Quick, Easy Christmas Cards

Hello and welcome here!  Are you ready to see a few more of the Christmas cards I made for the Craft Show.  If you missed my first post on the Craft Show, you can find that HERE.

Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

I used a Martha Stewart Punch All Over the Page for the snowflakes, stamped the sentiment using CTMH Gracious Greetings, and finished it off with a sparkly stripof American Crafts glitter paper.

Inside: 

Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

For this card I used Ranger Sticky Embossing Powder (when you heat the powder it dries clear and sticky) and Ranger's Stickles Gold Dry Glitter...the tree is really sparkly, the stamp is from KaiserCraft.  I used textured cream CS, and finished with a sentiment and red grosgrain knot for interest.

Inside:

I used the same tree on the inside as I used on the outside of the card, except I used ink on the inside.

Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

I really like the embossed look of the Spellbinder Snowflake.  I used a light blue CS this year (last year I embossed it on white CS...and I like the white one better, but wanted to give a different colour a try), and added a rhinestone to the center of the snowflake and some Crystal Stickles

Inside:

Enjoy,

Deneen

A Soap Box Moment

I don't step on my soap box very often but I just have to vent my frustration this once.....if my REAL blog friends have any hints on how to stop it, I'd love to hear them:)

Okay, to make life easier for those who happen to comment on my blog I do not require Word Verification.  I could use Blog Owner Approval, but we all have busy lives and I don't have time to check my Blog Comments every day.  My problem----I am getting ssssssssoooooooooo tired of the SPAM left under my comments...and I'm not talking meat in a can here people.  Blogger catches most of them...trust me, my email inbox is full of them EVERY day...but there are still some that get through and I'm forced to go to each post to see which ones have been posted, and then delete them.  WHY people???? Do you really think I will click on your link for "cheap cigarettes", or "Nike Air Max", oh wait, hold the phone, you must think my finger is just itching to click on "Viagra."  Pfffft, yeah, right, do I have stupid written on my face.  And another thing, why are you pretending you are fluent in English?? If I was even considering clicking on your link, your unintelligible comment sure doesn't inspire a whole lot of confidence that your product is legit. Go advertise somewhere else!!

Will I click on your Advertising Link??

Source: lolsnaps.com via Deneen on Pinterest

'K, getting off my soap box now.  I don't like to use Word Verification, it's frustrating for you...trust me, I know, I'm on Design Teams where it's necessary to comment and it's a bit of a pain in the neck...especially when I get it wrong twice in a row, lol.  Does anyone know if there's a way NOT to accept Anonymous Comments...seeing as that's how they come most the time.

Just a fun winter picture for you to enjoy:

Source: bestphotosite.net via Deneen on Pinterest

'Til next time,

Deneen

*Edited to add:  
Yay Carla!!! She shared how to fix the annoying SPAM problem..."On your blog Settings, go to Posts & Comments and then in the section where it talks about who can comment - select Registered User."  Thank-you Carla!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Cuttlebug Spot Scrap Sandwich

Hello and welcome here!  How is the weather in your corner of the world?  We have lots of snow, but to have snow it must be cold, and it has definitely been cold here, brrrrrrrr.  The Cuttlebug Spot challenge this week is a Scrap Sandwich...use scraps and layers.

Challenge - Scrap Sandwich

Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

I was able to use scraps for the colours in the base layer, and for the sentiment.  And I have 4 layers happening...the white card base, the rainbow colours, the Kraft CS, and the sentiment.  The only layer I used foam squares on was the Kraft CS piece, which I also used the Memory Box die Piestra Tile on.

Recipe:  CTMH CS-Pansy Purple, Crystal Blue, Sweet Leaf, Buttercup, Sunflower, Tulip & White Daisy, Kraft CS, CTMH Ink-Black, CTMH SS-Happy Birthday, Memory Box Die-Piestra Tile, Foam Squares, Rhinestones, Blue Baker's Twine, Piercing Tool.

Ready to join us for the Scrap Sandwich Challenge.  You have 1 week to complete your project and add it to the Scrap Sandwich Challenge link over on TCS....Good Luck! If you need more Scrap Sandwich inspiration be sure to check out the rest of the DT creations over at The Cuttlebug Spot.

Enjoy,

Deneen

Craft Show Goodies

Hello and welcome here!  I thought I would share a few things I made for the Craft Show here in town.

Moving left to right:  Journals-$7, Mini Notebooks-$3 or 2/$5, behind them are the Giant Clothespins which can be used as photo holders or recipe card holders etc. $3 or 2/$5, Mini Photo Holders (from large binder clips) $1, my handmade cards-$3 or 4/$10 (these are the cards that I post on my blog)

On a small table to the right of the big table:  my girls helped make Magnets-$0.25, and Hemp Bracelets-$2...they got to keep any money made from selling these.  And finally my $1 Christmas cards, and Clearance cards-$1.

Here's a full cookie sheet full of magnets, we started with a total of 350 magnets (not all fit on the front)

This is what we started with on the 2nd day...and we sold all but 6, which we are now using on our fridge!

I don't have a closeup of the magnets, but we punched circles out of pattern paper...you can see Mickey Mouse, soccer balls, music notes were gone the first day....we then added a drop of CTMH Liquid Glass, also known as Glossy Accents etc., and centered the stone (clear vase filler stones, they're flat on one side and rounded on the other) on the paper.  We let them dry overnight and then added a drop of Liquid Glass to adhere the magnet to the back.  I found out that there are different strengths of magnets...I bought some at Walmart (which in the end ended up being too big anyways), and some from Michaels.  The ones from Michaels were smaller, but they also were quite a bit stronger than the larger ones from Walmart.

The reason I sell my Christmas cards for $1 is because many people like to buy multiples at this time of year, so I try to keep it affordable for them and for me.  I don't layer and add a whole lot of embellishments like I normally do, but I keep them Clean and Simple, and I think elegant at the same time.

Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

 

I used Cuttlebug's Heritage embossing folder on green CS, and gold embossed the poinsettia (from Our Daily Bread called Blessed Christmas) onto cream CS, I finished it off with a bit of gold Stickles in the corners.

 Inside:

Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

I embossed the cream CS with Sizzix Raspberry Frame, I gold embossed the word 'Joy' (CTMH Baroque Alphabet) onto cream CS, and then matted 'Joy' and the card with red CS, I finished it off with a piece of knotted red grosgrain ribbon.

The gold embossing reflects nicely.

Inside:

Keep checking back, I have lots more to share from my Craft Show.

Enjoy,

Deneen

The Cuttlebug Spot Feathers Challenge

This is my second post for today, so if you're looking for the Top Tip Tuesday Challenge please scroll down:)

This week the challenge over at The Cuttlebug Spot is Feathers...real, paper feathers, etc., but don't forget to use your Cuttlebug on your project too!

Challenge - Feathers

 

Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

I decided to go with a wedding card, although it could be used as a Birthday Card too.  I love the rich purple colour of the feathers and chose to highlight them by using only white.  I embossed the frame using Sizzix Loving Thoughts and tried to have the feathers curve along the one side.  I didn't want to break the shaft of the feather and make it weak, so it looks a little rigid....but I love the end result.

 I added some Crystal Ice Stickles around the frame to give the card a little sparkle.

Recipe:  CS-Bazzil Prismatics, CTMH CS-White Daisy, CTMH Ink-Black, SS-Inkadinkado Expressions, EF-Sizzix Loving Thoughts, Crystal Ice Stickles, Celebrate It Sheer Creations Ribbon.

Ready to join us for the Feathers Challenge.  You have 1 week to complete your project and add it to the Feathers Challenge link....Good Luck! If you need more Feathers inspiration be sure to check out the rest of the DT creations over at The Cuttlebug Spot.

Enjoy,

Deneen

Top Tip Tuesday Teen Guy Card

Hello and welcome here!  The Craft Show I was in was tons of fun, and a great success.  I met some wonderful ladies, and shared lots of laughs with my fellow Craft sellers (I was amongst a group of four other very talented ladies.)  I'll share some photos later this week, so be sure to pop back.

The challenge over at Top Tip Tuesday is Kids/Teens, and Lisa S. is sharing a Mixed Media Tutorial that you don't want to miss.

Challenge - Kids/Teens

Tutorial - Mixed Media by Lisa S.

Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

A huge thank-you to Kenny K for providing the DT with images for this challenge.  I used Teen Idol, a great guy image which I coloured with Copics. 

 

 Sponsor's

  For a chance at the following prizes, be sure to link your creation to the Kids/Teens  at Top Tip Tuesday, you can enter up to 3 times!! For a chance at an extra prize leave a tip on your blog and be sure to leave 'tip' after your name in Mr. Linky.
Don't forget the challenge runs for 2 weeks

 Fred She Said - $20 Voucher

 

 Crimson Cloud - 3 packs of Die Cuts

 

To jazz it up a bit, I cut circles out of aluminum duct tape (found at the local hardware store!), it adds a great metallic touch...perfect for a guy card.

Inside:

Recipe:  Digital SS-Kenny K Teen Idol, PP-Bella Blvd Sprinkles & Lace, CTMH CS-Black & White Daisy, CTMH Ink-Black & Grey Wool, CTMH SS-You Rock, Aluminum Duct Tape, Spellbinders-Standard Circles Lg, Standard Circles Sm. & Curved Rectangles, Foam Squares, Copics.

 

Copics Used:

Skin-E0000, E000, E00

Eyes-B14

Hair-B28, N7

Shirt-R05, R08

Jeans-B91, B93, B95

Shoes-W5, W7, YG01, YG13

IPod-N7, C3, YR30

Ground-E42, E43

Sky-C0, C1

For more inspiration be sure to check out the rest of the DT's Kids/Teen creations, their links are in my sidebar.

Enjoy,

Deneen

Happy 2nd Birthday Inspired Stamps!!

Hello and welcome here!  Can you believe it's been 2 years since Antoinette started her stamp company called Inspired Stamps.  I was honoured to be part of the first Design Team and to have the opportunity to create some great projects with her stamps.  I was invited to be a Guest Designer to celebrate and of course I couldn't say no.

Journal Size:  6" x 9"

For this journal I used Psalm 121:1-2.  And since I was in the process of making journals for the Craft Show I was in, I also made one with a verse from the set Inspired Stampers' Favorite Collection #1. I think both turned out great!!

Be sure to pop by Inspired Stamps to wish Antoinette a Happy 2nd Birthday!! In celebration, she is offering 25% off your order....see her store for more details.

Enjoy,

Deneen

The Cuttlebug Spot Challenge

Hello and welcome here!  SURPRISE, I found out last week that I was accepted on The Cuttlebug Spot Design Team, YAY!!! I'm so excited and hope you'll join us in the Challenges.  I'm still familarizing myself with all the information I need to post, so bear with me if I forget something this time around, lol.

Challenges are posted each Tuesday, and you have 1 week to complete your project with the required elements, and of course you'll need to use your Cuttlebug!  You will need to go to the current challenge post and link your creation.

Challenge - Use 3 Different Embossing/Diecutting Items

Journal Size:  6" x 9"

I'm preparing for a Craft Show and I have been covering notebooks to be used for journals.  Here is one I was working on right when I was notified of becoming part of the DT, it was perfect for the Challenge.  I even have a little Tutorial on how to emboss with a Spellbinder and an embossing folder.

The 3+ items I used:
1.  Spellbinders Decorative Labels 8
2.  Spellbinders Floral Ovals
3.  Spellbinders Classic Ovals Large
4.  Craft Concepts Budding Vine Embossing Folder
5.  Nellie Snellen Corner Die
6.  Cheery Lynn Designs Fanciful Flourish
YES, I love my Cuttlebug!!!

Recipe: PP-My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart "Be Happy" Striped Pink Paper, CTMH CS-Sorbet & New England Ivy, Windpower Vellum Bristol Cream CS, CTMH SS-Treasure Life, CTMH Ink-Black, EF-Craft Concepts Budding Vine, Spellbinders-Decorative Labels 8, Floral Ovals & Classic Ovals Lg, Nellie Snellen Corner Die, Cheery Lynn Designs Mini Fanciful Flourish, Foam Squares, Prima Flowers, Copic E95 & 0.

Here is a close-up of the center focal point.

I love to use foam squares for layering, but with a journal you don't want to layer it too much because anything not adhered really well may snag on something and be accidently ripped off.

Here is a short explanation on how I used and embossing folder and Spellbinders together.  As you can see, my plates are well loved:)

The sandwich I used is labelled in the photo.  You may not need a shim, or you may use more shims, it all depends on how loose your Cuttlebug is.  The important thing to remember is that you are using the embossing folder while it is OPEN.  The embossing mat is what will be embossing the design on your paper.

Here is what the embossed design looks like before taking your cardstock out of the Spellbinder.

Here is my embossed die cut piece.  If you find that you embossed design isn't as defined as you want it to be, you can mist your cardstock lightly with water before embossing (while it is in the Spellbinder die).  You will want to let it dry before adhering to your project.

If you need more inspiration, you can check out the rest of the DT creations at The Cuttlebug Spot. 

Enjoy,

Deneen

Remembrance Day

How does one say Thank-you to someone who has put their life on the line for our freedom?  A huge thank-you to our veterans and to those currently serving to protect not just our freedom, but others as well.

Take 2 minutes would you mind,
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who went over
...May we never forget why they died.

Top Tip Tuesday is All Heart

Hello and welcome here!  It's time for another Top Tip Tuesday Challenge and this time it's We're All Heart...include hearts on your project.

Challenge - We're All About Hearts

Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

I went with the more traditional red and white:)  I borrowed my friend's (hi Candace) Heart Coluzzle, can you believe that I don't actually own a heart punch or die?? Me either, I think it's about time to get one to have on hand.  I went with a clean and simple look, I cut out the hearts, and embossed a portion of the CS.  I finished it off by adding a ribbon, and using Candace's :) new We R Memory Keepers Tab Punch. 

Recipe:  CTMH SS-Say It In Style, CS-Red dotted & white, Ink-Memento Lady Bug, EF-Craft Concepts Budding Vine, Hearts Coluzzle, We R Memory Keepers Tab Punch, Celebrate It Ribbon, Foam Squares.

 Sponsor's

  For a chance at the following prizes, be sure to link your creation to the We'reAll Hearts  at Top Tip Tuesday, you can enter up to 3 times!! For a chance at an extra prize leave a tip on your blog and be sure to leave 'tip' after your name in Mr. Linky.
Don't forget the challenge runs for 2 weeks

Stamp Fairy - $10 Gift Voucher

Simon Says Stamp - $20 Gift Voucher

Ooh La La Creations - 1 of their CD's

If you need more heart inspiration be sure to check out the rest of the DT's creations, their links are in my sidebar.
Enjoy,
Deneen