Italian Christmas I

 Hello everyone,

Today's post is one of a mishmash Christmas cards using beautiful reproduction Italian paper.

The card bases are Recollections Vanilla.  The printed paper is Grafiche Tassotti layered on Pacon Red and Simple Stories December Documented.  The sentiment is cut from more Pacon Red using Couture Creations Merry Christmas decorative die.  The embellishments are Recollections stickers and Golden Rod Stickles.

I purchased a wide variety of this reproduction paper quite a while ago.  I think it's suppose to be wrapping paper but it works wonderfully for cards.  I've tried to resist craft shopping lately in the hopes that I use up some of my stash.  Realistically, I wouldn't need to buy any Christmas products for the rest of my life.  I'm moderately pleased with these cards but they're not the best I've ever done. I was mass producing which doesn't always bode well for my creativity.

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

Gisèle

Mehndi Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post are four birthday cards using a stamp set I've had for years but don't believe I've ever used.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The images are Gina K Mehndi Wishes. 

The fish image is stamped in Altenew Teal Cave on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Creative Expressions Amazing Sentiments also stamped in Teal Cave on Recollections White.  The image and sentiment are layered on Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Recollections White and Recollections Black.

The bird image is stamped in Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages also stamped in Blackberry Bliss on Recollections White.  The image and sentiment are layered on a piece of Blackberry Bliss textured with Couture Creations Entangle embossing folder, and a white of unknown origin.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

The horse image is stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on Recollections White and is layered on Close To My Heart Grey Wool and Paper Accents Glossy Mirrored Silver.  The sentiment is Altenew Happy Birthday also stamped in Outdoor Denim on Recollections White.

The peacock image is stamped in Altenew Lagoon on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Just Rite Large Fancy Sentiments also stamped in Altenew Lagoon on Recollections White.  Both the image and sentiment are layered on Close To My Heart Lagoon.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

I didn't use these stamps for so long because I didn't really know what to do with them.  How ridiculous! The images are exceptionally appealing and with a South Asian style, are so beautiful.  By coordinating the ink colours with the card bases and adding neutral and/or appropriately coloured layers, the result is four fantastic birthday cards.

I hope you enjoy these cards 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

Sweet Summer

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a sweet summer birthday card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf and a dark pink Bazzill.  The Sweet Leaf layer was textured with Couture Creations Four Leaf Clover embossing folder. The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Stampin' Up Melon Mambo on Recollections Vanilla.  The embellishments are brads of unknown origin.

As much as yesterday's card post was an autumn card, today's is all sweet summer!  I've always loved pink and green in combination.  I ended up colouring the flower brads with a green sharpie because I only found blue ones in my stash.  It was a really quick and easy fix. 

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

Gisèle

Vintage Baby Girl II

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the second of two vintage baby girl cards that I crafted for a colleague.

The card base is Stampin' Up Barely Banana.  The images is from a recycled baby card, cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities and layered on Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette.  The image is layered on a white of unknown origin and more Pink Pirouette.  The white layer was textured with Couture Creations Entangle embossing folder.  The ribbon is Michael's Dashes, Dots and Checks.  The flower embellishment is of unknown origin highlighted with Fruit Punch Stickles.

I still have quite a few recycled card pieces to use so I knew I could find some great images for a baby girl card.  I made two cards so my colleague has some choice.  For this card, the sentiment is the same as yesterday (Bonnidée French Wording #1) but is stamped on the inside of the card.  The upper right of the image had some original writing but it was easily covered up with this cute ribbon.  I really love this card!

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

Gisèle  

The Best Swirls

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another 'goodbye'/'good luck' card to augment my stash.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Marina Mist.  The Marina Mist layer was textured with Couture Creations Drink Me embossing folder.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Midnight Muse on Recollections White and layered on Certainly Celery.  The ribbon and embellishment are of unknown origin.

I wanted to craft a card that was more on the masculine side and I think this fits the bill.  I really love the swirly colours and there certainly are a lot to choose from.  I thought the embellishment and the embossed circles worked really well together so it seemed fitting to use a circle punch for the sentiment.  A great result.

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

Gisèle

Vintage Teddy II

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a congratulations card which uses the front of an earlier recycled card.

The image is a recycled card layered on Stampin' Up Pool Party and a yellow Bazzill.  The image and first layer were cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities.  The yellow layer was textured with Couture Creations Washed Away embossing folder.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Pool Party.

This card recycles the front of the earlier Vintage Teddy card.  I wasn't sure I'd get such a great piece from the front as I thought the original sentiment would overlap.  I actually think I may even get another card from the remaining leftovers.  I'm quite thrilled with the result.  I don't always like working with yellow but this layer worked particularly well.

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

Gisèle

Warm And Bright

Hello everyone,

The next few posts are cards that I crafted using some interesting backgrounds that I've made over the past while.

The image is Hero Arts Pop Stems stamped in Altenew Firebrick and highlighted with Diamond Stickles.  The vertical panel is a piece of watercolour paper sprinkled with Brilliant Red and Yellow Brusho and spritzed with water.  The piece was textured with Couture Creations Entangle embossing folder and sprayed with Tattered Angels Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Perfect Punches stamped in Altenew Firebrick on Recollections White and highlighted with more Diamond Stickles.

I had seen a couple of videos using Brusho so when I saw it in the recent Stampin' Up catalog I decided to give it a try.  This piece turned out particularly well, some of the others, not so much.  I thought this piece would make for a great warm, bright and sunshiny card, perfect for a cold and dreary February day.  It's such a happy and cheerful result.

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

Gisèle

Red And Gold II

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the second Spanish themed Christmas card commissioned by a colleague.

The card base is Artoz Klondike.  The layers are three gold papers and a shimmery red paper of unknown origin.  The top mirror gold layer is embossed with Couture Creations Baubles And Baubles embossing folder.  The sentiment is Verve Glad Tidings stamped in Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler on a shimmery vanilla of unknown origin.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Rustic Garden mini jewels.

Once I got started with the Spanish theme and had great success with yesterday's card, I couldn't help but to make a second attempt.  This mirror gold paper embosses beautifully and the impact is incredible.  The layers of gold against this rich, shimmery red is stunning!  This was actually a very simple card because I was intent on having as much mirror gold visible for embossing as possible.  I don't know if I'll have a chance to craft more Christmas cards in this style but I'll certainly keep them in mind for next year's cards.

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

Gisèle

Flourished Holly

Hello everyone,

I felt the need to keep today's card simple and straightforward.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Home For Christmas layered on Bazzill Cardinal red and Mossy Meadow.  The image is Couture Creations Intricutz Dies Holly & Berries Flourish die cut from Bazzill Cardinal Red.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Clear Stamps stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Very Vanilla.

One of the joys I have from crafting a one sheet wonder with holly paper is that it is the perfect excuse to play with the multitude of Christmas sentiments, images, embossing folders and die cuts I have in my craft stash.  This is one of those dies that I spent no time even considering before I bought it.  I've used it a number of times and it always takes my breath away.

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

Gisèle

Yowza Yellow

Hello everyone,

What to do with yellow!

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White that was embossed with Couture Creations Drink Me embossing folder.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up You've Got This stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White and layered on DCWV All About Girls.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I'm not a fan of yellow.  I find it very hard to use because the multitude of shades and tones can make it really challenging to coordinate.  All that said, I had this bright yellow card base to use and was so pleased that when I went into the DeLovely scrap envelop, I found this strip of yellow and white circles (and I'm not a fan of circles either!).  I decided if I was going to go all out cheerful, the sentiment had to be uplifting and bold.  I was thinking if I wanted to boost someone up, this card should certainly do it!

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

Gisèle

Layers of Thanks

Hello everyone,

Today's masculine card is a little more feminine than I'd hope but I'm sticking to my guns.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up International Bazaar layered on Whisper White and Pool Party.  The Pool Party layer was embossed with Couture Creations Royalty embossing folder.  The image is Stampin' Up Summer Silhouettes stamped in Tangerine Tango on Whisper White.  The sentiment is Bonnidee French Wording #1 stamped in Tangerine Tango on Whisper White and layered on Pool Party.

Whenever I'm low on inspiration, I just turn to the Stampin' Up designer paper in my stash and run with it.  In this particular case I was intent on crafting a masculine thank you card.  I feel that all the Pool Party has resulted in a much more feminine card than I wanted.  I love the texture and the layers and the focal shape.  I wouldn't have thought that the Tangerine Tango and Pool Party would work but it does.  Why then does this feel so feminine?

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

Gisèle

Holly Flourish

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas In July card is all holly and makes me so happy.

The printed paper is Bazzill Basics "Happy Holidays" Believe layered on Nordic Pine.  The background image of the sentiment element is Penny Black Christmas Story stamped in Stampin' Up Crumbcake on Recollections Vanilla and layered on a textured green of unknown origin (likely Bazzill).  The sentiment is Rubbernecker stamped in Early Espresso.  The image is Couture Creations Intricutz Die Holly & Berry Flourish die cut from a textured red of unknown origin (likely Bazzill).

I couldn't resist buying this die when I saw it at the store.  It was a little fussy to get out of the die but I think that has more to do with the worn cutting pads as opposed to the die itself.  I'm very happy with the results.  This is a pretty wonderful holly die!  I used the background stamp for the sentiment element because there is a hint of writing on the printed paper.  This Rubbernecker sentiment is perfect with the flourishes coordinating with the die.

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

Gisèle

Christmas Treats IX & X

Hello everyone,

Today's two Christmas cards use up some of the larger and teeny, tiny scraps from the 12X12 sheet of printed paper.

The printed paper is K&Company Tim Coffey layered on Stampin' Up Glorious Green.  The sentiment is Stampendous Christmas Script stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections Ivory, layered on Simple Stories December Documented Red Snowflakes and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.  The embellishments are EK Success Candy Cane Repeat Stickers.

The printed paper is K&Company Tim Coffey layered on Stampin' Up Glorious Green and Simple Stories December Documented.  The Glorious Green layered was textured with Couture Creations Washed Away embossing folder and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is Stampendous Retro Christmas Script stamped in Glorious Green on Recollections Ivory, layered on more Simple Stories December Documented and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishment are BoBunny Elf Magic Jewels.

Love the first card.  Not so fussy on the second card.  I have to say Glorious Green isn't so pretty when you see so much of it.  It's been great as a layer but you see way too much of it on the second card.  I tried to help it by add textured with an embossing folder and some glitter but it's still a not so pretty card.  I wanted to use every last scrap of printed paper but these are just too small to work against all that Glorious Green.  Live and learn!

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

Gisèle

Thanks Mom!

Hello everyone,

For the past few years, my mother has quilted some beautiful bags for our fundraiser.  I always craft her a quilt inspired thank you card.  I was really drawn to this particular technique.

The printed papers are BasicGrey Lemonade and K & Company Jubilee and Julianne.  The yellow layer is Recollections textured with Couture Creations Entangle embossing folder.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more K & Company Jubilee.

I really love this card.  These hexagon flowers are utterly incredible!  The original card had smaller flowers (they used a Cuttlebug) than my Stampin' Up punch but the results are just as wonderful.  The Entangle embossing really looks like a quilt.  I could go on and on about this card.

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

Gisèle

Glittered Holly Ornament

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is scraps and leftover and is utterly beautiful!

The printed paper is S.E.I. Holiday Traditions Trimming The Tree.  The background layer is Bazzill gold foil textured with Couture Creations Baubles & Baubles embossing folder.  The image is Elizabeth Craft Designs glittered with Martha Stewart glitter.  The sentiment is Cornish Heritage Farms Christmas Expressions stamped in Stampin' Up Real Red on Whisper White.

This is another of those things I've purchased that I just never had time to play with.  I love it!  I also have a tree and a gift embossing folder that I've yet to explore.  If they turn out anywhere near as good as this card, I'll be one very happy lady.

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

Gisèle

Bright Blades

Hello everyone,

Today's card is another in the Christmas commission for one of my colleagues.  It didn't come together easily.

The printed paper is Bella Blvd Winter Wonder layered on Stampin' Up Soft Suede and a textured red of unknown origin.  The Soft Suede layer was textured with Couture Creations Drink Me embossing folder and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The hemp is Darice.  The embellishment is EK Success Harvests Dots.

I think I must have tried at least four iterations of this card before settling on this layout.  No sentiment cards are not quick and simple cards.  I hope this looks like a gift because that was my final intention.  This hemp is super fine so it adds no bulk to the card.  The embellishment is super flat for the same reason.  I highlighted the insides of the circles on the embossed Soft Suede layer so it would look like the skates had made the circles.  I don't know if it will be that obvious.

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

Gisèle

Thinking Pink

Hello everyone,

Today's card is part of the Christmas gift for one of my sisters and my brother-in-law.  They have  two nieces and a nephew who live overseas and now that Nonna has passed away, it will be more of a challenge to keep in touch with them.  My idea is to craft a number of cards for each child that my sister and brother-in-law can just pop in the mail.

The background paper is Worldwin Red Eye textured with Couture Creations Entangle embossing folder. The vertical element is Martha Stewart Infinite Loop punch from a shimmery vanilla of unknown origin.  The butterfly is Spellbinders Wonderful Wings die cut from Worldwin Red Eye and more shimmery vanilla.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Everyday Sayings stamped in Stampin' Up Mauve Mist on Very Vanilla and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Pearl Opaques.

This was not the card I had originally wanted to craft but mojo is lagging at the moment.  I had intended to craft a valentine.  Everything I tried just didn't seem to work.  It was so frustrating that this card just didn't want to be crafted and a little scary considering I've still got eleven more different cards to get done.  Believe or not I'm still using the envelops from my envelop stash.  My sister loves to send cards for whatever occasion so I know she'll love this gift.  I can't wait to get them to here.

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

Gisèle

Holiday Swirls

Hello everyone,

Today's card is part of my Christmas stash.  There will be plenty over the next number of weeks.

The printed paper is K & Company Tim Coffey Christmas Designer Paper layered on Bazzill Glazed Christmas.  The red layer, also Bazzill Glazed Christmas has been textured with Couture Creations Very Xmas Light embossing folder.  The sentiment is Penny Black Winter Wonders stamped in Stampin' Up Wild Wasabi on Very Vanilla, layered on Bazzill Glazed Christmas and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen. The ribbon is Wrights.  The embellishments are Mark Richards gold metals.

This is one of those amazing pieces of paper that isn't well scaled for a card unless it is carefully trimmed.  I love how it's only part of a tree yet still distinctly a Christmas tree.  I just love everything about this card.

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

Gisèle