Ready for another Festive Friday challenge?   What is the Festive Friday challenge?  The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity.  An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration.  To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery.  We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and look forward to seeing what you create.

I chose from the Inspo list White, Brown, Red, and Christmas pudding.  Are you wondering what is Christmas pudding?  I had to look it up, isn't the internet wonderful?  Christmas pudding should have 13 ingredients representing Jesus and the 12 disciples.  Here in the US we would call it plum pudding or figgy pudding.  I am not sure I have ever eaten it so I had to also look up what it looks like.

I am not sure this is an accurate depiction of Christmas pudding.  

• Card base is a Basic White note card.
• DSP layer is from the Joy of Christmas DSP 3-1/4" x  4-3/4"
• The pudding base is Early Espresso CS cut using the Fluffiest Friends dies (the die that looks like a dome.
• The icing is Basic White CS also cut using the Fluffiest Friends die. The edge was hand cut to hopefully look like icing.
• The Shaded Spruce CS was cut using the holly die from the Magical Meadow dies.
• The glittery berries for he top of the pudding were cut in Red Glimmer paper using the Christmas Classics dies.
• Both sentiments from the Merriest Trees stamp set were inked in Real Red and stamped on Basic White CS cut using the Stylish Shapes dies.

The holly, berries, and sentiments were all popped up using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created using the Inso list.

The Festive Friday Challenge will be back on January 5th 2024 with new challenges!  Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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

Here's what I do when starting to work on a color challenge.  I pull out the cardstock for the colors in the challenge.  I look through the DSP (Designer Series Paper) to see if there are any that have the  challenge colors in them.   If still nothing comes to mind I pull out any ribbon and/or embellishments that are in the challenge.  Doing these things usually sparks some ideas.  

The Balmy Blue & White ribbon is what sparked the idea for the card.  

• Misty Moonlight CS Card base 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2".
• Balmy Blue CS layer 4-1/8" x 5-3/8".
• Basic White CS 4" x 5-1/4" embossed with the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing folder.
• Basic White CS cut with the Banner die from the Nested Essentials Dies.
• The "greenery"(really Misty Moonlight and Balmy Blue) Magical Meadow dies.

Let's talk about the sentiment.  The sentiment is from the Christmas Classics stamp set.  I wanted to emboss it but didn't have any red embossing powder.  This is what I did.  I inked up the stamp in Versamark ink first and then a Real Red pad.  This colors the sentiment and the Versamark makes it a little sticky and will hold the embossing powder.  I sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over the sentiment and then used the Heat Tool.  

Inside I stamped a sentiment from the Beary Cute stamp set.  I also added a few more dies from the Magical Meadow dies.

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the challenge,

Product List

Christmas Classics Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[161970]

$21.00

Beary Cute Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[162016]

$25.00

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

[147084]

$9.00

Versamark Pad

[102283]

$9.50

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[153081]

$10.00

Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146982]

$10.00

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[102482]

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$10.50

Magical Meadow Dies

[162143]

$37.00

Nested Essentials Dies

[161597]

$34.00

Snowflake Sky 3 D Embossing Folder

[162026]

$11.00

Balmy Blue/White 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Variegated Ribbon

[160448]

$9.00

Adhesive Backed Glitter Sequins

[162029]

$8.00

Basics Embossing Powders

[155554]

$18.00

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

[129053]

$31.00

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie and Mary Challenge.  This week we have a sketch challenge and it is another good one!                  

This sketch is another one to remember.  I followed the sketch pretty closely.

I used the Handcrafted Elements dies  to create the ornaments.  These dies are on the Last Chance list  and are 10% off, while supplies last.  The ornaments were cut using the Joy of Christmas DSP.  On one of the ornaments a sentiment was stamped from the Merriest Trees stamp set.  The embellishments on the ornaments are from the Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems.   The bows on the ornaments are from the Simply Elegant Trim.

The card base is Cherry Cobbler CS (5-1/2" x 8-1/2") with a layer of Cherry Cobbler CS (4" x 5-1/4") embossed with the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing folder.  The strip of DSP is also from the Joy of Christmas DSP.  The silver glimmer paper is part of the Silver & Gold Adhesive-Backed Glimmer Paper, which also is no longer available.

Inside of the card is a sentiment from the Very Best Occasions set found in the Annual Catalog.  This stamp set has sentiments for lots of different situations and I especially like this one for Christmas.  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created with this sketch,

Product List

Merriest Trees Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[162043]

$25.00

Very Best Occasions Cling Stamp Set (English)

[159871]

$25.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.50

Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119685]

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$10.50

Joy Of Christmas 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[161958]

$12.50

Silver & Gold 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Adhesive Backed Glimmer Paper

[162288]

$7.00

Handcrafted Elements Dies

[162330]

$38.00

Snowflake Sky 3 D Embossing Folder

[162026]

$11.00

Simply Elegant Trim

[155766]

$7.50

Adhesive Backed Sparkle Gems

[161288]

$8.50

Ready for another Festive Friday challenge?   What is the Festive Friday challenge?  The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity.  An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration.  To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery.  We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and look forward to seeing what you create.

I used from the Inspo List texture, fun fold, alcohol markers, animals/critters/birds, and stripes.  

The texture comes from the Christmas Tidings Embossing folder.  The Basic White panels were all embossed using the folder.  The folder is on the Last Chance List and is 10% off, while supplies last.   The animals/critters/birds are from the super cute Festive & Fun stamp set.  This stamp set is also on the Last Chance Products list so grab it while yo can.  The animals were all colored using Stampin' Blends (alcohol markers).  Here's the list of the colors I used-Smoky Slate, Pool Party, Flirty Flamingo, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Shaded Spruce, Lemon Lime Twist, Blueberry Bushel, and Granny Apple Green.  The colors I used are from the fun and bright striped pattern in the Merry Bold and Bright DSP.   This pack of paper is also on the Last Chance list.  I will definitely miss this pack of paper.  I have enjoyed the bright polka dots and stripes.

Here is another look at the fun fold and why it is called the Bay Window fold.  This is an easy fold since the scoring does all the work.  The card base is 4-1/4" x 11" Blueberry Bushel.  The scoring is 3/4",  2", 3-1/2", 4-3/4", 5-1/2".  The DSP pieces 1/2" x 4"  and   1" x 4" (cut 2).  The textured Basic White pieces 1/2" x 4" (cut 2) and 1-1/4" x 4".   You will also need a 4" x 5-1/4" of Basic White CS for the inside of the card.

The 3/4" score line nearest the fold is secured down.  Inside the sentiment is from the  Beary Cute stamp set (also on the Last Chance list).  

The greenery behind the animal panel was cut using the Christmas Classics dies in Lemon Lime Twist CS.  These beautiful dies are also on the Last Chance List.  The sparkly berries are from the Adhesive-Backed Glitter Sequins and yes, they too are on the Last Chance List.  So many fabulous things are on the list!  You can check out the whole list HERE.   There are things on the list that are already sold out.  Shop early to avoid  disappointment.

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

I look forward to seeing your creations in the Festive Friday Challenge gallery!

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week we have a color challenge. Honestly when I first saw this combination I was stumped.  

Hmmm,  then it dawned on me that these are the same colors in the Tartan Foil Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP).  The Tartan Foil Specialty DSP is part of the Online Exclusives offerings and the colors in the DSP pack are...you guessed it, Copper Clay, Pebbled Path, and Lost Lagoon.  Once I figured that out it was much easier.

Not your traditional Christmas colors but I think it works.  The Tartan Foil DSP has a subtle foil shine-you can kind of see it in the photo.  If you like the full on shine of foil this isn't it.  On this card I used both side of the DSP.  The centers of the ornaments are the same color but with the addition of white.

The Handcrafted Elements dies was a standalone die set in the 2023 September-December Mini Catalog (page 21) and are currently 10% off, while supplies last.  I die cut each ornament in the corresponding card stock and then added the middle piece in the Tartan Foil.  The ornaments also have embossed designs on them in addition to the stitching.  They are so pretty!  I am going to make a few for my Christmas tree.

On each ornament I have a bow tied using the Silver & White 1/2" Sheer Ribbon.  I really like this ribbon.  Not only is it so pretty but it ties beautifully. The ribbon is on the Carryover List so you will still be able to purchase it.  YAY!  I also added a bit of sparkle to each ornament, the Adhesive Backed Glitter Sequins.   These sparkly sequins are not carrying over so you need to purchase them now.  The sequins can be used all year round and they come in blue, white (what i used), and Old Olive. 

The sentiment is from the Beary Cute stamp set.  Unfortunately the whole Beary Christmas Suite is on the Last Chance list.  You can see the Last Chance List here.   Items on the list are only available while supplies last and some items have already sold out.  Be sure to check out the list!

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the challenge!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Product List

Beary Cute Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[162016]

$25.00

Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad

[161678]

$9.00

Lost Lagoon 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[133679]

$10.00

Tartan Foil 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

[162332]

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$10.50

Handcrafted Elements Dies

[162330]

$38.00

Stylish Shapes Dies

[159183]

$30.00

Silver & White 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Sheer Ribbon

[162149]

$9.00

Adhesive Backed Glitter Sequins

[162029]

$8.00

It is Thursday which means it is time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a sketch challenge and it was such a fun one.

Isn't it a great sketch?  So many possibilities.  

I chose to use the adorable Fluffiest Friends bundle (stamp set and coordinating dies) for the focal point.  The Fluffiest Friends bundle is a part of the Online Exclusives.  This means they cannot be found in any publication/catalog just in the Online Store.  Online Exclusives are released in March, July, and  November.   It is always exciting to have some new stamp sets, dies, papers, and embellishments.  More to look forward to!

The Fluffiest Friends stamp set features 6 adorable animals, a nest, flowers, and bees.  The coordinating dies cut out all the animals and the nest.  The dies also include balloons, grass, leaves, tree branch, and a bee hive.  It is truly adorable set. The hardest thing about this set is deciding which image to use, they are all so cute!  Since I  haven't used the cat image I decided that was the image that was going to get inked up.   I colored the kitty using Smoky Slate, Bubble Gum, and Cajun Craze Stampin' Blends.   I mounted the kitty on a Stylish Shapes circle.  

Card base- Night of Navy 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2"

Bubble Bath layer- 4" x 5-1/4"

Basic White layer 3-7/8" x 5-1/8" embossed with the 3D Basic Embossing folder, another Online Exclusive

Delightfully Eclectic DSP cut using the Stylish Shapes dies.

Sentiment is from the Go To Greetings stamp set

Sentiment cut using the Sending Dies.

It is a simple card and this layout is a good one to remember.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created with this sketch,

Today is the last day of the Seasonal Sale!

Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop!  We are an international group of Stampin' Up!® demonstrators.  We hop together on the third Wednesday of every month.  Our hops focus around a particular bundle, holiday, occasion or product suite.  This month we are focusing on the Holiday Packaging/Gift Giving/Decorations.

Every month we create a tutorial bundle. The tutorial bundle is available as a gift with a qualifying purchase or can also be purchased.   We also have a stamp camp 3 times a year.  The next camp will be on February 9th and 10th 2024 and feature the Notes of Nature bundle (coming soon in the 2024 January-April Mini Catalog).

I chose to create a little bag using the A Walk in the Forest DSP.  The bag is a no glue bag and sized to fit some little jars.  

The tag was cut in Soft Sea Foam CS using a die from the Merriest Trees.    The Garden Green tree was also cut using the dies.  I cut one of each of the tree pieces.  Starting with the largest tree and adding the next largest until the smallest portion of the tree.  Along the edges I used a dauber to add a little "snow" (White Craft ink).  The giraffe is from the Festive & Fun set.  The giraffe was colored using Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Wild Wheat, Real Red, and Soft Sea Foam Stampin' Blends and fussy cut.  

Here you can see all the layers of the tree.  I added some Pearlized Enamel Effects in white to the hat-around the brim and the pom pom.

The piece of DSP measures 7" x 12" scored at 5" and 7" along the long edge and 1-3/4" from each side.  Are you wondering what the jars are?  It is Pinderkaas aka peanut butter.  We saw these fun flavored peanut butters in Amsterdam and knew we wanted to bring some back for a peanut butter loving friend.   The 2 flavors here are Stroopwafel (A stroopwafel is a thin, round waffle cookie made from two layers of sweet baked dough held together by caramel filling) and Koffie (coffee).  

If you want more information about how to make this bag, let me know.  

Be sure to check out all the stops on the hop.  There are so many fun and lovely ideas!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the Seasonal Sale before it ends on November 16th!

Welcome to the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop!  We are a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who come together every month on the 14th to share a project and blog hop.   This month our theme is Thankful Hearts.  

I used my favorite bouquet from the Fruitful Blessings bundle.  I colored the bouquet using Wild Wheat, Moody Mauve, Pretty Peacock, and Old Olive Stampin' Blends and liberally applied Wink of Stella over all of the flowers.  The beautiful patterned paper is the Shining Brightly Specialty DSP .    The gold foil is so pretty and elegant against the Very Vanilla background.  The sentiment is from the Autumn Leaves stamp set.    The label it is stamped on is from the Waves dies.  I think it looks like it was made to be used with the Gold & Vanilla Satin Edged Ribbon.   In the Waves dies there is also another similar die which is wider.  Both great to use with ribbon.  The ribbon is over a strip of Moody Mauve and you can also see a narrow layer of it between the DSP and the Very Vanilla Thick CS card base.

From the side you can better see how the ribbon feeds through the label.  

Be sure to check out the other stops on the blog hop.  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out the Seasonal Sale!

Shop these products from the 2023-24 Annual Catalog and save!  Need a catalog?  Let me know and I can send one to you!

Ready for another Festive Friday challenge?   What is the Festive Friday challenge?  The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity.  An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration.  To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery.  We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and look forward to seeing what you create.

I chose from the list to use on my project-bright colors, alphabets/letters, patterned paper, and hello/hi sentiment.

This little box can be used to package lots of different items and is made with one sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock.  The box is Melon Mambo CS and accented with the Merry Bold & Bright DSP.  I love this beautiful and bright pack of paper that can be used for not only the holidays but  all year round.   The cute tag was made from Basic White CS using the Merriest Trees dies.  The sparkly letters were cut using the  Alphabet A La Mode dies and the Silver & Gold Adhesive-Backed Glimmer Paper.  This Glimmer Paper appears to be no longer orderable.  

The 3/4" Herringbone Ribbon is secured on another strip of the Merry Bold & Bright DSP which acts as a belly band to keep the box closed.  The band slides off and on so there is no need to tie/untie the ribbon.

Inside there is a curve cut into the box to make it easier to take out the contents.  This curve was made using the Basic Borders dies.  Inside there are 2 simple cards with envelopes.  Wouldn't this make a nice little gift?

Both cards use the Merry Bright & Bold DSP and are quick and easy cards.

This is a pocket card.  I used the Heartfelt Hexagon bundle for the sentiment, little flowers, and the hexagon label.  The strip of DSP and the ribbon keep the pocket closed.

This card uses some strips of the DSP and another sentiment from the Heartfelt Hexagon bundle.  On either side of the hexagon are Melon Mambo dots from the Glossy Dots Assortment.

Hope you like my project for the Festive Friday Challenge #FF147.  Let's check out what the rest of the Festive Friday Design Team created for the challenge.

Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you would like me to make a video on how to make this project,