More Christmas Cards!

This weekend I was fiddling around with a retired Stampin' Around wheel that my sister lent to me and I never returned.  I can't even remember the name of it right now. But I came up with this card, which is CAS'd off page of the Holiday Mini Catalog and one of the cards in this set created by Twila Davis.  I really like how it turned out!

Supplies:  Fundamental Phrases Stamp Set; Kraft, Bordering Blue, Soft Suede and the Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP (from the Holiday Mini); Whisper White Craft Ink; Soft Suede Ink; Stampin' Around Wheel; Scallop Square Punch; Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon; Scallop Edge Punch.


I also spent some time playing with the "Wandering Words" stamp set. I needed a new card for my upcoming Early Birds Christmas Card class and this is what I came up with. I've seen several similar versions on different stamping blogs, but this one is my very own. There are two different versions.  The 1st card has a lighter night sky - it was sponged with Night of Navy Ink - and it also has glitter for the snowbanks below.  For the 2nd card, I brayered the Night of Navy ink and left off the glitter over the sponged snowbanks.  I can't decide which one I like better though.

Supplies:  Wandering Words Stamp Set; Gold Encore ink; Night of Navy Classic Ink; Whisper White cardstock; Night of Navy cardstock; Gold embossing powder; Post-It notes; sponges; Brayer; Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

And then I decided to change around the silver snowflake card for my class. I decided to take away one of the layers and I like the simplicity of it.  Silver on silver on silver is beautiful! This card idea came from Kristin Moore and is almost an exact CAS of her card here.  I love it!

Supplies:  Serene Snowflakes Stamp Set; Brushed Silver cardstock; Silver Elastic Cord; Silver Encore ink; Silver embossing powder; Boho Blossoms Punch.

Last Chance to Register for Saturday's Class!

Today is the last day to register for the Christmas Jingle Class this Saturday.  You can register by selecting one of the class options at the right and click the "Pay Now" button.  This takes you to Paypal where you can register and pay securely online.  You can also register there for the Christmas Cards classes coming up and the make-up class on December 1st.

Hope to see you there! 

Changes to Holiday Class Schedule

It's November already and it's time to start looking ahead to the holidays! Don't miss out! There are two different classes available on different dates. Take a look at the options and your calendar and drop in when you can! Here are the details:

Christmas Jingle Easy Projects

Saturday November 14th

1:00-5:00 pm

This class is going to be fun! I took Stampin' Up!'s Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit (see attached pictures) and made 18 cards and two 12x12 scrapbook pages. The projects are molto facile (meaning SUPER EASY!) and each one should take no more than 5 minutes! A seasoned crafter will finish some of them in mere seconds! If you're interested in attending this class, then you'll need to register and prepay by November 9th. Cost is $25 for 20 projects and you can choose to make 2 additional cards in place of the scrapbook pages if you wish. Take a look at the attached pictures to get a closer look at some of the projects. Registration with prepayment required by November 9th!

Early Bird Christmas Cards

Saturday, November 21st

4:00-10:00 pm

Do you have a goal to get your cards out early this year and save yourself some of that last minute stress? If so, then please come to my Early Bird Christmas Cards Class on November 21st and get your cards in the mail Thanksgiving weekend! I have designed several Christmas cards that are beautiful, but still easy to make. There will be at least 5 designs (but probably more) to choose from. The cards are only $1 each, with a minimum of 10 cards. Please make as many cards as you need for the holidays, but if you plan to make more than 10 - let me know so I can prepare enough supplies. I have attached photos of some possible projects that will be available. I'll put on the Christmas music and we'll have some snacks to keep us going. (And there just might be some PRESENTS for you from me, too!) $10 minimum fee, registration deadline is November 17th.

What's the difference in these two options? Can you do both? Of course! The classes are completely different from one another. The Christmas Jingle class is made up of 20 projects that are adorable and fast to create. You'll get a lot done in a small amount of time. The Early Bird Christmas Cards class is filled with more traditional style holiday cards that are lovely, simple and good selections to stamp-a-stack for the holidays (meaning, make multiples of each card). Please take a look at the pictures here to get an idea of the project styles. All projects in both classes come with precut supplies and envelopes. The sessions are long so drop in when it is convenient for you - just plan to stay for a few hours!

Holiday Classes Make-Up Night!

Tuesday, December 1st

6:00-10:00

I'm offering an alternate date for those of you who can't attend the classes. The costs are the same as above. To make-up the Christmas Jingle class you'll need to register and prepay by November 17th in order for supplies to be here on time. The deadline to register for Christmas Cards class is November 29th.

I highly recommend that everyone bring their own tape-runner style adhesive to the event. All your projects will go much quicker, smoother and with less mess using one of these instead of the glue sticks I provide with the class. It will make a HUGE difference to you. BONUS: Anyone who prepays for this event can order adhesive from me for 20% off. The total cost for one of these (with s/h and tax) is $6.80.


PLEASE REGISTER EARLY - ESPECIALLY FOR THE CHRISTMAS JINGLE CLASS. The Christmas Jingle kit is $20 to order from Stampin' Up; too expensive for me to purchase for everyone without prepayment. Sometimes things get put on back order unexpectedly and I would hate for anyone who would like to do this class to miss out.


Hope to see you there!

Project Samples for Upcoming Holiday Classes

Just wanted to post some pictures for my upcoming classes. Check them out! 

Christmas Jingle Class - November 14th

Early Bird Christmas Cards Class - November 21st

Note: These last two cards were made at a stamp camp I attended at Terry Bolender's home. I'll probably do something similar to these at this class.

Sponging

Sponging is one of my favorite techniques.  Sometimes I find a little sponging can finish off a card just right when it needs "a little something".  Its a great technique for sunsets, sunrises and skies in general - especially if you're not comfortable with a brayer.  And it can really soften a card that is otherwise too bright, too plain or too bold.

Yesterday I posted a card that used sponging and it made me think of another card I made awhile back.  This one looked OK until I went overboard with the gel pen.  My problem is I see other amazing artists (like Michelle Zindorf) and I try to pretend I'm talented like that.  I was really enjoying the sunset effect, even if it is a little harsh and then I had to ruin it with that gel pen. The white gel pen is one of my most favorite accessories, but this is a good example of what not to do.

Supplies:  Inspired By Nature stamp set; Chocolate Chip Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock; Chocolate Chip Classic Ink; Summer Sun Classic Ink; Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink; Dusty Durango Classic Ink; Sponges, Post-It Notes; White Gel Pen.

I also made this card below at one of Terry Bolender's stamp camps recently.  It has light sponging around the main image.  Its very subtle, but I love the feel it gives to the card.

Supplies:  Wandering Words Stamp Set; Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Close to Cocoa Cardstock; Basic Black Classic Ink; Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers; Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; Vanilla Ribbon Slide; Big Shot Machine; Backgrounds 1 Texture Plate.

Fall Reflection

I made this card for my monthly technique swap.  This month's technique is the "reflection technique".  In this card, I stamped my main pheasant image onto my cardstock and embossed it.  Then I stamped the pheasant again onto a window sheet; turned it upside down underneath my main pheasant and transferred the image onto my cardstock by rubbing my brayer across it.  It is so easy!  The rest of the card was made using sponging and masking.  For some reason my pheasant stamp didn't create a very clear reflection. I've seen much better reflections with different stamps.  But this is a really easy and fun way to make a WOW card.

Supplies:  Autumn Days stamp set; Always Artichoke Cardstock; Whisper White Cardstock; Basic Black Cardstock; Basic Black Craft Ink; Clear Embossing Powder; Window Sheet; Brayer; Basic Black Classic Ink; Always Artichoke Classic Ink, Apricot Appeal Classic Ink; Ruby Red Classic Ink; Chocolate Chip Classic Ink; Sponges, Post-It notes; White Gel Pen.

A Month of Gratitude

Happy November!  Here is the big project I've been working on the last 10 days or so.  I originally got this idea from Pottery Barn Kids last year. (See photos below), but I didn't want to pay their prices for it.  I looked it over and thought "How hard could it be?  Its a big rectangle with pockets.  I can totally do that for about $20."  Turns out, I  spent about the same as PBK's cost, but I have enough materials to make at least 2 of them and a number of new tools that I can use over and over again.  (I had to buy a few dies for my Big Shot).  Since I didn't know exactly what I was doing at first, I bought extra fabric in case I needed it.  Once I got started and realized how much excess I had, I considered making a 2nd one of these to give away.  "Wouldn't that be cool of me?  Wouldn't that just be the nicest thing ever?"  I thought. And then I thought, "Hmmm....I could get some Christmas fabrics and make an advent calendar for Christmas like this."  And then I started sewing and vowed never to do this again.  Honestly, it wasn't too bad, once I figured out the design and managed to line up the pockets in a semi-straight grid.  And if you have a week of your life to sacrifice, this is a nice way to do it. There are some things I would do differently, fabric choices I would change, etc. but I'm really pretty proud of this.   

Each pocket has a card with an activity for gratitude.  Some activities focus on families, some on faith, health, the arts, the Earth; but I tried to come up with a variety of ways to count up at least 30 different blessings in my family's life this month.  I'm hoping that my children will have fun, but also be reminded of our abundantly blessed life. 

Supplies:  Big Shot Machine; Serif Essentials Alphabet Die; SU Simple Numbers Die; SU Scallop Square Die; fabric; various interfacings; ribbon; dowel; blood; sweat; tears.

PBK's Calendars (2008 & 2009):

Autumn Days

I've been working on a serious time-consuming project for November over the last several days. As a result, I haven't had anything to post.  The project is really starting to come together nicely, but it's exhausting.  Last night I took the night off from creating anything and just read a book for a few hours. 

Before this whole project mess started, I spent some time making the fun cards below with the Autumn Days stamp set and the Autumn Harvest Rub-Ons. I love them!  I made all you see below with less than 1/2 the rub-ons and mostly with scraps of cardstock I had lying around. I love it when I use up scraps!  I stamped a few images here and there, but mainly tried to keep it simple without too many layers or embellishments. I seem to favor the simple things these days. 

This one could be an invitation or a menu card placed on the table.  This was the most difficult card in the stack, and it really wasn't too difficult.

The ribbon pull exposes your invite or your menu selections.

The one below could be a dinner invitation or party invite as well.

Here's a possible inside:

Rub-ons are fun!

Christmas Jingle Class Samples & Information

This class is going to be fun!  I took Stampin' Up!'s Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit (see picture below) and made 18 cards and two 12x12 scrapbook pages.  And there are loads of materials left over, too.  I did need to add in some ribbon, stamps and a few extra pieces of cardstock to make it the way I wanted, but what an easy project!  The most difficult part was measuring out and cutting up the designer paper. The great thing about this project was that this kit is included in My Digital Studio so I was able to use my computer to design all the projects before I made them in hardcopy - or real life or whatever.  This was really helpful and I didn't waste any materials (or money!) experimenting with the kit until I was satisfied with the designs. What a great benefit of My Digital Studio!  The projects are molto facile (meaning SUPER EASY!) and each one should take no more than 5 minutes!  A seasoned stamper will finish some of them in mere seconds!

Interested in making these yourself?  Here's the scoop:

1.  Option A:  Make 18 cards and 2 12x12 scrapbook pages (as shown)

OR

2.  Option B:  Make 20 cards and no scrapbook pages

Christmas Jingle Covington Area Class

November 14th,  1:00-5:00 pm

Michaelynn's Home

OR

Christmas Jingle Vancouver Area Class

December 5th, 1:00-5:00 pm

Danielle's Home

Cost: $25 for all project materials (including envelopes) if paid 2 weeks in advance, $30 if later.  Deadline to sign up is 5 days before the class is scheduled. Prepayment is required for this event as the materials are too costly for me to purchase out-of-pocket.  If you prepay and are unable to attend, I will provide all materials prepared in advance and a set of instructions including project photos. 

Mail Order:  This class is also available for mail order purchase if you live out of the area. The cost is $30 and includes priority shipping.

If you'd like to register, contact me at michaelynns@comcast.net.  If you have questions about the class, please leave a comment and I'll answer them here.  Hope to see you there!

Monster Cookies

Since I was already covered in flour from the Cowgirl cookies, I decided to make up a spooky version for Halloween.  I'm calling them Monster Cookies.  The labels were made with My Digital Studio.  My kids have been circling these jars like sharks. 

Hmmmm...for some reason I'm not real happy with the fabric covers on these jars.  They kind of look like shepherds to me.  Is that strange? Notice how I have more Halloween jars than Cowgirl jars?  That's because someone (Emma) decided to taste test most of my pink M&Ms. 

Thinking of Starr

Not long ago, Chance ran into his cousin at Fred Meyer.  They chatted briefly and just as Chance was about to say goodbye, his cousin burst into tears.  His wife, Starr, had just been diagnosed with breast cancer the week before.  What a tragic time this has been for them.  Starr's surgery was last week - double mastectomy.  Thankfully, the surgery appears to have gone well and now she is on the road to recovery.

I've been thinking of Starr a great deal lately.  Have you noticed all the pink packaging at the grocery stores this month?  It's Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Every time I see something pink, I think of Starr and all that she is wading through right now.  I came across this fun little treat at Bakerella's site not long ago.  (I LOVE Bakerella.  Her website is full of beautiful and delicious little creations) So, I decided to make these CowGIRL cookies jars myself.  Its my own little way of spreading the "awareness" I guess.  The labels were made with My Digital Studio.  Bakerella has her own version which you can download from her site, too.  And, yes, I know her pictures are much better than mine.

I also think these would make great Valentine gifts. Hmmm...wonder if I'll remember that in February.

Early Bird Christmas Cards Class

Do you have a goal to get your cards out early this year and save yourself some of that last minute stress?  If so, then please come to my Early Bird Christmas Cards Class on November 21st.  Come to my home and create 25 holiday cards (5 each of 5 designs) and get them in the mail over Thanksgiving weekend!  I'll put on the Christmas music and we'll have some snacks to keep us going.  (I will also have a few prizes to give away just for fun!)  The cost is $25 if paid by November 7th, or $30 if later. 

Need a little sneak peak?  Here is one possible card for that night:

Note: Optional make-up class will be offered on December 1st. More details to come on this later....