Yuletide Greetings

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas or happy Hanukkah and a wonderful New Year!

(Cottage Cutz Happy Ho Ho Ho, Creative Expressions Stitched Christmas Characters frame and trim)

Thank you all for your support and encouragement and for the good times we've spent enjoying our creative pursuits together.  I appreciate you so much and most earnestly wish you all good things in 2020.  Hugs and happiness!

Woodland Whimsy

Hello, and happy Friday!  So close to Christmas now.  I'm ready, are you?  Cards are made, so looks like I'll pop in a time or two again before Christmas.  As time went on the cards got simpler, but I did take the time to watercolor the first one here.

I purchased the November kit from Simon Says Stamp.  My first time, but it had quite a few things in it I thought I'd use.  This card features a deer from the Woodland Whimsy stamp set on a Suzy Plantamura watercolor panel.  Watercolors were in the kit, too.  Can't say I'll be using them again, tsk tsk.  The landscape dies cover up a thank you sentiment so I could turn it into a Christmas card (an idea from one of their kit samples).  My additions are Poppystamps Stitched Landscape and Memory Box Peace Cheshire Script.

Next card uses more from the kit:  Woodland Whimsy stamp set, Ho Ho Deer Circle die, and Moda Scrap designer paper.  The stitched rectangle die is an older one of mine -- Taylored Expressions Stitched Rectangle Stacklets.  Use that set ALL the time.  I stamped around the edge of a grocer's kraft card base.  Added gloss to the deer's nose.

I'm looking forward to playing with the Woodland Whimsy stamp set again.  It's not a Christmas set, so can be used all year.  Cute stuff!  Happy holidays!

Double D Challenge: 12 Days of Christmas, Part 2

It's playtime with Double D, so let's have some fun with this one!  We're doing Part 2 of The Twelve Days of Christmas:

7th Day    Seven Swans A Swimming

8th Day    Eight Maids A Milking

9th Day    Nine Ladies Dancing

10th Day    Ten Lords A Leaping

11th Day    Eleven Pipers Piping

12th Day    Twelve Drummers Drumming

We always have creative winners, plus a prize for a lucky random winner:








PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that your card or project does not have to be for Christmas and it only needs to be inspired by the mood board.  It does not have to be a match, specifically.  Case in point:  I was inspired by "Ten lords a leaping", but I have only one lord a leaping.

Meet Harv from Art Impressions.  We go way back.  He just heard the news that "old is the new young", and he's pretty darned excited.  Can you tell?

I colored him with Copics and then fussy cut so I could arrange him on the card with some other fun goodies which I'll list in the recipe below my signature.  The hanging presents were cut from an alcohol ink background which looked odd as a whole, but awesome as a die cut.

I have a bunch of sentiments that go great with Harv, and this one is actually from another Art Impressions set called Loads of Fun.  I won it recently and haven't had a chance to use it yet because, well... Christmas.

It's a busy time for all, but I hope you can play along.  Visit my teamies on the Double D blog for more fun inspiration.

One more thing:

I'm afraid this is my last post with the Double D team, sniff sniff.  Yes, I am sad about that, even though it was a carefully thought out decision.  This was my first ever challenge team and it's been a great experience.  Darlene and Diane and everyone on the team are the BEST!  I'm just whittling down my commitments to free up some time for other things.  Thanks to this challenge gig I have new friends, so thank you Double D!

Happy day to all!

Stamps:  Art Impressions Harv and Loads of Fun  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White, glossy white (for alcohol inks), turquoise textured  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, various alcohol inks  Coloring:  Copics  Accessories:  Cuttlebug Happy Birthday embossing folder  Dies:  Die-namites Hanging Presents, Sue Wilson Pierced Flags, Memory Box Oval Master Frame (used just the inner oval)

Cottage Cutz Christmas

Greetings, friends!  Have you had your fill of Christmas cards yet?  I'm almost done making them, and I'm sure glad of that.  Most have been sent already, but saving the local mailings till last.  The fun part is receiving the daily batch of cards in the mail.  It's a treat to open each one and then tape it into place around the door frame.  That's what my Mom did with Christmas cards and I simply carried on the tradition.

Today I'm sharing two cards which I made in small batches -- 3 of the first card and 4 of the second.  Both are on 111 lb cover cardstock with a wood grain texture.  Love this stuff.  Got it at Cut Cardstock with envelopes to match.  The first card is very fun with the moose and tree.  The die cuts were colored by sponging with ink.  Background frame from Memory Box.  Dies are listed under each photo.

(Cottage Cutz Moose in Forest, Cottage Cutz Greetings, Memory Box Pine Forest Frame)

I love the pretty wreath on the card below.  Super easy to create.  I could make lots more, but I have other new-to-me Cottage Cutz dies to use this year.  Their Black Friday sale was not to be resisted.  Again, dies are listed below the photo.  White wood grain cardstock on this one, which it appears is being discontinued at Cut Cardstock.  Luckily I received notice of a sale and bought a couple more packs (along with several other items I actually needed).

(Cottage Cutz Grapevine Wreath w/Bird, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small, Memory Box Peace Cheshire Script)

Total Christmas Cards:  54

I was hoping to keep this brief today as I know you probably don't have time to be here.  As I finish up a few more cards I'll pop back in.  I hope you're enjoying the holidays.  Things are coming together here!  Have a happy day!

Christmas Bouquet Again

One night recently, just before bed, I slipped into my stamp room and turned on the light.  Next thing you know I was coloring.  It happens.  Up way too late, but satisfying in the end.

I revisited my Christmas Bouquet, a digital stamp by Alex Syberia Design.  Simple card design, colored with Copics.  The sentiment is part of the set.

Alex has some beautiful digis in her shop.  I've got one more to color, but it's not Christmas so it will have to take a back seat till I'm caught up, sigh.

Christmas card total:  47

Moving right along... Happy holidays!

Mintay Christmas

Back so soon?  Hey, I did say the cards are coming fast.  For the time being I'm setting the coloring aside in an effort to surge ahead, but I'll get back to it again soon.  Yesterday my cards were mostly dies... today they're mostly paper.  I made three of these with Mintay paper from the Christmas Stories collection (three sheets of each design in the collection).

Seriously easy but, oh, so pretty!  I stamped an old JustRite sentiment and embossed in white, then cut with an old Spellbinders Fancy Framed Tags One set.  Added NEW Memory Box Bauble Snowflakes.  Love!

Total Christmas cards:  46

As I write this I'm fixin' to finish up and order our annual photo book and Golden Retriever calendar from Shutterfly.  It's always a time consuming process, but the results are beautiful.  There are so many things to do and think about and organize this time of year, aren't there?  Merry merry!

Stamps:  JustRite Christmas Nested Sentiments (retired)  Paper:  Mintay Christmas Stories, SU Pool Party, Neenah 110 lb white  Ink:  Versamark  Accessories:  White embossing powder  Dies:  Memory Box Bauble Snowflakes, Spellbinders Fancy Framed Tags One (retired?)

Snowmen and Deer

Hello, everyone, and welcome to a brand new week!  You know I've been working diligently on my Christmas cards... well, it's time to step it up with Christmas right around the corner.  I don't want to wear you out but, dang, the cards are coming fast, so I batched up three of them today.

First cards:

• Memory Box Snowman Heart Collage, Memory Box Frosted Spruce Tree, Cottage Cutz Greetings, Lil' inker Silly Stitched Die set
• Parts are colored with Copics.  Sakura glaze pen for eyes and buttons.  Stickles glitter on the tree.

Next card:

• Frantic Stamper Tall Pine Trees, Impression Obsession Deer Trio, Poppystamps Stitched Landscapes
• Glitter paper, sentiment from SU Many Merry Messages (retired?)

Christmas card total:  43

Just some quick put-togethers, using older dies from my stash.

Back soon... happy holidays!

Raking Leaves

On Goldens and Garden today.

Thank you!

💝

Power Poppy Winners and Sale

Marcella has the winners up on the Power Poppy Blog.  There were a lot of chances, so be sure and check her list!  Congratulations to all!

Also... just in case you'd like to pick up a few more things, there's another sale at the Power Poppy Shop:

No code needed and the sale goes on for at least a week.  Marcella's feeling the Christmas spirit!  Have a happy day!

All Things Apples

Big surprise... I do not have a Christmas card today!  Seems like forever ago I made this card.  It was sent for Thanksgiving, but it can be an "anytime" card.  I used the Power Poppy digital set, All Things Apples.

This card makes me feel all warm and cinnamon-y inside.  In addition to this main image I printed two individual apples and used one as an accent on the front.

The other is on the inside.

I hope all is well with you as we head closer to Christmas.  Stay safe and warm and healthy, please.  See you again soon!

Stamps:  Power Poppy All Things Apples digital stamp set, SU Itty Bitty Backgrounds  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White, wood grain designer paper  Ink:  Printer, SU Close to Cocoa  Coloring:  Copics  Dies:  Memory Box Stitched Scalloped Circles, Memory Box Stitched Circle Layers (inside), Joy Crafts Square Frame

Handmade With Love Tags ... Two Cards

NOTE:  A winner of the $20 Power Poppy gift voucher I shared on a previous post has been drawn, and will be announced on the Power Poppy Blog tomorrow, December 4th.

Back with a couple of cards I made with the Power Poppy digital set, Handmade With Love Tags.  Clearly these images are not limited to tags.

There are 8 different designs in this set, each image comes with and without text inside.  I've made 4 cards so far and a 5th is printed and waiting.  I only photographed my two favorites.  For this one I added a sentiment from another digital set:  Glittering Glass Santa.

Same layout on each, same designer paper pack (retired), Copic coloring.  Keeping it as quick as possible, but still taking time to play.  Do you believe I used ribbon?!

Christmas card total:  40

Okay!  I think this wraps up the Power Poppy Christmas Remix hop festivities here.  I'll be moving right along with the card making and maybe I'll be able to toss in a non-Christmas card now and then.  We'll see.  'Tis the busiest season of the year no matter how I try to pare it down.  Merry merry!

More Power Poppy Hop: New Clear Stamp Set, Digital Blitz, and CyberMonday Sale

Hey there!  We're wrapping up our marathon Power Poppy Christmas Remix Hop today.  Marcella has given us so much to choose from for our Christmas cards and tags, most of it digital... BUT... for all those who prefer a clear stamp set she has something new and utterly gorgeous for you:

Serene Scenes

Right?  Be still my heart!

Next up, is the Digital Blitz.  I love when Marcella does one of  her digital blitzes.  I say that every time, but it's true.  She's got a heck of a line up.  If I listed them all this post would go into tomorrow, so I'll refer you to the Power Poppy Blog where she'll tell you about it.  If she's not there yet, just check back a little later.  I've grouped a sampler of some of the stamp sets Marcella is now offering in digital format.

Furthermore, it's Cyber Monday:

PACKAGE DISCOUNT on all Digital Blitz Images
20% OFF ALL DIGITAL IMAGES -- use code CYBERFUN

I have a lot of new cards to share, but I decided it would be best to stop here for today's post.  Just giving you all a heads up.  I'll come back tomorrow.  Till then... have a happy day!

Power Poppy Christmas Remix Hop: Big Ol' Bow and More

Happy Small Business Saturday!  I hope all my American friends enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving holiday and are now ready to focus on Christmas.  Preparations have been underway in my stamp room, and it's time to get serious about finishing up the cards.

• To that end, Power Poppy brings you a $1 digital stamp -- Big Ol' Bow.  That's right -- $1.
• Additionally:  25% OFF STOREWIDE -- use code THINKSMALL
• Please read to the end of this post for another surprise giveaway!!

Speaking of Big Ol' Bow... Marcella says this is a remix of an older stamp, but it's brand new to me and I love it!  I'm thinking it could be used year round for birthdays, too.  Make it big enough to cover the card front, or make it small for a gift card... whatever.  It's just a bow, but you can do a bazillion things with it!  BTW, there's more than one version.  You'll just have to look.

I plan to print up a bunch more 'cause I really want to see it in all different colors on a white card base.  It's so easy to color!  For this card I watercolored with Spectrum Noir sparkle pens -- a bright green bow on a dark blue base.  I don't know what has gotten into me this year with the blue.

A better look at the sparkle... nothing like what you see in real life, but you can imagine.

Total Christmas cards:  36

Now, for the next surprise:

I'm giving away a $20 gift voucher to the Power Poppy store!!

Just comment on today's post now through December 2nd and you'll be included in a random draw.  Winner will be announced on the Power Poppy Blog on Wednesday, December 4.

This has been quite a hop, hasn't it?  It's not over yet, friends!  I hope you've been checking the Power Poppy Blog daily where Marcella announces everything that's going on, plus gives you links to the designers who are sharing that day.  You may find other surprises along the way.

See more inspiration here:

Stacy Morgan
Lisa Johansen
Gloria Stengel
Marcella @ Power Poppy Blog

See you again soon!

Power Poppy Black Friday Sale!

GET READY FOR BLACK FRIDAY SALE at POWER POPPY !!!

This is a good one, friends!

Happy shopping!

Power Poppy Christmas Remix: New Poinsettia XL

Here we are again with Power Poppy's Christmas Remix -- Nov 20 through Dec 2.  It's been a treat for me seeing our designers' inspiring creations.  There's something new everyday when you check the Power Poppy Blog.  I simply can't color fast enough to be here every day, but I'm giving it my best shot!

Today we have another of Marcella's brand new digital stamp sets -- Poinsettia XL.  Be still my heart.  This is just one version I've chosen to color.  There's more and it's all gorgeous!

I used Prismacolor pencils for this one, with Copics to shade the background.  Snow splatters are courtesy of diluted white acrylic paint.

I have to send thanks to Marcella for helping me get my Christmas cards done, seeing as how I cannot resist coloring every new thing she comes up with.

Christmas card total:  35

I hope you'll hop around to see more jaw dropping samples when you have time:

Christine Okken
Kathy Jones
Stacy Morgan
Allison Cope
Broni Holcombe
Jenny Colacicco
Gloria Stengel
Lisa Johansen
Barbara Campbell
Marcella on the Power Poppy Blog

Thanks so much, and have a wonderful day!

Power Poppy Christmas Remix: New Winter Flora Digital Stamp

Hello again!  Back today with another brand new digital stamp from Power Poppy.  This one is Winter Flora.  There are a few different versions for you to use as is, or you can crop in a number of different ways, such as this:

I used the eraser tool in Photoshop Elements 7 to erase everything but this one corner and lower edge of one of the larger images.  Placed the sentiment as shown and now I have a whole new digi.  Love that!

I colored with Copics and got a little creative with the Poinsettia.  I don't think it's all that far fetched, though.  It reminds me of how some of my hydrangeas look when the blooms start to turn.

It's such a festive and beautiful stamp!

Christmas card total:  34

Remember to stop at the Power Poppy Blog each day through Dec. 2 to see what Marcella has to say and check out what might be on sale or how you may win some Power Poppy $$.  We're having all kinds of fun!  I'll leave you with a link list to some awe inspiring creations:

Lisa Johansen
Stacy Morgan
Gloria Stengel
Broni Holcombe
Jenny Colacicco
Christine Okken
Allison Cope
Barbara Campbell
Power Poppy Blog

Thanks for your time!