Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration December Blog Hop: Everything Christmas!

Happy Thursday, it’s blog hop time friends!  I was so excited for this month’s blog theme since it’s all about Christmas and that’s the focus of my projects right now.  As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number (#2) on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - (Jennifer at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life). If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.

I know we’re all busy so I wanted to share a quick and easy card and matching gift package that will sure to impress.  I have to admit I’m loving the colors and products in the All is Calm Product Suite so I used it for the basis of today’s projects.  My first project is a card.  I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and added a layer of Pool Party cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of All is Calm Speciality Designer Series Paper.  The greeting is from the Seasonally Scattered stamp set (it’s awesome!!!).  I used Stampin’ Write Markers to color on the stamp to achieve the random coloring and then used the Scallop  Tag Topper Punch to create the cuts on the left side.  A piece of Lost Lagoon 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon was threaded through the tag whole and then I tied a piece of Whisper White Baker’s Twine around the ribbon (of course I had to add a Snowflake Embellishment to the tie (LOVE that these snowflakes have a hole at the top so you can thread twine through it for easy attachment and still allows movement).  The final touch was to add some All is Calm Sequins in the top right corner for some extra bling.

Of course this time of year there are frequent occasions for gifts so I made a matching gift box to coordinate with my card.  I started with one of our takeout boxes (they are so awesome and really hold a lot!!).  I wrapped a piece of the Kraft Wrapping paper around the box (this wrapping paper is currently on sale as part of the Year End Closeout so make sure to get some now, you can use it all year!)  Next I wrapped a piece of Lost Lagoon 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon around the box and tied a big bow.   I created a tag using the exact same process as the card above and attached it to the ribbon bow with some Silver Baker’s Twine.  Of course I had to have some bling so I added some All is Calm Sequins randomly around the tag for sparkle.

I love having packaging like this ready to go this time of year so I can give a quick and easy gift (we all have times where our kids or husbands come down in the morning and declare they need a gift and card for a friend, teacher, or coworker and need it today, what do you have mom?  I can easily grab these, add some candy, cookies, gift card, etc. and we’re ready to go and will look like you spent a lot of time on the gift (SCORE!!) 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s projects:

 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

 

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog hop for lots of other great Christmas ideas.  If you click the “Next” button, you’ll go to Cynthia’s site but you can also access any of the hopper’s site from the full blog list below.

 Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Kim at Stamping with Kim
2. Jennifer at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
3. Diana at Stampin' Fun with Diana
4. Cynthia at Ink-A-Doodle Creations
5. Darcy at Dj's Stampin' Place
6. Bree at Craft-Somnia Momma
7. Donna at Organized Chaos
8. Tonya at Stamp with Tonya
9. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'

Enjoy and have a great day,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration December Color Challenge: Holiday Invitation

Good morning!  How was your holiday weekend?  We had a fabulous time and were definitely able to relax and enjoy.  Now we're back and in the full swing of things for Christmas.  Over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog it's time for this months color challenge so I decided to use it for a quick and easy Christmas card.  This time of year we're all busy trying to get everything done on our To Do list so anything you can make quick and easy but still gives you a WOW statement is money.  I was recently browsing around the internet and found this great card on Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s CEO blog that I just loved so I CASEd it for today's card.

The cardbase is Cherry Cobbler and then I added a piece of Basic Black cardstock underneath my Whisper White cardstock.  For the stamping, first I stamped the "merry" image from the Seasonally Scattered stamp set in Lost Lagoon ink.  Next I took a piece of 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon and trimmed off both sewn edges and the removed some of the strings on all four sides of the ribbon for a more distressed look (and makes the ribbon thinner to just cover the words on the stamped image).  Next I took a piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and stamped the "Be Merry" greeting from the Holiday Invitation stamp set (I have to admit this is an overlooked stamp set and it is awesome, it has greetings for several holidays as well as little images perfect to coordinate so you can use it for much more than making invitations!).  I used Paper Snips to make flags on both sides of the cardstock and attached it on top of the ribbon.  The final touch was to add some rhinestones in the snowflakes for a little sparkly bling (a little holiday twinkle). 

You could certainly whip up lots of these cards in no time and they are super "mailable" for your holiday cards.  Make sure to check out all the other awesome design team cards and then come play along with us and share you're creations (can't wait to see them!).  Also wanted to give you a little reminder that there are some new doorbuster bundles being offered today only as part of the Online Extravaganza that's currently going on so make sure to place your orders soon so you don't miss out on these sales (they're only available while supplies last!).

Below are easy ordering links to the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a fabulous day and enjoy the first day of December!

Diana

Hand Stamped Sentiments Card Sketch: Seasonally Scattered

It’s Thanksgiving Eve, and like millions of others we’ll be traveling today to visit friends (we love this annual tradition and the ability to reconnect and relax).  Before we head out I wanted to share today’s card for the 30-Day Gratitude challenge and I decided to use the Hand StampedSentiments sketch challenge as the starting point for today’s card.  Since I only have a couple more days for “fall” cards so today is another one.  I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and added a piece of Soft Suede cardstock that was used as a mat for a piece of Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper. I added a strip of Mossy Meadow cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Chevron Embossing Folder and then wrapped some Baked Brown Sugar Thick Baker’s Twine around the cardfront.

For the main stamped image I decided to change things up by using a different shape.   I started by cutting a large leaf out of Very Vanilla Cardstock using the Big Shot and Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  Next I used my Stampin’ Write Markers to color in the stamp from the Seasonally Scattered stamp set and stamped on the leaf (using your Stamp-a-majig allows for perfect placement!).   I used a sponge and Cajun Craze ink to sponge around the edge of the leaf for a soft effect.  Dimensionals were used to attached the leaf to the cardfront and helped it span over the Thick Baker’s Twine.

I didn’t know how this card would turn out with the leaf shaped greeting but it’s really fun, I’m going to have to keep this in mind for the future.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 Enjoy and have a happy and safe day,

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Seasonally Scattered

Another Friday is here and this is the last Friday to get everything done before the holidays start, how long is your To Do list?  Mine is crazy but I’m taking it one step at a time to make progress.  Today I have card I made for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge, quick and easy cards on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog, and decided to use it for my 30-Day Gratitude challenge card also (multitasking as much as possible!)  I decided to change things up and make a Christmas themed card that’s so soft and pretty, and it fits right in with all the cold and snow that has been in parts of the country this week.  I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and then added a piece of Lost Lagoon cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of All is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper.  In the bottom corner I added three snowflakes from the Frosted Sequins Embellishments and then added rhinestones to the center of each snowflake for some extra sparkle.

For the stamped image I used the Seasonally Scattered Stamp set and added ink to the stamp (Pool Party, Lost Lagoon, and Pear Pizzaz) with sponge daubers to create a fun ink effect.  I cut this piece out with the Big Shot and Ovals Collection Framelit and made a mat using the Silver Glimmer Paper and the Labels Collection Framelits.  Since I wanted to make this a gratitude card I stamped the thank you greeting from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched it out with the Small Oval Punch.  I sponged around the edge with Pear Pizzaz ink before attaching the oval to the cardfront with a dimensionals.

I have to admit this card looks over the top but I was able to pull it together in no time (that’s the beauty of making your own cards and projects, they look fancy and no one has to know how long they took, it’s our secret!!).

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend,

Diana

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 9

Hello Sunday!  As you read this I’m getting ready to head out to the shuttles to run the Across the Bay 10K (it’s the inaugural running) so I’ll be running across the bridge with 20,000 other crazies looking for fun!  It’s going to be a quick trip since we have a scout meeting at the house this afternoon but I love anytime we can get away, checkout someplace new, and spend some time with the boys.  Of course I didn’t want to leave you hanging for inspiration so here’s today’s gratitude card.  Of course it’s fall themed and has lots of pretties from the Holiday Catalog that you’ll want to make sure to have on hand for all your upcoming projects.  Today’s card started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and I added a piece of Cajun Craze cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Argyle Embossing Folder (I did also sponge over the cardstock with Crumb Cake ink to help the embossed texture really pop).

For the stamped image I used the Seasonally Scattered stamp set and stamped it in Soft Suede and then used  the outline piece from when I cut out a card piece using the Apothocary Accents  Framelit Die and used it as a mask to sponge inside the image (it’s always great when you can reuse something destined for the trash first).  I sponged in both Crushed Curry and Cajun Craze ink for a nice fall effect.  This piece was matted with Soft Suede cardstock before being attached to the cardfront.  I added a piece of Mossy Meadow 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon around the card front and tied a bow.  For some fun textural elements I added a leaf cut out with the Feather Framelit and Gold Glimmer Paper and then added a Autumn Wooden Element at attached both pieces to the ribbon using Gold Baker’s Twine.

I have to admit, this card turned out so pretty, it has just the right amount of bling and fun to really make it special.  I love the leaves and wooden accents this time of year and will definitely be using them on other fall themed projects while I can.
 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and get ready for the new week ahead.

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge: Seasonally Scattered

Happy Labor Day!  I'm sure like you I love having three day weekends and enjoying extra time at home and since we just got back from vacation this extra time is just what we need to get ready for the start of school tomorrow.  I did have time to hop in the studio to make this fun card for the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog color sketch challenge.  This was a great challenge sine I wouldn't have thought to pair these colors together but they really work.  I'm so in love with the products in the new catalog so I decided to use them for his great fall themed card.  I started with Hello Honey for the cardbase and then added a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Woodgrain Embossing folder (I used a sponge and the Sahara Sand ink to highlight the embossed detail).

 

For the main stamped image I used the Seasonally Scattered stamp set and inked my stamp up with Stampin' Write Markers for a rainbow type effect on the image.  Next I used the Project Life Corner Rounder Punch on both the stamped piece and the Rich Razzleberry mat.  I also sponged around the stamped piece with Sahara Sand ink.

 Have you seen these new feather framelits and matching Four Feathers stamp set (so fun) so I stamped two of the feathers, cut them out with the framelits and then sponged around the edges with Sahara Sand ink before attaching them to the cardfront with a Linen Thread bow.  The final touch is a nice big knot made with some Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon.

 

What do you think?  This card turned out even better than I had hoped and these colors really pop.  Make sure to check out the other great projects the designers are sharing and come play along with us, it's lots of fun.

 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's project:

Seasonally Scattered Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.95

Four Feathers Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$10.95

Feathers Framelits Dies

$12.95

Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

Big Shot

$99.95

Calypso Coral 3/4" Chevron Ribbon

$8.95

Linen Thread

$4.50

Punch Corner Project Life

$7.95

Hello Honey 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$6.95

Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Sahara Sand 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$8.50

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend and the start of fall. 

 

Happy crafting,

 

Diana