One of the things I  wondered when I decided to try focusing on one bundle/stamp set at a time was, would it make participating in challenges more difficult?   Every week I create a project for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  The challenge is either a color or sketch challenge.   This week it is a sketch challenge.  

How did it go?  I found that it was a bit easier to figure out what to make.  Instead of spending time looking at my stamp sets and DSP (patterned paper) and trying to decide what to use, I could just start.  Lesson learned that sometimes it is good to limit my choices.

I used the Gingerbread & Peppermint DSP (love the diagonal stripe),  the Frosted Gingerbread bundle, and one additional die (label) from the Harvest Dies.  Check out the Old Olive border, it is from the Gingerbread dies.  Isn't it lovely?   The center of the snowflake is one of the Wonderful Gems.   This is the large Real Red gem and it has gold flecks in it.  The sentiment was heat  embossed using white embossing powder.

Inside I added another snowflake and a strip of DSP.  Gotta dress up the inside too!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the challenge.

Would you like to receive 13 tutorials featuring  different Christmas bundles?   The tutorial is  FREE with a $50 (before shipping & tax) online order using my Host Code  D7SSYY6Y or can be purchased for $15.00. Shop with me online HERE.  If you would like to purchase the tutorial contact me- sharon@astheinkdries.com.

Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop!  We are a group of international Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  Our blog hop goes live every 3rd Wednesday of the month.  The theme for this month is any Christmas bundle.  We offer a monthly tutorial of the projects shown on the hop, please see below how you can qualify for the tutorial and/or purchase it. 

Since I am featuring the Gingerbread & Peppermint Suite this week, I used the Frosted Gingerbread bundle for my card for the blog hop.

The snowflakes were cut from the Gingerbread & Peppermint DSP using the Gingerbread dies.  The DSP features snowflakes, ornaments, bells, stars, and lots of swirls that can be cut out using the Gingerbread dies.  There are also trees and mittens that can be fussy cut from the DSP.   There are also stripes, plaids, and dots.  

In the suite there is also a pack Kraft Paper.   This pack of paper is heavier than DSP but lighter than cardstock.  Here I embossed it using the Wintry 3D  embossing folder.  

This is a fairly easy card and would be a good one to mass product.  This design would also look good with the ornament, bell or star.  

Product List

Frosted Gingerbread Bundle (English) [156807]	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [147084]	Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102482]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
Kraft 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Paper Pack [156325]	Gingerbread & Peppermint 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [156313]	Wintry 3 D Embossing Folders [155433]	Stitched Rectangles Dies [151820]
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220]

Thank you for stopping by!  

Would you like to receive 13 tutorials featuring  different Christmas bundles?   The tutorial is  FREE with a $50 (before shipping & tax) online order using my Host Code  D7SSYY6Y or can be purchased for $15.00. Shop with me online HERE.  If you would like to purchase the tutorial contact me- sharon@astheinkdries.com.

Today's cards show the more elegant side of the Frosted Gingerbread bundle.

I die cut about 8 Basic White snowflakes using the detailed snowflake die.  The snowflakes were randomly glued on a Basic White layer.  The layer between the snowflakes and the card base is Gold Foil.   The sentiment was heat embossed with Gold embossing powder. The label was cut using a die from the Pierced Blooms dies and attached using Stampin' Dimensionals.  Finally, I added some gold Metallic Pearls . 

I love the white and gold palette and how simple and elegant this looks.  

I liked the look so much I decided to try it using the detailed star die.  Instead of Gold foil I decided to use Real Red cardstock.  The same die from the Pierced Blooms dies was used for the sentiment with White embossing powder.  Red Rhinestones were added for a little bit of shine.

Do you like the Real Red and white or the gold and white?  I am leaning towards the gold and white.  I think this bundle is a lot more versatile than I originally thought.  Don't you agree?

Thanks for stopping by.   Let me know which one you like best.

Are you wondering what is going on and what the heck is Gingerbread  & Peppermint Week?  No,  I am not transitioning into a baking blog.  BTW I love to bake  because I love to eat baked goods and that is why I don't bake.  I am referring to the Gingerbread & Peppermint Suite, pages 8-10 of the  2021 July-December Mini Catalog.  I am experimenting  to see if focusing on one stamp set, bundle, and/or suite helps me be more efficient and creative.   

This card is note card  size (3-1/2" x 5") and yes, it is mailable.  

The sentiment panel pulls up when you open the card.  You can also attach a gift card with a glue dot where  the sentiment is.  

I just realized that I forgot to list the Delicate Baubles die which were also used.  Where?  The bow at the top of the ornament is from that die set.  The die is a bow with a long "string " and I cut off the string and used just the bow. 

The colors in the  Gingerbread & Peppermint DSP are Real Red, Old Olive, Early Espresso, and Cinnamon Cider, a pretty classic Christmas palette.  Some of the designs on the DSP can be cut out using the Gingerbread dies and/or fussy cut.  There are also lot of classic patterns like plaids, stripes, and dots, which make this DSP pack quit versatile.

Product List

Frosted Gingerbread Bundle (English) [156807]	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [147090]	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [147084]	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114]
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686]	Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100702]	Basic White 12 X12 (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Cardstock [159231]	Gingerbread & Peppermint 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [156313]
Layering Circles Dies [151770]	Wintry 3 D Embossing Folders [155433]	Stitched Rectangles Dies [151820]	Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon [153535]
Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels [146924]

Here you can see the sentiment panel and how it pulls up from the pocket (bottom half of card).  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to come back for more ideas using the Gingerbread & Peppermint Suite or better yet subscribe to the blog feed (see how in the sidebar of the blog).  When you sign up you will get an email showing the blog post, so you will never miss a posting. 

It is Friday and time for a new Festive Friday Challenge!

Not familiar with the Festive Friday Challenge?  The Festive Friday Challenge is a bi-weekly challenge.  Every challenge has an Inspo list which is inspired by a festivity.  To play along with the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo List and post your creation in the Festive Friday gallery.  The list of all the rules can be found here.  

I used cat, orange, heart, and texture from the Inspo List on my card.  The cat was punched out of Basic Black CS and textured using the Tasteful Textile 3D embossing folder.   The orange can be found in the Cute Halloween DSP, the cat's rhinestone eyes, and the orange glitter heart on the cat's collar.  The eyes are rhinestones colored using a Dark Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blend.  The orange glitter paper is a coveted scrap of retired Glitter Paper.  I miss the days when we had more colors of Glitter paper.  The "boo" is from the Banner Year stamp set stamped on a label from the Stitched So Sweetly dies.  The bat and sparkly, swirly wreath are from the Seasonal Swirls Dies.

The Black Glittered ribbon unties to show 3 panels.  It opens and sort of twists and swings out to reveal the rest of the card,

This is the middle panel and also the section you would use to write out your message.  The sentiment and the bats are from the Sparkle of the Season stamp set.

Here you can see how the card twists and fold out.  

For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the  Festive Friday Challenge Design team.

Ann Schach

Beth McCullough

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert - you are here!

Melanie Hungerford

Helen Jennings

Stephanie Lanzalotto

Melva Peters

Jaydee

Diane Evans

Joanne James

Thank you for stopping by and I hope to see your project in the Festive Friday gallery!

I  meant to write this post last week while on a trip but didn't get to it and I guess it was meant to be.  Why?  Let's see if you can figure it out.

I created this card for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge, #CCMC686.  

This week it is a color challenge.

Do you see what I see?  Here's another look before I show you what I did.

Let me tell you a bit about the card (you probably already can see what I did or I should say, didn't do). 

• Card base:  4-1/4" x 11" Daffodil Delight CS scored at 5-1/2". 
• Basic White CS 4-1/8" x 5-3/8"  textured using the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder.
• Basic White CS 4" x 5-1/4" inside of the card.
• Daffodil Delight CS 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" cut using the bolder die from the Many Layered Blossoms.
• Pumpkin Pie CS 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" cut using the detailed  die from the Many Layered Blossoms.
• Evening Evergreen 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" or scraps  cut the leaves from the dies from the Many Layered Blossoms.
• Evening Evergreen 1" x 3" cut using the Stitched Rectangle die.

Attach the Basic White CS to the Daffodil Delight card base. 

Attach the Daffodil Delight flowers to  the Basic White CS.

Attach the Pumpkin Pie outline flowers over the Daffodil Delight flowers.

Cut out the Evening Evergreen leaves and attach them over the leaves.

Emboss the sentiment with White Embossing powder on the Evening Evergreen Stitched Rectangle and attach it to the card front.

Attach some Evening Evergreen jewels from the 2021-23 In Color Jewels.

You can probably see what I didn't do. I tried to overlook it but it is one of those things that once you see it, you cannot not see it.

Did you see it?

Here is the corrected version.  I am going to end this post before I see something else I didn't do!  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the challenge.

Just a few days left to receive 3 card kits using the Merriest Moments stamp set.  All you need to do is place a $40 order using the Host Code D7SSYY6Y  by October 15th and I will send you all the card kits and a tutorial too.  Shop here!

Today I am once again featuring a card using the Delicate Baubles die but in a non-traditional Christmas color combination.

Not your usual Christmas colors!  I used Crumb Cake for the card base, Early Espresso for the ornament /string and Polished Pink for the snowflakes and berries.  I used the solid die to cut out the ornament shape on the front of the card base.  I cut the Joy ornament and the string out of Early Espresso CS and attached  the string to the front of the card.   The ornament is attached to the Early Espresso bow using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  When the card is opened you can see that the ornament is freestanding.

I added some Polished Pink snowflakes cut from the So Many Snowflakes dies and also some Polished Pink sparkle using the 2021-23 In Color Gems.  Inside I added a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Basic White CS.  

So, what do you think, is it too different of a color combination for Christmas or do you like the more non traditional feel?  I would love to know what you think so leave me a note in the comments. 

Thanks for stopping by!

October Stamp of the Month Projects… To Go!

The October stamp of the month is Merriest Moments  (pg 43 of the Mini Catalog). The To Go projects use both the Merriest Moments stamp set and the Merriest Moments Hybrid Embossing Folder aka the bundle (156783).  Having the bundle will make it easier to complete the projects but is not necessary for the projects. What comes in your To Go kit?  All the cardstock,  DSP, embellishments and a link to the tutorials to make your projects (3 cards).  You will also need the Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Bumblebee, and a Cherry Cobbler ink pads.  These items and adhesives are not included with the To Go projects. 

To register all you need to do is place an order for $40 using the Host Code D7SSYY6Y on my online store- sharonstamps.stampinup.net before the15th of the month.  Your project kit will be mailed  to you on or before the 22nd of the month.  The Host Code is how I will know you want the Stamp of the Month Projects to go. You will need the stamp set to complete the projects.  

Have you checked out the Delicate Baubles dies?  I ask this because I totally overlooked them until a team member shared some photos with me of cards she made.  Once I saw the cards she made I knew I needed to get them too!

I have been playing with the dies and realized they would make lovely tags.

On this tag I cut the intricate die in Black Glitter paper and the solid ornament die in Snowy White Velvet paper.  The ornament is topped with the White Glittered Organdy ribbon.  All  of these products can be found in the 2021 July-December Mini catalog.  Isn't this an elegant tag?  

To make the actual tag/card portion, I cut a piece of Basic White CS using the dies.   You need a piece of Basic White that is as wide as the ornament and twice as long.  I folded the Basic White CS in half and placed the die so the portion of the die that has a hole is above the fold.  The yellow paper shown below is a post it note to secure the die in place.

I used glue to adhere the decorative tag to the tag base and also added the ribbon.  

For this tag I cut the solid base out of Black Glitter Paper and the intricate ornament from the Snowy White Velvet sheets, the opposite of what was done for the first tag.  Which do you like better?

Here you can see the inside.  The to and from can be found in the Be Jolly stamp set.  

If you are looking for another idea on how to use the Delicate Baubles dies check out this post.  Next week I have another card using the Delicate Baubles die so look for it soon.  

Thanks for stopping by and  be sure to take a look at the Delicate Baubles die on page 69 of the 2021 July-December Mini Catalog.  If you don't have a catalog please let me know and I can send one to you.  

October Stamp of the Month Projects… To Go!

The October stamp of the month is Merriest Moments  (pg 43 of the Mini Catalog). The To Go projects use both the Merriest Moments stamp set and the Merriest Moments Hybrid Embossing Folder aka the bundle (156783).  Having the bundle will make it easier to complete the projects but is not necessary for the projects. What comes in your To Go kit?  All the cardstock,  DSP, embellishments and a link to the tutorials to make your projects (3 cards).  You will also need the Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Bumblebee, and a Cherry Cobbler ink pads.  These items and adhesives are not included with the To Go projects. 

To register all you need to do is place an order for $40 using the Host Code D7SSYY6Y on my online store- sharonstamps.stampinup.net before the15th of the month.  Your project kit will be mailed  to you on or before the 22nd of the month.  The Host Code is how I will know you want the Stamp of the Month Projects to go. You will need the stamp set to complete the projects.  

Do you like to color?  I do and usually have a few images colored and waiting to be added to a project.  All three of the images in today's card were sitting in the Be Jolly stamp case patiently waiting for me to use them.  

All of the images were colored using Stampin' Blends. I used Real Red, Balmy Blue, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, and Smoky Slate.  The card base is 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4".  The Real Red CS layer is 4" x 5-1/4".  The Basic White layer is 3-7/8" x 5-1/8" and embossed using the Wintry 3D Embossing folder.  The Wintry 3D folder is not as wide as the card front and conveniently leaves a sentiment sized unembossed area.

The sentiment I used is from the beautiful Heartfelt Wishes stamp set.  This is a sentiment only set and is gorgeous.  I would love to have handwriting this beautiful.   The sentiments in this stamp set are perfect for the upcoming holidays and beyond.  The final addition were a few small sequins from the Subtle Shimmer Sequins.  The best way to adhere sequins is to use a tiny drop of Multipurpose Liquid Glue and pick up and place the sequin using  the Take Your Pick tool.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to check out the Clearance Rack for some great deals.

October Stamp of the Month Projects… To Go!

The October stamp of the month is Merriest Moments  (pg 43 of the Mini Catalog). The To Go projects use both the Merriest Moments stamp set and the Merriest Moments Hybrid Embossing Folder aka the bundle (156783).  Having the bundle will make it easier to complete the projects but is not necessary for the projects. What comes in your To Go kit?  All the cardstock,  DSP, embellishments and a link to the tutorials to make your projects (3 cards).  You will also need the Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Bumblebee, and a Cherry Cobbler ink pads.  These items and adhesives are not included with the To Go projects. 

To register all you need to do is place an order for $40 using the Host Code D7SSYY6Y on my online store- sharonstamps.stampinup.net before the15th of the month.  Your project kit will be mailed  to you on or before the 22nd of the month.  The Host Code is how I will know you want the Stamp of the Month Projects to go. You will need the stamp set to complete the projects.  

It is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a sketch challenge.  

I used the lovely floral image from the Nature's Harvest stamp set.  This flower is one of my favorites and it is quick and easy to color.

The flower was stamped on a Basic White label cut using the Seasonal Label Dies.  The image was stamped in Early Espresso ink and colored using the Watercolor Pencils Asst 1.  I started to do some shading around the flowers using a Pool Party Stampin' Blends and got a little carried away, so I ended up coloring the whole label.  I also added a few Brush Metallic Dots to the label.  

To create the diagonal stripes I used the White 1/4" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon.  I took some creative license and added the bow.  Inside of the card I added a strip of the Harvest Meadow DSP and the small flower from the set.  

I have used this stamp set a lot and you can see some additional samples HERE, HERE,  HERE,  HERE, and HERE.  I guess you can tell that I really like this bundle of products.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the challenge.

October Stamp of the Month Projects… To Go!

The October stamp of the month is Merriest Moments  (pg 43 of the Mini Catalog). The To Go projects use both the Merriest Moments stamp set and the Merriest Moments Hybrid Embossing Folder aka the bundle (156783).  Having the bundle will make it easier to complete the projects but is not necessary for the projects. What comes in your To Go kit?  All the cardstock,  DSP, embellishments and a link to the tutorials to make your projects (3 cards).  You will also need the Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Bumblebee, and a Cherry Cobbler ink pads.  These items and adhesives are not included with the To Go projects. 

To register all you need to do is place an order for $40 using the Host Code D7SSYY6Y on my online store- sharonstamps.stampinup.net before the15th of the month.  Your project kit will be mailed  to you on or before the 22nd of the month.  The Host Code is how I will know you want the Stamp of the Month Projects to go. You will need the stamp set to complete the projects.