Christmas in July Blog Hop - Day 2 - HO to the 3rd Power

Welcome to Day 2 of the . . .

Get ready for some great ideas that you can start creating now for Christmas.  Along the way today, you'll find card and gift ideas, a scrapbook layout page or two and even a couple great decorating ideas.

We hope this hop gets you in the holiday spirit a little early this year.

We'd like to say a HUGE THANKS to . . .

Debra is giving away a great prize package that includes: Whisper White and Calypso Coral card stock, Washi Tape trio, Versa Mark Ink Pad, the Mosaic and Large Flowers Punches.

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All you have to do to win this fabulous prize is comment on each of the blogs.  That's it! It really is easy.

Of course, we would love it if you became a follower too.

Comment buttons can be found at the bottom of the post (on most of the blogs).

Please email Debra with your order to receive the proper discount.

Now on with the hop!

You should have arrived here from Charmangne's blog.  If you just happened upon my post and want to start at the beginning of the hop, I posted the line-up further below.

For my project, I decided to make some new holiday tags for my "Creative Blocks" that I've blogged about before.  Here is the set of blocks and the tags that I created to freshen up my blocks for this coming Christmas. 

So let's talk about the blocks first.  These blocks were cut from a standard 2 x 4, with little care about how straight they were or whether there were jagged edges.  There are two each of three sizes.  They were covered in pages of a book using Mod Podge, and once dry I added a double-head bear claw screw.  There is about one-half inch between the two heads, and they're perfect for the tags to hang.  


The tags are swapped out based on season, month, holiday, and each one will usually have a letter spelling out a six (or less) letter word.  My original version was "Family".  My original Christmas version was "Merry". 


But this time, I decided to take a different route using Santa's greeting . . . a little HO to the 3rd power!  Three Santa's . . . Three Ho's w/two letters on one tag!

I normally will hand cut my tags, but I wanted to attempt tags made using my Pretty Pink Posh tag dies, and just altering the sizes.  Since they were stitched dies, it was a little tricky.  But they turned out AWESOME!  It's all about hanging the ends over the cutting plate to extend or shorten your dies.

 

The tags were cut from Neenah Desert Storm cardstock and I used a background stamp with white pigment ink.  The tags were adhered to a black background piece, so they would "pop" off that newsprint background on the blocks. 

A Simon Says Stamp die runs up the left side as a border on each of the tags, and either a snowflake or "HO3" was stamped in the circle/square openings.

A large red snowflake was stamped onto the tags, and then I cut my letters with my ABC die from The Stamps of Life.  Four different ribbons were altered . . . two used on the Santa's and two used on the sentiments.

And the Santa's . . . the big focal point of the tags . . . were created using a stamp from My Favorite Things. They were popped on Action Wobbles and I put some Flower Soft on the rim of the hats.  

A few sequins . . . and done!

Here are a few other blog posts over the last few years on my Creative Blocks.  I seriously have more versions, but I guess I've not photographed and blogged all of them.  I'll have to remedy that in the future. 


Your next stop is Nana's Scrap Spot.  I'm sure she has a fabulously creative project. 

Keep the holiday spirit as you hop along!  Thanks for stopping by . . . I would love it if you would become a follower!

And just in case . . . here is today's hop line-up in case you get lost along the way.

Theresa ~ http://scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com

Card A Day Challenge Blog ~ http://cardadaychallenge.blogspot.com

Ashley ~ http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

Barbara ~ http://barbarab3.blogspot.com

Kim ~ www.katydidcards.com

Robin ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com

La-Vie ~ http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com

Aisha ~ www.londonskyedesigns.net

Charmangne ~ www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com

Debbie ~ www.pawstoscrap.blogspot.com

Nana's Scrap Spot ~ www.nanasscrapspot.com

Sandy ~ http://simplycraftycreationsbysandys.blogspot.com

Holli ~ http://sunflowerHolli.blogspot.com

Audrey ~ www.kricutkreations.blogspot.com

To see all the great projects in yesterday's hop , please start at Theresa's blog.

 

Supplies Used - Tags for Creative Blocks

Cardstock:  Neenah and Bazzill

Stamps:  Jingle All the Way from My Favorite Things; Cover-a-card Distressed Corduroy from Impression Obsession, Cozy Winter Wishes from Lil' Inkers

Dies:  Stitched Duo 1, Stitched Duo 3, and Stitched Banner Due Dies from Pretty Pink Posh; ABC Die from The Stamps of Life, Highlight Frames Craft Die from Simon Says Stamp

Ink:  Stampin' Up and Gansai Tambo Watercolor Paints

Ribbon:  Stampin' Up

Other:  Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, Action Wobbles, Flower Soft

Touch of Twine Blog Hop - Denami Design

I'm excited, as always, to be a part of Denami Design's Touch of Twine Blog Hop.  It combines so many of my favorite things . . . Denami stamps . . . twine . . . ink . . . creativity!  

If you've just arrived after viewing creations from the very creative Barbara Murphy, you are in the right place!  If you'd like to start from the beginning of the hop, please to Denami's Blog to start from the very beginning. 

So first . . . the details on the hop . . .  

When: The blog hop starts on November 10 at 6 AM, PST. However, you have until November 11, 2013, 11:59 pm PST, to leave comments on all the blogs (to be eligible for a prize).

Why: To be inspired by fun DeNami Design creations and also the chance to win mini shopping sprees on the DeNami Design website!

Prizes: They are giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to our website! They'll be giving away one gift certificate to a random participant and then they'll also be giving away TWO gift certificates to TWO people who comment along the hop!

I have two creations for the hop today, and up first is a "Hi!" card using Swinging Chickie. 

For this card, I stamped the chick across the page three times at varying heights and then poked holes and extended the swings using twine.  I originally was going to put the twine all the way to the swing seat, but I felt it took away from my chickies (and it's all about the chickies!).  
  

For my second creation, I used Chickie Train and created a holiday thank you card.  The twine is serving as my track, and I was tempted to create an actual track from the twine using two strands and maybe even laying  track . . . but just laying that second strand was taking away from my chickies!  So I kept it simple. 

 Look close . . . Fun Fluff makes an appearance as snow on top of the train cars.

I'm glad you stopped by and would love for you to visit again soon.  However, you need to hop the train over to your next stop . . . the very talented La-Vie Borde-Perry.  

Enjoy the rest of the hop, and be sure you do some creating of your own when you've finished up!  

Debbie

Supplies Used:  
Bazzill Cardstock
Queen & Company Paper
CLN139 Chickie Train
D146 Swinging Chickie
PF29 Everyday Greetings
Denami Twine
Denami Fun Fluff
Close To My Heart Black Archival Ink
Copic Markers
Rhinestones
Stickles

Pretty Pastels Blog Hop - Denami Designs

Hello Hoppers!  I am so excited to be a part of Denami Designs Blog Hop, as I love their stamps, ribbon, etc. 

You should have arrived here from Pat Quinet's blog.  I really enjoyed exploring Pat's blog as I was setting up the links in my post.  She does some beautiful stamping work!  

If you are looking to start at the beginning of the hop, you can click here to get to the Denami Designs Blog where the fun and creativity begins.  It is also a link you can click if you get lost along the way as they have the entire list of links).  

Details on the hop . . . 

When: The blog hop starts on May 20th at 6 AM, PST. However, you have until May 21st, 2012, 11:59 pm PST, to leave comments on all the blogs (to be eligible for a prize).

Why: To be inspired by fun DeNami Design creations and also the chance to win mini shopping sprees on the DeNami Design website!

Prizes: We are giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to our website! We'll be giving away one gift certificate to a random participant (DT members not eligible) and then we'll also be giving away TWO gift certificates to TWO people who comment along the hop!

Pastels!  For my project today, I knew I was going to use two of my favorite denami stamps . . .

I had a 6 x 6 paper pack of Vintage Marketplace paper from Bazzill that is loaded with some awesome pastels.  I found a nice blue print for the sky and some pink ledger for the greeting.  I went to work making parachutes for my little chick using a pastel stripe.  

Now, I am a huge fan of stamping and paper piecing!  I sometimes let it get out of control.  So I came up with two designs.  One of the designs is less crazy and flat.  I stamped the design onto the blue pattern paper and then paper pieced my parachute and chick.  

 

My second design is a little more "out of control."  It is one of those where part way into the project you say, "What were you thinking?"  Note that his comment came when I was trying to get my little pieces of twine all lined up at the points of my parachute.  Yes, I replaced the stamped strings with some pastel twine.  Because it is popped, I lost the feet and had to make a decision whether to draw them in, or leave them.  I drew them in.

And on the inside of each card, and little something to tie it all together, but that still gives plenty of room for a handwritten note . . . 

When you leave your comment, let me know which one you prefer.  My vote goes to the flat version. 

Your next stop on the hop is the very creative Tenia Nelson.   I am sure she has something fabulous to inspire you!  

Don't forget to leave your comments to be eligible for the prizes, and I welcome you to become a follower of my blog as well.  Hope you were inspired to put your DeNami Design stamps into action!

Denami Designs Mini Cards Blog Hop

I'm excited once again to be a part of Denami Designs Blog Hop, as I love their stamps (especially those little chickies).  You should have arrived here from Tina's blog.  

If you are looking to start at the beginning of the hop, you can click here to get to the Denami Designs Blog where the fun and creativity begins.  It is also link you can click if you get lost along the way.  You have until 11:59 p.m. PST August 15th to leave comments on the blogs to be eligible for prizes.  They are giving away three $20 gift certificates to their website.  

Big decisions on my project for mini-cards.  I had just gotten the Thanksgiving Chickies stamp set a few weeks back, and those little chicks were chirping away at me.   When I pulled them out . . . well, let's just say that birds of a feather flock together.  They brought their friends with them:  Pilgrim Chickies and  Pumpkin Chickies.  I had so much fun with these little stamps!  

I created six mini-cards.  I plan to use them to spread some Fall cheer and will probably punch one corner and tie with curling ribbon onto a loaf of pumpkin bread or some Fall treat or treasure (maybe on a pumpkin).  You could also use these for Thanksgiving Place Cards for your dining table.  

I used . . . 

• Brown Bazzill cardstock but into 3" x 6" pieces and scored for 3" x 3" cards
• Pattern Paper (double-sided) from Reminisce's new Fall line, cut into 2 3/4" squares
• Bo Bunny Dark Orange Dot paper (punched into circles and scallops)
• Cream Bazzill cardstock for stamping
• Small Scallop Circle Punch
• Medium Circle Punch
• Olive Green Ribbon
• Twinkling H2O Paints from Creative Imaginations
• Stazon Black Ink

My designs were stamped in Black Stazon Ink, and then I used Twinkling H2O's to paint my chicks!  They've got a bit of a sparkle to them that you don't really see in the photos . . . but if you have used Twinkling H2O's, you know the sheen I'm talking about.  It is awesome! I punched my designs using a small scallop circle punch, and then adhered to a larger circle punch (cut from the Bo Bunny Dot Paper).  

Each card is a little different . . . I altered backgrounds, altered the stamps used, and altered where my "Give Thanks" sentiment was placed.  

I can't wait to put my little gift cards to use!  

Your next stop on the hop is the creative Larissa . . . who likely has something fabulous to inspire you!  

Don't forget to leave your comments to be eligible for the prizes, and I welcome you to become a follower of my blog as well.  Hope you were inspired to put your DeNami Design stamps into action!  

Keep creating!  

Lovely Layers Blog Hop

I am super excited to be a stop on the Denami Designs Lovely Layers Blog Hop this weekend!  You should have just arrived here from Dana's blog. (I love the way she layered her ink!)  

If you are looking to start at the beginning of the hop, you can click here to get to the Denami Designs Blog where the fun and creativity begins.  It is also link you can click if you get lost along the way.  You have until 11:59 p.m. PST July 11th to leave comments on the blogs to be eligible for prizes.  They are giving away three $20 gift certificates to their website.  

So . . . it was a tough choice for me to decide what stamp I would use for my design.  I am so attached to all those little chick stamps (they just make me smile).  But in the end I went with the Playful Puppies set and the doghouse.  I have four dogs living under my roof, so it seemed like the right thing to do.  

I never make a flat scrapbook layout, and cards are no different for me.  I always start with card stock and build layers.  My card started as any regular folded card, but then I decided to add some folded layers so I could bring my little puppies to life.  So I did some accordion folding on the right side.  Trust me . . . it looks harder than it is (I included the measurements on the cutting and folds further below in the yellow highlight).   

I am in love with the new We R Memories Friends Furever line and had picked some up from my local LSS, New England Scrapbook Co.  The 6 x 6" pad of pattern paper was perfect.  I used green card stock for my card base, as I wanted it to have an "outdoor" feel to it.  I added layers of the pattern paper over the green on parts of the card, and also layered strips of a second pattern paper (love those diagonal stripes).  And then I added more layers with my stamped images.  I used cream and brown card stock for my puppies and dog houses, and I colored some parts with my Copic markers.  I then added some Denami ribbon and a few sentiments from Pink by Design.  

A close up of the pups!

I should mention that the piece of blue card stock was yet another layer onto my last accordion fold, to give me a backdrop.  

Here is the card flat.  So this would be how it will look coming out of the envelope before it springs to life and hopefully causes the recipient to smile!     

The next stop on the hop is the creative Pam Wendt.  Prepare to be inspired!  Don't forget to leave your comments to be eligible for the prizes, and I welcome you to become a follower of my blog.  

Keep hopping toward creativity!  Thanks for stopping by,



Debbie

 

Cutting/Scoring Instructions:  Start with a 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of card stock, and place in your cutter lengthwise.  Decide how much of the card you want folded, versus how much you want to remain flat.  For mine, I left about 2 1/2" flat on the left, but you can change it up any way you'd like, making the folds on the left instead of the right.  Once you decide where you want the cut, you will cut from the 1" to the 7 1/2" mark - so you're basically leaving the bottom inch of each edge intact without a cut. Once you've cut, you'll want to score one side at 4 1/4" (the regular score for a card).  On the side you want to have the pleated folds, you'll score at 1", 2", 3 1/4" 4 1/2" and 6 1/2".