12 Kits of Occasions - Baby It's a New Year

Hi and thanks for stopping by!  I bet you all have been just as busy as me.   I'm really enjoying time with the family, but starting to miss my crafty time.  My husband had several days off over Christmas so we got caught up on a few movies, dinners, and even a trip to the Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan for a hike!  

It's time for the 12 Kits of Occasions.   We're a group of 12 designers who take turns providing a kit to work with.  We all get the same supplies and then post at the end of the month.  Its so fun to see how our cards are different or similar.   Our host this month is my bestie Cathy Weber, and our theme is Baby!  No one does a baby card better than Cathy so I knew this would be a winning combination.  

She gave us all sorts of wonderful supplies to work with - die cuts, digi print paper from Echo Park, pretty ribbon, and some fab embellishments!  I had no trouble coming up with these 8 cards!!  I know - that's a lot right????    So here goes.... 

Ready to see more?   Here's  a list of all the ladies in the 12 kits.   Some bad news to report as well this month... Renee.. our fearless leader has decided to step away from the group for a while, and while I do respect her decision I hope she CHANGES HER MIND!!  (subtle hint shouted loudly in caps!)   Stop by and convince her for me will ya?

Renee - It's a Patchwork Life

Marybeth - It's Time For Paper

Joyce - Cards By The Sea

Cathy Weber - Empty Nest Crafter

Kim - Cupcakes Cards & Kim

Kara - K & R Designs

Jessica - The Paper Parade

Sharron - On Papillon Wings

Tracey McNeely - In My Creative Opinion

Kellly Schirmer - Gingham Girl
Lindsey Larsen - Occasional Crafting

Have a happy New Year if I don't see you soon!  Things will be back to normal soon!  I promise!

Happy New Year!

I'm posting at Pretty Little Studio today - two cards.... one filled with holiday cheer, and one to wish you a very happy new year!

Click here to see both projects!

My Coolest Friend!

I'm trying to sneak in a few more Christmas cards.  Wow it's almost here!    I'm trying to wrap up some of my posts for the week because I still haven't made any cookies and I'm being accused of enjoying my bloggie time more than my family time.  At least the blog doesn't talk back and leave empty pop cans and food wrappers laying around.  The Mountain Dew drinker in my house knows who I'm talking about.  (Had to clarify so I don't get Mr. J on the defensive!)   

Just a quick card today for the Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge. This week is anything goes.  I stamped some snowflakes from "Fresh Snow" with versamark ink and embossed them with clear embossing powder.  Next I blended a rainbow of distress ink for an aurora borealis background for my cool Santa!  A glitter snow border and a simple sentiment and I'm done.  

 I hope your ready for the big day.  Just a few more things on my list... groceries for Christmas dinner, and BAKING!!!   LOL!  










Supplies Used:  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps:  Paper Smooches Santa Paws, Swanky Snowdudes, Fresh Snow
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic, Versafine Onyx Black Ranger Distress Spiced Marmalade, Festive Berries, Mustard Seed, Shabby Shutters, Tumbled Glass, Seedless Preserves
Glitter
Die:  PTI Snowdrift from In The Meadow

Deck the Halls!!

I'm posting on the Poppystamps blog today with this cute little scene.  I used lots of Poppystamps and created my own flocked wallpaper!!  LOL!!

You can see the entire project here!

Cardmaker - Christmas Treats

It's my very last post at CardMaker Magazine Blog today.  I've really enjoyed my 6 month term and it was a wonderful experience!  I made some little treat boxes!

You can get all the details on how to make your own here!

SSCB#38 Sparkle & Shine

The holidays are creeping up fast on me again.  The kids are finishing up at school this week so I know they'll be keeping me busy until they go back, and there is still oh so much to get done. I haven't baked one single cookie yet!  Gasp!    

We're at the half way point of the Serendipity Stamps Challenge.  A new challenge begins on the first Wednesday of every month.  On the 3rd Wednesday of the month the DT provides another sample and tries to get you motivated to join us!!   (Pretty Please!!! Come and Play!!!)  The challenge this month is Sparkle and Shine.  You don't have to make a holiday card - you can make anything you like as long as you include one Serendipity Stamps image and something that sparkles.  I added lots of sequins to my projects today.

I hadn't had much time to play with the new Solid Poinsettia & Leaf and wanted to get some cards made before it's too late!! This is such a pretty poinsettia with lots of detail.  It comes as an outline stamp that you can color up or as a solid like I'm using today.  The stamp comes as one piece, that you can easily cut apart to place the leaf wherever you like.  And it's really a steal at only $7.13.   It's a red rubber stamp so it inks up perfectly every time and has a deep impression for great results.    I made three cards today, two of them a little fussy and the last one really clean and simple for making multiple cards that are post office friendly super quick. 

I'm smitten with blue and red this year!  I stamped three of the poinsettias with a scattering of leaves on white paper and then just fussy cut them.

I used the same paper collection for this one but used a sentiment as the focus of my design with the fussy cut poinsettias as embellishments

And this is my clean and simple version.  It still has a few layers, a fancy die cut edge,  and a sprinkle of sequins for some sparkle and shine!

Want to see more cards from the design team with a bit of sparkle and shine?  Just click on their names below.  We've got a special guest this month too - Nancy Penir!!!  I hope you'll stop by and tell her hi!  This lady knows how to add the sparkle!

Nancy Penir from Artful Notions

Julie Warner

Karen Amidon

Marybeth Lopez

Miriam Napier

Vickie Zimmer

Jenny Gropp

If your holiday cards are already made this year you might want to think about picking it up at our after Christmas sale when you'll find all the Christmas stamps and dies 20% off and free shipping on orders over $15 (continental US only). 

Supplies:  
Stamps:  Serendipity Stamps Poinsettia & Leaf Solid, Happy Holidays
Pattern Paper:  Echo Park "Keepin Cozy" 6x6"
Dies:  Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Borders One, MFT Fishtail Flags
Sequins Pretty Pink Posh
Card Stock:  PTI White, Enchanted Evening
Ink:  Memento, Versafine Onyx Black

Stamps:  Serendipity Stamps Poinsettia & Leaf Solid, Happy Christmas
Pattern Paper:  Echo Park "Keepin Cozy" 6x6"

Dies:  Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Borders One, Spellbinder Petite Scalloped Ovals, Petite Ovals
Sequins Pretty Pink Posh
Card Stock:  PTI White, Enchanted Evening
Ink:  Memento, Versafine Onyx Black
Button
Pin
Twinery Maraschino Twine

CAS:  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps:  Serendipity Stamps Poinsettia & Leaf Solid, Seasons Greetings
Die:  Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Border
Ink:  Memento, Versafine Onyx Black
Sequins:  Pretty Pink Posh
Pattern Paper:  Carat Bella "It's a Celebration" 6x6
Card Stock PTI White, Pure Poppy

Quick Christmas Treats

I'm posting on The Twinery Blog today with some quick Christmas Treats.  Maybe you have to make some goodie bags for the Christmas Party, or plan an event for the kids Christmas party at school?

How about some Chocolate Dipped Pretzels.  Super easy for the kids to decorate and for you to package.  You can see the whole post here. 

CASology Snow

Ohhhhh.  feeling lucky today... had some time to play on the first day of the new challenge at CASology!  That doesn't happen too often.  Usually I'm one of the last players linking up LOL!    Ahhh the simple pleasures right?  The wind is whipping around outside I can hear it making the house creak.. perfect day for an alpine winter snowy Christmas card right?  LOL!   Makes me want to put off my daily walk for a few more hours!

 I hope you find some time to play today too.  You can get all the details and link up your snowy creations here at CASology!

Supplies:  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"  Only three simple ingredients!! 
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Alpine Christmas
Card Stock PTI White, Aqua Mist
Ink:  Memento Luxe Teal Zeal, Bamboo Leaves, W+9 Lake House, Versafine Onyx Black

Pretty Little Studio - Angel Baby!

Need a card for Baby's First Christmas, or maybe there is just a sweet little angel on your list?

I'm posting at Pretty Little Studio's blog today!  You can see the whole project here!

Waltzingmouse December Pajama Party

Are you joining the Waltzingmouse Pajama Party today? I know.. I've been having a bit of trouble remembering it too. Things are back on track at Waltzingmouse, and now I need to get my act together too. I even bought a new calendar for the new year! Its really simple, I just have to write myself a reminder.. old age and all that Lol! Claire posts the event on the Waltzingmouse blog on the 1st of every month letting us know exactly what the challenges are. On the 14th of the month the challenges go live. And there are always some great prizes to be had - so it's really worth the effort!

Here's the challenges for this month.   If you didn't mark your calendar you can always play along with the Bedtime Story for another chance to win.  The link up stays open for 24 hours and you can get all the details here.

1. Put up the Tree Make a 3D paper tree. I had a quick look on Pinterest and I've spotted these lovely inspiration pieces:

2. Deck the Halls  - Create an Ornament for the tree.

3. Old Pajamas - Make a project using any of your older Waltzingmouse Christmas sets - I'm going to ask some of the DT to play along with us, we're going to dig out our Country Labels 4 sets

Here's my "old pajamas" all so comfortable and near and dear!    I thought some non traditional colors - aqua blue and hot pink might be fun for my Country Labels 4!

4. Bedtime Story Sketch - Here is sketch no.9 - yep, that could be a tree shape.... Go ahead and create now - and your card will be ready to link up when we open the PJ party on the 14th! Like the other challenges links for this challenge will remain open for 24 hours, so you will still have time to play on the night!

OK so you see a tree!  I see a little birdie!  I used the Warm Fuzzies set with the Country Labels 4 that I really enjoyed working with.  The Spellbinder Nestie Labels from Waltzingmouse were the thing that attracted me to Waltzingmouse in the first place.  That was in the old days when matching stamps and dies - and swoon.. window dies... were a brand new idea!  Look how far we've come!  The concept is a winner and these are still my "go to" stamps whenever I'm creating!

I hope you have a little time to play tonight - if you don't get distracted by all the other wonderful designs linked up!  LOL!  Big hugs and warm winter wishes to you! 

Supplies:  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Blessings
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Country Labels 4
Pattern Paper:  Basic Grey Evergreen Collection 12 x 12"
Card Stock:  PTI Pine Feather, New Leaf, Raspberry Fizz, Aqua Mist
Dies:  Spellbinder Gold Labels 4, Labels 4, Memory Box Pine Needle Border
Ink:  Avery Elle Aqua Marine, Memento Luxe Rosebud, Versafine Onyx Black
Pin & Button Maya Road
Button Twine, 3/4" Velvet Corduroy Aqua May Arts, Lace Martha Stewart
Sequins Pretty Pink Posh

Warm Fuzzies
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Warm Fuzzies, Country Labels 4
Pattern Paper Carta Bella "It's A Celebration" 6x6" 
Dies:  Spellbinder Country Labels 4, Paper Smooches Flag Tags
Ink:  Copic, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Impress Fresh Ink Red Currant
Wood Snowflake Buttons Lawn Fawn - Thanks Kimberly!!
Buttons 
Sequins Pretty Pink Posh

Cute Little Christmas!

It's Moriko's first Christmas with us and I wanted to send her breeder a little update.  I know how much she loves all the dogs she raises and wants to make sure they make it into good homes.  I wanted to make a simple one layer card to keep it mail friendly and of course have the perfect mix of holiday and canine!   We brought Moriko home in June and she is the sweetest girl ever!   She loves to be touched and gives lots of sloppy kisses.

We're so excited that her dad has made it to the AKC Eukanuba show in Florida this weekend and we have fingers, toes, and just about everything we can think of crossed with good wishes for Daydream Akita's Wake Um Shake Um (TMT)!!

So here's the card for Moriko's original mom who named her "Mandy".  We changed it to "Moriko" which means child of the forest in Japanese.  I'm playing along with Paper Smooches Sparks!  The challenge this week is Anything Goes!  And there is still plenty of time to play along!    It was lots of fun stamping pine boughs and ornaments in lots of fun colors.  The sprinkle of sequins adds a little sparkle and shine, and the dog with the ornament is so fun and festive!

 Have a great day!   Big hugs to all my furry friends! !

Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps:  Paper Smooches  Paws For A Cause, Holly Jolly
Ink:  Impress Fresh Ink, Versafine Onyx Black
Card Stock:  PTI White, Hibiscus Burst
Sequins Pretty Pink Posh

CardMaker Magazine Blog Paper Garland

I've got a project featuring a silver and gold embellished paper garland at the CardMaker Magazine blog.

Just click here to see the entire project and "how to".