Perfect Poinsettias

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another Christmas card is this latest commissioned series.

The card base is Stampin' Up Confetti White.  The printed paper is Heidi Swapp Holly Jolly layered on a light green Bazzill and Recollections red.  The sentiment is Creative Expressions Santa's Sentiment stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on a vanilla of unknown origin and layered on more red and light green.  The card is highlighted with Candy Cane Stickles.

I really love this piece of printed paper.  The poinsettias are lovely but it was really the holly vines which drew me to the paper in the first place.  I had to pay attention to ensure that the paper was the right side up by checking the music and words in the background.  It would have driven me crazy if it had been upside down.  The Candy Cane Stickles were the perfect shade of red for the poinsettias and the background paper.  A great result!

I hope you enjoy card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Silver Snowflake

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is a simple snowflake card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Bashful Blue.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a texture vanilla also of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Clear Stamp set stamped in Altenew Caribbean Sky on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Bashful Blue and textured vanilla.  The silver snowflake is a Recollections Rhinestone Icon.

The light blue and vanilla are a great combination on this card!  Like yesterday, this card is all about the large embellishment.  The simple layout and rather subtle layers contrast wonderfully with the large, intricate and sparkly embellishment.  I debated adding more glitter (Stickles) to the printed paper but when all was said and done, I loved the simplicity of the final result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Simply Felted

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another Christmas card as part of this commissioned series.

The card base is Stampin' Up Confetti White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Holiday Sayings stamped in Altenew Evergreen on Recollections White and layered on a red Bazzill.  The embellishment is a Handmade Art felt embellishment.

There is just something about a lovely plaid for a Christmas card.  This is an extraordinarily easy card with minimal elements and a straightforward layout.  It's all about this great felt embellishment which is set off perfectly by the plaid paper.  A fantastic result!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Treeful Thoughts

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another Christmas card that I crafted for a girlfriend's mother.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla.  The printed papers are Echo Park 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Volume 2 layered with Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Holiday Sayings stamped in Mossy Meadow on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Mossy Meadow.  The mini banner embellishments were punched from the printed paper and are highlighted with Golden Rod Stickles.

This printed paper was from a 6X6 pad in which the images are the appropriate scale for cards.  Larger scale images in rows just don't work all that well for cards.  This is a really simple layout.  I kept in mind that it will likely be mailed so I avoided used thicker embellishments.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Ornament Thoughts

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a Christmas card that was part of a commission I crafted for a girlfriend's mother.

The card base is Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a red also of unknown origin.  The image is Stampin' Up Embellished Ornaments stamped in VersaMark on Recollections Vanilla, heat embossed with Close To My Heart gold embossing powder and cut with the coordinating Sizzix Delicate Ornament Thinklits die.  The sentiment, also Stampin' Up Embellished Ornaments is stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Mossy Meadow.  The image is highlighted with Xmas Red Stickles.

This is one of the first of over one hundred Christmas cards I crafted this year.  I love the embossed ornament and of course, chose it because of the ornaments on the printed paper.  Even though the shape is exactly the same, they still 'speak' to one another.  The image heat embossed really well as I actually remembered to use the embossing buddy to remove the static before I stamped the VersaMark.  Would that I always remembered that important step.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Cardinal

Hello everyone,

I hope you enjoyed a lovely Christmas!

Today's post is yet another Christmas card crafted over the past couple of months.

The card base is Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The printed paper is Bazzill Basics Countdown to Christmas layered on Stampin' Up Real Red.  The image is a Peel-Offs outline sticker painted with a variety of LuminArte Twinkling H2Os.  The sentiment is Flonz Merry Christmas 809 stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla.

I've found this painted image in the stash of leftover bits and pieces.  I made it when I was experimenting with painting the outline stickers on vellum.  It made for an interesting result because the vellum crinkles once painted.  I was put off at first (hence it went into the leftover pile) but it grew on me.  The biggest challenge was finding a background paper that didn't overpower the image.  These small dots were a good choice because the result is great.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Pretty Christmas Plaid

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a very pretty Christmas card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Wild Wasabi.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a white also of unknown origin.  The image and sentiment is Avery Elle Noël stamped in a variety of inks on Recollections white and is highlighted with Fruit Punch Stickles.  The ribbon is American Crafts.

I love this plaid Christmas paper!  The image/sentiment panel was found in the leftovers stash.  The berry impressions had bled a little so I added a bit of pink Stickles as camouflage.  The arch in the image is rather interesting to work with and required some creativity with the ribbon.  I wish I had found a dangling embellishment to put on the knot.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Extra Christmas Bits

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another Christmas card made up of a variety of leftovers bit and pieces.

The card base is Stampin' Up Real Red.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Christmas Jingle designer series paper layered on Old Olive.  The oval element was cut from Real Red and Very Vanilla with Spellbinders Nestabilities.  The Real Red layered was textured with Sizzix Holly & Berries texture plate.  The rectangular Very Vanilla panel was stamped with Stampendous Christmas Background in Real Red.  The sentiment is Fiskars Vintage Christmas stamped in Real Red on Very Vanilla.  The embellishment is a glittered Peel-Offs outline stickers.

All of the pieces on this card were pulled out of the leftover stash.  I played around with the various elements for days before settling on this final layout.  It was a real challenge to combine the oval and the rectangle.  The only commonality was the colours.  I also wanted to add this little bit of glittered holly.  For all the angst, it's a pretty good result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Holiday Argyle

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a pretty simple and neutral Christmas card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a red Bazzill.  The sentiment is cut with Echo Park Merry Christmas die from more red Bazzill.  The brushed silver snowflake brads are of unknown origin.

I don't know if this argyle paper is intended to be Christmas paper but it sure does the job.  I love how the red pops against the deeper green.  I find the mix of fonts in this die cut sentiment interesting.  I picked it up because as two separate dies, I can easily mix it with a stamped sentiment and double-duty supplies are always a good thing. 

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is an extremely traditional card.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla.  The printed paper is is of unknown origin.  The vertical border element is a gold of unknown origin cut with Martha Stewart's Gothic Arches border punch and highlighted with Golden Rod Stickles.  The sentiment is Cornish Heritage Farms Vintage Christmas Expressions stamped in Close To My Heart Ponderosa Pine on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla.  The ribbons are American Crafts and Offray.

I found this stamped sentiment in the stash of leftovers and it seemed only logical to use it for this series of Christmas card.  I thought the points on the border punch mimicked the points on the poinsettias.  I couldn't choose a ribbon so experimented with layering two different one and love the results.  A little splash of gold is perfect for a traditional card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Delightfully Downtown

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a retro-styled Christmas card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Bashful Blue.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a vanilla also of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Cornish Heritage Farms Vintage Christmas Expressions stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishment is a Maildor sticker.

This was a super quick and easy card.  This scrap of printed paper was the perfect scale for a card and I love the vintage style.  I had fun going through the ridiculous stash of Christmas sentiments to find one that was long but skinny to fit the space at the bottom of the card.  I debated embellishments for a while but eventually settled on this small simple holly sticker.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sparkle and Shine

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another sentiment-less Christmas card with a similar look and feel as yesterday's card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss.  The image is Inkadinkado stamped in Blackberry Bliss on a white of unknown origin and layered Paper Accents Glossy Mirrored Silver and more white.  The image is highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.

This is another favourite Christmas image.  It is striking even though it can be a challenge to get a good impression, It does heat emboss well though I chose not to emboss this time around.  I love using white and silver with Blackberry Bliss.  It is a colour combination that I find particularly appealing.  As I often need both French and English Christmas cards, I will also craft some sentiment-less cards that can be used for either purpose.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Simple Ornaments

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a simple sentiment-less Christmas card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss.  The image is Stampin' Up Merry & Type stamped in Blackberry Bliss on a white of unknown origin and layered on Paper Accents Glossy Mirrored Silver.  The ribbon is Offray.  The pearlized snowflake embellishment is of unknown origin.

This is a favourite image that turns out beautifully no matter what ink is used.  It also heat embosses wonderfully.  This layout is particularly simple with one layer.  I left a fairly large reveal and adhered the image panel to the very top of the card which, I think, adds interest.  I added the ribbon by weaving it through two holes, an application which is quickly becoming a favourite.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Happy Santa

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a great French Christmas card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The printed paper is Recollections Sugar Plums layered on a white of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Magenta stamped in Stampin' Up Real Red on more white.  The Santa is a Crafts wooden embellishment.

This is one of my favourite French sentiments.  It's perfect for crafting more fun style cards.  I wish I also had it in English.  I've used almost all the wooden Santa embellishments that I found at the Dollar Store years ago.  This is a very simple card and a great result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tree Season

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another wonderful non-traditional Christmas card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Sahara Sand.  The sentiment is Altenew Halftone Holiday stamped in Ocean Waves and Dusk on Recollections White and cut with the coordinating die.  The snowflake embellishments are of unknown origin.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

This is a really fun non-traditional card.  The different tree shapes and colours are lovely and perfect for adding a little Stickles sparkle.  It's hard to wrap your head around actually layering with Sahara Sand but it matched the various tree stems perfect!  It's a very jolly Christmas card!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Glittered Dove

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a Christmas card using a glittered dove that I've had in my stash of leftovers for eons.

The card base is Recollections White.  The image is a Peel-Off's outline sticker filled in with a variety of glitter.  The image is affixed to a unknown shimmery red and green.  The red layer was textured with Sizzix Merry Christmas Phrases embossing folder.

Glittering outline stickers is a favourite technique.  It is a very, very messy technique so I tend to make a lot of images all at once even if I've no particular card in mind.  This is a fairly large image and is very striking so I didn't necessarily want to include elements that would distract from this stunning image.  I think using this embossing folder of words was inspired as it's doesn't distract from the dove at all!  This card is a another favourite in this series!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Happy Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is another favourite crafted in this fundraiser series.

The card base is Recollections Black.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a red Bazzill and Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Creative Expression Holly Jolly Sentiments stamped in Stampin' Up Real Red on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Recollections Black.  The ribbon is American Crafts.  The embellishment is of unknown origin.

I find this black/vanilla/red colour combination especially appealing for Christmas cards.  I've used pieces of this printed paper many times and never tire of it.  I like the variety of square images which suits my card crafting style.  Squares and rectangles are so clean and neat and easy!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Pretty Pink Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a really sweet and very non-traditional Christmas card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a shimmery white also of unknown origin.  The sentiment is cut from Dee's Distinctively IME-087 Merry Christmas Small die from a shimmery white Bazzill.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.  The snowflake embellishment was punched from a shimmery pink and a shimmery white Bazzill.  The card is highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.

I just can't craft Christmas cards without including a few that are not at all traditional.  This pink card is just wonderful.  It's a very soft palate with stronger hints of pink in random snowflakes.  There is a bit of shimmer to each element.  The paper was also just perfect for adding hints of Stickles glitter.  A fantastic result!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

A Touch Of Europe

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another Christmas card that I crafted for a local fundraiser for a local seniors residence.

The card base is Recollection White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Soft Sky and Recollections Black.  The sentiment is Stampendous Merriest Wish stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on a brushed silver of unknown origin.  The ribbon is Stampin' Up Silver 1/8".

This is a favourite piece of printed paper.  It has a very European appearance but doesn't use traditional colours.  I love the hints of black in the images which encourages layering with black, adding just a bit of formality to the overall look.  This is a favourite sentiment stamp with a traditional sentiment and a great mix of fonts.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Lovely Lilac Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post was crafted with my Mother in mind.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Close To My Heart Gypsy.  The sentiment is Bonnidée Xmas Wording 3 stamped in Stampin' Up Baja Breeze on a shimmery white of unknown origin.  The brad is Crafts and is highlighted with Lavender Stickles.

I crafted a similar Christmas card last year that my Mother found especially appealing so it was hard not to be thinking of her when I pulled these elements together.  This is a really simple card that is entirely based on this fantastic paper.  Like the last card, I had to make certain that I adhered the paper so that the ornaments were not upside down.  I found the sentiment banner is my box of leftovers so was thrilled to be able to use it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Poinsettias And Plaid

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a Christmas card that uses stamped images that I found in my stash of leftover pieces.

The card base is Recollections Black.  The printed paper is Photoplay Made 4 Plaid Christmas layered on Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler.  The images are Stampin' Up Watercolor Winter stamped on Whisper White in Versafine Onyx Black, and Stampin' UP Mossy Meadow and Cherry Cobbler.  The poinsettias are highlighted with Mercury Glass Stickles.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Clear Stamp Set also stamped on Whisper White with Versafine Onyx Black.  The ribbons is Michael's and the brad is American Crafts.

I love this Stampin' Up set.  It's a two-step stamp that is really quite easy to use and is just striking when stamped.  I can't figure out why I'd not used it earlier but suspect it was an extra from a square card.  I took advantage of the red to use more of the sheer red Michael's ribbon.  Instead of using an embellishment, I was inspired to place the sentiment on the knot.  It was a bit tricky to level it properly so it would get crushed.  A great Christmas card!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

A Very Merry Card

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card uses up some leftover pieces that I'd stashed away.

The card base is Stampin' Up Old Olive.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Under The Mistletoe layered on Real Red.  The images Penny Black Christmas Wishes stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and painted with a variety of LuminArte Twinkling H2Os.  The sentiment is Penny Black Festive Snippets stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on Old Olive.  The images and sentiment are layered on Real Red banner.  The card is highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.

Knowing I had a large number of Christmas cards to craft, I decided to see if I could use up some of the significant stash of leftover Christmas pieces I've been tucking away over the years.  These two images are from that stash.  It took me considerable time and thought to find an appealing layout and background paper but I'm so pleased with the results.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Kittens

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is just too darn cute.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is Flonz Vintage Papers Christmas Fairy layered on Bazzill Red Devil and Recollections Black.  The sentiment is Sweet & Sassy Poinsettias stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The card is highlighted with Xmas Red Stickles.

I discovered Flonz almost a year ago and I love every product I've ordered from the company.  Their vintage Christmas papers are wonderful!  The papers are double-sided which is a good thing because some of the prints leave a little to be desired.  The paper is very smooth and really great to work with.  I'm going to have a hard time letting this card go.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

A Perfect Christmas Plaid

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a Christmas card that uses a wonderful piece of plaid paper.

The card base is Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a red of unknown origin and Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Bonnidée C'est Noël stamped in Mossy Meadow on more vanilla and layered on more Mossy Meadow.  The ribbon is Michael's.  The snowflake embellishment is of unknown origin.

This is a really quick and easy card.  All the elements are drawn from this great plaid paper.  I love the colours and the layout serves to highlight the simple sentiment.  I was thrilled to find this sheer red ribbon and just tied it in a simple knot, knowing I'd find an embellishment that would work.  This snowflake is actually a button but I removed the loop so it would adhere to the card more easily.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Zooming Santa

Hello everyone,

Today's post is one of dozens of Christmas cards I've been crafting for an upcoming craft sale at a local senior's residence.

The card base is Stampin' Up Crumb Cake.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a red Bazzill.  The sentiment is Flonz Merry Christmas 809 stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The card is highlighted with Xmas Red Stickles.

There is something really appealing about this rather retro Christmas paper.  I figured it would work really well as more masculine card.  I was thrilled to find this particular Flonz sentiment because it font struck me as one that would be used for a makers mark on a classic car.  This is a super simple layout that works because of the limited number of bold elements.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Santa VI

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the final pair of teacher Christmas cards commissioned by a girlfriend.

 

The card bases are Stampin' Up Mint Macaron.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Home For Christmas layered on a white of unknown origin and Real Red.  The sentiment on the left-side card is Annabelle Stamps Jewelled Tree stamped in Altenew Jet Black on a white of unknown origin.  The bow was punched from Real Red and is highlighted with a Maildor Cooky sticker.  The sentiment on the right-side card was die cut from Sizzix Season's Greeting Thinlits from a white of unknown origin and Early Espresso.  The card is highlighted with Candy Cane Stickles.

I had some fun with the die cut on right-side card.  I've seen a 'negative' die cut used before but I'd never tried it.  The technique certainly isn't difficult.  It was more of a challenge to figure out how to add the 'Seasons' element.  This has been a really fun series to create.  The printed paper is really fun and I enjoyed finding some fun elements to use.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Santa V

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another pair of teacher Christmas cards.

 



The card bases are Stampin' Up Mint Macaron.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Home For Christmas.  The printed paper on the left-side card is layered on a white of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession Christmas Sentiments stamped in Altenew Jet Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on Real Red.  The embellishment is Jolee's Boutique Christmas Candy Cane Repeats Dimensional Stickers.  The printed paper on the right-side card is layered on Real Red and Early Espresso.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession Christmas Sentiment stamped in Early Espresso on a white of unknown origin and layered on more Early Espresso.  The ribbon is Multicrafts and the embellishment is a Maildor Cooky sticker.

This is another really cute pair of cards.  All the layouts in this series are pretty straightforward.  There were just too many cards to craft really complex cards (not that my cards are all that complex).  I love the bit of sparkle incorporated in the candy cane embellishment and the reindeer sticker is perfect for a teacher card.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Santa IV

Hello everyone,

Today's post is yet another pair of teacher Christmas cards.

 




The card bases are Stampin' Up Mint Macaron.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Home For Christmas.  The printed paper of the left-side card is layered on a white of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Technique Tuesday Classic Christmas Sentiments stamped in Altenew Jet Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on Real Red.  The candy cane embellishment is Recollections Glitter Embellishments.  The printed paper on the right-side card is layered on a white of unknown origin and Early Espresso.  The sentiment is My Sentiments Exactly Holiday Sentiments stamped in Altenew Jet Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on Real Red.  The tree embellishment is Recollections Glitter Embellishments.

This pair of cards is so similar but do show the difference of a vertical versus an horizontal layout.  Once again I used some bulkier embellishments. These two add just a bit of glitter that I really like.  So simple, they took only a few minutes to put together once I had selected the various elements.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Santa III

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another pair of teacher Christmas cards.

 



The card bases are Stampin' Up Mint Macaron.  The printed paper Stampin' Up Home For Christmas.  The printed paper on the left-side card is layered on a white of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Bonnidee Christmas Wording 3 stamped in Altenew Jet Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on Real Red.  The embellishments are Bazzill WR Adhesive Pearls.  The printed paper on the right-side card is layered on a white of unknown origin and Real Red.  The sentiment is Technique Tuesday Classic Christmas Sentiments stamped in Altenew Jet Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on Real Red.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Holly Jolly Pearlized and Glittered brads.

One of the great things about these cards is that they will be hand delivered so I didn't have to worry about the bulk of embellishments.  I took the opportunity to use some of the bulkier embellishments in my stash.  I was pleasantly surprised to find some mint green pearls that worked perfectly with the card bases and printed paper.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Santa II

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another pair of teacher Christmas cards.

 




The card bases are Stampin' Up Mint Macaron.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Home For Christmas layered on Real Red and a white of unknown origin.  The sentiment for the left-side card is an unknown Stampin' Up sentiment stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The twine is from Target and the brad is American Crafts.  The sentiment for the right-side card is Joy Crafts 6002-2028 die cut from Real Red and highlighted with Wink of Stella Clear 999.  The embellishment is BoBunny Elf Magic Jewels.

This is another lovely pair of cards.  One of the fun aspects about crafting a series such as this is once the base elements have been selected, the focus can be on the sentiments and embellishments.  I've had a great time pulling all the elements together.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Santa I

Hello everyone,

The next number of posts are teacher Christmas cards that were commissioned by a girlfriend.

 

The card bases are Stampin' Up Mint Macaron.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Home For Christmas designer series paper layered on a white of unknown origin.  The sentiments are October Afternoon Boughs & Berries and Creative Expressions Holly Jolly Sentiment stamped in Early Espresso on a white of unknown origin. The layer is Stampin' Up Real Red.  The embellishments are Stampin' Up Mint Macaron buttons and Target twine, and Michael's ribbon.

I really love making the Christmas cards for my friend's kids teachers.  I get to craft some really fun cards.  All her kids are boys so I try hard not to go too feminine but stick to kid-inspired.  This Santa paper is really sweet.  I like that it's quite traditional.  There are also lots of colours with which to coordinate.  I had a lot of fun choosing sentiments and embellishments and because these won't be mailed, I didn't have to worry about bulk.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Well Earned Retirement

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a retirement card that was commissioned by a colleague.

The card base is Close To My Heart Colonial White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Close To My Heart Sorbet and Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The sentiment is Avery Elle Sentimental stamped in Early Espresso on Colonial White and layered on more Sorbet.  The 'happy' element of the sentiment is cut with the coordinating die from Early Espresso.

The recipient of this card works in a library so I was thrilled to find this sheet of paper with books.  The printed paper has elements which are glittered so I decided not to add embellishments.  I like how the Early Espresso elements really pop against the muted colours in the rest of the card.  Given it's a work retirement card I added an extra panel on the interior to allow for as many signature as possible.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sporty Congratulations

Hello everyone,

Today's card is for a friend of my daughter who just graduated from University with a sports management program.

The card base is Stampin' Up Smoky Slate.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Double Take stamped on a white of unknown origin with Altenew Forest Glades and Silver Stones.  The sentiment panel is layered on more white and a green of unknown origin.  The embellishments are Paper House 3D stickers, Recollections stickers, Karen Foster Design stickers, and ATD (Momenta) Metallic stickers.

This is a fantastic sporty congratulations card!  I chose really neutral colours so the stickers would be the primary focus.  I include all different types of sports stickers because I wasn't aware of his interest in any single sport.  I think it turned out particularly well.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Breast Cancer Thank You II

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the second thank you card I crafted on behalf of my daughter for a sponsor of her Run For The Cure event.

The card base is light pink Recollections.  The layers are a white of unknown origin and a dark pink Recollections that was textured with Couture Creations Washed Away embossing folder.  The sentiment is Spellbinders Thanks Expressions stamped in Altenew Rubellite ink and cut with the coordinating die from a white of unknown origin.  The ribbon is American Crafts.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

When my daughter asked me to craft these cards, I knew I'd use this particular embossing folder because it always reminds me of ribbons.  It's also perfect for adding a titch of glitter.  I love the bold white sentiment!  Both of these thank you cards were well received!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Breast Cancer Thank You

Hello everyone,

Today and tomorrow's posts are thank you cards crafted on behalf of my daughter for a couple of ladies who sponsored her in this year's Run For The Cure.

The card base is a light pink Recollections.  The layers are a white of unknown origin, a dark pink Recollections and a light pink Bazzill textured with Couture Creations Entangle embossing folder.  the sentiment is Lawn Fawn Thanks Line border die cut from more white and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The ribbon is of unknown origin (likely White Rose).  The card is highlighted with Fruit Punch Stickles.

Fighting breast cancer is all about pink and this card couldn't be more pink!  I thought placing the ribbon on the die cut border line was inspired.  The little bit of Sakura shimmer and the sparkling pink Stickles add just that little extra that makes this card even more special.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Glittering For Grand Nanna

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a very special card that I crafted for my husband's grandmother who turned 100 years old at the end of October.

The card base is a shimmery grey of unknown origin.  The printed paper is American Craft POW! Glitter Paper Orchid Spring layered on Paper Accents Glossy Mirrored Silver.  The sentiment is a combination of Provo Craft Wordsworth Olivia and Memory Box Happy Birthday Friendship Script die cut from more Paper Accents Glossy Mirrored Silver.  The butterflies are cut with Joy Crafts 6002/0322 die also from Paper Accents Glossy Mirrored Silver and are highlighted with Lavender Stickles.

My husband's grandmother like anything that glitters and is shiny and this card delivers both!  I love the glittered American crafts paper.  It was a bit of a challenge to affix the sentiment and I'm not sure I've got it all that centered.  This particular font is however very forgiving.  Once I'd finally got the sentiment glued, the card needed just a bit more hence, the shiny butterflies.  She loved her card!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Mom's Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today is my Mother's birthday and I'm posting the special card I crafted for her.

The card base is a rust Bazzill.  The printed paper is Photoplay Here Kitty Kitty layered on a light yellow Bazzill.  The sentiment is Elizabeth Craft Design Sentiment 1 - Celebration stamped on Recollections Vanilla in Altenew Pure Graphite.  The punch are cat is made with Stampin' Up Going Grey and the Owl punch.

My mom loves cats and when I came across this comic kitty paper with a red background, I knew I'd use it for her birthday card this year.  Ironically, I didn't have a cat embellishment that worked with the paper so I scoped out my punch art board on Pinterest and found this cute cat.  I think he's puuurfect for my Mom's card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Retirement Pansies

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a retirement card that I crafted for a girlfriend who hung up her building pass this fall.

The card base is a vanilla of unknown origin (likely Recollections).  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a brushed gold also of unknown origin.  The images are Altenew Pretty Pansies stamped in Limestone, Soft Lilac, Pink Diamond, Lavender Fields, Rose Quartz, and Frayed Leaf on an unknown vanilla and cut with the coordinating die.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Wild About Flowers stamped in Altenew Industrial Diamond on a vanilla of unknown origin and layered on more brushed gold.  The rhinestone embellishments are of unknown origin.

My girlfriend's favourite flower is the pansy so using this paper and stamp set was a no-brainer.  I really tried to replicate the die cut pansies with those on the printed paper and went through a variety of ink variations before I found one I liked.  I really love the different layers and I used a variety of dimensionals to pop up the cut pansies.  The slight shimmer of the gold layers adds just that little bit of extra to make this card really special.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Carpenter Thank You

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a very special thank you card that I crafted for the gifted craftsman who refurbished an old cabinet of my father's.

The card base is Pacon Beige and Canson Papercraft Sand stamped with Stampin' Up Gallery Grunge in Soft Suede.  The image is a tool die of unknown origin cut from a paper of unknown origin, layered on a printed paper of unknown origin and Canson Papercraft Champagne.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Another Thank You stamped in more Soft Suede.

 

Mark was a true hero when he took on this project.  I'd got this cabinet from my parents basement years ago and stored it in our backyard shed with the best of intentions to refurbish it.  This spring was a bit of a do or die point and I was so upset at the idea of throwing out my Dad's cabinet that my loving husband called in a favour from a golfing buddy.  The before and after images above are proof of Mark's talents.  I wanted to show my appreciation by crafting this special tool card.  This is a very special cabinet which I'll treasure always.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Vanilla Duo

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the last duo in this commission of sentiment-less cards.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla.  The background image is Heartfelt Creations Large Elegant Word Background stamped in Altenew Vineyard Berry.  The images are Altenew Frosted Garden also stamped in Vineyard Berry and cut with the coordinating die.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla.  The images are Altenew Frosted Garden stamped on more vanilla in Altenew Jet Black and Versafine Onyx Black.  The image panel is layered on Stampin' Up Basic Black.

This is a lovely pair of toile cards.  At least that was I was trying to evoke.  The images are not as detailed as traditional toile but use the traditional colours and are very formal.  I used two black inks for the second card because the solid aspects of the images needed a little extra inking.  I didn't add any embellishments because I really wanted to focus on the overall toile feel of the cards.  They actually turned out even better than I'd imagined.

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle