Welcome to the Carols of Christmas blog hop!  We are all showcasing the beautiful Carols of Christmas stamp set and the Card Front Builder thinlit dies.  These two products were available as pre-order item for Stampin' Up! demonstrators in July.  Yes,  it is just one of the many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  This lovely stamp set and thinlits will be available for everyone to order on August 1.  

Don't you love all the gold? I didn't have any black and gold paper patterned paper so I layered the Basic Black card stock card base with the Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate, creating my own designer paper.  The Carols of Christmas stamp set has a couple of bold sentiments.  I wanted to highlight the sentiment so I mixed some gold embossing powder with gold glitter to create a gold sparkly embossing powder.  I heat embossed the sentiment using this glittery gold mix and created the sparkly sentiment.  The trees are dies in the Card Front Builder thinlits and they were cut in the Gold Glimmer paper and the Gold Foil paper. I like that the trees have different textures.

 I added a strip of the polka dot Fabulous Foil acetate over a strip of black card stock to finish the inside of the card.  Don't you love the ribbon?  This is the Gold 3/8" Metallic Edge ribbon.  It is a vanilla satin ribbon trimmed with a gold edge.   This is a luxurious ribbon that is easy to tie and definitely adds a beautiful finishing touch.  

Remember you have just one day left (both of these promotions end July 31) to take advantage of the Bonus Days promotion and the Christmas in July (ultimate stamping kit) promotion.  If you have any questions please contact me and I would be happy to assist you.  

Time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #468.  This week it is a sketch challenge and here is the sketch we have to work with.

I used the Lots of Love stamp set and the coordinating  Whole Lot of Lovely Designer Series Paper.  

I stamped the flower from the Lots of Love stamp in Peekaboo Peach and then fussy cut it and the leaves.  I used the Layered Leaves 3-D Dynamic Textured Impression Embossing Folder on the other panel.  The 3-D folder creates a deeper more dimensional impression. Here's a list of all the products I used.

Stamps: Lots of Love

Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento pad, Peekaboo Peach, Pool Party, Old Olive, Black Stampin' Write Marker

Paper: Pool Party, Peekaboo Peach , Whisper White,  Whole Lot of Lovely DSP

Big Shot: Layering Squares and Layering Circles

Embellishments:  Pool Party3/8" Shimmer Ribbon, Subtles Enamel Shapes

Be sure to stop by the Create with Connie and Mary blog to see what the other designers created.

The title of this post should be Oh So Eclectic bundle, why did it take me so long to order you?  I have been on the fence about this bundle.  I wanted the thinlit dies especially the large die with the diamond shapes.  I was ambivalent about the stamp set and I think I even told someone that I wasn't going to order it.  I should know by now never to say that and instead say I am not going to order it today.  Finally, I decided to order the bundle and I am SO happy that  I did.  I just love the big borderish stamp and now that I understand  how the dies and stamps work I am a big fan.  Here is the first thing that I made using the bundle.

I am so happy how this turned out.  Don't you love the watercolor look of the leaves and flowers?  That is how the stamp was made, all I had to do is ink it up and stamp!  Here's a little tip on how to cut out the flower outlines.  

Isn't that so easy?  I will tell you that it took me a few flowers before I realized that I could do this, simply put the detail thinlit inside of the larger flower and run them through the Big Shot together!  When you are done you have a perfect outline, so much easier than doing them seperately.  The smaller flower also can be cut the same way.  

Since the Oh So Eclectic bundle is brand new to me so I thought I would play along with the SUO Challenge #SUO179.    The theme appropriately is New Fun from Stampin' Up! and this new bundle definitely qualifies.  

Product List

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle [145356] $47.50	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [126949] $6.50	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [126953] $6.50	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00
Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102482] $8.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100702] $8.00	Embossing Paste [141979] $8.00	Window Sheets [142314] $5.00
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter [133751] $5.00	Silver 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon [144213] $7.00	1" Circle Punch [119868] $13.00

Did you notice that this is the only stamp set I used to make this card?  This set not only has great images but 4 sentiments too!  One more thing about the dies.  There are 3 dies that do not cut out an image but instead emboss.  I love this twist.  I think this will make really fun textured backgrounds.  I will try it out and will of course share it when I do.  

Thank you for stopping by and if you are inspired to purchase the Oh So Eclectic bundle, you can click on the image in the supply list above and you will be taken directly to my online store.  Remember July is Bonus Days and for every $50 you purchase you will receive  a $5 coupon towards an order in August!  All the details here.

It is time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge.  This week we have a Color Challenge.  Ready?

Don't you love this happy, summery color combination?  I thought of flowers and remembered the great flower die in the Support Ribbon framelits.  This die was a happy surprise since there isn't a coordinating stamp in the bundle and I love the fun details on this flower.

Isn't it an adorable flower?  The leaves aren't too shabby either.  The sentiment is from the Ribbon of Courage stamp set and isn't the mix of fonts just fabulous?  In addition to the Ribbon of Courage bundle I also used the big scallop die from the Seasonal Layers thinlits and the new embossing folder, Polka Dot Basics.  

Hope you join in the challenge.  Be sure to go to the Create with Connie and Mary blog to read all about the challenge and be sure to check out what the design team made.  

I have been wanting to make a card using this sentiment ever since I first saw the  Stampin' Up!  Pick a Pattern Designer Series Paper.   When  I saw sketch #230 on the CAS(E) this Sketch! blog everything came together.

Here's the sketch which I followed pretty much exactly!  Why mess with perfection?

Get it?  I know it is a pretty silly play on words but I like it!  Anytime I can come up with a twist on a manly card I will take it.  The Pick a Pattern DSP is so very fun to play with.  Lots of great designs to mix and match.  After a little fiddling around I finally settled on these three patterns.   I used the Brushworks Alphabet to stamp out the sentiment.  I think it is always good to have at least one alphabet stamp set in your collection, so you can customize your sentiments.  I like the Brushworks Alphabet because I like to pretend that I can brush letter.

Product List

Brushwork Alphabet Photopolymer Stamp Set [141772] $26.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131199] $8.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper [144163] $11.00	Layering Squares Framelits Dies [141708] $35.00	Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine [141682] $3.00

On the inside of the card I used another strip of the Pick a Pattern DSP and cut out some of the fungi/mushrooms.  This is a pretty simple card to make and a great way to use some of your scrap pieces of DSP.

Here are the basic measurement but you can easily change the sizes of the DSP depending on what you have in your DSP stash.

Basic Black card base 4-1/4" x 11"  scored at 5-1/2"

Crushed Curry layer 4" x 5-1/4"

Basic Black layer 3-1/2" x  4-3/4"

Striped DSP 1" x 3-1/4"

Mushroom DSP 2-1/4" x  3-1/4"

Black and White DSP 1-1/4" x 3-1/4"

Whisper White inside of the card 4" x 5-1/4"

DSP strip inside of the card 3/4" x 4"

Remember there are 2 great promotions going on:  Bonus Days and Christmas in July.   Thanks for stopping by!

When you shop in July, please use this Hostess Code.  

Dropping in for Simple Sunday Share and I should add almost silent too.  In other words a quick post.  We are heading out for some sunshine and a picnic.  

Love the retro look of the Beverage Bar stamp set.  There are 44 stamps in this set and it is going to be fun mixing, matching and customizing my bar.   Okay that is it, I told you Simple (almost Silent) Sunday Share.

If you are ready to shop with me (I would love it) here's a link to my online store.

Tranquil Tulips is one of my favorite hostess set, if you haven't already guessed.  Today's tutorial is not technically a "fun" fold.  More of a fun technique that looks way harder than it actually is.

Product List

Tranquil Tulips Photopolymer Stamp Set [143767] $10.00	Bunch Of Blossoms Photopolymer Stamp Set [141573] $21.00	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad [144083] $6.50	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [126953] $6.50	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144243] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Layering Squares Framelits Dies [141708] $35.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00
Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00	Berry Burst 5/8" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon [144191] $8.00	Foam Adhesive Strips [141825] $8.00

 Measurements:

4-1/4" x 11" Thick Whisper White card stock, scored at 5-1/2" (card base)

4" x 5-1/4" Berry Burst card stock

3-3/4" x 5" Whisper White card stock (card front layer)

scrap pieces of Whisper White and Berry Burst card stock for sentiment

1. Place the largest Square Stitched Shapes framelit on the 3-3/4" x 5" Whisper White card stock.  Center the Stitched Shape framelits as show in the picture and mark the corners in pencil.                                                                                                                                                                                                  
2. Stamp the tulips using the pencil marks as guidelines.  Place the largest square (Stitched Shapes) back on the pencil marks and place the #6 square (1 being the smallest square) of the Layering Squares framelits inside the other die.   You may want to secure it in place with a sticky note and run it through the Big Shot.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
3. You will now have a stitched frame and a square piece.  Remove and set aside the stitched frame and square piece.  Layer the stamped piece on to the Berry Burst card stock.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
    
4. Lay the stitched square frame back in to the square (do not use any adhesive).  Use this as a guide to place the smaller square.  Apply adhesive to the smaller square and place it inside of the stitched frame.  Be sure to check that the stamped design matches up.                                                            
      
   
   
5. Remove the stitched frame.  Apply strips of the Foam Adhesive strips to the back of the frame.  Attach it back into the open frame on the card front layer.   Tie the ribbon around the card front.  Layer this whole piece on to the card base.                                                                                                               
   
   
6. Stamp sentiment of your choice and cut out using the Layering Oval framelits.  Attach it to the card using dimensionals.                                                  
   That is it!  On the original card I shared, the sentiment was stamped in the square.  This requires a little more planning but now that you know how to make this card you know what you need to do to do that too!  If you need any supplies please click on any of the pictures in the Products chart and it will take you to my online store.  I would appreciate it

Thursday and time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge # 466.  Here is the super fun sketch for this week's challenge.

Here's what I made.

Even though I have a few, okay maybe more than a few, new stamp sets I decided to pull out the Vertical Greetings set.  I just love the topiaries and somehow I thought it just fit the sketch so well.   Did you notice the punched border?  It was made using the Decorative Ribbon Border punch and the Color Theory DSP.  The sentiment is from the Beautiful Bouquet stamp set.  The  ribbon is the Berry Burst 5/8" Crinkled Seam Binding.  I think it is my new favorite ribbon.  This ribbon is soft, so easy to tie and it lays pretty flat.  

I hope you will join in the challenge.  Be sure to check out what the other designers made with this sketch.  I love how everyone has a different take on the sketch.  So very fun and inspiring.  You can get all the details about the challenge HERE.

Today's card was created as a make and take for an online meeting I had with my team.  It was made using only thinlits and framelits.  I sent out all the die cut pieces and card stock so they could complete the card with me.  

Product List

Lovely Words Thinlits Dies [143733] $27.00	Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies [143751] $33.00	Birds & Blooms Thinlits Dies [141477] $27.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50
Tranquil Tide 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144246] $8.00	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119686] $8.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00	Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [122925] $8.00
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [122924] $8.00	Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder [109130] $5.00	Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter [133751] $5.00

Are you wondering where I used the VersaMark, Clear embossing powder, and Dazzling Diamonds glitter?  I used it to make the Powder Pink flowers a little glittery.  I mixed the Dazzling Diamonds glitter and embossing powder together to create a mix I call Glittery Goodness.  The ratio is one part embossing powder to one part glitter.

Thanks for stopping by and remember it is Bonus Days.  What is Bonus Days?  Click here for all the scoop.  You don't want to miss out!  There is also a fabulous add on gift when you purchase the ultimate stamping kit.  

I almost hate sharing my card today since the Daisy punch is not orderable.  Yes, the punch is again unavailable.  The good news is that there will be more coming and the punch and bundle should become available around the beginning of August.  Did you know that the Daisy punch is Stampin' Up!'s most popular punch in the last 5 years?  

This is the card I am sending to thank my customers who order online with me in July.  In addition, I am also going to send them all the parts to make this card!  The only thing I cannot do is provide anything that is stamped, so  I will punch out daisies but they won't be stamped.  

Product List

Daisy Delight Photopolymer Bundle [145361] $31.50	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad [126970] $6.50	Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100867] $8.00	Daffodil Delight 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119683] $8.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper [144137] $11.00	Daffodil Delight 1/4" Double-Stitched Ribbon [144116] $7.00	Polka Dot Basics Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [143709] $7.50

This is a little pocket card and it is quick and simple to make.  I think my online customers will enjoy putting this card together especially since it will be all cut and scored for them.  

Did you know that July is Bonus Days month?  What is that?  During  July (Bonus Days) for every $50 (before shipping/tax) you spend, you will get a $5 coupon that you can use in August.  It is a pretty sweet deal.

Are you ready for even more good news?  It is Christmas in July!   In July when you purchase the ultimate stamping kit also known as the the starter kit, you will receive a FREE Essentials Gift Pack including Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, Grid Paper, two D Blocks (one for them and one for a stamping friend!), and a Bone Folder. That’s an added value of $52 US! And to give you a taste of the perks of being a demonstrator, you will also receive the Carols of Christmas Stamp Set from the holiday catalog for FREE ($20 US)!    This is an amazing deal and if you would like more information about this promotion I would love to answer any of your questions.  You can email or leave me a comment and I would be happy to talk with you about it.  

Here is the hostess code for the month of July.