Welcome to the February Sparkles Christmas Challenge. Our host this month, Helen, chose using non-traditional Christmas colors. I’m all about non-traditional colors for Christmas cards, so I especially enjoyed this month’s theme. When you finish here, I hope you check out the creations from the rest of the design team on the challenge site. Don’t forget to add your creation to the gallery!
I created two cards for this challenge. Here they are:
Non-Traditional Colors:
I used the Fitting Florets DSP (designer series paper) for both cards. The first one uses Night of Navy, Balmy Blue and Polished Pink. I used coordinating DSP for each envelope flap. These pieces measure 6 inches by 2-1/2 inches. I also punched coordinating 1 inch circles for the envelope seals.
The card base measures 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches, scored at 4-1/4 inches.
The Polished Pink DSP mat measures 4-1/8 by 5-3/8 inches.
Then, I used the Fitting Florets dies and stamp set, along with Polished Pink ribbon to finishe off the card.
The second card I created is a z-fold card. I’m not sure that the colors are really non-traditional, which is why I used Polished Pink for the first card. This z-fold uses Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, and Evening Evergreen.
The base measures 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches. It’s scored at 2-1/8 and 4-1/4 inches to create the z-fold.
The DSP pieces measure 2 by 5-3/8 inches for the floral pieces. The checked piece measures 5-3/8 inches by 4-1/8 inches.
I stamped the two floral swags in Momento Tuxedo Black ink so I could color it with blends.I The Balmy Blue blends combo was used on the flowers. I used Night of Navy dark blend for the splashes in the swag. Then, I finished with Evening Evergreen blends combo for the leaves.
Since the oval outline and the floral swags would be seen on both sides I needed to make sure the back was acceptable. Therefore, I cropped an. additional oval outline and two of the floral swags on white cardstock. That way, I could use the blank swags on the back.
Even though there are more pieces on the z-fold card, it was relaxing to do the coloring and put it together.
Sale-a-Bration is now live until February 28, 2023!
Here are some SU! videos regarding the FREE items you can earn! Let’s start with the DSP available:
I have to tell you, the first SAB item I earned was the owls stamp set. So, so, so stinking cute!!! They are so easy to fussy cut as well.
As always, the joining benefits for joining during Sale-a-Bration are spectacular! As always, there’s no commitment, so taking advantage of this promotion doesn’t mean a long-term commitment. If you live in the U.S., and are interested in joining, please contact me at justpeachystamping@gmail.com
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Again, thank you for stopping by my blog. Please take another minute to add a comment. I love reading and responding to your thoughts.
Welcome to the monthly Sparkles Christmas Challenge #141! Our host, Dawn, chose using holly or ivy as the theme for the month of October. When you finish here, I hope you will visit the challenge site and find scores of inspiration from the members of the design team. Each one is just gorgeous!
There are definitely times when I adore a stamp set and dies, along with the coordinating DSP, that I just can’t stop using it after it all retires. This Whimsical Trees original bundle from Christmas 2021 falls into that category. The coordinating DSP (designer series paper) in the pattern I used today just looks like something from Dr. Seuss, and I love anything Dr. Seuss.
The other thing I love about this DSP is that it speaks to my love of non-traditional Christmas colors.
Here’s my holly Christmas card:
Measurements:
The Mossy Meadow base measures 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches, scored at 4-1/4 inches.
Next, I trimmed a piece of Blushing Bride cardstock to 4-1/8 inches by 5-3/8 inches.
I trimmed two pieces of the DSP to 4-3/4 by 3-1/2 inches for the diagonal mats. At this point, I also trimmed a piece of the green DSP to 6 inches by 2-1/2 inches for the envelope flap.
The white cardstock panel for the inside of the card measures my normal 4 by 5-1/4 inches.
I used scraps of Mossy Meadow and white cardstock for the labels.
That’s it for the measurements.
Stamping, Embossing, Coloring:
First, I used the holly and berry trio stamp and Blushing Bride ink to stamp on the background Blushing Bride cardstock.
I did the same thing with Mossy Meadow ink on the scrap I used for the background label.
Next, I stamped the sentiment on scrap white cardstock using Versamark ink. Then, I covered the sentiment with silver embossing powder and heat set it with my heat tool.
HINT: The embossing buddy is one of my essential tools for heat embossing. SU! had discontinued it for a few years, but it’s available again. The embossing additions tool kit found on page 49 of the mini-catalog can really make embossing easier! It contains the embossing buddy, an embossing tray and two brushes specifically made for brushing the errant bits of powder off your paper. I’ve had my buddy for about 4 years and it’s still going strong. In my humble opinion, it’s is well worth it to get the tool kit. Even though I already have one, it’s on my next order list.
I also stamped the holly leaves and berry trio in each bottom corner of the inside of the card and the envelope, and one to use for the envelope seal. After I embossed and heat set each of them, I colored them in using my Old Olive blends combo and Blushing Bride marker.
Then, I cropped both layers of the label using the Pretty Labels die set and added dimensionals under each.
Next, I wrapped a piece of Blushing Bride ribbon around the bottom label and used a piece of silver braided ribbon to secure it.
I added the basic pearl to cover up an oops bit of stray silver embossing powder, but it works.
Other than for the two labels, I used multipurpose liquid glue to adhere the piece to the card.
With that, I’d finished this coordinated card, envelope, and envelope seal set.
Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Have a Peachy Day!
Sue
I live in Central Florida. My house is the blue dot. I am having a terrible time with my internet right now, so I need to schedule this post before I lose power. Hopefully, I will be able to get back online to update this post before it goes live.
I have seen a number of bay window videos recently, and they all have excellent directions. Special shout-out to Debbie Henderson, Dawn Griffith, and Connie Stewart for their great step-by-step directions. Please visit any, or all, of the links above for easy-to-follow directions.
I used the Whimsy and Wonder suite of products for my card. This is actually a special-order card for a friend at work. She wanted to really personalize the card, so I used a stamp I’ve had for quite a while with the Bible verse on it. After using VersaMark to stamp on a piece of white cardstock. Next, I covered it in silver embossing powder and heat set it. I know it’s difficult to see in the pictures, but it is embossed and it’s gorgeous in person.
This Love, Santa Tag Kit is adorable and an easy way to make your own gift tags! Take a look at this video!
Do you live in the U.S. and need a demonstrator? If so, I’d love to talk to you!
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Again, thank you for stopping by my blog today! I appreciate your comments and your time.
It seems like just a couple of weeks ago that I was finishing grading exams and entering final grades. I started preplanning on Monday, and so it all begins again. During the summer, I was in my happy place, aka Blue Room, aka craft room, every day. Blogging occurred multiple times a week. My goal for the schoolyear is to post at least 3 times a week. I am hoping (fingers crossed) that by posting my goal publicly I will keep working towards my goal.
In the meantime, I finally finished my card for the Global Design Project #201 challenge. The colors are individually gorgeous, and together they make my non-traditional Christmas colors heart sing.
Here’s the challenge banner:
Gorgeous, right?!?
Here’s the front of my card:
Short and Sweet
The Making Christmas Bright stamp set is a carryover from last year’s holiday catalog, and it is definitely a keeper.
The inside of the card was a snap; the lights on the bottom, sentiment in the middle. I used Pretty Peacock for the card base. Since I don’t have the Merry Merlot and Mossy Meadow blends, yet (!) I used the Stamping Write Markers. Wink of Stella is difficult to photograph, but after I colored the lights, I added a layer of Wink of Stella on the lights.
The front of the card required more thought. I knew I was going to use the “May Your Christmas Be” sentiment with the “merry and bright” bulbs. I also knew I would be using the string of lights on the top. Once again, I used Wink of Stella on the little bulbs. Even though I stamped the large bulbs directly on the card, I restamped them on Whisper White in Pretty Peacock. I punched out the bulbs and added a layer of Wink of Stella clear.
I stamped the tops of the bulbs in Basic Black, punched them out, then added a layer of gold Wink of Stella. Dimensionals added the pop-up dimension I needed for the center focal elements.
After I finished those parts of the card, I hit a creativity wall and left the card for the next night. That’s when I added the 6 stars; three in each of the Mossy Meadow and Merry Merlot. I thought I really needed to add a little something else, but didn’t know what to do. After using the Merry Merlot marker to outline the edges, I was still at a loss. Finally I noticed the Noble Peacock Rhinestones, and ta-da (!) I finally felt finished.
Final Touches
Every card needs a coordinating envelope, at least in my mind most of the time. I used the Pretty Peacock In-Color DSP for the envelope flap. In addition, I stamped half of a string of lights on the bottom, left front of the envelope and colored them in.
Now, my set finally felt complete.
As Always, I am Grateful for Your Time and Visit
I know there are many, many blogs written by Stampin’ Up! demos, and I appreciate the time you spend visiting mine.
Thank you very much!
Have a Peachy day!
Sue
If you live in the U.S. and are in need of a demonstrator, please CLICK HERE to be connected to my store. I would be honored to help you create cards using simple to advanced techniques and supplies. Placing an order with me would also entitle you to a free copy of the Holiday Catalog being released the first week of September.
About Me
Welcome to Just Peachy Stamping by Sue Jackson: an independent Stampin' Up demonstrator.
Through Stampin' Up!, I happily share my love of papercrafting through sales, classes, small stamping group meet-ups and workshops. I think that being a teacher in my "real life", I have a unique approach to sharing my fantastic hobby. I look forward to connecting with you!
Gorgeous, right?!?
