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September 2023

Merriest Trees and Christmas Tidings

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.

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The elements I chose from the Inspo List- blue, green, and metallic embellishment.  

MerriestTrees_ChristmasTidings_2 (1)

Card base- 4-1/4" x 11" Lost Lagoon CS

Basic White layer- 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" embossed using the  Christmas Tidings Embossing Folder

Lost Lagoon CS-Cut using the Scalloped Contours die

Mossy Meadow CS stamped with Mossy Meadow ink using the Merriest Trees bundle

Star and garland -Gold Foil cut using the Merriest Tree dies

Ornaments stamped and die cut using the Merriest Trees bundle-Basic White CS stamped in Berry Burst ink

Tree stand-die cut in Gold Foil using the Merriest Trees dies

Joyful-sentiment from the Horse & Sleigh stamp set (Online Exclusive) stamped in Berry Burst ink of Basic White CS

Basic White banner die cut using the Stylish Shapes dies

Metallic stars are from a retired kit

MerriestTrees_ChristmasTidings_open

Inside of the card I added a Basic White layer (4" x 5-1/4") with more gold foil garland and ornaments.  The sentiment is from the Joy To You stamp set inked in Berry Burst.  

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for this challenge.

 

Signature

CA Winter Meadow camp pic

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp

The Creativity Abounds Design Team is an international group of 13 Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  We do a monthly blog hop, a monthly tutorial bundle and 3 times a year we hold a stamp camp. 

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp will be held on October 20th and 21st.  To register all you need to do is purchase the Winter Meadow Suite (162150) and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V.   If you already own the Suite simply order $96.50 worth of products from my online store and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V. It is important to use the Host Code, it lets me know you want to participate in the stamp camp.  

You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects.  You will use your own Winter Meadow Suite products (DSP, stamps, dies and embellishments).   Both a written and video tutorial will be provided for you for each project. 

In addition to the 13 projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp.  On October 20 and 21 each design team member will present another project using the Winter Meadow Suite.  These lives will be spread out over the 2 days but they will be recorded so you can watch them when it is convenient for you.  


Country Wreaths and the Joy of Noel

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

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Don't you love these colors?  Honestly, when Lost Lagoon came back I was pretty neutral about it but I have been using it more and more and  now I am so happy it is back!  Soft Sea Foam is another color I do not use much but oh my I really like it with Lost Lagoon!  

CottageWreaths_JoyofNoel_Soft (1)

I pulled out my Cottage Wreaths stamp set and coordinating Country Wreath Dies.   I stamped the wreath using Lost Lagoon ink on Soft Sea Foam Cardstock.  I like to stamp on colored cardstock especially when layering the image on Basic White Cardstock.  I think it makes the image stand out.  The berries were cut out using a die from the Joy of Noel bundle.  This little die will be so useful and perfect as little embellishments, eyes, and flower centers.  I cut the berries out of the Berry Burst Soft Shimmer Paper Combo Pack.  The little bow was also cut in Berry Burst Soft Shimmer Paper.  The bow is from the Country Wreath dies and I added a little circle for the "knot".

The sentiment is from the Joy of Noel stamp set and inked in Berry Burst.  The embossing was made using the Snowflake Sky 3D folder.   The snowflake impressions are so pretty and crisp.  I will tell on myself and I didn't stamp the sentiment until after I embossed it.  I got lucky and it turned out!

When it came to layering the front panel I knew I wanted it to be on Berry Burst cardstock.  I couldn't decide if I liked the card base in Soft Sea Foam or Lost Lagoon so I made it both ways.

CottageWreaths_JoyofNoel_both

Which do you like better?  I still cannot decide.

CottageWreaths_JoyofNoel_Inside

The inside of the card I used a sentiment  from the Beary Cute stamp set.  I also added a few Soft Sea Foam snowflakes from the Beary Cute set.  In the center I added a few more  Berry Burst Shimmer dots.

CottageWreaths_Joy of Noel_LostLagoon

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary Design Team made for this challenge,

Signature


Christmas Classics Peace on Earth

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  I was sorry I had to miss last weeks challenge.  My blog platform was having difficulties and I couldn't publish a post.  It is all fixed for now so I get to share with you my project for the Challenge #785.

CCMC785

I just received the A Walk in the Forest DSP.  This is a very special DSP because not only is it a beautiful pack of paper it is also part of Stampin' Up!'s Craft for a Cause.  For every pack of paper sold Stampin' Up! will donate $3 to the Marine Toys for Tots (USA).  Some of the images in the DSP coordinate with the Merriest Trees bundle and the Beary Cute bundle.  

ChristmasClassics_PeaceonEarth 

I used one of the designs from the DSP with pretty berries and sprigs of greenery.  The design is a traditional one updated in Pretty Peacock and Garden Green.   I used the beautiful frame and sentiment from the Christmas Classics bundle in Real Red.  I added some Gold Foil and the gold Simply Elegant Trim.  Behind the frame is a strip of Pretty Peacock Soft Shimmer Paper Combo Pack.  Can you see the red glittery embellishments?  Can you guess what they are?  They are the Adhesive-Backed Glitter Sequins.  I colored the white sequins with a Dark Real Red Stampin' Blend.

ChristmasClassics_PeaceOnEarth_inside

Inside I added a strip of DSP and a holly image from the Christmas Classics bundle.  I colored the leaves in with a Pretty Peacock Stampin' Blend. The berries were inked in Real Red and stamped on Real Red cardstock.  Both of the images were then die cut using the Christmas Classics dies.

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

Signature

CA Winter Meadow camp pic

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp

The Creativity Abounds Design Team is an international group of 13 Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  We do a monthly blog hop, a monthly tutorial bundle and 3 times a year we hold a stamp camp. 

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp will be held on October 20th and 21st.  To register all you need to do is purchase the Winter Meadow Suite (162150) and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V.   If you already own the Suite simply order $96.50 worth of products from my online store and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V. It is important to use the Host Code, it lets me know you want to participate in the stamp camp.  

You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects.  You will use your own Winter Meadow Suite products (DSP, stamps, dies and embellishments).   Both a written and video tutorial will be provided for you for each project. 

In addition to the 13 projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp.  On October 20 and 21 each design team member will present another project using the Winter Meadow Suite.  These lives will be spread out over the 2 days but they will be recorded so you can watch them when it is convenient for you.  

 


Creativity Abounds Blog Hop...Winter Meadow Suite

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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 sharing our bonus projects for our upcoming Winter Meadow stamp camp.   You may notice that we are not sharing measurements or how we made the projects.  We will share all the details during the stamp camp. 

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 October 20 & 21.   

CA team

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp will be held on October 20th and 21st.  To register all you need to do is purchase the Winter Meadow Suite (162150) and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V.   If you already own the Suite simply order $96.50 worth of products from my online store and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V. It is important to use the Host Code, it lets me know you want to participate in the stamp camp.  

You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects.  You will use your own Winter Meadow Suite products (DSP, stamps, dies and embellishments).   Both a written and video tutorial will be provided for you for each project. 

In addition to the 13 Make & Take projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp.  On October 20 and 21 each design team member will present another project using the Winter Meadow Suite.  This is the project I am sharing on the Facebook Live.  These lives will be spread out over the 2 days but they will be recorded so you can watch them when it is convenient for you.  

WinterMeadow_SeasonofSparkle

Currently the Winter Meadow suite is not available in North America.  The suite is expected to become available the week of September 25th.  If you are interested in signing up for the camp please let me know and I will notify you when the Suite becomes available. 

This camp is an amazing deal.  It is basically a free camp when you purchase the suite,  totally sweet deal!  

Thanks for stopping in and be sure to check out all the stops on the hop!

 

Signature


Warmest Heart Hello

After a couple of drippy days we now have sunshine and blue skies!  It is supposed to remain this way for a few more days and I am looking forward to it.  To celebrate I am taking a quick break from Fall card to celebrate the last few days of Summer.

WarmestHeart_3Squares

Is this bright and sunny enough?  

  • Card Base- Basic White Thick Cardstock 5-1/2" x 8-1/2"
  • Real Red CS layer- 4" x 5-1/4"
  • Daffodil Delight Brights DSP-3-7/8" x 5-1/8"

The sun and rainbow images (Warmest Heart stamp set) were stamped and colored using Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends.  The sentiment is from the Darling Details stamp set. The little squares were cut using the Stylish Shapes die-smallest square die.  I stamped the images and sentiment and then die cut the square.  The ribbon is tied around the Real Red and Daffodil Delight layer and then adhered to the front of the card base.  The little squares were attached to the ribbon using Stampin' Dimensionals.  You can color a Rhinestone using a Real Red Stampin'Blend .

WarmestHeart_3Squares_inside

Inside I added a strip of Daffodil Delight DSP 5/8" x 5-1/2" on a strip of Real Red CS  7/8" x 5-1/2".  I stamped and colored the rainbow and die cut it using the Warmest Heart dies.  

Thank you for stopping by,

Signature

Product List


Zany Zoo On Stage

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.

FF143

What did I choose from the Inspo List to use on my card?  I went with bright colors, twine, and heat embossing.

ZanyZoo_Stage

For the bright colors I turned to the Merry Bold & Bright Designer Series Paper in the new mini catalog.  When I saw this paper I gasped!  It was all the bright and happy colors and designs I love.  I mean stripes, dots and stars, oh my!  The string of lights and little trees are cute too and the "fa la la la", come on, so adorable.   I chose 3 different patterns for my card and it wasn't easy to do since I like so many of the patterns.

The dancer and singer are both from the Zany Zoo stamp set and cut out using the coordinating dies.  I paper pieced her tutu using the DSP and added a Flirty Flamingo flower cut using the Crafting With You dies.  The center of the flower is a Melon Mambo Glossy Dot.  

The twine is from the Baker's Twine Essentials Pack.  The heat embossing was done on the sentiment.  I used white embossing powder and Versmark ink on the Melon Mambo label.

ZanyZoo_Stage_top

This is what the card looks like from the top.   I added a piece of tape to secure the twine to the polka dot panel.  This way the twine doesn't sag.  I love this fold since the card stand up on its own and yet folds flat.

ZanyZoo_OnStage_envelope

Now it is time to check out what the rest of the Festive Friday design team created for this challenge.

Blog Hop Index


Stampers Dozen Blog Hop...Jump Into Fall

SDBH Banner

Welcome to the Stampers Dozen blog hop.  We are a group of  Stampin' Up! demonstrators who have come together to do a blog hop on the 14th of the month.  This month our theme is Jump Into Fall.

FruitfulBlessings_IrresistibleBloomDies

This is one of the lovely images in the Fruitful Blessings stamp set.   This was one of the first sets I knew I wanted in the 2023 Sept-Dec Mini Catalog.  I cannot really explain what exactly drew me to it.  Was it the beautiful bouquet of flowers?  Was it the corn dies?  Was it those amazing pears or was it the sentiments?  It was probably the combination of all those things.  

The card base is Very Vanilla-4-1/4" x 11".  The first layer is Copper Clay CS embossed using the Distressed Tile 3D Embossing folder.  The center cut out was created using the Irresistible Blooms Dies (Online Exclusive).  The Copper Clay layer was secured down to the front of the Very Vanilla card base.  The Fruitful Blessings bouquet was colored using Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Copper Clay, Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Blends.  The bouquet was attached to the circle cut out using Stampin' Dimensionals.  Once every thing was in place I stamped the sentiment in Copper Clay ink.  The sparkly embellishment is a Champagne Adhesive-Backed Sparkle gem.  I colored it over with a Copper Clay Stampin' Blend to make it coordinate with the rest of the card.

FruitfulBlessings_IrresistibleBloomsDie_in

Inside of the card I added an embossed strip of Copper Clay CS and some acorns also colored with Stampin' Blends.  

Now it is time to check out what the rest of team created.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the hop!

Signature


Around the World on Wednesday...Let's Take a Walk

AWOW banner

Welcome to the Around the World on Wednesday blog hop!  We are a group of international Stampin' Up!® demonstrators who have gathered together for a monthly blog hop.  The blog hop goes live on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.   

AWOW 9:23

This month our theme is A Walk in the Woods.  I love this theme!  Almost every day I walk in the woods near my home.  There are lots of different trails and depending on the weather and how much time I have will determine my route.  

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Here's a picture from one of the bridges that connects to a little island.  Isn't it beautiful?  You can see way in the distance that the leaves are beginning to to change colors.  I have loved walking here this summer and am looking forward to seeing how it looks in the fall.

AutumnLeaves_AllAboutAutumn

AutumnLeaves_AllAboutAutumn_In

I love all the Fall products in the mini catalog.  The Autumn Leaves bundle  and the gorgeous All About Autumn DSP (currently not available) were used to make this card.  These products are perfect for me to express how thankful I am for the woods near by.

Supplies:

  • Copper Clay CS 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (cut 2)
  • 5-1/4" x 6" piece of DSP.  Cut the remaining strip 3/4" x 2-1/2" 
  • Very Vanilla CS 2-1/2" x 4" (cut 2)
  • Very Vanilla CS  1-1/2" x 2-3/4" label
  • Copper Clay, Pecan Pie and Moody Mauve CS for leaves

Score the DSP at 2" along the 6" side.

Adhere the DSP (portion that measures 4" x 5-1/4") to the 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" piece of Copper Clay CS.

Score the remaining 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" piece of Copper Clay CS at 2-3/4".

Adhere one side of the Copper Clay CS to the DSP.  The fold will be on the right hand side. Center it on the DSP.

Adhere one of the 2-1/2" x 4" Very Vanilla CS to the front of the Copper Clay CS.  I embossed the Very Vanilla CS using the Distressed Tile 3D Embossing folder.

Dies cut the leaves and adhere to the Very Vanilla CS with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Adhere the remaining 2-1/2" x 4" Very Vanilla CS to the inside of the Copper Clay card.

Adhere the strip of DSP.

Stamp the sentiment in Copper Clay ink on the remaining piece of Very Vanilla CS and die cut using the label die in the Autumn Leaves dies.

Adhere Moody Mauve (2023-25 In Color Dots).

AutumnLeaves_AllAboutAutumn_2

Here's a variation using different patterns from the All About Autumn DSP.

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Along the trails I often see herons and egrets.  I stopped to take this picture of the heron and then realized there was a beautiful buck across the river.   I have lots of pictures from my walks but I will stop here.  It is time for you to hop on over and see what Chris Smith has created for you!

AWOWhop next

Here's a list of all the fabulous stops on the hop!

Jan Clothier - AU

Leonie Stuart - AU

Rochelle Laird-Smith - AU

Cheryll Miller - AU

Danielle Kassing - NL

Aurélie Fabre - FR

Mikaela Titheridge - UK

Annette Ball - CA

Angie McKenzie - US

Kelly Taranto - US

Shel Anderson - CA

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert - US

Chris Smith - US

Brenda Nelson - CA

Tricia Butts - US

Theresa McEntee - US

Bree Renwick - US

Lori Willcox - CA

Teri West - US

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the hop!

Signature

CA Winter Meadow camp pic

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp

The Creativity Abounds Design Team is an international group of 13 Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  We do a monthly blog hop, a monthly tutorial bundle and 3 times a year we hold a stamp camp. 

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp will be held on October 20th and 21st.  To register all you need to do is purchase the Winter Meadow Suite (162150) and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V.   If you already own the Suite simply order $96.50 worth of products from my online store and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V. It is important to use the Host Code, it lets me know you want to participate in the stamp camp.  

You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects.  You will use your own Winter Meadow Suite products (DSP, stamps, dies and embellishments).   Both a written and video tutorial will be provided for you for each project. 

In addition to the 13 projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp.  On October 20 and 21 each design team member will present another project using the Winter Meadow Suite.  These lives will be spread out over the 2 days but they will be recorded so you can watch them when it is convenient for you.  

 

 


Warmest Hearts Get Well

I have a friend who has been sick and I wanted to send her a card.  She has been feeling a little down about being sick for so long that I decided to make her a card in her favorite colors.  Yes, she is a purple person.

WarmestHearts_GetWell

The card base is Highland Heather and the first layer is Gorgeous Grape.  I embossed the Gorgeous Grape CS with my favorite Basics 3D Embossing folder (Online Exclusive).  The Highland Heather circle was cut using the new Deckled Circles dies.  The new dies coordinate nicely with the circles in the Stylish Shapes dies.  

The Warmest Heart bundle is such a fun and different bundle.  Aren't the thermoses so cute?  I love the little label and the perfect little sentiment.    The thermos on the right was made with die cuts and I just love the little rainbow.   The rainbow image was stamped and colored in with Stampin' Blends.   

WarmestHearts_GetWell_Inside

Inside I added a Gorgeous Grape CS strip that was embossed with the Basic 3D folder and another image from the Warmest Heart bundle.  The flowers were also colored using Stampin' Blends.

I certainly hope this card will bring a smile to my friend's face and help speed along her recovery.

Thanks for stopping by and check out the adorable Warmest Hearts bundle in the 2023 Sept-Dec Mini Catalog.

Signature

 

Product List


Winter Meadow DSP and the Merriest Trees

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

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I have been crafting with the Winter Meadow DSP and thought it would be perfect for this sketch.

WinterMeadowDSP_MerriestTrees

This watercolory (I don't think this is a word but it should be) design is one of my favorites in the Winter Meadow DSP pack.  It is one that doesn't require too much else to make a beautiful card.  You get 6 of these images on one sheet so a total of 12 in the DSP pack.   I added a couple of strips of the More Dazzle  Specialty Paper to add a bit of sparkle and glitz.  The sentiment is from the Merriest Trees stamp set.    Love the look of the 2 fonts.  Next to the sentiment is a sparkly Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gem.

WinterMeadowDSP_MerriestTrees_inside

Inside I used another sentiment from the Christmas Classics stamp set.   I also stamped an image from the Magical Meadow stamp set.   

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created with this sketch.

Signature

CA Winter Meadow camp pic

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp

The Creativity Abounds Design Team is an international group of 13 Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  We do a monthly blog hop, a monthly tutorial bundle and 3 times a year we hold a stamp camp. 

The Winter Meadow Stamp Camp will be held on October 20th and 21st.  To register all you need to do is purchase the Winter Meadow Suite (162150) and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V.   If you already own the Suite simply order $96.50 worth of products from my online store and use the Host Code 3ZSCT63V. It is important to use the Host Code, it lets me know you want to participate in the stamp camp.  

You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects.  You will use your own Winter Meadow Suite products (DSP, stamps, dies and embellishments).   Both a written and video tutorial will be provided for you for each project. 

In addition to the 13 projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp.  On October 20 and 21 each design team member will present another project using the Winter Meadow Suite.  These lives will be spread out over 2 days but they will be recorded so you can watch them when it is convenient for you.