and wreath images - and stars.... I added the colored images to the words. The final step was to add some white splatters to mimic snow!

 

A little bit of pretty sheer ribbon from my stash completes the look. I love all the different textures on this project and the finishes too!! 

 

 

That's it for today's fun tags projects! I hope the rest of your week goes great! What are you crafting? Are you team Fall or team Winter? Or both like me? Take care, and I'll see you soon! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's project! (Affiliate Links Used)

Doodlebug Farmers Market Collection - Hello Fall Wreath Card!

Hi friends! Happy Monday! I'm here with a fun fall card made with the beautiful new Doodlebug Farmers Market Collection! OH, I love this collection! Such a fun mix of images and themes from flowers to vegetables and everything in between. It's just absolutely delightful! And I am loving all those warm colors, but with a pop of purple and magenta. Really creative and cheerful.  I loved it from the moment it hit my desk! Perfect for Fall, but also I'll be using the veggie/market theme next Summer too! And who doesn't love a Farmers Market themed anything?? My blog photos are still not posting perfectly, but it's so much better! Thanks again for the support! I'm so happy to be back and sharing!

My card for today is a big square - 5.5" x 5.5", made from kraft cardstock. I got this idea from lots of beautiful scrapbook pages people make with this type of layout. The big wreath with all mixtures of patterned papers. Since I don't really scrapbook, I made a smaller version into a card. I die cut tons of leaves from both the Doodlebug Hello Fall Die Set and the Doodlebug Nesting Scallops Die set. I used several different patterns of the 6x6 Farmers Market paper pad... And this is what I came up with!

 

I die cut the hello word from dark brown woodgrain cardstock so it would add some texture. I added a little tag and some twine too, to make up my main sentiment. 

 

 

Here's a side view so you can see all my layers. I used 6x6 patterned paper for the magenta bottom layer, then white, then my leaves. I used lots of foam tape to tack everything down and to add dimension. This looks a lot better than just putting them on there flat.

 

I felt like the card needed something up there in the corner so I added a green sentiment banner. I think this would be a great Thanksgiving or friendship card. As you knew I would, I added some sweet little hearts too! I splattered on magenta ink and white ink generously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's it for today's post! I'm still trying to get all caught up! It's full-on FALL mode here in Northern California! Our leaves are popping and it's getting me in the mood for Thanksgiving and football! I hope you have an amazing week!! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see all the supplies used for today's card (affiliate links used).

Halloween 2022 final projects - a little late! Fun with Vintage Halloween from Anna Griffin!

Hi everybody! I'm back - I think?! Gosh, what a disaster that happened here on my blog the past week or ten days... My blog/website is hosted by a company called Typepad. I use Typepad to write my posts, post photos, and read comments, etc. They are the company that puts me on the internet.... That's the basics. Well, something major happened at Typepad HQ and the whole system went down. Bloggers all over the world were not able to post anything, especially photos, for up to ten days. My blog and others were not even visible for about three days. Right at Halloween, when we're all trying to share things. As you might have guessed, I am a Type A person and it about made me crazy!! Sitting here wanting to share all the things with you.... But I guess it was a lesson in patience (not my biggest virtue!). Now that everything is coming back up, I went back and forth about sharing my final Halloween projects, but then figured what the heck. I absolutely loved making these projects and I want to show them to you! Hope that's okay with you! I missed you guys! The big giveaway is over and you blessed me so much! The winners announcement is in a separate blog post! 

Hope you are all doing well and enjoyed a Happy and fun Halloween!! Our Halloween was really fun this year. We decorated A LOT. Then we set up a table in the driveway with some cool music and lots of candy and enjoyed the evening seeing the neighbors and all the cutie kids dressed up. Now it's time to get moving towards Christmas time! It will come fast! 

For our wedding anniversary in early October, my husband bought me gorgeous amazing awesome crafting supplies from Anna Griffin. Everything has a vintage Halloween vibe which is one of my favorite things!! I have loved Anna Griffin products for 25+ years! I used to buy all her scrapbooking kits back in the day, and our wedding announcements are even made with her gorgeous vellum and ribbons!! So I had to have the Halloween goodies. I ended up making two pumpkin easel cards, three 5x7 cards and two medallions. Everything is from Anna Griffin - the dies, papers, vellum, rub-ons, embellishments... Her items are only available at her own website or at HSN. I used bits of Distress Inks and my signature splatters... 

 

 

 

This card and the next one were made with a giant die set that makes an easel card! It's fantastic! You can make just a pumpkin (I'm thinking Thanksgiving cards now) or a jack-o-lantern. It's so easy to put together and I think it's super festive!

 

 

 

 

Here it is folded flat to go into an envelope! Isn't that cool?? There's no end to the ideas to decorate or the papers to use!

 

 

 

 

And here's my second easel card - made with glitterly orange paper!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made a few decorative medallions too - using all the vintage embellishments!! I added some gems here and there and of course paint splatters!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And lastly, three big 5x7 cards full of embellishments and beautiful papers....oh my....I had so much fun making these!! Can't wait to make some more next year too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a picture of me dressed up in my Halloween outfit. My fun skirt is two layers of tulle - with velvet polka dots!! I love to twirl in it! LOLZ. 

 

 

 

 

Okay, fingers crossed we will be back to our regular schedule! Have a blessed and happy day everybody!! I'm not even sure you'll be able to see this post and/or if the email notifications are working! Can someone do me a favor? If you did receive your email update about this new post - can you leave a comment and just let me know? I am seriously behind and so frustrated!! I miss blogging and sharing. I never realized how much it is a part of me to create and share and interact with everyone. Say a little prayer and cross your fingers!! I have lots to catch up on! XOXO

 

Giveaway winners announcement!! WOOHOO!!

***BLOG POSTS ARE STILL DELAYED - I CANNOT UPLOAD PHOTOS TO ALL MY NEW POSTS - STAY TUNED FRIENDS!***

Hi everyone! Exciting news! I'm here to announce my big October giveaway winners! Before I announce the winners I really want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!! You all made a really big difference to me by shopping my links. Truly truly truly you made a difference to me! I would be so grateful if you would continue to shop my links when you can. You have no idea!! BLESS YOU GUYS!! I put all my crafty stash things into the two winners' boxes. I'm thinking once I get up a good stash again, we can do another giveaway?! What do you think? Thank you to each and every one of you for supporting me. Without further ado...the two winners are:

Cathy S. and Amy C.

 

They have been notified by email and their boxes are shipping now!!!

Congratulations Cathy and Amy!! 

 

Here's a picture of Lucky helping me get the packages ready!!

 

What's up with my blog??

Another quick post everyone!! For almost a week now something has been wrong with the hosting service (Typepad) for my blog. Photos are not showing up, the formatting is wonky, I can't write posts all the time, and sometimes my blog is just completely blank! I am so sorry if you've been trying to get on here and see some photos and/or read my posts. There is nothing I can do and I'm super frustrated. It's out for tons of people right now!! Please bear with me as I try to be patient and wait for them to fix everything! I'm hoping I can still get one last Halloween post written! But it's no use if there are no pictures!!! Stay tuned. Thanks for all the support too!! XO

Happy Friday! Reminder about the giveaway!

Hi everyone! Just popping in with a quick post and a big HAPPY FRIDAY!! I hope you have a fun weekend planned! We are going on a day trip today, and then tomorrow we're volunteering at the huge Trunk or Treat event at our church. Should be a crazy weekend! The weather is finally perfectly Fall now and I am here for it! Yay! I will have one final crafting post this weekend sometime. My blog hosting service is wonky and I'm not able to consistently upload photos to my blog right now. What a mess!! I have some cool things to share before Halloween is over. Vintage Halloween goodies!

Quick reminder that my big giveaway ends on Monday night at midnight (Halloween night)! THANK YOU for all the entries so far! I have been warmed and uplifted by your kind notes and your shopping support! I really mean it - thank you! Bless you! I will announce the winners sometime on November 1st. Good luck! There are 35 entries so far, so the odds of winning are pretty good. Just sayin! 

CLICK HERE for all the details about my giveaway! 

 

 

Doodlebug Monster Madness - Candy Bar Treats for Halloween!

Hi there friends! It's Halloween week and we gotta get ready for trick or treats! I have one more Doodlebug Halloween project to share today - made with the new Monster Madness collection! This time, yes, it's more candy treats! Cuz you know I love candy treats! I used the awesome Jaded Blossom Candy Bar Wrapper die and wrapped up some yummy Hershey bars... Oh, and a sweet little note card too. These come together so quickly! I am bringing mine to work and also saving some for the special neighbor kids. But they would be awesome for a Halloween party snack too. Are you ready?? I think we have to buy more candy because I think everyone is super excited this year! So many houses in our neighborhood put up decorations - way more than ever before. I am happy that people are feeling festive again! Our weather has finally turned cooler (I won't say cold) and it's awesome!!

Thank you everyone for participating in my big GIVEAWAY this month! You have sent me the nicest notes, and supported me with your shopping. I'm so grateful! Remember to let me know to enter your name! DETAILS HERE!  Now onto my project!

 

The Candy Bar Wrapper Die makes the perfect sized sleeve/wrapper for a full size Hershey Bar! It has a pretty edge on it too. And it comes with a die for top panel for decorating. I used loads of Doodlebug Monster Madness papers, embellishments, sentiments, die cuts, and doilies..... These colors are so fantastic and happy. Don't get me started on the cute monsters and smiling treats!!

 

Here's my little cupcake note! This die makes a perfect little scalloped note easy to decorate and write a quick message. Doodlebug has puffy stickers now (EEP) and I put a little puffy pumpkin on top!!

 

In this pic you can see all my layers. I also added white gel pen accents and enamel stars to everything. I love this so much. Makes me feel like a kid again.

 

 

 

 

 

Get in the car! We're going trick or treating!!

Okee dokee! Hope I put you in the holiday mood today!! There's already a new new new Doodlebug collection called Farmer's Market and it's on my desk! YAY! I'm just still trying to think of the perfect project! Do you have any ideas to help me out?! Have a great day! XOXO

CLICK HERE to see the supplies used for today's projects! (Affiliate Links Used)

Pinkfresh Studio Washi Release 2022 - Beautiful Birthday Balloons!

Hi everyone! Happy Monday! And I have a fun and beautiful way to start of a new creative week! There is a brand new GORGEOUS release from Pinkfresh Studio. And it's all about their cool washi tapes!! Have you seen them before? Big rolls of washi tape that you use with matching dies to create beautiful images. It's such a great concept! I used the brand new Celebrate Washi Tape, Dies and Celebrate Stamp Set to create a birthday card to share today with you!

My finished card is an A2 white card base. I used pastel seafoam green as my background layer and then featured the awesome balloons! Yes, made with washi tape! I am pretty much obsessed with these colors together. It's like a dream....

 

 

Here's a side view of all the yummy layers on my card.... The background, and a gold oval, and a butterfly for good measure!! The balloons are the star of the show for sure!

 

I rolled out the washi tape onto a sheet of white cardstock and die cut the images out with the matching dies. The die set cuts out ALL the images in one pass, perfectly lined up. It's seriously genius. Since the balloons have gold accents, I used gold metallic paper to die cut the oval background frame. I also heat embossed my sentiment in gold....

 

The seafoam background was die cut with the Intricate Stitched Ovals Coverplate. I die cut some of the Curvy Leaves from vellum, and splashed on some gold paint.

 

The sentiments in the stamp set have matching dies so it's easy to create this nice look!

 

 

 

I made some vellum + hot foil butterflies and added one to the card too. It's like a birthday card for a unicorn! I cannot describe how pretty these colors are together. LOVE.

That's it for my projects for today! I'm always super grateful to work with the talented and generous team at Pinkfresh Studio - they are a dream to work with. Thank you so much for joining me today on this fun blog hop day! Happy crafting! I will see you soon!

Pinkfresh Studio will be giving away the full release on the Pinkfresh blog & YouTube channel! They will also be giving away a total of TEN $25  gift cards along the hop. As per usual with blog hops - the winners will be picked from the comments left on each blog!! Pinkfresh Studio will pull the winners & post them on November 1, 2022 on their GIVEAWAY PAGE. Remember, you must check that page & claim your prize within 2 weeks. GOOD LUCK!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE NEW PINKFRESH STUDIO RELEASE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies for today's cards! (Affiliate Links Used)

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE ALL THE BLOG HOP PARTICIPANTS!!

Yippee! Hello Bluebird Fall New Release for 2022!

Hello friends!!! I hope you're having a great weekend so far! I have exciting news!!! There is a new release tonight from Hello Bluebird! Yaaaaayyyyyy! I love Hello Bluebird stamps and dies and I always love their fall/winter release so much. The release will be live for shopping TONIGHT 10/23 at 7pm EST!  Everything is just as sweet and cute as can be. I really love doing Copic coloring with these images....sigh....so adorable! I have two cards to share with you - both made with all new products!! 

First up is a Special Delivery winter card! I love how this card came out!! My finished card is a custom size: 6" x 4.25". Sometimes you need a bigger card to make everything fit! LOL. I'm featuring the new Dear Santa stamp set and the new Special Deliver word die. I layered simply with a red layer and then used the Hello Bluebird Snowy Sky Scene background dies....

 

I stamped and die cut out all the images and colored with Copic Markers! I made that little kitty cat look just like my Lucky!! Those critters are SWEET!!! I stamped a bunch of extra letters to make it look like the mailbox is overflowing with paper hugs!

 

 

 

I die cut the special delivery die three times and stacked them to make a thicker sentiment. I used cloud stencils to make some clouds behind the words. I also used bits of glitter glue and white splatters of snow.... 

 

Next up is my autumn greetings card featuring the new Autumn Days stamps and dies.... My finished card is an A2 horizontal white card base. I used the Gallery Frame #4 die to make the woodgrain frame for my scene...

 

I stamped and die cut out all the images and colored with my Copic markers!! Isn't she the sweetest thing in her fall outfit?! I would totally wear this outfit. LOL. 

 

I ink blended the sky in soft warm yellow tones to mimic the autumn sunshine....

 

 

That's it for today's intro to the new Hello Bluebird release! Yay! The new products will be available tonight at 7pm EST (10-23) I hope you find some goodies that you like from there! They are the kindest people and so nice to work with. A true joy for me to be able to help them launch! See you soon! XOXO

CLICK HERE to see the supplies used for today's cards! (Affiliate Links Used)

Pretty Pink Posh Holiday 2022 New Release - Mittens - You Warm My Heart!

It's me again!! SO many projects this month!! Whew!! I am loving all of it and it's keeping me out of trouble! LOL!! I have one more card I made with new supplies from the Pretty Pink Posh Holiday new release!! I posted my cards for the blog hop already, but today's card is part of the PPP Instagram Hop! If you're on Instagram - be sure to pop over and check out all the participants and enter to win a prize! 

Today's card features the brand new Mitten Shaker Dies and the Winter Foliage Dies!! Cheery pink mittens and a sentiment that says You Warm My Heart! Nothing better than that for a winter greeting! My finished card is a 5.5" x 5.5" square card. I used the new Layered Snowflakes stencils to make my background layer....

 

Here's a side view of all my layers... Those pink mittens are so perfect! I used glitter paper to add the snowflakes to the mittens...and a couple of little hearts to go with the sentiment. In this photo you can see the platinum white pearl paint splatters that add just the right amount of shimmer.

 

I die cut the pretty foliage dies to add an accent to the mittens. These are the perfect size and scale for so many things. I will use these dies a lot!!

 

 

 

This is one of my favorite Winter/Christmas color combinations: Red, Green, Pink and Aqua! It always looks happy and cheerful...

 

 

 

 

Thanks for popping in today! YOU warm MY heart! Thanks for another great week of crafting fun! What are you working on?? It's almost Halloween and I still have projects to make!! EEK. See you soon! XOXO

REMINDER: I have a giveaway going on through the end of the month - for details click here!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's card (affiliate links used).

Pretty Pink Posh Holiday 2022 New Release Blog Hop! Winter Wishes!

Hi everyone! How are you today!? How's your week going so far? I'm having a good week, but it's going by way too fast! Like how does time even go this fast?! It's finally starting to feel like Fall here in Northern California and I am absolutely loving the cool mornings! Hope you're doing great!

Today is a HUGE blog hop to celebrate the beautiful new holiday release from Pretty Pink Posh! I'm so happy to be part of the hop and to help introduce the new stamps, dies and stencils. Everything is just wonderful. I think you're gonna love it too. Really puts me in the Christmas and Winter mood! I am sharing two projects today with the new items - a card and some paper ornaments. Let's get to it! Prize information, blog hop links, and the Supply List are all at the bottom of my post. 

First up is my Winter Wishes coffee mug card! My finished card is an A2 white card base, layered with some stripes and then another white layer. This card features the brand new Winter Mug Die Set, the brand new Pine Wreath Stamp Set, and the brand new Winter Wishes script die! LOVE LOVE LOVE! I mean, coffee and candy canes??? What's not to love!? (because peppermint mocha season is coming soon!)

 

 

Here's a side view so you can see all the layers. I die cut everything out first with my favorite cardstock colors.... Then I laid out my design to make sure it would all fit! 

 

That awesome coffee mug is the star of the show, but I wanted more wintery goodness! I stamped and die cut out the pretty Pine Wreath to use kind of like background paper. I die cut the Winter Wishes from rich black cardstock to be in contrast to the other colors. Everything was generously splashed with snow (white paint) to look icy.

 

I die cut the candy canes and gave them a good coating of my favorite Rock Candy Glitter. I added a bit of ink to the marshmallows and also dunked them in glitter.

 

 

 

The snowflakes and holly leaves also come in the mug die set. THEY are PERFECT! I added some gems and rhinestones from my stash...

 

 

 

 

 

Next up, I made some pretty Christmas ornaments using the brand new Pine Trees Dies! These would also be nice tied onto a gift bag or a present! They are just the right size, and really easy to make. These were made using the larges of the three tree dies. 

 

I die cut six pine tree shapes out of really old paper from my stash. Feels good to use up the stash! I used my Scor Pal to score each tree in half and then glued them together - so simple! I used some twine glued in the center so I could hang them.

 

 

 

Here is one of them in my hand for scale!

 

I splattered all the ornaments with white paint and I also added bits of Platinum Stickles to the tips of the branches. I was going for a nice vintage look. There is no end to the ideas!! Add sequins or gems, ink blending, glitter cardstock.....

 

Here's the bottom so you can see the construction. I used six panels but you could use any number to get the desired effect.

 

 

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Glad to have you here! There is also a big PPP Instagram Hop starting tomorrow! I'll have another card to share that I made with the new release! Remember to enter my giveaway that's running until the end of this month (DETAILS HERE). See you soon! XO

PRIZE ALERT PRIZE ALERT!!! Pretty Pink Posh is giving away THREE $30 gift certificates for this three day blog hop! Winners will be chosen randomly from all the blogs/comments!! Comments must be left by 11:59 PM PST on 10/24/2022. Winners will be announced on the PPP blog! Good Luck!!

CLICK HERE to shop the new PPP Release - It's live now!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's projects! (Affiliate Links Used)

BLOG HOP LIST FOR TODAY!!

Pretty Pink Posh blog

Rachel Alvarado

Wanda Guess

Jeanne Jachna

Melody Rupple

Yoonsun Hur

Lisa Mears

Stefanie Loh

Begin each week with a grateful heart! Honey Bee Fall Release!

Hello my sweet and crafty friends! Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! My husband and I went and picked out all our pumpkins on Friday - for decorating and carving. It has been so hot here that we were waiting until it was a bit cooler to get our pumpkins home. We had a great time going to our two favorite places and choosing just the right ones. We are having cool mornings and it's delightful. The rest of the weekend I was crafting like crazy! I think it's safe to say that October is my busiest crafting month. All the holiday releases are out and people are planning their holiday crafting. Whew. It's been busy!! But it's all so good! This week will be a busy one too so I hope you'll enjoy hanging out with me! Let's begin the week (day) with a grateful heart - just like the card says!

REMINDER: I am having a giveaway until the end of the month - CLICK HERE for the details! 

For today's card I used the brand new, stunning and classy, release from Honey Bee Stamps! I used the brand new Fall Foliage Dies and the new fall sentiment set. GORGEOUS. Oh, and a wax seal for good measure! My finished card is a square 5.25" x 5.25". The card base is kraft cardstock and then I layered with cream cardstock. I wanted a vintage fall vibe to show off those pretty leaves. 

 

Here's the side view so you can see my layers. I wrapped the cream layer with twine and used foam tape to pop the cream layer up off the card base. This is an easy way to add some depth to your card. 

 

The sentiment is stamped and gold heat embossed onto vellum (gorg) and I inked the edges of the card base....

 

Here are my leaves and that beautiful Maple Leaf wax seal!!! I am so excited that Honey Bee is doing wax seals!!! To make the leaves, I die cut the leaves out of Bristol cardstock. I used various shades of Distress Inks all over the leaves. I let them dry. I then splashed water over the leaves to make some interest. I let them dry again. Then I added gold paint splatters and brown paint splatters!! The key to this look is to really let them dry in between each technique. Blast with your heat tool or just let them air dry. They are so pretty in person!!

 

Here's a close up of the wax seal!! I used the new metallic wax melts. LOVE.

 

I added pretty gems in earth tones...

 

 

 

This card has everything I love!! Fall leaves, wax seals, rich colors and vellum! LOL. This sentiment set is literally the most gorgeous sentiment set I've seen all year. I absolutely love it. The mix of fonts and styles is perfection.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you have a great week! Do you have any fun plans? What are you crafting lately?? Take care and I'll see you soon!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below for the supply links for today's card (affiliate links used).

More Halloween Cross Stitch! The Witchy Stitcher - Salem!

BOO! Happy weekend! Only two weeks until Halloween now! EEK! Ghosts and witches are getting ready for trick or treating and fun! Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch and picked out giant pumpkins for my husband to carve! He loves to do that part!! He's pretty good at it because he likes to do wood carving too. Can't wait to see what he makes!  Before I start with today's post, I want to say thank you for the wonderful response to my last post on Thursday. You guys are so kind! I received lots of nice notes of encouragement and we have about 15 entries in our giveaway so far. Don't forget - each time email me - you can do more than one entry. THANK YOU!!!

I'm here today with another Halloween cross stitch project! It's been fun sharing this other hobby with you and I've learned that so many of you are also stitchers! Yay! I love Halloween and Christmas stitching the best. I finished up this piece and mailed it to it's recipient so now I can post it!! I made it for my friend Holly who shares my love of the season.... I thought she would like this one!! My hubs and I went to Salem when we were traveling New England on our honeymoon. It was a very cool historical place. You always hear about Salem in history class and in popular culture. And it was neat to be there in person. It was a good stop on our travels. And on a weird note, we had the best bagels of our lives there in Salem too! LOL. 

The pattern I used is called Not All Witches Live In Salem and it's by The Witchy Stitcher. I bought the pattern on her Etsy store! (I have tons of her patterns!!) Please check her out on Etsy or Instagram! (The Witchy Stitcher) She has tons of retro and vintage Halloween patterns. I used 14 count Aida fabric and I'll talk more about my finishing as we go through my post. Here's the finished piece. For scale, that is a 7" hoop!

 

I used my own thread choices. The yellow/gold is a variegated thread from DMC. The threads are from the local craft store. The fabric was in my stash and I don't recall where it came from. It was a pretty fast stitch and the pattern was easy to follow. I finished the top with a broom (from Amazon), a bat charm (Tim Holtz) and some ribbon (my stash)!

 

I do really love the variegated threads - really cool effect. Try them on your next project!!

 

The little broom came from Amazon and it had a red string around it. I re-wrapped it with some black embroidery floss to match the project. I tied a double bow and attached the charm with a silver jump ring. The hoop was a plain wooden hoop. I used Black Soot Distress Ink and a water pen to 'paint' it lightly, like a black stain effect. 

 

See the splotches and splashes on the fabric? Yep, Distress Ink again! (It's not just for paper LOL). I used Vintage Photo ink mixed with water and splashed it on the fabric. I also splashed on some gold paint. It looks old and cool!

 

I think that's all the details!! Here are some more photos.... (As you can tell, I had a really fun time with the staging and photos on this one!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took this photo in one of our favorite gift stores that we like to shop at! We went there on our wedding anniversary a couple weeks ago! SO fun!

That's it for today! And for this week! Whew - I told you I had a lot of stuff to share! Thanks for going on this creative journey with me - you make it fun and happy. Have a great weekend! Love you guys. XOXOXO

 

Let's do a giveaway!! I need your help!!

Hi crafty friends! I have an idea! I need your help! I have several objectives in mind, and an idea came to me as to how to combine all of them... I have lots of awesome new and gently used stamps I want to pass on to other crafters, and I am trying to increase my affiliate income, and I want to bring more traffic to the craft stores that I shop and love, and I want to say thank you to all of you! SO.... I thought I could do a huge giveaway and accomplish all these things at the same time! Win, win, win!! Blogging is my job and I work very hard to provide good quality content, ideas, inspiration and fun along the way here! The main way for me to earn income for blogging is via my affiliate links. I depend on you guys and your support! This is a simple, and free way for you to support me, and I'm really thankful for it. 

So, here's the fun part.... From now until the end of this month (10/31 at midnight EST) every time you make a purchase from any of my favorite shops using my affiliate links, you will be entered into a drawing for one of two enormous boxes of crafting goodies! Each of the boxes will have $500++ worth of stamps, dies, paper and embellishments!! Everything is either brand new or used one time!! I will draw the winners November 1st and notify the lucky crafters via email. Sound good?

Here's how to enter to win one of the spectacular boxes! Visit my favorite stores and affiliates to show some love and support (and maybe discover some new companies!) any time between now and the end of this month. If/when you make a purchase using my links, you simply send me a quick email at STAMPCATWG@AOL.COM and let me know! Just say - I bought something from XYZ store today and tell me your name. That's it. I'll put a ticket in the bowl for you. No limit as to how many tickets. Each purchase = one ticket! The key is that you must click over to the store from one of my links! ***I can only ship to a US address! 

CLICK HERE for my favorite stores list and links! Or click on the photo below. Or click on this same photo on my blog home page! If you're on Instagram, the list is found in my links there too! Or, one last way - any of the links in the supply lists on any of my blog posts. 

My hope is to share some love and support all around - to the companies, me, and you! Good Luck on the drawing - and thank you in advance for helping me out! It makes such a huge difference to me when you shop my links. Truly - I'm so grateful! Let me know if you have any questions about this! 

Double Double Toil and Trouble! Bubbling up some Halloween fun today!

I'm baaaaaaack! LOL! More Halloween fun today with a card using fabulous supplies from Pretty Pink Posh! I had this idea in my head and couldn't shake it off until I made it! A spooky (but still cute) cauldron boiling over, and some cute witchy ghosts!! Hee hee! I am OBSESSED with these ghosties! They are one of my favorite things released this season from any company. EEP!! So the idea I had was to make some green bubbles like they are whipping up a potion! I think it turned out pretty good! I'll go through my process in a minute!

My finished card is a white A2 card base that I covered in purple harlequin paper. I used a PPP Wonky Rectangle for my base layer. They I die cut a cauldron and some ghosties! I ink blended with green and purple - ooh la la! 

 

Here's a good side view of the cauldron and bubbles! I die cut the cauldron from super dark grey cardstock. I ink blended with black soot distress ink around the edges. Then I used metallic watercolors in several layers for the texture. I used black metallic watercolor and silver metallic watercolors. I let each layer of splatters dry in between. That way all the colors didn't run together!! The bubbles are a mixture of Doodlebug enamel dots and PPP Droplets dyed with alcohol inks!

 

 

I took a plastic disposable cup and made a mixture of yellows and greens colors of alcohol inks. I put in several PPP clear droplets in different sizes and basically dyed them green!! I glued them all onto the card around the cauldron using a fine tip on my Bearly Arts Glue. I think it's pretty cool!!!

 

I die cut the background from Bristol cardstock and used blender brushes and green/purple distress inks to make the background. I splashed on some silver metallic paint! I stamped and die cut two ghosties and a witch hat and colored them in with my Copic Markers.

 

I heat embossed the sentiment directly onto the cauldron. I mounted the cauldron to the card with foam tape.

 

 

SEEEEEE how cute those ghosties are??!! 

 

 

That's it for today's card!! Am I getting you in the mood for Halloween yet?! I sure hope so!! I'm having a blast over here making and sharing with you all!! Take care and I'll be back soooooon!!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's card (Affiliate Links Used).

Pixi Dust Designs Halloween Fun!

Hi there!!! It's me again!!! I have sooo many fun projects, and they're backing up! So I'm gonna be blogging a lot in the next few weeks. It's only three weeks until Halloween! I have so many ideas!! But never ever enough time. I keep a notebook that has dividers in it and I labeled one for each season. When I get an idea for a craft project or a recipe or home decor idea, I write it down under the tab for that season. Well, as you would guess, the fall section has the most ideas! Ha! If I need some inspiration I just turn over to my own notebook. It has worked out well over the years. But alas, never enough time to make everything. Doesn't mean I'm not gonna try!! How is your fall crafting coming along? Thanks for stopping by today...Let's get started. 

I absolutely love it when I discover an awesome new crafting company, and that's what today's post is about! A new company just formed this year, called Pixi Dust Designs! They make the CUTEST dies and stamps. I reached out to them on Instagram and they are so lovely too. They sent me some goodies and everything arrived really fast and I love it all. Today's post is about Halloween - and I also have some Winter projects to share in a little while. So first of all, their dies are purple!! Love it. And they cut like a dream. Everything cut out perfectly. Also, their prices are very reasonable. Win, win, win. Please head over to their website to check out their selections! Show some support and love for a new, small, woman owned company!! 

Here is my collection of goodies I made! A card, a tag, and a treat box! (This is the same treat box/bag topper die I used in my Doodlebug post yesterday) I used bright orange, deep black, silver, and just a tiny pop of pink too. (everyone is using pink this year for Halloween)!

 

For the treat box I used dark dark grey cardstock instead of black. I splashed on some silver pearl paint splatters. I used the accompanying dies to make a spider web and some funny spiders! The spider web was cut from silver cardstock and backed with orange.  (there is an exact match die for the backing). I added some googly eyes, twine and a gem, and this is done and ready for candy. See that PERFECT scalloped edge? The box is one die cut piece. The sides/handles are one piece that you cut in half. EASY EASY!!

 

I made this little tag from the Halloween Mason Jars set! It has different designs but I am smitten with this cute Jack-o-Lantern guy! I cut him from orange cardstock and then used Distress Ink and blended some ink on the bottom. More splatters and a silver lid... I'm not sure if I'll put him on a card front or use him as a tag for a present.

 

And here's a close up of the Halloween Balloons die set I used for my card! OH GOSH! That little ghostie!!! And their faces!! Completely adorable. The card is a white A2 card base, layered with gingham and a white scalloped rectangle...and just a bit of orange for a pop of color.

 

I used self adhesive googly eyes which made it so simple to complete these spiders. Supplies are listed below!

 

 

 

 

I used the trick or treat word dies for my card sentiment. Love that font!

 

 

 

Here is a photo of the bag/box die set.... TWO pieces!! It's genius. See the die on the right? That cuts out the box shape. The score lines are nice and deep. You fold it up and then glue on the sides. See the die on the left? That makes BOTH the bag topper and the box sides!! One cut... You fold it in the middle of the handle for a bag topper or you simply snip them apart at the top and make two box sides. This is going to be my go-to for so many ideas. 

 

Now that I've shared the dies with you, I thought I would just show a couple more photos from yesterday's project - so you can see how they came together. 

 

And in my hand for size and scale...

 

 

Okay friends, that's it for today! Please please please show the gals at Pixi Dust some love - visit their website or social media and check them out. Are you making Halloween goodies? What's up in your craft room this week?!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used in today's projects (affiliate links used).

 

Doodlebug Monster Madness - Halloween Treats!

Greetings of the new week! Monday already! Hope you had a great weekend! We completely finished decorating for Halloween this weekend - inside and out. My husband built a graveyard in the front yard - oh my gosh. Our neighbors are really into it this year too so our little street is quite festive! Feels good to be out doing things and having fun! We have pumpkins ready for carving, but we're holding off a bit since it's still pretty hot here (ugh) like in the 90's still. I am dying to wear all my cute fall sweaters!! Soon I hope! THANK YOU for alllll the nice comments you left on my Greetery posts last week! You guys are the best and you uplift me with your kindness! I hope you got some new goodies to create with!!

Today is my day up on the Doodlebug Blog and boy oh boy is there a CUTE new collection! It's called Monster Madness and it's just incredibly cheerful and colorful and I'll say it again - CUTE! Makes me smile! My favorite thing to make at Halloween Time is treats - for candy! So that's what I did today. Made a big bunch of treat bags and boxes. I'm featuring a new bag/box die that is AWESOME and I think you need it!! Lots of black and orange, and also pink and purple.

 

 

 

I used the brand new to me Pixi Dust Box/Bag Die set. (I'll be doing another post tomorrow with this die set - it's a winner) The die set makes both the treat bag topper for cello bags, but also a small treat box with a pretty stitched edge and a scallop border. Putting these together could not have been easier. I used the Doodlebug Monster Madness 12x12 paper, stickers and embellishments to make everything. It all works together perfectly. I used the monsters Doodle Pop 3D embellishments for the fronts of the boxes. 

 

Look at those papers!! I love that Doodlebug paper is double sided, so even the inside of every project looks great and coordinates. I tied the tops shut with some Doodlebug Chunky Twine and added tags....

 

I cannot get over these tiny smiling candy corn stickers!!! Hee hee.

 

I used 4x6 cello bags for the candy and stapled the bags shut first. Then I attached the handle bag toppers. For the bag topper, the die cut piece folds in half to cover the top. For the boxes, you simply cut where the fold is and attach the pieces to a box shape! LOVE. 

 

 

 

I added gems here and there for a bit of sparkle, and used my white gel pen to add accents to the pieces. I can't wait to bring these to work for my sweet co-workers!! 

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope I didn't scare you! LOLZ. Are you a candy monster?? What is your very favorite candy? I love anything with chocolate and almonds in it! YUMMMM. Okay, friends, I have loads of projects to share, so I will be back tomorrow!! See you then! XOXO

CLICK HERE to shop the new treat bag/box die!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies I used for today's projects! (Affiliate Links Used)

The Greetery - A Song of Christmas New Release - Day 3!

Crafty friends - welcome back to The Greetery New Release Week! This week, we are introducing you to The Greetery Holiday 2022 new collection called A Song Of Christmas! We had three days of new products and projects (today is day three!) to show you. And, tomorrow Friday October 7th at 10am the new release will be LIVE! Do you have your shopping list ready??!! Each day of release week has a song theme, and today's theme is We Wish You A Merry Christmas! Complete with Figgy puddings too!! I have three more projects to show you today - and tons of pictures. So grab a cuppa and sit down with me while I show you everything fun! Thanks for joining me all week! It's been wonderful hanging out with you! I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this team and to work for Betsy. 

My first card features the brand new Stencilscapes Winter stencils and the gorgeous (seriously) new Frosty Pines Dies! I created a shadow box, diorama type of card to showcase that beautiful stenciled panel!! The finished card size is A2 and my card is constructed with Kraft cardstock. I placed my finished stenciled panel behind those pretty pines to make it look like you're peeking in on this winter wonderland! 

 

Here's a top down view of the simple construction of my card. For the top part (the part with the arch die cut in it) is a kraft piece of paper measuring 5.5" x 5.75". I used my Scorpal to score three lines on each side at 1/4 in intervals. Then I folded those score lines into a small accordion fold. Once it's folded it measures the size of an A2 card. I backed it with the stenciled panel and then attached a card base to it! SO simple! There are some tutorials over on Splitcoaststampers for different types of shadow box cards!! I modified one of them to do this simple fold. :-)  

 

Here's a side view! I affixed those pretty trees onto the sides of the archway. This card folds flat!! Since the trees hang over the edge, I will use an A6 envelope for a bit more room.

 

 

 

There are eight stencils to make this scene!!! You can make it vintage/classic like I did or go crazy with pretty bright colors too! I can't wait to see what the rest of the team made with this! I added lots and lots of glitter to this scene, the trees, and everywhere else! Ha!

 

 

 

The sentiment is from the brand new Cooking Up Christmas stamp set! I put it on a little banner for the top of my card. Christmas Cheer indeed!

 

Next up is a trio of cozy coffee cups! This card features the brand new Cooking Up Christmas stamps and dies and stencils!! My finished card is an A2 white card base. I used the Patchwork die to die cut a gingham background...then I layered vellum and a white panel. Fresh and fun! 

 

I started by stenciling three coffee mugs in pastel colors. I die cut them out... Then I used the small snowflake stamp from the Snowflake Soiree set to add a detail to each cup in the matching darker color. I stenciled and die cut out the candy canes too. They are perfect!!! 

 

I stacked the coffee cups and attached them with foam tape. I added in the candy canes and then stamped some snowflakes on the background. The stamp set has the details to add coffee and a swirl! So cute.

 

 

 

 

And finally, my last project(s) for Release Week! Guess what? Figgy Puddings!! Oh my goodness! The cutest little treat boxes ever! I do love a treat box project! This brand new die is called the Figgy Pudding Box Die and it's great! I made four little puddings....two traditional Christmas ones, and then a couple more for fun! The bow on top is a separate die!! I die cut the pieces out of two colors of brown cardstock. The base is two die cut pieces glued together. Then you put the detail on top. The lid is also two die cut pieces glued together. Really easy to assemble. 

 

I had lots of fun mixing and matching the toppings.... Glitter, sprinkles, holly, candy canes.... The possibilities are endless!

 

 

 

Here's a close up of the brand new Holly Topper Embellishments. Wow are they pretty!! I want to put them on everything!! LOL. I added a tiny tag to the front using the Hug in a Mug stamp set sentiment!! 

 

Here it is in my hand so you can see the size and scale!

 

So my brain started going.... What else can I make with this??!! Well, it is fall.... So I made a pumpkin figgy pudding!! Yeah!! Orange cardstock and then petite gingham in green on top. I used THIS DIE to make the jack-o-lantern face... What do you think?? SO FUN! 

 

 

 

 

So then I kept thinking....what about little Valentine treats!? So I made a pink figgy pudding! EEP!

 

This could be for Valentine's or maybe even a bridal shower?? A lot fits inside - candy is my first thought!!

Whew! Well what a fun week it's been! This is the official end of projects and products reveals for release week! Thank you for all the kind comments and for encouraging me all week. I hope you are excited to craft with the new goodies. I am very much looking forward to seeing what you make too!! 

Remember the new release is live for sale tomorrow - Friday, October 7th at 10am EST! I am so excited for you to create with these pretty supplies! I know they will bring you joy as they did me. Sing a Song of Christmas!

PRIZE INFORMATION! The Greetery will be giving away two $50 gift cards each day!! To be entered to win, leave a comment on each blog for every day!  Random comments will be chosen and announced on The Greetery Blog! 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE GREETERY STORE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the exact supplies I used for today's cards! (affiliate links used)!

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

Angelica

Kelly

Dana

  Melissa 

Wanda

Laurie

Dawn

Latisha Guest Designer!

 

The Greetery - A Song of Christmas New Release - Day 2!

Hey hey hey! It's Day Two of The Greetery new release week! The new release is called A Song of Christmas! Today's song theme is Deck The Halls! There are product/project reveals three days this week and then the new release will be available for shopping on Friday, October 7th at 10am EST! I have two more cards to share today with you. I went with a vivid and bright color story today on both of my cards. If you didn't see yesterday's post - make sure to go back and read it so you're all caught up!! 

My first card today features the brand new Jumbo Curiosity Ornaments and the brand new Twinkle Background Die (swoon)! My finished card is an A2 white card base. I used the Twinkle Background as my layer to feature that pretty ornament!

 

Here's a close up side view of the background die and the ornament die!! I used the Pine Wisps Dies and the Tied Up Dies to add a tree and bow to my ornament.

 

I used glitter and white paint and silver pearl paint to make a snowy look!

 

The background was ink blended with Blender Brushes and Mermaid Lagoon Oxide Ink!! SO vivid and cool and icy!

 

The sentiment is from the Opposites Attract Holiday stamp/die combo released last year! I really just wanted a clean and simple sentiment and this was perfect!

 

My second card for today showcases the brand new Mistletoe Arches stamp, dies, and stencil suite!! It also features the brand new Arched Holiday Sentiments stamps and dies. I went with a frosty pink and green color palette and I could not love it more. These stencils are awesome. My finished card is an A2 card base. I also layered some vellum and hot pink gingham to this fresh and happy card. 

 

Here's a close up view of the sentiments and my card layers. I used Copper embossing powder for this project - and it matches the pink! Like a soft rose gold feeling to it!! I started by stenciling the entire panel of Mistletoe branches and berries and then die cut it out with the matching die. I stamped the arched sentiment in black onto an arched panel. I used pink ink to ink blend just the bottom of the arched part.

 

I love how the swirls in the larger sentiment fit perfectly inside the arched sentiment. It truly is all in the details, and Betsy thinks of everything!

 

I put vellum behind the opening in the Mistletoe arch - I just always like that look. I popped the Merry & Bright sentiment up with some foam dots too, and then added a couple of pink hearts.

 

 

Alrighty friends! That's it for day two of The Greetery New Release week!! Thanks for stopping by to hang out with me.... Be sure to check back in tomorrow too! MORE good things are to come. Have a great day! XOXO

Remember the new release is live for sale on Friday, October 7th at 10am EST! I am so excited for you to create with these pretty supplies! I know they will bring you joy as they did me.  

PRIZE INFORMATION! The Greetery will be giving away two $50 gift cards each day!! To be entered to win, leave a comment on each blog for every day of the release!  Random comments will be chosen and announced on The Greetery Blog! 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE GREETERY STORE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the exact supplies I used for today's cards! (affiliate links used)!

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

Angelica

Kelly

Dana

Melissa 

Wanda

Laurie

Dawn

 

The Greetery - A Song of Christmas New Release - Day 1!

Hi everybody! Something exciting is happening this week! It's New Release week at The Greetery! Yippeeeee! The new release is called A Song of Christmas and it's gorgeous! As you would guess, it's the holiday 2022 release and it's chock full of holiday, winter, Christmas goodies for you to create with. The release is HUGE and so we're having three days of product/project reveals for you! Today, Tomorrow and Thursday we will be sharing projects! The new release goes live for shopping on Friday, October 7th at 10am EST. Each day of release week has a different Christmas song as the theme - how fun is that? Today's theme is Heaven and Nature Sing! Let's get started, because I have three cards to show you!

My first card features the brand new Heaven and Nature Sing stamps, dies and stencils!! This suite is so super lovely! This music themed set is genius - and so classy and classic. The stamps line up and you can use different colors for the words and the swirls... Although this is a pretty Christmas set, I feel like you could use the music note dies and stencils to make cards for the music lovers in your life - a music teacher or leader, a worship leader.... So versatile! My finished card is an A2 cream card base, covered in vintage music paper, then layered with some more vintage vibes!

 

I used a classic color scheme of red and green for this card. I used a few shades of greens for nice tone on tone action!! I inked everything with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.... Here's a close up - you can see the layers - the dies, the stamps, the stencils - that all work together to perfection. I splashed on lots of gold paint too.

 

I added a couple of gold glitter paper snowflakes for some more vintage goodness. I added red enamel dots.... 

 

I stamped a few snowflakes onto the cream background layer.

 

 

 

The stamp set has two gorgeous musical sentiments. I have always loved the Christmas song Joy To The World!

 

My next card features the brand new Peaceful Olive stamps, dies, stencil combo. My finished card is an A2 purple card base. I used cream cardstock as my base layer and wrapped the card with vellum for a classy look. I used several shades of green and purple Distress Inks to stencil the leaves (colors are listed in the supply list at the bottom of my post).

 

Here is a close up of the beautiful images!!! These are stenciled and stamped both. The suite of products also has a die that cuts out the entire panel, and a separate die that cuts out one branch and the peace word. After I stenciled it, I just really liked it as a one layer card. This would be a great card to mass produce, and it's flat for mailing!

 

To make the sentiment I die cut the peace word dies out three times with gold glitter cardstock. I glued the three layers together to make a little stack for a bit of dimension.

 

 

 

I really am smitten with this - it's so pretty!! 

 

My third card for today features the brand new Peaceful Doves stamps and dies.... LOVE this theme for Christmas!!! My finished card is an A2 white card base, layered with a second layer of white cardstock. I used the Cathedral Die and the Amen Die to showcase those pretty peaceful doves. I also used the brand new Pine and Berry Stamp/Dies on this card for the greenery parts. 

 

The Peaceful Doves set has several shapes and sizes of doves and branches. Then you add accents with stamps. I used a light gray ink on my doves, then covered the inked part with Diamond Stickles. 

 

I used the 'rays' from the Firefly Nights stamp set in yellow behind my cathedral window. I used Bristol cardstock and blended Patina Oxide Ink to look like the sky behind the window.

 

For the sentiment I die cut silver glitter paper and vellum with the Amen Die..... ACK - so pretty!!

 

 

Okay friends! That's it for today! And it's only DAY ONE! What do you think so far? It's really nice to share with you! I think you are just going to love this new release as much as I do! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! XOXO

Remember the new release is live for sale on Friday October 7th at 10am EST! I am so excited for you to create with these pretty supplies! I know they will bring you joy as they did me.

PRIZE INFORMATION! The Greetery will be giving away two $50 gift cards each day!! To be entered to win, leave a comment on each blog for each day of release week!  Random comments will be chosen and announced on The Greetery Blog! 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE GREETERY STORE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the exact supplies I used for today's cards! (affiliate links used)!

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

Angelica

Kelly

Dana

Melissa 

Wanda

Laurie

Dawn

 

Happy October! Spooky Witch Cross Stitch!

Hello my crafty friends! Happy October! Yeah! I love October and November the best of all the year! So excited it's finally here! It's been a long hot Summer and I'm ready for rain and fog and all the fun things that October brings. Our wedding anniversary is this week and then Halloween is coming, then my birthday and Thanksgiving... I am renewed by the possibilities of Autumn!! I am wishing you a very happy weekend and a happy October!! Today I have a fun cross stitch project to share with you - a spooky witch! 

The pattern is called Spirits and Spells and it's from Brenda Gervais (With Thy Needle and Thread). The finished piece is about 5"x7" and it was a pretty fast stitch. Fun to stitch too! I framed it in an oval frame from Hobby Lobby (more on that later in the post). I used my own thread colors using what I had on hand and also used some fabric I already had in my stash. It's on display now with our other Halloween decorations! 

 

The fabric is sort of a mottled blue grey color which turned out perfect for this pattern. Here is a close up of the stitching and the frame...

 

I kind of love her striped socks!!! LOLZ. I do really like the primitive stitching patterns. Retro/vintage/antique whatever you call it! I love it! Especially for Fall.

 

 

 

I bought the oval frame at Hobby Lobby. You know me, so you know I had to add a little somethin somethin to it! I splattered on gold paint in parts... Of course... Then I used my Annie Sloan Gilding Wax to rub on gold here and there. It's subtle but it looks so pretty in person!!! I rubbed the wax on the raised parts of the frame and also here and there randomly.

 

I took the glass out of the frame. I used two layers of batting under the stitching to make it poofy and raised inside the frame. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay spooky friends! Thanks for stopping by today! Happy spooky season and happy October! I will see you soon! Next week is The Greetery Christmas Release Week and OH MY it's going to be good!! Take care. Love you! XOXO

 

Doodlebug Pumpkin Spice - Coffee Cards!

Hello crafty friends!  Fall has officially arrived and I am here for it! Fall is my very favorite time of year and I love Fall crafting!! Today I'm on the Doodlebug Blog (here too of course) featuring some cute coffee cards made with one of my all time favorite Doodlebug Collections - Pumpkin Spice. This collection has a special place in my heart... The colors, the critters, and of course coffee! Such great themes for this time of year. To share with you today I made two coffee cards and a smaller latte notecard. All made with the Pumpkin Spice Doodlebug suite of products! Supplies are listed at the bottom of my post!

 

I used the 12x12 Pumpkin Spice papers to die cut two large folding coffee cards using a die. I added corrugated paper for the sleeve and decorated them with The Rocky Doodle Pop and the Fox and Friends Doodle Pop! I added accents with the accompanying sprinkles for the collection. The sentiments are from the Chit Chat and Odds and Ends packages. I adore all these warm tones and different textures...

 

Here's my sweet little latte notecard. I die cut the notecard from woodgrain cardstock and embellished with the Chit Chat and Odds and Ends from the Pumpkin Spice Collection. This is the perfect size to tuck into a lunch or in a gift bag! The notecard was made with one of my all time favorite dies - cuts out the PERFECT 3x3 note. I used it all the time!

 

I also wrapped some twine around the sleeve part of the card and added some Fall Jewels... And just a few white splatters!

 

I splattered on some white paint over the coffee cup part. A coffee gift card would fit inside the card along with your message. The double sided Doodlebug Papers are perfect here so that the inside is cute too! 

 

Here is the opened card... The sleeve slides right off. When I use this die, I usually attach a coffee gift card to the top fold, and write my message on the bottom part!

 

 

 

HELLO FALL!!! Yeah!!!

 

Love you a latte!!! 

Thanks for popping by today for a cuppa!! Well, three cuppas!! I hope you have a blessed and happy week this week! Happy Fall!! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's projects (Affiliate Links Used)! 

 

TGIF - The Greetery Inspiration Friday - Vintage Harvest Apples!

Hi crafty friends! I'm so happy to be joining you here today with a new project for The Greetery Blog for TGIF! (The Greetery Inspiration Friday!) It's always my pleasure to share a project with the Greetery!!! Fall is happening and it's my favorite season! My card was inspired by going to the apple orchards by where I live - cider, donuts, apple picking....all those wonderful early Autumn activities! Man, I am so super grateful for the recent change in the weather. Cool mornings are the best! I feel alive again!! And it's coffee season! LOLZ...every season is coffee season! What are you up to this weekend?? For my card today, I used two brand new Greetery products, as well as a few of my previously released Greetery favorites to create a vintage themed apple card! (Apples again!)

My finished card is an A2 cream card base that I covered with red cardstock. I layered text paper, gingham, woodgrain, and a bit of ribbon from my stash to serve as the vintage background for those delicious apples! I used both the rectangle and circle Crimped dies to make a frame for my sentiment and apples. This card makes me happy!

 

Here's a side view to show my layers!! Those apples are SO delicious!! 

 

I die cut the apples, branch, leaves and flowers from colored cardstock. I inked the edges of all the pieces with Vintage Photo distress ink and a sponge dauber. I also splattered on some of the distress ink to 'age' my project. I die cut the awesome new Patchwork die from text paper. LOVE that zig zag edge!

 

Happy Autumn!!

 

The sentiments are from the Fall Foliage Stamp Set and I stamped them in brown ink. I added the 'happy' onto a small banner. I added some pearls as embellishments. I used all my go-to elements for vintage themed cards: inked edges, ribbon trim, text paper, and pearls! Can't go wrong! 

 

 

 

I really love all the little details... The way the stems tuck into the apples, all the variety of leaves, the little blossoms....

That's it for me today!! How do you like them apples?? Hee hee. Wishing you Happy Autumn and a Happy Weekend!! XOXO

CLICK HERE to see the supplies I used for today's card (Affiliate Links Used)! 

Pretty Pink Posh September New Release - Fall Blessings Wreath!

Hi sweet friends! Hope you're having a great week! What's new?? We finally have gorgeous fall weather here, and I am like a new woman! Spending lots of time outside finally and decorating the house for Fall....Opening the windows and generally doing good! And we had some glorious rain too! It's my favorite season. And, once again, I have so many ideas, and I'm already thinking I'm going to run out of time to make everything!! What have you been crafting??  Last week - thank you for all the super nice comments on my post for the new release blog hop for Pretty Pink Posh!! As with every new PPP release, there is also an Instagram Hop - and that's today (today is day three of the IG hop)!!  Celebrating the new release from Pretty Pink Posh for September 2022!! So if you have Instagram, be sure to head over there and leave a comment for a chance to win some prizes, and to see all the other card makers' inspiration! Click here for my Instagram! 

My card for today features the brand new Autumn Leaf Wreath stamps and dies. I LOVE the Pretty Pink Posh wreath series, and this new one is a beautiful addition to the collection! My finished card is a white A2 card base. I did some pretty distress ink blending and then featured that pretty wreath. I also added a few elements from some of the Fall items released last year. Supplies are listed at the bottom of my post!

 

Here's a side view of my layers. No colored cardstock or patterned paper on this one! Just clean and simple layers. Both the ink blended layer and the wreath are attached to the card with foam tape.

 

I started this card by ink blending the background! I used orange and teal because those are my favorite Fall colors! I inked the color on with blender brushes and gently faded to white in the center. After I ink blended, I die cut out the panel with a stitched rectangle die. I used silvery watercolor paint to splash on some shimmery bits!! I added white and clear enamel dots also. 

 

I set my inked panel aside to dry, and started working on all the other fun things. I stamped everything with black ink, and used Copic Markers for coloring. I added white gel pen accents as I love to do! I used the Falling Leaves Stamp Set and the Fall Corners Stamp Set to make my grouping of leaves and pumpkins on the left side of the wreath. 

 

I lined up my sentiment to go into the center of the wreath... Tip - use washi tape to tape the wreath down and then stamp inside for perfect placement!

 

I tied on a little twine bow....

 

Here's a close up of my cluster of fall goodness!!

 

 

 

 

That's it for today!! Be sure to check out the Instagram Hop - prizes too! I'll be back soon with more projects!! Until then I'm sending Fall Blessings! Happy crafting! XOXO

CLICK HERE TO shop the new PPP release!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below for the supply list for today's card! (affiliate links used)

Rest in Peace Your Majesty the Queen

Hi everyone! I hope you're enjoying a beautiful Sunday. I am here to share something a bit different today - a cross stitch project in memorial to The Queen of England. I started this piece on the day she passed away and I finished it up this Friday. It was a quick stitch, and a meaningful one. It will be a nice remembrance of her in our home. Her funeral is tomorrow, so I thought today would be a good day to post it.  I think we were all aware that she could pass at any time, especially since her beloved passed last year, but it was still a somber and sad occasion. I feel like she was the world's grandma - classy and caring and warm. She was a woman of great faith, and a woman who loved her country with everything she had. I think those are all such admirable traits. She stayed out of politics and loved her family. We definitely need more people like that!! We've lost a good soul here on earth. I am happy for her that she is now reunited with her husband and with her savior. The world will be a little different now, though. As with most of us, she was a fixture for my entire life - you know - the Queen.... The one and only!

I've always been an Anglophile too - and one day I hope to make it to Great Britain! My family history traces back to Wales, so I also feel that connection. I remember staying up all night to watch Charles and Diana get married, and I also did the same when William and Katherine got married (I wrote a blog post about that!) I really am a person that loves traditions and pomp and circumstance. I am an old soul for sure... 

I went on Etsy and found this cross stitch pattern that was for her recent jubilee. I changed up the dates and the center bottom of the piece to make it a memorial. I used all the called for DMC threads. I left out some of the white backstitching at the top (personal preference), and I used 14 Count White Aida fabric. The piece is about 6 inches x 6 inches. The pattern is called Platinum Jubilee by Not So Modern Millie on Etsy! 

 

The part in the center on the pattern says "70" for her jubilee. I changed it up to put her monogram inside that part. I had to research it... ER stands for Elizabeth Regina (Regina being the Latin word for Queen and NOT her middle name) and the II stands for her being Elizabeth the Second. I like how the pattern has white backstitching on the leaves and the French knots on top. 

 

 

 

 

 

The pattern only calls for four colors of floss - making it super simple to get started! 

 

 

 

 

 

You know I love to do my project photos - and I really get into it. I have a "Prop Department" at my house near my photo area stocked with items by season...but then I also wander around the house finding things to put in my photos. I tried to think of things that were related to the Queen... So I got out my Bible, and my pearls from the jewelry box, and some red flowers, and a little crown that I keep on my makeup table.... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I was looking for props, I also came across this historical artifact!!! It's a bandana from The Who concert I went to in 1982 at the Oakland Coliseum! The opening band was The Clash. I remember I wanted a souvenir so badly, and this Union Jack bandana was all I could afford at the time (I was a freshman in college)... It must have made an impression on me, because I saved it for 40 years!! I was really into British punk and new wave music back then and we went to so many awesome concerts. What great memories!!

 

 

Okay, guys, that's my tale for today and a project too! I have to work tomorrow so I will be taping the Queen's funeral to watch when I get home. Are you into the royal family and the Queen? Do you like following them?? And, are you a cross stitcher too?? I just finished up a fun witch cross stitch that I'll be sharing soon for Halloween. Take care! I have  posts up on Wednesday and Friday this week too!! XOXO

 

Pretty Pink Posh - September New Release Blog Hop! All About Fall!

Hi everyone!! Welcome to the September New Release Blog Hop for Pretty Pink Posh! Thanks for joining me! It's day one of a big three day hop introducing the new Fall collection from the awesome Pretty Pink Posh. Leaves, and apples, and pumpkins...oh my! Everything good and pretty for the Autumn season. You know I love it all! So happy to be part of the fun and festivities this week. I think you're gonna love this release too!! I have two cards to share today... Oh, and there will be a fun Instagram Hop next week, so I'll have a third card to share then. Yeah! Let's go!! 

The new release is available now for shopping! Direct product shopping links, blog hop links and prize information is at the bottom of my post! Enjoy the hop!

First up is a card that absolutely represents FALL!!! I used the brand new Fall Basket dies with some previously released PPP stamps and dies. To say that I am obsessed with this new die set would be an understatement. My finished card is an A2 card base layered with some petite gingham and an oval frame. The rest of the card showcases those pretty new dies. 

 

 

 

Here's a side view of my layers and construction.... I used the Spooky Fence die to add an old white picket fence to the scene. The oval was die cut from white cardstock and then ink blended with Distress Inks.

 

I knew I wanted a sign on this card....but hmmmmm. How to make it?? I used the Build A Gift Dies!! I die cut out a "present" and a "ribbon" from cardstock and then colored it like a sign using Copic Markers. Then I stamped that perfect sentiment onto the sign. I really like how it came out!! What do you think?

 

All the die cut pieces were cut from colored cardstock. I used Copics to add shading onto each element. The basket was die cut from two different shades of wood cardstock and also shaded with Copics. Can you tell I had fun making this card?? (Oh, and MORE apples!) (inside joke)

 

I assembled and reassembled all the pieces until I had a design that I liked, then glued everything down with liquid glue and/or small foam squares.

 

I added a few tumbling leaves and some clear droplets onto the finished card. 

 

Those tiny mushrooms are the CUTEST thing!

 

 

 

Next up is a card I made with the new Apple Stencils set. It's a three stencil set: apples, leaves and stems. That way it's easy to use three different colors. My finished card is a white A2 card base, layered with green gingham, then the stenciled panel. I wrapped some vellum around the card and used the brand new Grateful word die as my sentiment. 

 

I tried a new technique for ink blending/stenciling on kraft! I first used white pigment ink to stencil all the elements. I let the white ink dry, and went back over it with Distress Inks and blender brushes. I thought it would come out much brighter because of the white ink... It's more muted than I wanted but I think it looks sort of vintage or something because of that!! Sometimes it's a happy accident!

 

I added white gel pen accents onto the apples...and bits of white paint splatter....

 

Here's a photo on my work desk with the white ink concept!!! It was very easy to do this and I think I might try black cardstock next. The goal is to make the color pop against a darker background...

 

 

A simple finish with a twine bow and a little red heart...

PRIZE ALERT! There are three $30 gift certificates up for grabs (one winner each day). Winners will be picked randomly along the blog hop. Comments must be left by 11:59 PM PST on 9/21/2022. Winners will be announced on the PPP blog! Good Luck!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE PPP NEW RELEASE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies I used for today's card! (Affiliate Links Used)

PRETTY PINK POSH BLOG HOP DAY 1 PARTICIPANTS!

Pretty Pink Posh blog

Wanda Guess

Raquel Arribas

Mindy Eggen

Stefanie Loh

Tammy Stark

Rebecca Keppel

Pinkfresh Studio Holiday Release 2022 Blog Hop! Merry and Bright!

Hi everyone! Happy Monday! Welcome to the Pinkfresh Studio Holiday 2022 new release blog hop! Whew! It's going to be a great hop! I've already seen some sneak peeks and everyone's projects are amazing! This new release is SO sparkly and pretty and wonderful. When I first saw all the products - well, I wanted everything! Hot foil plates, stencils, dies that cut to perfection....it's all great! I have two cards to share with you today - both Christmas cards! It's nice to get started on holiday cards at the same time we are enjoying Fall crafting. If you're new to my blog - welcome! Enjoy the hop - prize information, supply lists, and hop links are at the bottom of my post. The new release is available now for shopping!

My first card is MERRY and BRIGHT!! It features the brand new Snowflakes Hot Foil and dies, the Festive Leaves stencils and dies and the brand new Merry & Bright Hot Foil and dies combo!! I used vivid colors and bright silver foil and it's so happy!! My finished card is a 5.25" x 5.25" square with a teal card base. I layered white cardstock, and then all the fun new elements. 

 

 

 

Here's a side view so you can see my layers. I hot foiled the sentiment with silver foil using my glimmer system. I cut a second die cut from plain white paper and glued the two together to make the words nice and thick. I also hot foiled the snowflakes with silver foil onto vellum. This is very very elegant and pretty. Definitely feels like winter. 

 

The Festive Leaves stencils and die set are super cool! You stencil the entire sheet of leaves and then they die cut all at once!!! No lining up all those leaves! Just one pass through the die cutting machine!! I used greens, pinks, reds and teals!! 

 

I affixed the sentiment onto the center of the card with small foam dots. Then I mixed and matched the leaves around the words. I also added the pretty snowflakes!!

I splashed on some silvery white watercolor paint to look like snow. 

 

 

I glued some aqua gems to the centers of the snowflakes. EEP. So pretty!!!

 

Next up is a very classic Christmas card, reminiscent of the festive ornaments from the 1960's! Beautiful baubles on the green branches are so evocative of Christmas don't you think? This finished card is an A2 red card base. This card features the brand new Ornaments Suite, along with some supplies from prior releases. I used the Sparkling Diamonds Cover Plate to make the background design. I hot foiled the ornaments and then used the matching stencils to add the color.

 

I stamped the sentiment and die cut it from the matching dies. I like how the words are separated so you can arrange them however you want to on your card. I used gold hot foil on the ornaments and used a primary colors palette....

 

I added a few gemstones to the ornaments and backgrounds. The tree sprigs are from the Holiday Ornaments stencil and die set....

 

 

 

I attached the ornaments to the card using foam dots to make them pop off the page. I feel like the diamond design in the background looks like snowflakes!

That's it for my projects for today! I'm always super grateful to work with the talented and generous team at Pinkfresh Studio - they are a dream to work with. Thank you so much for joining me today on this fun blog hop day! Happy crafting!

Pinkfresh Studio will be giving away the full release on the Pinkfresh blog & YouTube channel! They will also be giving away a total of TEN $25  gift cards along the hop. As per usual with blog hops - the winners will be picked from the comments left on each blog!! Pinkfresh Studio will pull the winners & post them on September 20, 2022 on their GIVEAWAY PAGE. Remember, you must check that page & claim your prize within 2 weeks. GOOD LUCK!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE NEW PINKFRESH STUDIO RELEASE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies for today's cards! (Affiliate Links Used)

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE ALL THE BLOG HOP PARTICIPANTS!!

 

The Greetery - Calico Fields - Release Day!

Hi crafty friends! One last reminder! It's The Greetery Release Day! AWESOME!

THE GREETERY NEW RELEASE IS FOR SALE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH  AT 10AM EST!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP!

****I'm sending this message out early this morning so you get notice asap. It's always a good idea to shop early!! 10am EST! 

****I am always incredibly grateful when you use my shopping links! THANK YOU! It helps me out so much more than you know! Have fun shopping and creating with your new goodies! It's been my pleasure to share my projects with you this week! XOXO

 

The Greetery - Calico Fields New Release - Day 2!

Hey there!! Welcome back to Day Two of release week for The Greetery's new Calico Fields Release for Fall 2022! Yesterday and today, the design team is sharing all of our projects and revealing the products from the new release! And, release day is tomorrow, September 8th at 10am EST! Be sure to look at all the design team's cards from both days! Prize information, supplies and design team links are at the bottom of my post! I have three more cards to show you today showcasing all the new goodies! Are you as excited as I am?? Can't wait to show you more today!!

First up is this FALL card featuring the brand new Stencilscapes - Autumn, and the new Thankful Heart stamps and dies!! My finished card is a woodgrain A2 card base. Then the one layer of stenciling! You guys!! OH MY GOSH - these stencils are so cool!!! It's eight stencils to create this amazing countryside scene. I loved making this!! I've never seen anything like this!! You're going to love it too. 

 

The stencils have an opening near the bottom for your sentiment. Genius. I used the Thankful Heart stamps with matching dies to place my sentiment perfectly in that open space. Betsy really does think of everything.

 

I mixed and matched all kinds of ink pads and used my small and large blender brushes. I love that small touch of blue in there along with all the warm tones. This card makes me happy.

 

Even when stenciling, I like to add some shading by going over the pieces with more ink, or a darker color ink. Gives it a bit more life I think.

 

 

 

My next card features the brand new Time For Gratitude stamps, stencils and dies. This new suite works perfectly with the previously released Hourglass dies. My finished card is an A2 white card base, layered with some pretty gingham. Then those dies and stamps are the star of the show. I used a vellum background in the hourglass also.

 

 

I decided to go with a pretty lilac and yellow color palette and I like how it came out!! So soft and pretty. In this photo you can see the amazing detail that you get with the matching die. I mean really...could it be more perfect?? 

 

I added pearls to my hourglass frame. The frame was die cut from woodgrain paper and the inside of the frame from purple paper. 

 

 

 

There's always time for gratitude - indeed!!

 

And my final card for release week - features the brand new Rolling Hills stencils and dies, the brand new Countryside Dies, and the brand new Warm and Wonderful stamps and dies. Lots of new new new!! Again, another set of super innovative stencils and dies that work together. Here, you can create a rolling countryside of your own!! Use the dies and stencils, or just one or the other... Mix and match in houses and barns and trees... There is no limit!! My finished card is 5" x 5" square card made with cream cardstock and woodgrain cardstock...oh and lots of ink pads!!

 

I started by die cutting the entire die from cream cardstock. I used Distress inks to color in all the hills using yellows and different shades of greens. I splattered on some gold paint and set it aside to dry. I die cut out all the houses, barn, fences and trees from cream cardstock. I also used distress inks to color these elements. 

 

 

 

For the sentiment I used the stamps from the Warm and Wonderful (coffee) set. I stamped onto an oval and inked the edges of the oval to antique it a bit. I added some enamel dots too....

 

 

Okay friends! That's it for all my projects for the new release! What do you think? What is your favorite item?? I have thoroughly enjoyed showing you all the new goodies!  Remember the new release is live for sale tomorrow - Thursday, September 8th at 10am EST! I am so excited for you to create with these pretty supplies! I know they will bring you joy as they did me. Happy Autumn indeed!! Happy Calico Fields!!

PRIZE INFORMATION! The Greetery will be giving away two $50 gift cards,  To be entered to win, leave a comment on each blog for today and yesterday!  Random comments will be chosen and announced on The Greetery Blog! 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE GREETERY STORE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the exact supplies I used for today's cards! (affiliate links used)!

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

Dana

Wanda

Angelica

Melissa

Dawn

Laurie

Kelly

 

The Greetery - Calico Fields New Release - Day 1!

Hello my dear crafty friends! How are you? How was your labor day weekend? Did you do something fun?  I hope you are enjoying the beginning of Autumn where you live! We have been hibernating inside here in Sacramento. Oh my goodness, it's been hot. We are breaking all kinds of records here - and not in a good way. We are in the midst of adding to the most days in a row over 100 degrees ever recorded. And we had 115 degrees yesterday, breaking the all time high for Sacramento record. Today is going to be 113 degrees.... I have been like a wilted flower, and I think my brain melted sometime this last week too. I'm moving slow and trying to literally and figuratively stay cool!! I am going to be so grateful when the heat wave breaks. I'm crafting slowly too, but plugging along. But enough about that!! I have something VERY exciting to talk about today! A gorgeous new release from The Greetery!!! YAY!!!

The new release is called Calico Fields and it's the most beautiful Fall release - like only Betsy can do! Beautiful and innovative new stencils and dies, and the prettiest stamps. I am so blessed to be part of this team, and to be on the receiving end of The Greetery new products, and Betsy's generosity. I have three cards to share today, three cards tomorrow and then it's release day on Thursday the 8th at 10am EST. Mark your calendars!! Prize information, supplies, and design team links are at the bottom of my post. Let's get started!

First up is one of my favorite things - A Pumpkin Spice Latte!! This card features the new Warm and Wonderful stamps and dies and the new Thankful Heart stamps and dies!! The finished card is a kraft A2 card base, layered with orange stripes, white paper and vellum. I also used the previously released Greetery Coaster Die and Crimped rectangles dies. 

 

Here's a side view of all my layers... An orange coaster and pretty little pumpkins!! 

 

Isn't this sentiment just so pretty?? I heat embossed it with gold embossing powder onto a strip of vellum. It looks so nice in person!! I wrapped the vellum across all the layers and underneath the coffee. The coffee is the star of the show - right?! The Warm and Wonderful set makes pretty coffees and has all the accents: a straw, some sprigs, whipped cream, and even sprinkles! It layers together beautifully too. 

 

 

 

I went through ALLLLL the brown ink pads in my craft room to find the perfect shades to make the coffee! I decided on THIS INK PAD PACK as the right coffee blend!!It's hard to see it but I put on some sparkly rock candy glitter on the whipped cream! I also added a couple of orange hearts. This card is so warm and spicy, just like a coffee drink!!

 

My next card features the brand new Apples Dies!! I'm also featuring the brand new Thankful Heart stamps and dies.  The perfect set of apples!! It also comes with three sizes of apples, a slice, a branch and some flowers. I'll be sharing another card with the apples later in the month. I am obsessed!! The finished card is a 5" x 5" square white card base. I had so many ideas, but I decided that since it's early September, I'd go with a teacher theme!! (remember when I told you that apples are ON TREND!!)

 

I used an old favorite technique - the chalkboard technique!! 

 

I used the Curio Cabinet dies to make my chalkboard frame! I die cut four pieces of the shorter side of the curio cover dies, and formed them into a square. I cut a piece of black cardstock to place behind the frame. In order to make it look more like a chalkboard I used some white pigment ink on my fingers and rubbed it onto the black cardstock!! I die cute two apples and shaded them with distress inks and blender brushes. I love how the stem tucks into the top of the apple die.

 

I used the Slim Alphabet to die cut ABC out of white paper and glued the letters onto the chalkboard. I added some yellow stars too. I kept with a very primary color palette since that reminds me of school!! I heat embossed the sentiments with white embossing powder.

 

 

 

And my last card for today features the brand new Print Shop - Calico Stencils, Jumbo Buckeye Die, and Autumn Bliss stamps!! Lots of new on this card. My card base is an A2 cream card base and I layered woodgrain and more cream.... The top two pieces are Vintage Cream Linen Paper for a bit of texture (supplies are at the bottom of my post)...  I used a warm and welcoming fall color palette.

 

The new Buckeye Leaf die is PERFECTION!! I die cut it from golden cardstock and then inked the edges and splattered on some gold paint! MMMMM. 

 

The background piece was stenciled!!! The new stamp + stencil combo is called Print Shop - Calico!!! A perfect petite floral pattern that we can use for so many things. It's so sweet. 

 

I stamped the sentiment onto a cream panel and then die cut it into a banner. I stamped lightly onto the banner - with the Pretty Postmarks stamps...

 

 

Okay, friends, that's it for DAY ONE of The Greetery Calico Fields Release Week! I will have three more projects tomorrow! I am so happy to be sharing these products with you. The new release will be for sale Thursday September 8th at 10am EST!  Have a blessed day. XOXO

PRIZE INFORMATION! The Greetery will be giving away two $50 gift cards,  To be entered to win, leave a comment on each blog for today and tomorrow!  Random comments will be chosen and announced on The Greetery Blog! 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE GREETERY STORE!

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for these cards! (Affiliate Links Used)

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

Dana

Wanda

Angelica

Melissa

Dawn

Laurie

Kelly

Fun Fall Apples Cards with Taylored Expressions!!

Hello friends! Or should I say "Happy Fall Y'All!" Today is September first, can you even believe it?! I am super excited that the 'ber' months are starting and Fall is coming! Yeah!! Happy September everyone. I hope you're having a great week so far. It's funny to me how crafting goes in cycles and trends, kind of like fashion... A few months ago it seemed like all the companies were making bee themed items. Before that it was hexagons, or lemons... Well, right now the trend seems to be Apples! Which is totally okay with me. I love a good apple stamp/die/stencil. A week or so ago I was cleaning out some things and came across some of my older dies from Taylored Expressions - the Apple Stacklets and Postage Stamp dies (sadly both are discontinued).... And an idea popped in my head for some cards. I'm sharing my apple cards today in honor of turning the calendar over to September today!

I have two cards to show you! Both cards were created with the same focal element - pretty watercolored apples! The first card is a kraft A2 card base. I layered watercolor cardstock with a beautiful die cut pattern, some twine and a few hearts. Then the apples steal the show!

 

To watercolor everything I used Arteza watercolor paper and my favorite Mijello watercolor palette! 

 

I splashed on lots of water and splatters to get this cool mottled effect on the apples. I love to pop in a bit of teal when I watercolor leaves...

 

Here is a close up of that gorgeous Swirls background die. This is a favorite!!

 

I used a few clear droplet enamel dots to look like morning dew on the leaves! 

 

 

 

My second card is a cream A2 card base. I layered kraft and some gingham on this one! The sentiment stamp says Happy Fall Y'all like on this card. For my first card I taped off the Y'all part and just stamped the Happy Fall. This is a great way to get more use from your stamps!

 

For the background on this one I used the pretty cable knit embossing folder in kraft! LOVE the texture on this!

 

The apples are attached to the card using foam tape to make them pop!

 

 

 

 

That's it for today! Happy September! Enjoy your day and happy crafting! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's cards! (Affiliate Links Used)

Doodlebug Seaside Summer Shadow Box!

Before I get started today I want to say THANK YOU for all the nice comments last week on my felt projects!! I saw that almost all the dies sold out the first day.... I have three of the die sets that I would like to sell if you're interested. The witch hat, the bat and the leaves. Please email me (stampcatwg@aol.com) if you are looking for those three.  Now for today's fun! I'm here today with another super fun Doodlebug Seaside Summer project! Today I'm sharing my Shadow Box with the awesome ocean themed Seaside Summer insert! I jazzed up the shadow box by putting real shells inside! And added a fun sentiment and a cutie pie toucan too!! I love these shadow boxes. I am already getting excited about making my Halloween one too! But, it's still August and hot summer days are still here - so let's keep summer crafting, right?! Happy Monday - hope you have a great week!

 

I used the Brown Doodlebug Shadow Box Frame along with the Seaside Summer Shadow Box Insert for this project. I also used Flower elements from other collections! One of the best things about Doodlebug is that everything mixes and matches so effortlessly across the collections. I added the "down by the seashore" sticker from the 12x12 Sticker Sheet from Seaside Summer. In this photo you can see the shells I put in the bottom of the box before I closed it up. It looks really cool!

 

I used this cute Doodle Pop called Toucan Tango up on the top corner of my shadow box!

 

In case you're new to the Doodlebug Shadow Box Inserts: They come in a kit with the design page, a sheet of vellum, and everything you need to put it together! You simply line up the vellum on top of the design page, and add all your stickers and embellishments. The only thing you need is some foam tape or foam squares! In this photo is my finished piece before I put it into the box. I added a few jewels here and there on mine!

 

I mean, seriously, how can you not smile, and pack up the car to head to the beach?! 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by! This is the last week of August and my favorite months are to come - the "ber" months! Yeah! I hope you have a wonderful week and get in some crafting time too! See you soon! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's project! (Affiliate Links Used)

 

Introducing Poshta Design Autumn 2022 Felt Projects New Release - Day 3! Falling Leaves and Pie Please!

Hello again my felt loving friends! It's Day 3 of the new release for Poshta Design!! I was invited by Lizzie to help introduce the Poshta Design Autumn 2022 New Release! As you know, Poshta Design makes the most beautiful felt kits! The new release is full of felt projects, dies, felt, embellishments and more for everything Autumn and Halloween. I made a LOT of projects and I've been sharing them this week! Yay! Today is the last day of product and project reveals. The new release will be available for purchase on Friday 8-26 at Noon EST! Head on over to the Poshta Design Website for more information and details! Giveaway information and product information is at the bottom of my post.

Today I am featuring the new Falling Leaves Die Set and the new By The Slice Die Set!! And, also featuring all that yummy felt in perfect Fall colors!! I used the By The Slice Die Set to make a little banner of pie slices! OMG this is soooooo fun! I'm definitely going to hang this up in my kitchen. I assembled the pie slices using the dies and then sewed them onto a strip of gingham ribbon. I can't even stand it. Like seriously. 

 

The way the dies are created, the long strip of top crust is longer than the pie, and as you stitch it up, matching the holes, it creates a ripple effect. Genius! I made a cherry pie slice with lattice work.... And I added some chunky glitter on top to look like sugar sprinkles! 

 

LOVE. 

 

Why am I hungry all of a sudden??  :-)

 

Next up is my set of Falling Leaves.... I added a tiny bit of stuffing inside each one to make them just slightly puffy!! I added sequins and seed beads for sparkle and cuteness. And there is the sweetest little acorn too!

 

A pretty oak leaf....just the right size!

 

 

 

This photo makes me happy! I'm looking forward to making some more projects, and using them to decorate my home and give as gifts too! 

Here are the descriptions of the products straight from Lizzie: 

Falling Leaves Die

The gentle beauty of changing leaves is one of the most glorious features of the Autumn season. Bring that beauty indoors with the Falling Leaves Die. This die includes four different leaf shapes and a two-piece acorn that you can use to create brightly colored home decor that won't fade at the end of the season. These leaves are perfectly suited for garlands, wreaths, and anything else you can bring to life. Retails for $38

 

By The Slice Banner Die

Who doesn't love pie? Apple, cherry, pumpkin, chocolate mousse? How about a sampler platter? With the By The Slice Banner Die you don't have to pick just one. This die includes elements like a teardrop-shaped steam vent and lattice strips to make creating a whole smorgasboard of flavors as easy as...well...pie! The By The Slice Die pairs beautifully with a mini pom pom maker to create delightful "whipped cream" dollops. Retails for $25

 

In addition to all of the dies we've featured this week, there will be three different (gorgeous) color sets of felt, sequins and beads embellishments, threads and more!

 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: Poshta Design will be doing a giveaway on each introductory blog post for a $50 gift certificate to the website (for a total of 3 gift certificates). Posta Design will be choosing the winners from the blog comments on each introductory post and the winners will be announced at 9am on Friday 8/26 before the release goes live. Good Luck!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE POSHTA DESIGN WEBSITE! The new release is live tomorrow, 8-26 at noon EST!

It has been my pleasure to share all these fun felt designs with you! I hope you're inspired to try some new crafts and join me in celebrating Autumn!! I'll be back on the blog soon with something new!! XO