An Embellished Tree

 Hello everyone,

I'm posting another 'tree' Christmas card today.

The card base is Stampin' Up Very Vanilla.  The image is Penny Black Christmas Constellation stamped in Altenew Emerald on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla and layered on a dark green Bazzill.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas also stamped in Altenew Emerald.  The card is highlighted with BoBunny Jewels and Green Stickles.

I've always loved this stamp but just hated using it!  I find triangular images (trees) challenging to use but this image is also offset to the left making it even more of a challenge.  That said, it's the perfect image for embellishing and I love the jewel/Stickles combination.  The font of this sentiment coordinates beautifully with the image. I just now realized that the sentiment is also offset to the left and I wonder if that's why I'm so pleased with the results.

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

Gisèle

Red Cross Rocks

Hello everyone,

Today's post is three nearly identical appreciation cards.

      

The card base is a white Bazzill.  The image is Bazzill Red Devil adhered to Recollections White.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Altenew Jet Black.  The image/sentiment panel is layered on more Red Devil.

As soon as my girlfriend asked for some thank you cards I had this idea of replicating the 'red cross'.  I love the results!  These cards turned out even better than I'd pictured!  There are so simple.  I don't have a cross die cut or punch but this is a pretty easy shape create.  I used two 1/2" pieces cut into 2" lengths.  I used the same red for the layer.  The sentiments are from a set I've had for years and don't pull out often enough.  I suspect I'll use them a fair bit for these thank you cards as they really convey the perfect message!

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

Gisèle

Simple Greetings

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another simple but beautiful Christmas card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a shimmery white and brown Bazzill.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas stamped in Nick Bantock Charcoal Grey on Stampin' Up Whisper White, layered on a banner punched from more brown Bazzill.  The card is highlighted with Mercury Glass Stickles.

This maybe one of my favourite cards so far in this series.  There is something beautiful about this rather neutral card.  I love the layout and the banner.  The Mercury Glass Stickles couldn't work better with the brown and grey colour scheme.  The mojo was flowing when this card came together.

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

Gisèle

More Soft Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card was crafted with yesterday's card in mind.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a pink also of unknown origin.  The images are Stampin' Up Timeless Treasures stamped in River Rock and Soft Suede and Stampin' Up Creative Elements stamped in Pink Pirouette on Very Vanilla and layered on more Very Vanilla.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Wreath For All Season stamped in Early Espresso.  The embellishments are Copper Pearl Liquid Pearls.

This card is a little bit more striking than yesterday's card but the vintage feeling is just as strong.  I finally put together the Timeless Treasures stamp set that I've had for ages but not yet used.  It did not disappoint in the slightest.  This background paper was the perfect excuse to do the layered stamps on the focal panel.  It actually worked even better than I thought it would.  I had a little more of a challenge with embellishments.  I debated using regular pearls but they really just blended in with the background.  I was going to use more Petal Pink but then I found the Copper Pearls and thought it would be just perfect with the kraft coloured card base.  I'm so glad I didn't resist this CASE of yesterday's card.

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

Gisèle

Splattered Generosity

Hello everyone,

I'm posting yet another butterfly thank you card today.

The butterflies are Marianne Design Collectables COL1319 die cut from Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper, stamped with StazOn Jet Black and spritzed with Tattered Angels Dazzling Diamonds.  The background was stamped with Stampin' Up Gorgeous Grunge and Close To My Heart Ink Blot with Stampin' Up Pacific Point and Blackberry Bliss and Ranger Spun Sugar Distress ink on Recollections White, and layered on Blackberry Bliss.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Blackberry Bliss.  The embellishments are Crystal Stickers Mark Richards 2mm clear elements.

I just have to admit that using up all the alcohol inked die cut butterflies is starting to be a bit of a challenge.  I think I went a little overboard.  I'm certainly not tired of butterflies but I probably could have stopped a couple of cards ago.  I pulled out this sentiment because I'd not used it in a while.  I also wanted to pull out some of the accent stamps that I've discovered I love but haven't played with all that much.  I have to say I think Blackberry Bliss is one of my favourite colours ever.  It works so perfectly with these butterflies.

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

Gisèle

Moose Approved

Hello everyone,

Today's gingerbread card is another really 'sweet' card.

The card base is a shimmery green of unknown origin.  The printed paper is K & Company Tim Coffey layered Bazzill Cardinal red.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso on Whisper White and layered on more Cardinal red.  The embellishment is Crafts Wooden Stickers.

Would you believe I found this cute wooden sticker at the dollarstore!  It is just perfect for these kid cards.  I think its great that the dots on the stickers speak so well with the candy dots on the printed paper.  I didn't notice that connection until I started blogging this card.  The free-flowing sentiment also fit well with the childlike and informal nature of the card.

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

Gisèle

The Best One

Hello everyone,

This is the best card of this black charity card series.

The textured card base is DCWV.  The printed paper is Dollarama layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink stamped in Melon Mambo on Whisper White.  The embellishments are EK Success Valentine Dots.

Such a simple and straightforward card and it's actually my favourite of the lot.  I love how the sparkly bright pink dots just pop against the printed paper.  I debated adding more sparkle to the printed paper because all those dots would really glitter up well but decided that less would actually be better.  This was such a quick and easy card I don't actually think you could go wrong with it no matter what the colours.

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

Gisèle

Masculine Banners

Hello everyone,

Today's Crop card was intended for a masculine recipient.

The printed paper is of unknown origin.  The remaining papers are Core'dinations Jim Holtz Kraft-Core Shattered Collection and Recollections.  The tan layer was embossed with a Crafts-Too Tools folder.  The sentiment is Papertrey ink Signature Greetings stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I bought this embossing folder eons ago because it is perfect for masculine cards.  I really don't use it often enough.  I chose a sentiment that isn't necessarily 'birthday' as the beginners may not want to use it for that type of occasion.  I decided to add a couple of banners to the card because in this brown card stock, they are a great and really simple addition to the card.  They are also the perfect excuse to use a couple of metal brads that I always like on a masculine card.

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

Gisèle

Many Merry Trees

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the last of my Calgary vacation-inspired Christmas cards.

The printed papers are American Crafts Kringle & Company layered on Stampin' Up Ruby Red.  The image is layered on Ruby Red and Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas stamped in Always Artichoke on Recollections Vanilla and layered on Ruby Red.  The embellishments are K&Co Tim Coffey Grand Adhesions Christmas.

More tree paper but some cute stickers to Christmas it up even more!  I have started to experiment with layering printed papers over the past few months.  I've a couple of reasons for this, one, is because I have some much paper if I don't I'll never use it all, and two, some papers in the smaller pads just don't work for cards.  In layering, I know that they colours work well together and again, I use up some papers that I couldn't normally use on cards.  It's a win, win.

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

Gisèle

Horsing Around

Hello everyone,

I'm pausing in my commissioned projects to tackle a couple of Christmas cards that I never, in my wildest mojo, every thought I'd be crafting.

The printed paper is Recollections Sugar Plums layered on Stampin' Up Garden Green.  The image is also layered on Garden Green.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas stamped in Real Red on Whisper White and layered on more Garden Green.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Green Basics Pearls.

A horse card, an actualy card crafted with a horse photo.  The best part, it turned out awesome!  I love how the layout makes it seem like the horse is actually speaking the sentiment.

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

Gisèle

Holiday Greetings

Hello everyone,

I have another Christmas card today.  Slowly I'm whittling down the orders and I'll be able to start on my own cards.

 

The printed paper is Martha Stewart Snowflace layered on Stampin' Up Real Red and Canford Silver.  The silver layer was textured with Cuttlebug's Winter Wonderland embossing folder.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas, stamped in Real Red.

 

I'm not really certain about this card.  I really liked the image on this paper however it's virtually impossible to coordinate that Martha Stewart mint green.  Taking the red and silver from the paper, it seemed logical to use those colours on the rest of the card.  Does it work?

 

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

 

Gisèle

Golden Angles

Hello everyone,

Today's card is a real beauty if I do say so myself.

The printed paper is Kaisercraft December 25th collection, layered on shimmery vanilla and gold papers of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas stamped in Stampin' Up Soft Suede on Very Vanilla and layered on more gold.  The ribbon is Offray.  The embellishments are Stampin' Up Basic Pearl Jewels.

This is a fabulous Christmas card.  It is bright and regal and this card really doesn't do it justice.  This is a bit different paper for me but I couldn't resist all that gold.

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

Gisèle

Gone To The Dogs - Bailey

Hello everyone,

Today's card is of the beautiful Husky, Bailey.

The printed paper is DCWV The Pet's Stack layered on Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The image is also layered on Early Espresso.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla and layered on Early Espresso.  The embellishments are Sea Blue Oregon Raindrops.

I love this card.  These little bones are so cute.  I chose the embellishments to match Bailey's beautiful blue eyes.  I love the brown and blue together.  It took me nearly a dozen photos to get one of Bailey that worked.  I ended up cropping this one to just show her face.  Dogs and kids are so hard to photograph.

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

Gisèle

Birthday Wishes I & II

Hello everyone,

I'm bringing back the one sheet wonder!  Fair warning folks, I'm crafting for the Fall card sale at the office so you're going to be seeing a whole lot of one sheet wonder cards over the next month or so.  I've got a feminine series, a masculine series, a traditional Christmas series, a non-traditional Christmas series and possibly a kid series (I'm still mulling that one over).  Some cards will be english and some will be french.  I'll also have a bunch of tags at some point.

All the card bases are all Recollections.  All the printed paper is Scenic Route Sonomoa Melody Lane.  The solid papers are Stampin' Up Ruby Red and Lucky Limeade and Close To My Heart Colonial White.

The background stamp is Heartfelt Creations Large Elegant Words stamped in Stampin' Up River Rock.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greeting stamped in Ruby Red ink.  The embellishments are Stampin' Up Basic Pearl Jewels.

The Ruby Red background layer is textured with Spellbinders M-Bossabilities Whimsy.  The sentiment is Verve Amazing Wishes stamped in Ruby Red ink.  The embellishments are Stampin' Up Basic Pearl Jewels.

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

Gisèle

Birthday Blossoms

Hello everyone,

It appears that all the Mother's Day cards were a hit - lots of smiles and even a few tears.  I love happy tears!  Today's birthday card is for a colleague's mother.  She cried when she got her Mother's Day card so, not being sure I could beat that, I've gone in a bit of a different direction.

The printed paper is BasicGrey Piccadilly layered on Stampin' Up More Mustard.  The image is Gina K Friends Are Forever stamped on Whisper White and layered on More Mustard.  The image was coloured with Tombow markers before being stamped.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Old Olive on Whisper White and layered on More Mustard.  The embellishments are Multicrafts Keepsakes Memories.

I know this mom likes green and gardens.  I turned to my trusty stash of BasicGrey papers to craft this vintage-feel card.  I liked the washed out minty green of the background.  I would not normally have paired this BasicGrey with More Mustard but each petal in the flowers has just a wee dot of a mustardy-oranage.  Once I pulled it together, it did take me a while, I just loved how it worked together.

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

Gisèle

Welcome Home

Hello everyone,

My parents recently sold their home and my Mom asked me to craft a card for the couple who've bought it. They are a young couple and see my parents house as their forever home.

The printed paper is BasicGrey Piccadilly layered on Stampin' Up Brocade Blue. The image is a Sandylion sticker affixed to a strip of Brocade Blue, layered on Very Vanilla. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Wreath For All Seasons, stamped in Brocade Blue on Very Vanilla. The embellishments are Denim Oregon Raindrops.

I love the cheeriness of this card. How can you not be happy with this pretty BasicGrey paper. The new owners are looking forward to the large yard and extensive gardening which is what inspired me to choose this particular paper. They really see this house as their home which is why I choose this sentiment as opposed to a more traditional 'congratulations'.

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

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies IV

Hello everyone,

I'm posting the fourth card in my baby boom series for the office.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Sweet Pea layered on Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Chocolate Chip on Whisper White and layered on Baja Breeze. The ribbon is Celebrate It Dashes, Dots & Checks. The embellishments are Pebbles Brown Candy Dots.

This card is for a Mom who is having her fourth baby. I don't' know her all that well but figure this should work for baby number four. I never planned to use this Sweet Pea paper for baby cards but these birds are pretty darn cute and struck me as perfect.

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

Gisèle

Christmas Comes Early

Hello everyone,

I'm working on some Christmas cards for the next few days. The ladies in my Mom's church group have had a challenging time finding some spiritual Christmas cards. I offered to craft a few samples to help them out. If the ladies like them, I'll craft some for them this fall.

The background paper is Martha Stewart Snowflace Mat Pad and Stampin' Up brushed gold. The image is Verve O Christmas Tree stamped in StazOn Platinum Metallic on Whisper White and layered on Recollections red and brushed gold. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas stamped in Real Red on Whisper White. The ribbon is Michael's Basic. The embellishments are Martha Stewart Pastel Mini Pearls.

This is a really different type of Christmas card. It has a rather retro feel which I think is because of the Martha Stewart paper. I really wasn't sure about so I used a layout that I favour. I do like how it all came together. I really like that while it doesn't have the traditional Christmas images, it does have a very traditional sentiment. I think it works and I hope the Church ladies like it.

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

Gisèle

A Blessing

Hello everyone,

Today's card is for a very, very good friend. I picked her up a little something on my recent travel and wanted to craft her a special card to go with it.

The patterned paper is Pink Paislee Indigo Bleu Denim and Jacquard. The butterfly is a Spellbinders Wonderful Wings which was cut from a piece of watercolour paper that was painted with LuminArte Twinkling H2Os and glittered with Glitter Ritz Cool Highlight Microfine Transparent glitter. The bottom butterfly is cut from more of the Pink Paislee paper. The vertical strip is Quickutz Quickstripz Tropical which was textured with Craft Concepts Butterfly Kisses embossing folder.. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Nick Bantock Prussian Blue on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla. The embellishments are Oregon Raindrops.

I love this card. I just picked up this Pink Paislee paper because I thought the pattern was perfect for cards and I found the colours very appealing. That being said, it was more difficult than I thought to find a green that would work. Next time it will be blue all the way.

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

Gisèle

Thank You Marathon XIII

Hello everyone,

I've card thirteen in my thank you card marathon. I'm still using pieces from my scrap bin and having a great time doing it.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye. The remaining paper is Stampin' Up Soft Suede, textured with Cuttlebug Perfectly Paisley and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Very Vanilla. The embellishments are Close To My Heart Square Durables.

Paisleys are one of my favourite shapes and this particular paper in the browns and reds colour combination is particularly appealing. I like the layout of this card, it's got that nice 'Z' shape and the 'thirds' layout that makes for great design. It just works for me.

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

Gisèle